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Postoperative complications after craniotomy for brain tumor surgery
Laurent Lonjaret1, Marine Guyonnet1, Emilie Berard2
1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital of Toulouse, University Toulouse 3-Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
Anaesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine
|October 9, 2016
Summary
Postoperative complications, including neurological events and nausea/vomiting, are common after brain tumor surgery. Absence of preoperative motor deficit and high intraoperative bleeding may predict neurological complications, warranting close ICU monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Patients undergoing elective craniotomy for brain tumor surgery are typically admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for postoperative monitoring.
- Understanding postoperative complication rates and predictors is crucial for optimizing patient care and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and timing of neurologic and non-neurologic complications following brain tumor surgery.
- To identify factors associated with postoperative neurologic events.
- To analyze the timing and causes of ICU readmissions.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, observational study included 188 patients admitted to the ICU post-brain tumor surgery.
- Postoperative clinical events within the first 24 hours were systematically recorded and categorized.
- Data on ICU readmission causes and timing were also analyzed.
Main Results:
- Thirty-one percent of patients experienced at least one complication, with 25% reporting postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and 16% developing neurologic complications.
- Neurologic complications were significantly associated with the absence of preoperative motor deficit and greater intraoperative bleeding.
- Four percent of patients were readmitted to the ICU, with 43% of those having undergone posterior fossa surgery.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative complications, particularly PONV and neurologic events, are frequent after brain tumor surgery, underscoring the need for ICU monitoring.
- Predictors for postoperative neurologic complications include the absence of preoperative motor deficit and significant intraoperative bleeding.
- Patients, especially those with posterior fossa surgery, may experience complications post-ICU discharge, suggesting a potential need for extended ICU stays.
