An anaesthetic case report of children undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery is presented, with a review of the inherent unique anaesthetic challenges. Twelve stereotactic radiosurgery procedures performed at The Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, were retrospectively reviewed. Despite differences in approach by individual anaesthetists to managing these children, an overall safe sequence may be evolved.
The use of stereotactic radiosurgery for paediatric neuropathology is reviewed. The potential anaesthetic problems related to the paediatric patient and the peculiarities of the procedure are discussed and related to our series.
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