The neurosurgical patient in the postanesthesia care unit

The neurosurgical patient requires special attention in the postanesthetic period. Preoperative pathology, in combination with an often prolonged anesthetic, can make postoperative evaluation frustrating, if not difficult. Meticulous postanesthetic care is crucial for good outcome in the neurosurgical patient because of the critical relationships between the cardiorespiratory systems and intracranial dynamics.