Abstract
The posterior cranial fossa is a narrow compartment, containing vital and delicate structures and tracts. Surgical procedures are complicated by close proximity to vital centers, controlling hemodynamics and ventilation. If surgery is performed in the semi-sitting position, additional risks apply, notably venous or paradoxical air embolism, peripheral nerve injury, or mid-cervical quadriplegia. Safe management relies upon careful preoperative risk assessment and intraoperative safety monitoring, including appropriate use of PCD and TEE and postsurgical intensive care. Preoperative hydro- or postoperative pneumocephalus requires immediate attention. Crisis management requires excellent team-coordinated work, based on standardized anesthesia and neurosurgical protocols.
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Schott, M., Suhr, D., Jantzen, JP.A.H. (2020). Perioperative Challenges During Posterior Fossa Surgery. In: Brambrink, A., Kirsch, J. (eds) Essentials of Neurosurgical Anesthesia & Critical Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-17410-1_30
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-17410-1_30
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