Awake craniotomies in South America: Advancements, challenges, and future prospects

BACKGROUND: Awake craniotomy has emerged as an advanced surgical technique, characterized by keeping the patient awake during brain surgery. In South America, awake craniotomies have grained traction in neurosurgical practices across various medical centres and hospitals, with notable practitioners contributing to its growth and refinement in the region. PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the integration and impact of awake craniotomies in South American neurosurgical practices. The focus is on understanding the benefits, challenges, and potential transformative effects of the procedure in the region. RESEARCH DESIGN: A comprehensive narrative review and analysis through a thorough examination of the existing literature. RESULTS: The findings indicate that awake craniotomies in South America offer substantial benefits, including cost savings thorugh reduced hospitalization time, quicker recovery and decreased morbidity. Enhanced safety, effective pain management and reduced anaesthesia also contribute to this. CONCLUSION: Whilst the adaptation of awake craniotomies in South America holds great promise in transforming neurosurgical care in the region, significant challenges hinder its widespread adoption. Inadequate infrastructure, limited access to equipment, financial instability, and shortages in trained healthcare providers represent challenges that need to be addressed.