Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers
Published on: January 13, 2018
Anaesthesia for elective neurosurgery.
1Department of Anaesthesia, St George's Hospital, London SW17 0RE, UK. judith.dinsmore@stgeorges.nhs.uk
Neuroanaesthesia advances patient outcomes by integrating surgical and neurological insights. This review explores current controversies and the role of awake craniotomies in neurosurgical practice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Neuroanaesthesia is a critical specialty directly impacting patient outcomes.
- Evolving neurosurgical techniques present new challenges for anesthesiologists, requiring multidisciplinary expertise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current controversies in elective neurosurgical anesthesia.
- To discuss future perspectives and the role of awake craniotomies.
- To highlight the importance of anesthetic management in minimally invasive and functional neurosurgical procedures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current neuroanaesthesia practices.
- Discussion of advancements in anesthetic drugs and monitoring.
- Analysis of controversies in elective neurosurgical anesthesia.
Main Results:
- Minimally invasive procedures necessitate optimal operative conditions, neurocognitive preservation, and rapid recovery.
- Awake craniotomies require specialized anesthetic skills for patient management during and after surgery.
- Despite advances, significant controversies persist regarding best clinical practices in neuroanaesthesia.
Conclusions:
- Neuroanaesthesia requires a blend of anesthesiology, neurosurgery, and neurology knowledge.
- Awake craniotomies are increasingly important, emphasizing patient emergence and recovery.
- Further research is needed to resolve ongoing controversies and optimize patient care in neuroanaesthesia.
Related Concept Videos
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Stages of General Anesthesia
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
