[General anesthesia during neurosurgery in sitting position]

Sitting position during surgery of the posterior fossa is very convenient for the neurosurgeon but can be dangerous, specially concerning the risk of air-embolism. We discuss the major problems of this special position, and the modifications of respiratory and hemodynamic functions from our experience on 84 cases. We study the monitoring of these patients during surgery, with special emphasis on prevention and detection of air-embolism with the capnograph. With the protocol suggested we can avoid major risk in this position.