[Anaesthetic management of awake craniotomy]

This review article presents a detailed analysis of patients' management for awake craniotomy, at the light of the available data in the literature and the authors' experience. Indications of this type of surgery are discussed as well as anaesthetic management itself, from preoperative assessment of the patient to peroperative concerns. Anaesthetic strategy, choice of anaesthetic agents, anaesthetic technique, and management of the airway and possible complications are discussed. The authors emphasize the tricky aspect of the procedure, the necessity of rigorous patient selection and good preparation. They emphasize the need for controlled studies to validate the proposed techniques.