Is nitrous oxide contraindicated in posterior fossa surgery?

Either an inhalation or an i.v. technique can be used for the maintenance of anaesthesia, but nitrous oxide should be avoided, particularly in patients with a high risk of VAE or pneumocephalus.

What is a posterior fossa craniotomy?

What is a posterior fossa craniectomy? This is a surgical procedure to make an opening in the back of the head to gain access to the brain. This is usually done to treat certain abnormalities that are interfering with the normal function of the brain like a brain tumour.

What is posterior fossa decompression?

Posterior fossa decompression is a surgical procedure that removes bone at the back of the skull and spine to widen the space for the tonsils and brainstem (Fig.

How long does it take to recover from Chiari decompression surgery?

Recovery from the actual surgery varies from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your general health. After surgery, you can expect headache and neck pain from the incision that may last several weeks.

What is cerebellopontine angle tumor?

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors are the most common neoplasms in the posterior fossa, accounting for 5-10% of intracranial tumors. Most CPA tumors are benign, with over 85% being vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas), lipomas, vascular malformations, and hemangiomas.

What does the posterior fossa do?

The posterior fossa is a small space in the skull, found near the brainstem and cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordinated movements. The brainstem is responsible for controlling vital body functions, such as breathing.

What sits in the posterior cranial fossa?

The posterior cranial fossa is part of the cranial cavity, located between the foramen magnum and tentorium cerebelli. It contains the brainstem and cerebellum. This is the most inferior of the fossae. It houses the cerebellum, medulla and pons.

How do you sleep after Chiari decompression?

After surgery, try sleeping on your back with a small towel rolled into the small of your neck, as your neck needs to be supported during the night. Many of our patients find this a comfortable resting position. Also, consider placing a pillow under your knees to keep them slightly elevated.

Do you have to shave your head for Chiari surgery?

Chiari decompression surgery is performed under the effect of general anesthesia. Your surgeon will place your head in a skull fixation device to hold it in place during the surgery. A strip of hair is shaved along the area of the planned incision and the scalp is prepared with an antiseptic solution.

What is CP angle Sol?

The cerebellopontine angle is the site of the cerebellopontine angle cistern one of the subarachnoid cisterns that contains cerebrospinal fluid, arachnoid tissue, cranial nerves, and associated vessels.

How does a posterior fossa craniotomy treat a tumor?

If there’s a tumor in the posterior fossa, it can place pressure on the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord. A posterior fossa craniotomy can remove the tumor and alleviate this pressure. This is done through an incision at the base of your skull.

What are the risks of posterior fossa surgery?

The posterior fossa or infratentorial fossa is a compact and rigid compartment with poor compliance. Small additional volumes (e.g. tumour, haematoma) within the space can result in significant elevation of the compartmental pressure resulting in life-threatening brainstem compression.

Why is preoperative shunting avoided in posterior fossa tumors?

Because posterior fossa tumors often cause obstructive hydrocephalus, preoperative planning should include methods to relieve cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure before the dural opening. Preoperative shunting is avoided because resection of some tumors resolves CSF obstruction and obviates the need for a permanent CSF diversion procedure.

When do you need A suboccipital craniotomy?

The most common indications for midline suboccipital craniotomy are: pineal region tumors accessed through the supracerebellar corridor. For lesions extending from the posterior fossa into the middle fossa, a supracerebellar transtentorial or combined middle and posterior fossa craniotomy is recommended.