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Patient response to awake craniotomy - a summary overview
Monika Milian1, Marcos Tatagiba, Guenther C Feigl
1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany, monika.milian@med.uni-tuebingen.de.
Acta Neurochirurgica
|March 6, 2014
Summary
Awake craniotomy (AC) is well-tolerated, with high patient satisfaction despite some pain and anxiety. Most patients would opt for AC again, with no long-term post-traumatic stress disorder reported.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Patient Experience
- Anesthesia
Background:
- Awake craniotomy (AC) enables brain mapping and monitoring of eloquent brain functions.
- AC may minimize resource utilization.
- Patient tolerance and stress associated with AC require further summarization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the available literature on patient responses to awake craniotomy.
- To clarify the controversial aspects of AC regarding patient experience.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of English literature up to December 2013.
- Inclusion of studies investigating patient responses to AC.
Main Results:
- Twelve studies (396 patients) were analyzed, focusing primarily on the perioperative period.
- High patient satisfaction and preparedness were reported, with most willing to undergo AC again.
- Significant percentages experienced pain (up to 30%) and anxiety (10-14%), with no reported post-traumatic stress disorder.
Conclusions:
- AC is optimal for selected patients to reduce neurological deficits.
- Careful consideration of AC benefits and burdens is crucial for patient-centered decision-making.
