These might be performed by neurosurgeons, or by orthopaedics. The patient will be lying prone, with their arms out in front. Pre-op Often have chronic pain, note current analgesic regime Note any neurology Explain post-op PCA Peri-op Propofol/ remifentanil TCI Rocuronium Flexible ETT Prophylactic antibiotics Prone, arms out front Magnesium Morphine up to 20mg Consider:Continue reading “Lumbar spine decompression”
Category Archives: Neuro
Brain biopsy
Distant airway with the head in pins. There can be a lull whilst waiting for intra-op confirmation of abnormal brain tissue, and there will be some time spent hair washing at the end. Pre-op Paracetamol Any symptoms the patient has been experiencing Peri-op 20G cannula Consider ergonomics – (e.g. induce on trolley and rotate afterContinue reading “Brain biopsy”
VP shunt
There will be a distant airway, head in pins, and the abdomen will be exposed. Use a forced air warming blanket as for abdominal surgery. Tunneling the line can be quite stimulating – increase the remifentanil or give a bolus of fentanyl before the surgeons do this. Pre-op Paracetamol Aetiology of hydrocephalus Intra-op Small cannulaContinue reading “VP shunt”
Microvascular decompression
Distant airway with the head in pins. Lasts 2-3 hours. Park bench positioning means some consideration needs to be given to lines and monitoring Pre-op Paracetamol Peri-op 18G cannula on same side as surgery (so it is facing up once patient is positioned) Propofol/ remifentanil TIVA Rocuronium 0.5mg/kg Armored ETT, taped Depth of anaesthesia monitoring,Continue reading “Microvascular decompression”
Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Battery Change
Short cases that can usually be done on the trolley. These patients usually have epilepsy, so it is worth exploring in the pre-op visit. The battery tends to be located in the same place you would find an ICD. Pre-op Ensure usual anti-epileptics have been taken Epilepsy history – e.g. types of seizure, frequency, self-terminatingContinue reading “Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Battery Change”
Trigeminal Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation
A short day-case neurosurgical procedure. Distant airway. Pre-op Paracetamol Peri-op 20G cannula Ideally induce on table, then rotate table after induction. Propofol TIVA Fentanyl ~ 200mcg total LMA Dexamethasone 6.6mg Ondansetron 4mg Post-op Regular paracetamol PRN codeine
Anaesthetic Recipes 