Total intravenous anaesthesia in stereotactic surgery--one year's clinical experience

The technique of stereotactic intracranial surgery is described together with a total intravenous anaesthetic technique (TIVA) using a propofol infusion, fentanyl, vecuronium and oxygen in air. One year's results are reported for patients undergoing biopsy or destruction of an intracranial lesion. This technique offered cardiovascular stability and an adequate depth of anaesthesia for the various stages required in stereotaxis. Recovery was rapid and with few side-effects. Duration of anaesthesia and total dose of propofol did not significantly prolong the time to recovery.