Do neurosurgeons need Neuroanesthesiologists? Should every neurosurgical case be done by a Neuroanesthesiologist?

RamsisF Ghaly

doi:10.4103/2152-7806.133106

Abstract

Neuroscience is exponentially growing and accompanied with everyday innovations and intriguing developments. There are new branches of science that are being developed within neuroscience. For instance, the fields of computer interface nanotechnology, molecular biology, ultra cellular, and gene therapy. The neuroscience programs have been established nationwide and worldwide. There is strong belief that better patient care is obtained through high volume and specialty physicians and hospitals. In fact, there are new subspecialties that already developed from within the specialty itself. Neuroanesthesia is one of the specialties that has contributed tremendously over the years to neuroscience yet it remained non-accredited and supported. In fact, there is a discouraging trend to pursue advocating the necessity of neurosurgery cases to be done by neuroanesthesiologists. It is one of the specialties that is lagging behind compared with other specialties and subspecialties in neuroscience. There is an ongoing debate within the neuroanesthesia society about the role of neuroanesthesiologists in neurosurgery. The author, being a neurosurgeon, neuroanesthesiologist, and neurointensivist, is presenting the topic, the views and expressing his opinion.

Highlights

Neuroanesthesiologist are the best for perioperative neuroscience careThe central nervous system is a complex and fascinating system. The science is still in the infantile stage in understanding the complexity of the brain
Like many of you, I have seen the exponential growth in neuroscience field recently
I graduated from Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt and completed my training in anesthesiology and neuroanesthesiology at Cook County hospital, and neurological surgery at University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois

Summary

Neuroanesthesiologist are the best for perioperative neuroscience care

The central nervous system is a complex and fascinating system. The science is still in the infantile stage in understanding the complexity of the brain. The billions and billions of neural circuits are disrupted under anesthesia and could be affected during the surgical and anesthetic deliveries This is the time to apply the best of what the scientific neuroscience could offer to protect and maintain the well being of the CNS. My most respected mentor in neurosurgery Dr James Ausman used to tell say “neuroanesthesia is my right hand and neuroradiology is my left and I cannot do good work without either.” They are in position to protect the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Devoted neuroanesthesiologists have the knowledge, the skill and the fundamentals of brain and spinal cord pathophysiology and dynamics Their perioperative knowledge in neurocritical care, neuromonitoring, and neuroprotection made them distinguished and irreplaceable service in the operating room. The academic and visionary neuroanesthesiologists, by joining the neuroscience family, could expand our horizon in the future

The neuroanesthesia mission

Specialty team

Findings

14. The Field of neuroscience is growing fast and getting more complex