P.108 Rate and clinical utility of early postoperative CT head in adult craniotomy

Abstract

Background: Postoperative cranial neurosurgical imaging practices are highly variable. We evaluated the rate and utility of early postoperative computed tomography (EPCT, defined as a CT head scan within 24h of surgery) in consecutive adult craniotomies. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive adult craniotomies at the University of Alberta Hospital over a 45-day period (17/09/2022 to 01/11/2022). Electronic medical records were reviewed to extract data on the rate, timing, and utility of EPCT as well as the rate of neurologic deterioration and repeat surgical intervention. Results: A total of 56 patients (27 female; 55.5 ± 2.1 yrs, range: 19-84 years) were identified. All patients underwent EPCT, including 10/56 (17.9%) on POD0 and 46/56 (82.1%) on POD1. Surgical complications (bleeding, extensive pneumocephalus, edema, ischemia) were identified in 8/56 (14.3%) of the EPCT, of which 6 (10.7%) were reported to have neurologic deterioration and 2 (3.6%) underwent further surgical intervention (hematoma evacuation). Clinical and radiological postoperative changes were highly related (p=5.16e-06), and the rate of EPCT being adverse without neurologic deficit, managed surgically, was 1/56 (1.8%). Conclusions: EPCT is routine practice. Given the low rate (1.8%) of repeat surgical intervention in the absence of neurologic deficit despite abnormal EPCT, omitting EPCT in neurologically intact patients may be warranted.