Control of intracranial pressure during pediatric neurosurgery anesthesia

Some of the important points of view of anesthesia in pediatric neurosurgery are: adequate alveolar exchange of oxygen and carbondioxide by means of artificial ventilation; stable cardiovascular function; fluid balance; monitoring, and attempts to keep intracranial pressure low. This last point is achieved by various anesthesiological procedures, e.g., hyperventilation, positive-negative pressure ventilation, rapid induction of anesthesia and choice of suitable anesthetics. Enflurane (Ethrane) increases intracranial pressure less than halothane. The new intravenous anesthetic etomidate lowers intracranial pressure in a favorable manner quite similar to thiopental (Pentothal-Sodium).