Elective Neurosurgery Research Articles

Three-Month Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Who Underwent Neurological Surgeries.

Background/Objectives: The incidences of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing neurological surgeries vary. The objectives were to assess the incidence and risk factors of VTE, bleeding and all-cause mortality in patients undergoing neurological surgery. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single center, a university-based hospital in Thailand. Inclusion criteria comprised patients aged 15 years or older who were admitted for elective or emergency neurosurgery. Patients with preoperative VTE diagnosed within three months or a history of anticoagulant use were excluded. Outcomes measured included the 90-day incidences of VTE, any bleeding, major bleeding, and mortality. Results: Between January 2021 and December 2022, a total of 626 patients were included. The mean age was 50.21 ± 17.37 years, and 55.27% were males. Thromboprophylaxis was administered to 86 patients (13.74%, 95% CI 11.14-16.69). Fourteen patients were confirmed to have symptomatic VTE, resulting in an incidence of 2.24%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.23-3.72. Patients aged ≥75 years (HR 4.53; 95% CI 1.25-16.38; p = 0.021), those with cancer (HR 8.51; 95% CI 2.95-24.60, p <0.001), and those experiencing postoperative paraparesis/paralysis (HR 3.26; 95% CI 1.12-9.45; p = 0.030) were associated with an increased risk of postoperative VTE. Fifty-three patients (8.47%, 95% CI 6.41-10.93) experienced any bleeding, with 23 patients (3.67%, 95% CI 2.34-5.46) having major bleeding. The incidence of postoperative mortality was 6.55%, with a 95% CI of 4.74-8.78. Conclusions: This study revealed that elderly patients, those with cancer or those experiencing postoperative paraparesis/paralysis were at higher risk of VTE. These patients were likely to benefit from VTE prophylaxis.

Cambridge risk score, new hyperglycemia, and complications in surgical patients without diabetes

AimsOur study examined the association between the Cambridge Risk Score (CRS), new hyperglycemia (NH), and complications in patients undergoing elective surgery. MethodsIn this retrospective cross-sectional study, adult surgical patients, without diabetes, with NH (blood glucose ≥140 mg/dL) were identified, and the CRS was calculated. We used univariate regression models to evaluate the relationship between CRS and NH with 30-day readmission, length of stay (LOS), and complications. Models were stratified by surgical specialty (cardiac/vascular, general, orthopedic, neurologic). ResultsOf 10,531 patients in the study, 24 % had NH. After adjusting for covariates, the CRS was associated with increased odds of complications [OR 2.09; 95%CI:1.69, 2.59] and NH [OR 1.95; 95%CI:1.66, 2.29]. NH was associated with increased odds of 30-day readmission [β 1.60; 95%CI:1.31, 1.96], and increased LOS [β 0.64; 95%CI:0.59, 0.68]. When stratified by surgery type, the CRS was associated with increased LOS in neurosurgery, decreased LOS in orthopedics, and increased odds of complications and NH in neurosurgery and orthopedics. ConclusionThe CRS is associated with NH, complications, and LOS in patients undergoing elective neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and general surgery. This suggests that CRS may have potential to help identify surgical patients at high risk for NH and complications.

Contribution of lymphatic‐like vessels to severe neovascularization following stent‐assisted coiling of an unruptured carotid artery aneurysm

Aims/Purpose: Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are a leading cause of hemorrhagic stroke. One method of treatment for unruptured IAs is stent‐assisted coil embolization, which can result in complications affecting the eye. These complications can involve severe ischemia of the eyeball, accompanied by neovascularization in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, conditions with poorly characterized underlying pathological processes.We aim to characterize a case where severe neovascular glaucoma (NVG) developed as a complication of a neurosurgical stent‐assisted coiling of an internal carotid artery aneurysm. In particular, we investigate potential lymphatic and immune involvement in the vasculature in NVG resulting from complications following neurosurgical coiling of unruptured brain aneurysm.Methods: Case study of 59‐year‐old Caucasian female who underwent evisceration of the right eye after complications of elective neurosurgery for coiling of an unruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm left the eye painful and blind. Patient had developed end‐stage neovascular glaucoma, fibrotic retinal detachment, and optic disc neovessel formation in the eye.We subjected tissues from both the anterior segment (cornea, iris, limbus, lens) and posterior segment (optic nerve head, retinal/detached pathological tissue) of the eviscerated eye to immunohistochemistry.Results: We identified various cell types and structures in both anterior and posterior segment samples, including immune cells and vascular structures with positivity for lymphatic markers.Conclusions: There is potential lymphatic and immune involvement in the neovasculature resulting from complications following neurosurgical coiling of unruptured brain aneurysm. The mechanisms governing lymphatic‐like differentiation in severe vitreoretinal ischemic eye disorders remain a potential area for further in‐depth research.

Contribution of lymphatic‐like vessels to severe neovascularization following stent‐assisted coiling of an unruptured carotid artery aneurysm

Aims/Purpose: Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are a leading cause of hemorrhagic stroke. One method of treatment for unruptured IAs is stent‐assisted coil embolization, which can result in complications affecting the eye. These complications can involve severe ischemia of the eyeball, accompanied by neovascularization in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, conditions with poorly characterized underlying pathological processes.We aim to characterize a case where severe neovascular glaucoma (NVG) developed as a complication of a neurosurgical stent‐assisted coiling of an internal carotid artery aneurysm. In particular, we investigate potential lymphatic and immune involvement in the vasculature in NVG resulting from complications following neurosurgical coiling of unruptured brain aneurysm.Methods: Case study of 59‐year‐old Caucasian female who underwent evisceration of the right eye after complications of elective neurosurgery for coiling of an unruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm left the eye painful and blind. Patient had developed end‐stage neovascular glaucoma, fibrotic retinal detachment, and optic disc neovessel formation in the eye.We subjected tissues from both the anterior segment (cornea, iris, limbus, lens) and posterior segment (optic nerve head, retinal/detached pathological tissue) of the eviscerated eye to immunohistochemistry.Results: We identified various cell types and structures in both anterior and posterior segment samples, including immune cells and vascular structures with positivity for lymphatic markers.Conclusions: There is potential lymphatic and immune involvement in the neovasculature resulting from complications following neurosurgical coiling of unruptured brain aneurysm. The mechanisms governing lymphatic‐like differentiation in severe vitreoretinal ischemic eye disorders remain a potential area for further in‐depth research.

Perioperative outcomes in patients with symptomatic versus asymptomatic previous COVID-19 infection undergoing neurosurgical treatment (post–COVID-19 study)

Abstract Background and Aims: The long-term effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection (long-COVID) are being increasingly recognized. The long-COVID effects are more likely in individuals who were symptomatic than asymptomatic during their previous COVID-19 infection. The data on perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing elective neurosurgery long after their recovery from COVID-19 infection is lacking. The primary objective of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes after elective neurosurgery between patients who were symptomatic and those who were asymptomatic during their previous COVID-19 infection. The secondary objectives were to compare the earlier COVID-19 characteristics and the perioperative pulmonary profile during current surgery between these groups. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was performed in adult patients undergoing elective neurosurgery with history of previous COVID-19 infection. Data was collected regarding previous COVID-19 infection (symptoms, hospitalization, treatment, complications, etc.) and current perioperative characteristics (pulmonary profile, perioperative complications, hospital stay, mortality, etc.). Results: A total of 50 patients were recruited during the study period, of which 35 (73%) patients were symptomatic during previous COVID-19 infection (two patients were excluded). The mean duration between current surgery and previous COVID-19 infection was 7 months. Patients symptomatic during earlier COVID-19 infection were females, older, and had a lower oxygen level during current surgery. There was no difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups in adverse perioperative outcomes such as desaturation, pulmonary or extrapulmonary complications, or non-extubation. Conclusion: The perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing elective neurosurgery with previous mild to moderate symptomatic COVID-19 infection may not be different from those of patients with asymptomatic COVID-19 infection.

Intestinal Drug Absorption After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Elective Neurosurgery: Insights From Esomeprazole Pharmacokinetics.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may critically impair cardiovascular, metabolic, and gastrointestinal function. Previous research has demonstrated compromised drug absorption in this group of patients. This study aimed to examine the impact of SAH on gastrointestinal function and its subsequent effect on the absorption of enterally administered drugs, using esomeprazole as a probe drug. Prospective observational cohort study. Academic hospital in Germany. We included 17 patients with high-grade SAH and 17 controls, comparable in age, sex, body weight, and renal function, who underwent elective cranial surgery. None. Both groups received esomeprazole per standard protocol to prevent acid-associated mucosal damage, either orally or through a nasogastric tube. On day 4, esomeprazole was administered IV to estimate oral bioavailability. Esomeprazole serum concentrations were measured on days 1, 3, and 4 in both groups and on day 7 in the SAH group. Patients with high-grade SAH exhibited severely impaired drug absorption. Most patients showed no improvement in intestinal drug absorption even a week after hemorrhage. Following SAH, significantly reduced drug absorption may be attributed to decreased intestinal motility and compromised intestinal mucosal function. Clinicians should anticipate the reduced effectiveness of enterally administered medications for at least seven days after high-grade SAH.

Patient outcomes after implementation of transitional care protocols in elective neurosurgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

30-day readmissions are a significant burden on the healthcare system. Postoperative transitional care protocols (TCPs) for safe and efficient discharge planning are being more widely adopted to reduce readmission rates. Currently, little evidence exists to justify the utility of TCPs for improving patient outcomes in elective neurosurgery. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the extent to which TCPs reduce adverse outcomes in patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted after PROSPERO registration. Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane review databases were searched through February 1, 2024. Keywords included: "transitional care AND neurosurgery", "Discharge planning AND neurosurgery". Articles were included if they assessed postoperative TCPs in an adult population undergoing elective neurosurgeries. Exclusion criteria were pediatric patients, implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, or non-elective neurosurgical procedures. The primary outcome was readmission rates after implementation of TCPs. 16 articles were included in this review. 2 articles found that patients treated with TCPs had significantly higher chances of home discharge. 7 articles found a significant association between implementation of TCP and reduced length of stay and intensive care unit stay. 3 articles reported an increase in patient satisfaction after implementation of TCPs. 3 found that TCP led to a significant decrease in readmissions. After meta-analysis, TCPs were associated with significantly decreased readmission rates (OR: 0.68, p < 0.0001), length of stay (mean difference: -0.57, p < 0.00001), and emergency department visits (OR: 0.33, p < 0.0001). This systematic review and meta-analysis found that an overwhelming majority of the available literature supports the effectiveness of discharge planning on at least one measure of patient outcomes. However, the extent to which each facet of the TCP affects outcomes in elective neurosurgery remains unclear. Future efforts should be made to compare the effectiveness of different TCPs.

Design of a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model for administration of low dose peripheral norepinephrine during general anaesthesia.

Intraoperative hypotension is a risk factor for kidney, heart and cognitive postoperative complications. Literature suggests that the use of low-dose peripheral norepinephrine (NOR) reduces organ dysfunction, yet its administration remains unstandardized. In this work we develop a pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) model of NOR and its effect on mean arterial pressure (MAP). From June 2018 to December 2021, we included patients scheduled for elective neurosurgery and requiring vasopressors for intraoperative hypotension management at Lariboisière Hospital, Paris. Low doses of NOR were administered peripherally, and successive arterial blood samples were collected to track its plasmatic concentration. We used a compartmental modelling approach for NOR PK. We developed and compared 2 models for NOR PD on MAP. Model comparison was done using Bayes information criteria. The resulting PK/PD model parameters were fitted over the entire population and linked to age, weight, height and sex. We included 29 patients (age 52 [46-64] years, 69% female). NOR median time to peak effect on MAP was 74 [53-94] s. After bolus administration, MAP increased by 24% (15-31%). A 2-comparment model with depot best captured NOR PK. NOR PD effect on MAP was well represented by both Emax and Windkessel models, with better results for the former. We found that age, height and weight as well as history of smoking and hypertension were correlated with model parameters. We have developed a PK/PD model to accurately track norepinephrine plasma concentration and its effect on MAP over time, which could serve for target-controlled infusion.

Effects of normal saline versus isotonic balanced crystalloid on acid–base balance and renal functions in patients undergoing intracranial tumor resection surgeries

BackgroundNormal saline (NS) infusion in large volumes may result in hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and renal compromise. Balanced crystalloid (BC) with physiochemical composition akin to that of plasma may avoid these problems associated with NS. The present study aimed to evaluate effects of NS versus BC on acid–base balance and renal functions in patients undergoing intracranial tumor resection surgeries.MethodsFifty adult patients scheduled to undergo elective neurosurgery for intracranial tumor resection were randomized to receive either NS or BC as intraoperative or maintenance fluid. Metabolic and renal parameters were estimated prior to induction (baseline), at 1 h and 2 h after induction, at the end of surgery and 4 h after extubation. Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was measured postoperatively. Brain relaxation score was assessed by the operating surgeon.ResultsBaseline values of variables were similar between the groups. At rest of the observed time-points, pH was significantly lower, while blood urea, serum creatinine, sodium, chloride, NGAL and plasma osmolality were significantly higher in the NS group as compared to the BC group. Brain relaxation score, serum bicarbonate and base excess were comparable between the two groups.ConclusionUse of balanced crystalloid (plasmalyte) resulted in better metabolic and renal profile as compared to normal saline in neurosurgical patients.

Study of the Practice of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Use for Elective Neurosurgical Cases in a Tertiary Hospital and Understanding the Rationale

This study aims to evaluate the adherence to surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) guidelines in elective neurosurgery and assess the impact on surgical site infection (SSI) rates in a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia. A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent elective neurosurgical procedures from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, in a 1600-bed tertiary teaching hospital. The study assessed adherence to national and hospital SAP guidelines, focusing on the choice of antibiotic, dosage, timing, and duration. Additionally, a survey was conducted among neurosurgeons to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding SAP. Out of 202 patients included, there was a 99% compliance rate with antibiotic choice and 69.8% with the antibiotic duration. The SSI rate was identified at 6.4%. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey highlighted a strong awareness of SAP guidelines among surgeons, albeit with variations in practice, particularly in antibiotic duration and choice of antibiotics. While there is high adherence to the correct choice of antibiotic for SAP in elective neurosurgery, there are gaps in compliance with the recommended duration of antibiotic use. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve adherence to SAP guidelines, which could potentially reduce the incidence of SSI in neurosurgery. Ongoing education and auditing are essential to optimize SAP practices and enhance patient outcomes in neurosurgery.

Perioperative ROTEM® evaluation in a patient affected by severe VII factor deficiency undergoing microvascular decompression craniotomy for hemifacial spasm

The potential use of TEG/ROTEM® in evaluating the bleeding risk for rare coagulation disorders needs to be assessed, considering the common mismatch among laboratory tests and the clinical manifestations. As a result, there is currently no published data on the use of viscoelastic tests to assess coagulation in FVII deficient patients undergoing elective neurosurgery. We describe the case of a patient affected by severe FVII deficiency who underwent microvascular decompression (MVD) craniotomy for hemifacial spasm (HFS). The ROTEM® did not show a significant coagulopathy according to the normal ranges, before and after the preoperative administration of the recombinant activated FVII, but a substantial reduction in EXTEM and FIBTEM Clotting Times was noted. The values of coagulation in standard tests, on the contrary, were indicative of a coagulopathy, which was corrected by the administration of replacement therapy. Whether this difference between ROTEM® and standard tests is due to the inadequacy of thromboelastographic normal ranges in this setting, or to the absence of clinically significant coagulopathy, has yet to be clarified. Neurosurgery is a typical high bleeding risk surgery; additional data is required to clarify the potential role for thromboelastographic tests in the perioperative evaluation of the FVII deficient neurosurgical patients.

Assessing Patient Preferences and Decision-making Factors in Elective Neurosurgical Procedures: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: Neurosurgery, which requires a substantial amount of education and encompasses a broad spectrum of forms and competencies, helps treat various illnesses, including spinal disorders and tumours. Due to technology and inherent risk factors, which are inherent in the speciality, patients remain hospitalised for long periods and comprehensive education. Understanding that due to the often high risk entailed in a neurosurgical procedure, the process of decision-making is most often very difficult. The objectives of the present research are to assess patients’ attitudes and estimable criteria for elective neurosurgical procedures as a field essential for enhancing patient satisfaction and general care. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was designed incorporating questions in a broad range of formats that could be completed by patients who had undergone elective neurosurgical operations. Examples of the factors of choices include costs, expectations after surgery, as well as expectations during the hospital stay. As such, this approach enables the study to establish the multiple factors that may help explain patient satisfaction and decision-making with elective neurosurgery. Results: Nineteen (19%) patients were from Level 1, 395 (40%) from Level 2 and 406 (41%) from Level 3; 1757 neurosurgical patients completed the questionnaire. In general, the patients’ satisfaction rate with their experience during elective neurosurgical procedures was mostly categorised as “neutral” (n = 666). The 371 patients indicated that they were not well informed about the risks and benefits of elective neurosurgical procedures and on the other hand, 1386 patients responded that they were informed well about the risks and benefits. Elective neurosurgical preferences and decision-making were significantly influenced by gender (P &lt; 0.001), employment status (P &lt; 0.001), education (P &lt; 0.001) and geographic location (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The present study contributes to the existing knowledge of patient decision-making in elective neurosurgical interventions. It is important to note these because they are driving forces that help healthcare practitioners modify or orient their various approaches in a bid to increase patient satisfaction and improve the quality of care. From the study, it is concluded that there is a potential for improving neurosurgical practice to better address patient preferences and expectations for their.

Medical History and Preoperative Coagulation Profile as Predictors of Outcomes in Elective Spinal Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

In patients with unremarkable medical history, comprehensive preoperative hemostasis screening in elective neurosurgery remains debated. Comprehensive medical history has shown to be noninferior to coagulation profile to evaluate surgical outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the predictiveness of preoperative coagulation screening and medical history for surgical outcomes. Databases were searched until April 2023 for observational cohort studies that reported preoperative hemostasis screening and clinical history prior to elective neurosurgical procedures. Outcomes of interest included postoperative transfusion, mortality, and complications. Pooled relative risk ratios (RRs) were analyzed using random-effects models. Out of 604 studies, 3 cohort studies met our inclusion criteria, adding a patient population of 83,076. Prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT; RR=1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.14, 1.77, P=0.002), elevated international normalized ratio (INR; RR=2.01, 95% CI=1.14, 3.55, P=0.02), low platelet count (RR=1.58, 95% CI=1.34, 1.86, P<0.00001), and positive bleeding history (RR=2.14, 95% CI=1.16, 3.93, P=0.01) were associated with postoperative transfusion risk. High PTT (RR=2.42, 95%CI=1.24, 4.73, P=0.010), High INR (RR=8.15, 95% CI=5.97, 11.13; P<0.00001), low platelet count (RR=4.89, 95% CI=3.73, 6.41, P<0.00001), and bleeding history (RR=7.59, 95% CI=5.84, 9.86, P<0.00001) were predictive of mortality. Prolonged PTT (RR=1.53, 95% CI=1.25, 1.86, P=<0.0001), a high INR (RR=3.41, 95% CI=2.63, 4.42, P=< 0.00001), low platelets (RR=1.63, 95% CI=1.40, 1.90, P=<0.00001), and medical history (RR=2.15, 95% CI=1.71, 2.71, P=<0.00001) were predictive of complications. Medical history was a noninferior predictor to coagulation profile for postoperative transfusion, mortality, and complications. However, our findings are mostly representative of elective spinal procedures. Cost-effective alternatives should be explored to promote affordable patient care in patients with unremarkable history.

Prevalence and predictors of preoperative cardiac autonomic dysfunction among elective neurosurgical patients: A prospective observational study.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is cardinal for systemic homeostasis. Autonomic dysfunction is prevalent in as high as 65% of patients presenting for cardiac surgery in the Indian scenario. Pre-existing cardiac autonomic dysfunction (CAD) in surgical patients can accentuate perioperative haemodynamic fluctuations during stressful intraoperative events, predispose to adverse cardiac events, and contribute to morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and predictors of CAD in the elective neurosurgical population are unknown in the Indian scenario. The current study was conducted to bridge this knowledge gap. In this single-centre prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care neurosciences centre, among 400 consenting adult patients of either gender, between 18 and 80 years of age, undergoing elective neurosurgery, the preoperative ANS function at the bedside was assessed as the primary outcome measure. The ANS status was evaluated using ANSiscope™-derived indices of heart rate variability. The diagnosis of CAD was made when the ANS index exceeded a threshold of 13.5. Data regarding predictors of CAD were collected from patient records as the secondary outcome measure. Statistical analysis was done using the R software. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of preoperative CAD in our study population was 79.7% (319/400 patients). None of the demographic and baseline clinical characteristics we studied predicted CAD in our study. We observed a significant prevalence of preoperative CAD among elective neurosurgical patients. None of the parameters we evaluated predicted CAD in our study.

Incidence, risk factors and impact of anemia after elective neurosurgery: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesAnemia after surgery is common and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Understanding the incidence and risk factors for postoperative anemia is important to reduce anemia-related complications and blood transfusion. There is lack of data regarding postoperative anemia and its contributing factors in neurosurgery. This study evaluates the incidence and risk factors of postoperative anemia, and its impact on clinical outcomes. MethodsThis was a single centre, retrospective study of patients who underwent elective neurosurgery over seven months. Data regarding age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, diagnosis, surgery, preoperative hemoglobin, surgery duration, intraoperative blood loss and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, dose of tranexamic acid, intraoperative fluid balance, years of surgeon’s experience, postoperative hemoglobin, postoperative RBC transfusion, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at hospital discharge, and duration of postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stay were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of postoperative anemia. ResultsThe incidence of postoperative anemia was 11.3% (116/1025). On univariate analysis; age, preoperative hemoglobin, surgery duration, gender, ASA grade, surgery type, and surgeon’s experience were associated with postoperative anemia. Lower preoperative hemoglobin (p<0.001) and non-tumor surgery (p<0.001) were predictive of postoperative anemia on multivariate analysis. Postoperative anemia resulted in increased RBC transfusion (p<0.001) and lower GCS score at discharge (p=0.012). ConclusionsAtleast one in ten patients undergoing elective neurosurgery develop postoperative anemia. Lower preoperative hemoglobin and non-tumor surgery predict anemia. Anemia results in increased RBC transfusion and lower discharge GCS score.

Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin in cranial surgery: a single-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled noninferiority trial.

CSF leakage is a major complication after cranial surgery, and although fibrin sealants are widely used for reinforcing dural closure, concerns exist regarding their safety, efficacy, and cost. Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), an autologous platelet concentrate, is readily available and inexpensive, making it a cost-effective alternative for commercially available fibrin sealants. This study aimed to demonstrate the noninferiority of L-PRF compared with commercially available fibrin sealants in preventing postoperative CSF leakage in supra- and infratentorial cranial surgery, with secondary outcomes focused on CSF leakage risk factors and adverse events. In a single-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled interventional trial conducted at a neurosurgery department of a tertiary care center (UZ Leuven, Belgium), patients undergoing elective cranial neurosurgery were randomly assigned to receive either L-PRF (active treatment) or commercially available fibrin sealants (control) for dural closure in a 1:1 ratio. Among 350 included patients, 328 were analyzed for the primary endpoint (44.5% male, mean age 52.3 ± 15.1 years). Six patients (5 in the control group, 1 in the L-PRF group) presented with CSF leakage requiring any intervention (relative risk [RR] 0.20, one-sided 95% CI -∞ to 1.02, p = 0.11), confirming noninferiority. Of these 6 patients, 1 (in the control group) presented with CSF leakage requiring revision surgery. No risk factors for reconstruction failure in combination with L-PRF were identified. RRs for adverse events such as infection (0.72, 95% CI -∞ to 1.96) and meningitis (0.36, 95% CI -∞ to 1.25) favored L-PRF treatment, although L-PRF treatment showed slightly more bleeding events (1.44, 95% CI -∞ to 4.66). Dural reinforcement with L-PRF proved noninferior to commercially available fibrin sealants, with no safety issues. Introducing L-PRF to standard clinical practice could result in important cost savings due to accessibility and lower cost. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT03812120 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Cerebral autoregulation derived blood pressure targets in elective neurosurgery

Poor postoperative outcomes may be associated with cerebral ischaemia or hyperaemia, caused by episodes of arterial blood pressure (ABP) being outside the range of cerebral autoregulation (CA). Monitoring CA using COx (correlation between slow changes in mean ABP and regional cerebral O2 saturation—rSO2) could allow to individualise the management of ABP to preserve CA. We aimed to explore a continuous automated assessment of ABPOPT (ABP where CA is best preserved) and ABP at the lower limit of autoregulation (LLA) in elective neurosurgery patients. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 85 patients [median age 60 (IQR 51–68)] undergoing elective neurosurgery. ABPBASELINE was the mean of 3 pre-operative non-invasive measurements. ABP and rSO2 waveforms were processed to estimate COx-derived ABPOPT and LLA trend-lines. We assessed: availability (number of patients where ABPOPT/LLA were available); time required to achieve first values; differences between ABPOPT/LLA and ABP. ABPOPT and LLA availability was 86 and 89%. Median (IQR) time to achieve the first value was 97 (80–155) and 93 (78–122) min for ABPOPT and LLA respectively. Median ABPOPT [75 (69–84)] was lower than ABPBASELINE [90 (84–95)] (p < 0.001, Mann-U test). Patients spent 72 (56–86) % of recorded time with ABP above or below ABPOPT ± 5 mmHg. ABPOPT and ABP time trends and variability were not related to each other within patients. 37.6% of patients had at least 1 hypotensive insult (ABP < LLA) during the monitoring time. It seems possible to assess individualised automated ABP targets during elective neurosurgery.

A prospective observational study to compare and evaluate delta down, aortic velocity time integral variability, and superior vena cava collapsibility index as predictors of fluid responsiveness in patients with supratentorial brain tumors undergoing elective neurosurgery.

Patients undergoing surgical resection of brain tumors frequently exhibit a spectrum of hemodynamic fluctuations necessitating careful fluid management. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of dynamic predictors of fluid responsiveness, such as delta down (DD), aortic velocity time integral variability (VTIAoV), and superior vena cava collapsibility index (SVCCI), in patients undergoing neurosurgery for brain tumors. In this prospective study, 30 patients scheduled to undergo elective neurosurgery for brain tumor resection were enrolled. Baseline measurements of vitals, anesthetic parameters, and study variables were recorded post-induction. Subsequently, patients received a fluid bolus of 10 mL/kg of colloid over 20 min, and measurements were repeated post-loading. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation. The normally distributed continuous variables were compared using Student's t-test, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The predictive capability of variables for fluid responsiveness was assessed using Pearson's coefficient analysis (r). Of the 30 patients, 22 were identified as volume responders (R), while eight were non-responders (NR). DD >5 mmHg effectively distinguished between R and NR (P < 0.001), with a good predictive ability (r = 0.759). SVCCI >38% differentiated R from NR (P < 0.001), with excellent predictability (r = 0.994). Similarly, VTIAoV >20% was also a good predictor (P < 0.05; r = 0.746). Our study revealed that most patients undergoing surgical resection of brain tumors exhibited fluid responsiveness. Among the variables assessed, SVCCI >38% emerged as an excellent predictor, followed by VTIAoV >20% and DD >5 mm Hg, for evaluating fluid status in this population.

Is target-controlled infusion better than manual controlled infusion during TIVA for elective neurosurgery? Results of a single-centre pilot study.

Maintaining optimal systemic circulatory parameters is essential to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion (CPP) during neurosurgery, especially when autoregulation is impaired. To compare two types of total intravenous anaesthesia i.e. target controlled infusion (TCI) and manually controlled infusion (MCI) with propofol and remifentanil in terms of their control of cardiovascular parameters during neurosurgical resection of intracranial pathology. Patients with supratentorial intracranial pathology were selected for the study. Patients in ASA grades III and IV and those with diseases of the circulatory system were excluded. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups according to the method of general anaesthesia used i.e. TCI or MCI. During the neurosurgery, the values of mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), bispectral index (BIS) and central venous pressure were monitored and recorded at the designated 14 relevant (i.e. critical from the anaesthetist's and neurosurgeon's points of view) measurement points. Fifty patients (25 TCI and 25 MCI) were enrolled in the study. The groups did not differ with respect to sex, age and BMI, operation time or volume of removed lesions. TCI-anaesthetised patients had better MAP stability at the respective time points. Due to the greater stability of MAP, which has a direct effect on CPP, TCI appears to be the method of choice in anaesthesia for intracranial surgery.

Neurosurgery Clerkships in United States Medical Schools: A Survey of Doctor of Medicine–Granting and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine–Granting Schools

Exposure to neurosurgery is important for knowledge of neurosurgical conditions that physicians may encounter. The current status of neurosurgery nonsubinternship clerkships in the United States is unknown; this study determined the availability and format of non-subinternship neurosurgery clerkships in DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)-granting and MD (Doctor of Medicine)-granting U.S. medical schools. Association of American Medical Colleges and American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine websites were used to obtain contact information for all U.S. medical schools. Respondents were asked whether their school offered a non-subinternship neurosurgery clerkship, if it was required, clerkship length, and whether the clerkship was embedded in another clerkship. Nonsubinternship clerkships/electives/selectives were defined as an exploratory neurosurgery rotation. For nonresponding schools, data were collected from school websites. Data were obtained for 180/199 U.S. medical schools; 142 (79%) provided neurosurgery non-subinternships, including 125/150 (83.3%) MD-granting and 17/30 (57%) DO-granting schools. Four MD-granting schools (2.8%) required the clerkship; 87/142 (61%) offered a stand-alone clerkship, 34/142 (24%) an embedded clerkship, and 21/142 (15%) offered both. In total, 200 clerkships were offered across 142 schools. Most were either >1-2 weeks or >3-4 weeks (69/200, 35% and 89/200, 45%, respectively). Most U.S. medical schools provide elective neurosurgery non-subinternships. Fewer, although still a majority, of DO-granting schools offer a neurosurgery non-subinternship compared with MD-granting schools.