Patients with
neurosurgical disorders represent a significant portion
of the patient volume at Oregon Health & Science
University Hospitals. Anesthesiologists with special
interest in neuroanesthesia collaborate closely with the
neurosurgeons and play an important role in the overall
management of these patients.
Anesthesiology staff provide anesthesia care to a wide
variety of neurosurgical cases ranging from simple or
complex spine surgeries to craniotomies for tumor,
cerebrovascular disorders and trauma. Specifically, OHSU
serves as a referral center for patients with acoustic
neuromas and pituitary adenomas and for those in need of
surgical management of Parkinson’s disease, essential
tremor, chronic pain, and epilepsy. Moreover, our staff
provide anesthesia in out-of-OR areas, whether it be for
diagnostic neuroimaging studies or interventional
radiology, e.g. embolization of arteriovenous
malformations or coiling of cerebral aneurysms. Certain
members of the department contribute their knowledge and
expertise to the management of neurosurgical patients in
the neurointensive care unit. Finally, our faculty
members are involved in the education of anesthesiology
residents.
Aside from learning
the basic principles of neuroanesthesia, our residents
learn special techniques associated with awake
craniotomy and the use of intraoperative MRI and
neurophysiologic monitoring. Moreover, they learn the
skills necessary for taking care of neurosurgical
patients of all ages, including pediatric patients.
In summary, OHSU
provides a collegial atmosphere and a great educational
and intellectually stimulating environment for everyone
interested in neuroanesthesia.
