Supratentorial Surgery Research Articles

Intraoperative Neurophysiology for Optimization of Percutaneous Spinothalamic Cordotomy for Intractable Cancer Pain.

Percutaneous ablation of the cervical spinothalamic tract (STT) remains a therapeutic remedy for intractable cancer pain. However, it is accompanied by the risk of collateral damage to essential spinal cord circuitry, including the corticospinal tract (CST). Recent studies describe threshold-based mapping of the CST with the objective of motor bundle preservation during intramedullary spinal cord and supratentorial surgery. To assess the possibility that application of spinal cord mapping using intraoperative neuromonitoring in percutaneous cordotomy procedures may aid in minimizing iatrogenic motor tract injury. We retrospectively reviewed the files of 11 patients who underwent percutaneous cervical cordotomy for intractable oncological pain. We performed quantitative electromyogram (EMG) recordings to stimulation of the ablation needle prior to the STT-ablative stage. We compared evoked motor and sensory electrical thresholds, and the electrical span between them as a reliable method to confirm safe electrode location inside the STT. Quantified EMG data were collected in 11 patients suffering from intractable cancer pain. The threshold range for evoking motor activity was 0.3 to 1.2 V. Stimulation artifacts were detected from trapezius muscles even at the lowest stimulation intensity, while thenar muscles were found to be maximally sensitive and specific. The minimal stimulation intensity difference between the motor and the sensory threshold, set as "Δ-threshold," was 0.26 V, with no new motor deficit at 3 days or 1 month postoperatively. Selective STT ablation is an effective procedure for treating intractable pain. It can be aided by quantitative evoked EMG recordings, with tailored parameters and thresholds.

The cortical organization of language: distilling human connectome insights for supratentorial neurosurgery.

Connectomics is the production and study of detailed "connection" maps within the nervous system. With unprecedented advances in imaging and high-performance computing, the construction of individualized connectomes for routine neurosurgical use is on the horizon. Multiple projects, including the Human Connectome Project (HCP), have unraveled new and exciting data describing the functional and structural connectivity of the brain. However, the abstraction from much of these data to clinical relevance remains elusive. In the context of preserving neurological function after supratentorial surgery, abstracting surgically salient points from the vast computational data in connectomics is of paramount importance. Herein, the authors discuss four interesting observations from the HCP data that have surgical relevance, with an emphasis on the cortical organization of language: 1) the existence of a motor speech area outside of Broca's area, 2) the eloquence of the frontal aslant tract, 3) the explanation of the medial frontal cognitive control networks, and 4) the establishment of the second ventral stream of language processing. From these connectome observations, the authors discuss the anatomical basis of their insights as well as relevant clinical applications. Together, these observations provide a firm platform for neurosurgeons to advance their knowledge of the cortical networks involved in language and to ultimately improve surgical outcomes. It is hoped that this report encourages neurosurgeons to explore new vistas in connectome-based neurosurgery.

Effect of Low-Dose Dexmedetomidine on the Anesthetic and Recovery Profile of Sevoflurane-Based Anesthesia in Patients Presenting for Supratentorial Neurosurgeries: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background Dexmedetomidine could be a suitable adjuvant in neuroanesthesia due to its analgesic and anesthetic-sparing properties with the added advantage of facilitating intraoperative neuromonitoring. However, its recovery profile is still debated upon, as in neuroanesthesia, a prompt recovery is essential for postoperative neurologic assessment. We designed this study to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on the anesthetic and recovery profile of patients presenting for supratentorial neurosurgeries. Materials and Methods Forty adult patients undergoing supratentorial surgeries were recruited in this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study and were divided into two groups: group S and group SD. Both groups received sevoflurane and fentanyl for maintenance, whereas group SD alone received a low dose of dexmedetomidine infusion. Recovery parameters, opioid consumption, Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale (RASS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, incidence of nausea and vomiting, and intraoperative hemodynamics were analyzed. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the groups S and SD in case of recovery parameters—time taken (in minutes, presented as median with interquartile range [IQR]) for (1) eye-opening to command: 9.5 (8–18) versus 22.5 (5–47.5) ( p = 0.414); 2) following verbal command: 10.5 (8.25–29.5) versus 25 (10–28.75) ( p = 0.512); (3) extubation: 11 (9.25–22) versus 25 (10–30) ( p = 0.277); and (4) getting oriented to place, time, and date: 23 (20–52.75) versus 27.5 (25–36.5) ( p = 0.121). Fentanyl consumption was significantly less in group SD (451 ± 39.3) versus group S (524.3 ± 144.1) ( p = 0.034). The median RASS score with IQR and the median VAS scores with IQR were comparable between the groups at all time points. Of the 20 patients in group S, 5 had complaints of nausea and vomiting compared with none in the group SD, although it was not statistically significant. The hemodynamic parameters did not show a significant difference between the groups except for a surge in mean arterial pressure at 30 minutes in group S. Conclusion Low-dose dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to sevoflurane- and fentanyl-based anesthesia could provide stable hemodynamics and lesser anesthetics and opioid consumption, without adversely affecting the recovery profile in patients undergoing supratentorial neurosurgical procedures.

Sphenopalatine ganglion block: Intranasal transmucosal approach for anterior scalp blockade - A prospective randomized comparative study.

Background and Aims:Peripheral nerve blocks in neurosurgical practice attenuate most stressful responses like pin insertion, skin, and dural incision. Scalp block is conventionally the blockade of choice. Further studies for less invasive techniques are required. Intranasal transmucosal block of the sphenopalatine ganglion has shown promising results in patients with chronic headache and facial pain. The primary objective of our study was to compare the gold standard scalp block and bilateral sphenopalatine ganglion block (nasal approach) for attenuation of hemodynamic response to pin insertion. Secondary objectives included hemodynamic response to skin and dural incision.Material and Methods:After IRB approval and informed consent, a prospective randomized comparative study was carried out on 50 adult patients undergoing elective supratentorial surgery. The hemodynamic response to pin insertion, skin incision, and dural incision was noted in both the groups. The data was analyzed with NCSS version 9.0 statistical software.Results:The HR and MAP were comparable between the groups. Following dural incision MAP was significantly lower at 1,2,3,4,5 and 10 min in group SPG whereas in group S it was significantly lower at 1 and 2min. (P = 0.02 at T1, P = 0.03 at T2).Conclusions:Concomitant use of bilateral SPG block with general anesthesia is an effective and safe alternative technique to scalp blockade for obtundation of hemodynamic responses due to noxious stimulus during craniotomy surgeries.

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage with acute hydrocephalus after supratentorial surgery

We report the case of a 57-year-old man without previous medical history undergoing left frontotemporal meningioma surgery ( Figure 1 ). The neurosurgical procedure was performed under general anesthesia using a target-controlled infusion of remifentanil and propofol. Intra-operative course went well without hemodynamic instability or surgical complication. In early post-operative period, our patient presented no sign of awakening.

The Impact of Hospital Safety-Net Burden on Outcomes for Primary Supratentorial Brain Tumor Surgery

Abstract INTRODUCTION Safety-net hospitals treat a disproportionate share of vulnerable patient populations. While outcomes at these institutions for neurosurgical procedures, such as cerebral aneurysm surgery, have been researched, the impact of safety-net burden on brain tumor surgery is poorly characterized. METHODS Using International Classification of Diseases-9 diagnosis codes, we identified all adult admissions in the National Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2011 undergoing craniotomy for a primary supratentorial brain tumor (191.0-5, 191.8-9, 225.0 and 237.5), excluding patients with brain metastasis (198.3). For each hospital, we quantified safety-net burden as the percentage of patients on Medicaid or without insurance. Hospitals in the top quartile of safety-net burden were categorized as high-burden hospitals (HBHs) while the remainder were low-burden hospitals (LBHs). Survey-weighted multivariate regression was used to make national estimates and adjust for 12 confounding variables: age, sex, insurance, household income, severity of illness and risk of mortality scores, Charlson Comorbidity Index, malignant status, hospital ownership, teaching status, region, and volume. RESULTS We analyzed 162 828 total admissions admitted to 1135 hospitals for brain tumor craniotomy in 2002 to 2011. A total of 212 hospitals (19%) were classified as HBHs, treating 16 914 admissions. HBHs were more likely to be low-volume and public hospitals (both P < .001). Moreover, patients at HBHs were less likely to be white and had higher severity of illness scores (both P < .001). When evaluating outcomes, hospital safety-net status was not associated with mortality (P = .260), favorable discharge disposition (P = .765), or perioperative complications (P = .757). However, admission to HBHs was associated with higher length of stay (+ 0.74 d, P = .007) and inpatient costs (+ $2 448, P = .002). CONCLUSION Although safety-net burden was not associated with mortality, disposition, or complications, patients at safety-net hospitals exhibited increased length of stay and costs, potentially due to factors like resource limitations or more advanced disease presentation among safety-net patients. Amidst potential reforms like “pay-for-performance” reimbursement models, it is critical to further study neurosurgical outcomes at safety-net hospitals.

Intraoperative neurophysiology in pediatric supratentorial surgery: experience with 57 cases.

Utilization of intraoperative neurophysiology (ION) to map and assess various functions during supratentorial brain tumor and epilepsy surgery is well documented and commonplace in the adult setting. The applicability has yet to be established in the pediatric age group. All pediatric supratentorial surgery utilizing ION of the motor system, completed over a period of 10years, was analyzed retrospectively for the following variables: preoperative and postoperative motor deficits, extent of resection, sensory-motor mappability and monitorability, location of lesion, patient age, and monitoring alarms. Intraoperative findings were correlated with antecedent symptomatology as well as short- and long-term postoperative clinical outcome. The monitoring impact on surgical course was evaluated on a per-case basis. Data were analyzed for 57 patients (ages 3-207months (93 ± 58)). Deep lesions (in proximity to the pyramidal fibers) constituted 15.7% of the total group, superficial lesions 47.4%, lesions with both deep and superficial components 31.5%, and ventricular 5.2%. Mapping of the motor cortex was significantly more successful using the short-train technique than Penfield's technique (84% vs. 25% of trials, respectively), particularly in younger children. The youngest age at which motor mapping was successfully achieved was 3 vs. 93months for each method, respectively. Preoperative motor strength was not associated with monitorability. Direct cortial motor evoked potential (dcMEP) was more sensitive than transcranial (tcMEP) in predicting postoperative motor decline. dcMEP decline was not associated with tumor grade or extent of resection (EOR); however, it was associated with lesion location and more prone to decline in deep locations. ION actively affected surgical decisions in several aspects, such as altering the corticectomy location and alarming due to a MEP decline. ION is applicable in the pediatric population with certain limitations, depending mainly on age. When successful, ION has a positive impact on surgical decision-making, ultimately providing an added element of safety for these patients.

Comparison of Intraoperative Motor Evoked Potentials Monitoring with Direct Cranial Stimulation by Peg-Screw and Transcranial Stimulation by Corkscrew for Supratentorial Surgery

Corkscrew (CS) electrodes are usually used for transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) in the intraoperative monitoring of motor evoked potentials (MEP). Direct cranial stimulation with peg-screw (PS) electrodes can elicit MEP. The present study investigated the difference in the initial threshold between PS and CS electrodes for intraoperative MEP monitoring. We retrospectively analyzed TES-MEP monitoring for supratentorial surgery in 72 patients. Of these 72 patients, 44 were monitored with PS and CS electrodes (PS/CS group) and 28 were monitored with CS and CS electrodes (CS/CS group). TES was used to deliver electrical stimulation by a train of 4-pulse anodal constant current stimulation. The initial threshold in each electrode was checked and analyzed. In the PS/CS group, the initial threshold with the PS electrode was 38.3 ± 15.1 mA (mean ± standard deviation) on the affected side, and the initial threshold with the CS electrode was 51.4 ± 13.9 mA on the unaffected side. The initial threshold with the PS electrode was significantly lower than that with the CS electrode (P=0.0001). In the CS/CS group, the initial threshold was 56.2 ± 16.5 mA on the affected side and 62.1 ± 18.6 mA on the unaffected side, with no statistically significant difference (P= 0.23). The initial threshold to elicit MEP was significantly lower with the PS electrode than with the CS electrode. A PS electrode can be used as a feasible stimulation electrode for TES-MEP.

A Comparison of Emergence Characteristics, Intraoperative Haemodynamics and Intraoperative Brain Relaxation between Isoflurane and Desflurane in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy for Supratentorial Lesions.

Background: Desflurane had increased anaesthetic armamentarium for maintenance of general anesthesia in neurosurgical cases. Few studies have compared isoflurane and desflurane for patients undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomy. Aims: The aim of this study is to compare emergence characteristics, intraoperative haemodynamic and intraoperative brain relaxation between isoflurane and desflurane in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial lesions. Settings and Design: Prospective randomized and comparative study. Subjects and Methods: In this study, patients were randomly allocated in two groups. Groups I and D received Isoflurane and desflurane in MAC (0.8-1.2) during maintenance of general anesthesia after endotracheal intubation till skin closure. Emergence time, Extubation time, perioperative hypertension and intraoperative brain relaxation was compared between 2 groups across different time period. Statistical Analysis: Mean and standard deviation were calculated. Test of analysis between two groups was done by t-test and then P value was calculated. Results: Significantly lesser emergence time and extubation time in group D compared to group I (7.53±2.11 vs 15.10±1.7 and 10.87±1.961 vs 18.20±1.92). Perioperative haemodynamics were among comparable between both groups. Intraoperative brain relaxation was also comparable between 2 groups with more patients in desflurane group having grade 1 relaxation. Incidence of emergence hypertension and post-operative complication were also similar with 2 groups. Conclusion: It is concluded from the study that both inhalational agents isoflurane and desflurane can be used in patients undergoing supratentorial surgeries, desflurane has added advantage of faster post-operative recovery and intraoperative brain relaxation and emergence characteristics.

Comparative Evaluation of Perioperative Haemodynamics and Emergence Profile Among Isoflurane, Sevoflurane and Desflurane in Patients Undergoing Elective Supratentorial Craniotomy for Space Occupying Lesion

Background: Introduction of sevoflurane and desflurane had increased anaesthetic choices for maintenance of general anesthesia in neurosurgical cases after isoflurane. Aims: To compare emergence characteristics, intraoperative haemodynamic and intraoperative brain relaxation between isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane in patients undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomy. Settings and Design: Randomized, prospective and comparative study.  Subjects and Methods: In this study, recruited patients were randomly allocated in three groups. Groups I, S, and D received Isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane in MAC (0.8-1.2) during maintenance of general anesthesia after endotracheal intubation till skin closure. Emergence time, extubation time, perioperative hypertension and intraoperative brain relaxation were compared between 3 groups across different time period. Statistical Analysis: Mean and standard deviation were calculated. Test of analysis between two groups was done by t-test and among three groups by analysis of variance, and then P value was calculated. Results: Significantly lesser emergence time and extubation time was found in group D compared to group I and group S (7.53±2.11 vs 15.10±1.74 vs 10.50±1.19 and 10.87±1.961 vs 18.20±1.92 vs 14.00±2.068). Incidence of emergence hypertension and post-operative complication were found to be similar among 3 groups. Conclusion: It is concluded that although all 3 inhalational agents can be used in patients undergoing supratentorial surgeries, desflurane has added advantage of faster post-operative recovery and emergence characteristics.

Threshold variation of transcranial motor evoked potential with threshold criterion in frontotemporal craniotomy

ObjectiveMotor threshold usually varies in the intraoperative motor evoked potential (MEP) by transcranial evoked stimulation (TES). This study investigated the degree of change in the motor threshold before and after surgery in TES-MEP monitoring with threshold criterion. This study aimed to evaluate the threshold change and discuss the factors influencing the motor threshold. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed TES-MEP monitoring during supratentorial surgery with frontotemporal craniotomy in 72 patients without pre- and postoperative motor weakness. We analyzed the percentage changes between the affected and the unaffected sides, correlating the changes on the two sides. ResultsThe percentage change on the affected and the unaffected side was 4.4 ± 15.1% and 0.4 ± 6.5%, respectively. The percentage change on the affected side was significantly larger than that on the unaffected side. A significantly positive correlation between the percentage change on the affected and the unaffected sides was detected. ConclusionThe threshold for the TES-MEP varied significantly more than that on the unaffected side. SignificanceIt is important to understand the characteristics of threshold variation for the evaluation of TES-MEP.

Intraoperative seizures in supratentorial surgery: A series of 60 cases at a single centre

In supratentorial neurosurgery cortical functional mapping and monitoring of motor pathways has been demonstrated useful. Seizures are the most common side effect of electrical brain stimulation. Aim of our collection is to report occurrence of intraoperative seizures in patients underwent to supratentorial surgery at our centre in the last five months. We collected the following data: demographic, seizures and AED before surgery, during IOM and in the early post-operative phase up to discharge. We evaluated, during IOM: EEG; EMG; SEPs; MEP-TES ; MEP-DES ; DCS (bipolar/language or monopolar/motor). Sixty patients enrolled: 25 female, 35 male (mean age 49 years). 42% of patient had no seizures before surgery. At the hospital admission, 34% were without AED. Intraoperative EEG shows sharped activity, not related to stimulation, in 5 cases. Monopolar stimulation was performed in 87% of cases. Ojemann in awake (15%). DCS for motor pathways monitoring in 77% of surgeries. One intraoperative seizure, unrelated to the stimulation, was detected in a patient with recidive hypothalamic pilocytic astrocytoma. In two cases occurred seizures in the early post-operative period. The DCS with continue EEG intraoperative monitoring, an accurate seizures and AED history collection gives useful instrument to tailored selective stimulation.

Minimally Invasive Resection of Intra-axial Posterior Fossa Tumors Using Tubular Retractors

Posterior fossa tumor surgery is associated with a significant risk of complications, and the complications are typically more frequent compared with similar supratentorial surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate 1) the extent of resection and neurologic outcomes and 2) perioperative complications with use of minimally invasive approaches for intra-axial posterior fossa tumors from our case series. All consecutive patients who underwent nonbiopsy surgery of a posterior fossa tumor using tubular retractors and exoscopic visualization from January 2016 to May 2018 were prospectively identified and included. During the reviewed period, 15 patients underwent resection of an intra-axial posterior fossa tumor. Eight (53%) patients were men, and the median age was 63.0 years (interquartile range: 45.0-67.5 years). The tumor was located in the cerebellar hemisphere in 11 (73%) cases, vermis in 3 (20%) cases, and middle cerebellar peduncle in 1 (7%) case. The median preoperative and postoperative lesion volumes were 21.6 cm3 (interquartile range: 10.1-33.0 cm3) and 0 cm3 (interquartile range: 0-1.2 cm3), respectively. The percent resection was 100% (92%-100%). Following surgery, 12 (80%) patients had improved and 3 (20%) patients had stable Karnofsky performance scale scores, whereas no patients had a decline in Karnofsky performance scale score postoperatively. No patients incurred other postoperative regional or medical complications. We demonstrated the possible efficacy of a minimally invasive approach with the use of tubular retractors and exoscopic visualization for resecting posterior fossa intra-axial tumors with relatively high efficacy and low morbidity.

Posterior cranial fossa and spinal local infections

The aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge on the management of local infections in posterior cranial fossa (PCF) and spinal surgery; the center of our paper will be the diagnosis and management of infections of the wound, the subcutaneous tissue, and muscle strata. Very few papers address the problem of local infections in posterior cranial fossa and spinal surgery. The largest amount of the literature data is indeed centered on how to deal with deep infections, CSF leak, and secondary meningitis or hardware infection. Concerning PCF surgery, a higher rate of local infections has been reported, compared with supratentorial surgery. To prevent such complications, prophylaxis remains the most important tool in dealing with local infections; a careful surgical planning and patient selection are also important. On the other hand, in dealing with local infection in spinal setting, there are several evidences that local vancomycin might help reducing them in adults as well as in children. The treatment protocol consists in antibiotic therapy and, whenever needed, wound revision to remove infectious material or to obtain a microbiological diagnosis. Prognosis has overall to be considered favorable both in the short term as well as in the long term.

Bilateral remote cerebellar hemorrhage following surgical clipping a ruptured supratentorial aneurysm

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) is a rare and severe complication after supratentorial surgery, with various risk factors and mechanisms remaining uncertain. Herein, we report a 64-year-old female patient suffered bilateral RCH following surgical clipping a ruptured aneurysm of internal carotid artery bifurcation. RCH is considered as venous in origin, and is likely the result of intra-operative or post-operative loss of CSF. Thus, appropriate control and close monitor the intra-operative and post-operative loss of CSF is of great importance for preventing the occurrence of RCH.

Comparative analysis of the efficiency of dura mater defect repair in cerebral surgery

We aimed to study the efficacy of various substitutes in repair of dura mater defects. The study included patients with various intracranial pathologies who were operated on at the Neurosurgery Clinic of the Military Medical Academy in the period between 2010 and 2017, and who underwent repair of the DM during surgery. In surgery for the supratentorial structures, patient autogenous tissues, grafted non-resorbable materials, or applicable collagen matrices were used as substitutes. Depending on the type of substitute material, patients were divided into groups to assess the efficacy of DM closure by comparing the rate of postoperative liquorrhea. In surgery for the posterior cranial fossa (PCF), applicable dural substitutes were not used; in this cohort, the efficacy of autogenous tissues and synthetic materials was compared. In 232 patients, the total rate of liquorrhea was 23.7%. In supratentorial surgery (175 cases), the use of autogenous tissues (n=73), synthetic materials (n=42), and collagen matrices (n=60) was associated with CSF exfusion in 13 (17.8%), 13 (31.0%) and 16 (26.7%) cases, respectively; in statistical analysis, these results were comparable (p>0.05). In PCF surgery (57 cases), the use of autogenous tissues (n=34) significantly more effective (p=0.021) prevented liquorrhea compared to synthetic materials (n=23): complications occurred in 4 (11.8%) and 9 (39.1%) cases, respectively. If a DM defect is located supratentorially, the choice of a dural substitute affects the rate of CSF exfusion and related complications. The use of autogenous tissues in PCF surgery statistically significantly reduces the rate of liquorrhea compared to that of synthetic materials.

Severe Remote Cerebellar Hemorrhage with Intracerebral Hemorrhage after Burr-Hole Evacuation for Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Since remote cerebellar hemorrhage, with intracerebral hemorrhage after supratentorial neurosurgery, is rare, its pathophysiology remains elusive. Here, we report a 64-year-old man who had severe bilateral symmetric remote cerebellar hemorrhage with frontal lobe hemorrhage following burr-hole evacuation for supratentorial chronic subdural hematoma. Computed tomography venography showed undeveloped left internal jugular vein and sigmoid sinus. He received 3 weeks of conservative treatment and fully recovered. Overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid and head rotation with undeveloped internal jugular vein may have resulted in this complication. This case is the first case in the literature with this event sequence and has some significance for revealing the mechanism of remote cerebellar hemorrhage occurrence after other supratentorial surgeries.

Epidural blood patch for treatment of a large suboccipital pseudomeningocele

Pseudomeningocele complication is a challenging and common neurosurgical problem. Posterior cranial fossa surgery is reported to have higher pseudomeningocele postoperative complication rates compared to supratentorial surgery. Treatment of posterior fossa pseudomeningoceles can be cumbersome and various techniques have been described ranging from conservative measures to re-operation. We describe a case of a 27 year old woman who developed a large symptomatic suboccipital pseudomeningocele following posterior fossa decompression surgery; this was successfully treated by an epidural blood patch. The current body of literature regarding the treatment of posterior fossa pseudomeningocele is limited. Whilst the use of an epidural blood patch for pseudomeningocele treatment is not novel, this is the first case of standard epidural blood patch, performed in the lumbar region, for treatment of a posterior fossa pseudomeningocele. Epidural blood patch is a minimally invasive technique that is underutilized. This paper demonstrates the use of epidural blood patch as an alternative method for treatment of a large suboccipital pseudomeningocele and summarizes the current literature. It is hoped this paper will highlight the epidural blood patch as a potentially effective treatment option that should be considered when managing posterior fossa pseudomeningocele complications prior to escalation to surgical revision.

Severe remote cerebellar hemorrhage with intracerebral hemorrhage after burr-hole evacuation for chronic subdural hematoma

Since remote cerebellar hemorrhage, with intracerebral hemorrhage after supratentorial neurosurgery, is rare, its pathophysiology remains elusive.Here, we report a 64-year-old man who had severe bilateral symmetric remote cerebellar hemorrhage with frontal lobe hemorrhage following burr-hole evacuation for supratentorial chronic subdural hematoma.Computed tomography venography showed undeveloped left internal jugular vein and sigmoid sinus.He received 3 weeks of conservative treatment and fully recovered.Overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid and head rotation with undeveloped internal jugular vein may have resulted in this complication.This case is the first case in the literature with this event sequence and has some significance for revealing the mechanism of remote cerebellar hemorrhage occurrence after other supratentorial surgeries.

Effects of avoiding neuromuscular blocking agents during maintenance of anaesthesia on recovery characteristics in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial lesions: A randomised controlled study.

Background and Aims:Neuromuscular blocking agents have been one of the cornerstones of anaesthesia. With the advent of newer surgical, anaesthetic and neurological monitoring techniques, their utility in neuroanaesthesia practice seems dispensable. The aim of this prospective, comparative, randomised study was to determine whether neuromuscular blocking agents are required in patients undergoing supratentorial surgery when balanced anaesthesia with desflurane, dexmedetomidine and scalp block is used.Methods:Sixty patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, aged between 18 and 60 years were included in the study. All patients received anaesthesia including desflurane, dexmedetomidine and scalp block. The patients were randomly allocated to receive no neuromuscular blocking agent (Group A) or atracurium infusion to keep train-of-four count 2 (Group B). The two groups were compared with respect to haemodynamic stability, brain relaxation scores and recovery characteristics. Haemodynamic parameters and time taken to achieve Aldrete score >9 and other secondary outcomes were analysed using Student's t-test. Non-parametric data were analysed using the Mann–Whitney test.Results:The mean arterial pressure was comparable between the groups. The intraoperative heart rate was comparable; however, in the post-operative period, it remained higher in Group B for 30 min after extubation (P = 0.02). The brain relaxation scores were comparable among the two groups (P = 0.27). Tracheal extubation time, time taken for orientation and time required to reach Aldrete score ≥9 were comparable among the two groups.Conclusion:The present study suggests that balanced anaesthesia using desflurane, dexmedetomidine and scalp block can preclude the use of neuromuscular blocking agents in patients undergoing supratentorial surgery under intense haemodynamic monitoring.