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Twenty-seven patients received boron neutron capture therapy during craniotomy at our research reactor from 1991 to 1999. This is a form of intra-operative radiation therapy, which uses neutrons from a nuclear reactor. There are three additional major problems to anaesthetists: boron neutron capture therapy must be given beside the nuclear reactor, with no hospital facilities; neutrons cannot be shielded effectively by ordinary protectors; and neutrons are detrimental to metal devices and especially to electrical appliances. Boron neutron capture therapy has been adopted as an effective therapy for glioblastoma/astrocytoma, but special considerations are required for anaesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]