Supratentorial Brain Tumor Surgery Research Articles

Comparison of Recovery Characteristics between Fentanyl-Propofol Dexmedetomidine: Propofol based Anaesthesia in Supratentorial Brain Tumor Surgery

Background: The aim of the present study is to compare the recovery profiles, perioperative hemodynamic changes and undesirable side-effects such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and shivering of patients undergoing anaesthesia with fentanyl-propofol or dexmedetomidine–propofol in supratentorial brain tumour surgery.Materials and Methods: In a prospective randomized double-blind study 70 ASA I-II patients aged 18-65 yrsof either sex, scheduled for supratentorial craniotomy with a maximum anticipated duration of 300 minutes,was allocated into two equal groups. One group received dexmedetomidine-propofol and other group received fentanyl-propofol as induction and maintenance of anaesthesia along with other drugs. Both the groups (n=35) received either i.v. dexmedetomidine or i.v. fentanyl 1 μg/kg 15mins prior to induction as loading dose followed by 0.5 μg/kg/ hr by continuous i.v. infusion peroperatively. At the end of surgery, recovery characteristics were assessed and recorded.Results: Patients in Group 1 recovered early compared to Group 2 in terms of response to verbal command(6.99±0.77 vs 8.79±0.88), extubation time (9.14±0.91 vs 10.83±1.06) and orientation time (11.14±0.703 vs12.76±1.10) which were found to be statistically significant. Induction dose of propofol and infusion dose of atracurium were significantly less in dexmedetomidine group in comparison to fentanyl group. Though in both the groups adverse effects were seen, but it was very less (less than 9%).Conclusion: Propofol-fentanyl and propofol-dexmedetomidine are both suitable for elective supratentorialcraniotomy and provide similar intraoperative hemodynamic responses. Propofol-dexmedetomidine allowsearlier cognitive recovery.

Scalp Incisions With Stairstep Pericranial Edges to Minimize Sequalae from Poor Wound Healing in Supratentorial Brain Tumor Surgery: A Technical Note With Early Results

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Wound healing problems are especially prevalent in craniotomies for intra-axial brain tumors as patients often require radiation, chemotherapy, and chronic steroids. Although newer techniques such as minimally invasive approaches and routine vancomycin powder use have helped overall complication rates, poor skin healing remains a frustratingly persistent cause of morbidity. Therefore, here we describe the novel technique of elevating and closing a stairstep pericranial edge offset from the skin incision to protect hardware and support wound healing, and we report early outcomes using this technique. METHODS: Ninety-one consecutive patients underwent supratentorial, intra-axial brain tumor surgery with a single surgeon at a single institution using this technique. Patient demographics, pathology, adjuvant interventions, and other independent risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: No wound-related complications requiring readmission, intravenous antibiotics, or reoperation were encountered at a median 3-month follow-up. There were also no surgical site infections, dehiscences, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Fifty-one patients (57.3%) had postoperative radiotherapy, 85 patients (93.4%) had perioperative steroids, and 56 patients (61.5%) had postoperative chemotherapy. Six patients (6.5%) were placed on a short course of oral antibiotics perioperatively due to concerns with initial scalp healing (ie, excessive scabbing at follow-up), none of whom progressed to infection or required further intervention. These are the cases where this technique is felt to have been most helpful by potentially preventing worse sequelae. One patient developed a shunt infection during this interval that required removal unrelated to the craniotomy site. CONCLUSION: Here we outline in detail the principles, design, and execution of incisions and closures with stairstep pericranial edges in supratentorial brain surgery. This technique was designed in consultation with plastic surgeons to provide an intact, vascularized layer of pericranium beneath the healing skin and over the bone graft/hardware to optimize wound healing conditions and prevent morbid sequelae in inevitable cases of poor initial healing. Early results are promising.

Evaluation of Intravenous Infusion of Ibuprofen with Paracetamol-Morphine in Pain and Satisfaction of Patients Undergoing Supratentorial Brain Surgery.

The pain experienced following supratentorial brain surgery is usually defined as moderate to severe. Therefore, pain-management approaches, including narcotics, are an integral part of treatment regimens that cause respiratory complications or seizures, and reducing this pain level and increasing patient satisfaction is vital. This randomized, double-blind clinical trial study to evaluate the pain level and satisfaction in patients undergoing surgery for supratentorial brain neoplasms was performed on two groups with a sample size of 50 patients. In group I, after removal of the brain lesion (at the beginning of dura closure), 400 mg of ibuprofen solution was infused intravenously over 30 minutes. In group II, morphine 0.07 mg/kg intravenously with 1000 mg paracetamol was infused over 30 minutes. After injecting ibuprofen and paracetamol morphine, the patient's pain level and satisfaction with the process were checked. Patients' satisfaction score in the first 6 hours in the ibuprofen group was 1.67 ± 0.72, and in the other group was 2.27 ± 0.7, which was statistically different (P-value = 0.029). The mean of VAS in the first, second, third, and fourth hours was not statistically different. In the comparative analysis of the laboratory indicators of platelet function analysis in the two groups, none of the measured items had a significant difference between the two groups in the three measurement periods (P > 0.05). Administration of ibuprofen led to pain relief and patient satisfaction comparable to morphine and paracetamol, and after the surgery for supratentorial brain tumors, ibuprofen did not affect the patients' blood clotting functions.

The effect of Dexmedetomidine on suppression of the bispectral index score and hemodynamic response during laryngoscopy and intubation in addicted patients in supratentorial brain tumor surgery, a randomized double-blinded controlled trial

BackgroundDexmedetomidine is an α2-adrenoceptor agonist with good sedative effects with no cardiovascular instability or respiratory depression, and it might help facilitate endotracheal intubation and inhibit hemodynamic responses. AimThe current study assessed how intravenous Dexmedetomidine affected cardiovascular response and endotracheal intubation in opium-addict patients. Materials and methodsThis study is a clinically randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. One hundred patients diagnosed with supratentorial brain tumors undergoing tumor resection surgery with general anesthesia entered this study. One group received Dexmedetomidine (1/μg/kg for 10 min) before induction of anesthesia. The exact amount of normal saline (placebo) was administered in the second group. The two groups were analyzed statistically regarding blood pressure, heart rate, and bispectral index score, recorded 1 min before and 1 min after intubation. The statistical tests used for analysis are the student T-test, Mann-Whitney non-parametric test, the chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. ResultsThe intervention group's heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and bispectral index score decreased 1 min after anesthesia induction and intubation compared to the control group. Diastolic blood pressure after induction of anesthesia was not significantly different between the two groups; however, it decreased following the intervention after intubation (p > 0.05). ConclusionCompared to the control group, Dexmedetomidine suppressed hemodynamic response and bispectral index score in opium-addict patients.

Clinical Effects and Adverse Events Associated With Desflurane Use in Adult Patients Undergoing Supratentorial Craniotomy: A Systematic Review.

Desflurane is an inhalational anesthetic agent with an appealing recovery profile. The present systematic review investigates the clinical effects and adverse events associated with desflurane use during supratentorial craniotomy for brain tumor resection in adults in comparison with other inhalational and intravenous anesthetic agents. A literature search was conducted across the MEDLINE, Library of Congress and LISTA (EBSCO) databases from January 2001 to January 2021. Twelve studies published between 2003 and 2020 were included in this systematic review. Desflurane was compared with either isoflurane, sevoflurane, or propofol for anesthesia maintenance. Brain relaxation scores showed no statistically significant difference between desflurane and the other anesthetic agents. Recovery timepoints, such as time to recovery, time to eye opening, time to extubation, time to follow commands, and time to reach a modified Aldrete score ≥9 were significantly shorter with desflurane in the majority of studies. Systemic hemodynamic variables (mean arterial pressure and heart rate) and cerebral hemodynamics (intracranial pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure) were comparable between desflurane and other anesthetic agents in each study. The results of this systematic review demonstrate that desflurane is associated with few adverse events when used for anesthesia maintenance in adult patients undergoing supratentorial brain tumor surgery. Large, prospective, comprehensive studies, utilizing standardized parameter evaluation could provide higher levels of evidence to support these findings.

Remote extradural hematoma after supratentorial brain tumor surgery: A rare complication of a routine surgery

Background: Hemorrhages in the surgical cavity post resection of tumor aren’t uncommon and neurosurgeons are well versed with this entity, however occurrence of an Extra Dural Hematoma(EDH), that too at a site remote to the surgical cavity, is rare. The study presents 3 cases of post operative remote site EDH after tumor resection with review of literature and an attempt to define and discuss the variables which play a role in determining the occurrence, extent and prognosis of the same.
 Methods: The study investigated 601 patients who underwent tumor resection in the Department of Neurosurgery, Dr D Y Patil Hospital, from January 2017 to December 2019. All patients had a normal coagulation profile preoperatively. Postoperative remote EDH occurred in 3 patients whose data was examined closely in terms of age, sex, location, final diagnosis and treatment.
 Results: Of the 601 patients who underwent tumor resection from Jan 2017 to Dec 2019, a total of 3 patients in our study were found to have a post-operative remote site EDH. Two of these patients were male and 1 female. The age range was 35 to 46 years with a mean of 41 years. Neither did any of these patients have a pre-existing hydrocephalus nor were they subjected to a CSF diversion procedure preoperatively. All 3 patients developed EDH on the ipsilateral side wherein 2 of our patients had a hematoma in the ipsilateral frontal region anterior to the surgical cavity while 1 patient developed hematoma in ipsilateral parietal region posterior to surgical cavity. Hematomas were unilateral with no extension to opposite side. Two patients had to be re-operated in an emergency setting while one patient was conservatively managed. 
 Conclusion: In patients with an expected volume loss via large tumor size, excess blood and CSF loss and a large craniotomy, remote EDH may develop and the neurosurgeon must have a high index of suspicion for this entity

Effects of Dexmedetomidine On the Postoperative Shivering, Nausea, and Vomiting Among Opium User Patients Undergoing Elective Supratentorial Brain Tumor Surgery: A Randomized, Placebo, Controlled Clinical trials.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and shivering are common general anesthesia complications. Hence, this study evaluates the effect of dexmedetomidine, given as a premedication, on PONV and shivering in patients with opium use who underwent elective supratentorial brain tumor surgeries. In a randomized clinical trial, 100 opium user patients who were candidates for elective supra-tentorial brain tumor surgery under general anesthesia were studied in two groups of 50 patients. The intervention group received dexmedetomidine (within 10 minutes infusion) 30 minutes before the anesthesia induction. Group placebo that received normal saline as a group. PONV and shivering rates were compared between the two groups. Both groups did not differ in hemodynamic parameters during operation, including pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and anesthesia duration. In the dexmedetomidine group, patients suffered less from PONV and shivering rather than controls, and these differences were both significant (P=0.001 and P=0.027, respectively). Dexmedetomidine administration before major surgeries might reduce post-operative nausea and vomiting and the occurrence of shivering, particularly in opium-addicted patients.

Effects of Dexmedetomidine On the Postoperative Shivering, Nausea, and Vomiting Among Opium User Patients Undergoing Elective Supratentorial Brain Tumor Surgery: A Randomized, Placebo, Controlled Clinical trials

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and shivering are common general anesthesia complications. Hence, this study evaluates the effect of dexmedetomidine, given as a premedication, on PONV and shivering in patients with opium use who underwent elective supratentorial brain tumor surgeries. Materials and Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 100 opium user patients who were candidates for elective supra-tentorial brain tumor surgery under general anesthesia were studied in two groups of 50 patients. The intervention group received dexmedetomidine (within 10 and 30 minutes infusion) before the anesthesia induction. Group placebo that received normal saline as a group. PONV and shivering rates were compared between the two groups. Results: Both groups did not differ in hemodynamic parameters during operation, including pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and anesthesia duration. In the dexmedetomidine group, patients suffered less from PONV and shivering rather than controls, and these differences were both significant (P=0.001 and P=0.027, respectively). Discussion: Dexmedetomidine administration before major surgeries might reduce post-operative nausea and vomiting and the occurrence of shivering, particularly in opium-addicted patients.[GMJ.2021;10:e2146]

Lidocaine versus magnesium sulfate infusion during isoflurane anesthesia for brain tumor resection, effect on minimum alveolar concentration reduction guided by bispectral index: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Objective: Goals of neuro-anesthesia include smooth induction, stable perioperative hemodynamics, early and quiet recovery with adequate analgesia. Intraoperative use of co-sedatives allows reduction of anesthetic agents consumption while maintaining a desirable depth of anesthesia. Many drugs like opioids and dexmedetomidine had been studied in different surgeries. Using such drugs enhances rapid recovery for early postoperative assessment and detection of complications. Methods: This study enrolled 50 adult patients undergoing supratentorial brain tumor surgery. Patients of the lidocaine group (group L) received 1.5 mg.kg−1 of lidocaine as a loading dose over 10 min before induction of anesthesia and followed by infusion at a rate of 1.5 mg.kg−1.h−1. Patients of the magnesium group (group M) received 30 mg.kg−1 of magnesium sulfate as a loading dose over 10 min before induction of anesthesia and followed by infusion at a rate of 10 mg.kg−1.h−1. Depth of anesthesia was guided by bispectral index in a range of 50 ± 2, with the primary outcome objective, minimum alveolar concentration reduction of inhaled isoflurane. Results: No significant difference was found regarding patient demographics, basal hemodynamic data, and anesthesia duration. The used isoflurane concentration at the matching time points (every 15 min intraoperatively) and the total dose of muscle relaxant (160 ± 15 mg, 175 ± 18 mg respectively, p 0.003) were statistically lower in group M than in group L. The time required for recovery was statistically shorter in group M than in group L (5.1 ± 0.99 min vs 9.8 ± 1.9 min, respectively, p 0.00). Conclusion: Compared to lidocaine infusion, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) infusion during anesthesia for brain surgery resulted in lower anesthetic consumption, muscle relaxant requirement, a shorter recovery time, and a better postoperative pain profile. MgSO4 can be used effectively as a co-sedative adjuvant with superior clinical properties than lidocaine infusion.

The LACE+Index as a Predictor of 90-Day Supratentorial Tumor Surgery Outcomes.

The LACE+ (Length of stay, Acuity of admission, Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] score, and Emergency department [ED] visits in the past 6 mo) index risk-prediction tool has never been successfully tested in a neurosurgery population. To assess the ability of LACE+ to predict adverse outcomes after supratentorial brain tumor surgery. LACE+ scores were retrospectively calculated for all patients (n=624) who underwent surgery for supratentorial tumors at the University of Pennsylvania Health System (2017-2019). Confounding variables were controlled with coarsened exact matching. The frequency of unplanned hospital readmission, ED visits, and death was compared for patients with different LACE+ score quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4). A total of 134 patients were matched between Q1 and Q4; 152 patients were matched between Q2 and Q4; and 192 patients were matched between Q3 and Q4. Patients with higher LACE+scores were significantly more likely to be readmitted within 90 d (90D) of discharge for Q1 vs Q4 (21.88%vs 46.88%, P=.005) and Q2 vs Q4 (27.03%vs 55.41%, P=.001). Patients with larger LACE+scores also had significantly increased risk of 90D ED visits for Q1 vs Q4 (13.33%vs 30.00%, P=.027) and Q2 vs Q4 (22.54%vs 39.44%, P=.039). LACE+score also correlated with death within 90D of surgery for Q2 vs Q4 (2.63%vs 15.79%, P=.003) and with death at any point after surgery/during follow-up for Q1 vs Q4 (7.46%vs 28.36%, P=.002), Q2 vs Q4 (15.79%vs 31.58%, P=.011), and Q3 vs Q4 (18.75%vs 31.25%, P=.047). LACE+ may be suitable for characterizing risk of certain perioperative events in a patient population undergoing supratentorial brain tumor resection.

SURG-36. THE EVALUATION OF POSTOPERATIVE MOTOR FUNCTION DEFICITS AFTER SUPRATENTORIAL BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY THROUGH THE ANALYSIS OF INTRAOPERATIVE MEP AND ISCHEMIC LESION ON POSTOPERATIVE DWI

Abstract BACKGROUND The authors investigated the incidence of ischemic lesions on immediate postoperative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) according to the findings of intraoperative motor evoked potential (MEP) and the correlation with postoperative motor function deficits. METHODS From January 2016 to June 2018, total 127 supratentorial brain tumor patients were enrolled in this study. The intraoperative MEP results were analyzed in the following three groups: no decline below 50 % of baseline (A), transient decline below 50 % of baseline (B), no recovery until end stage of surgery (C). Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was performed within 48 hours after surgery. RESULTS Of the total 127 patients, MEP changes (group B&C) were observed in 25 patients (25/127, 19.7%), DWI positive findings were identified in 31 patients (31/127, 24.4%) and motor function deficits were observed in 19 patients (19/127, 15%), respectively. DWI positive finding rate was higher in gliomas (14/43, 32.6%) than meningiomas (8/51, 15.7%) or other tumors including metastasis (6/32, 18.8%), however, there was no statistical significance. In MEP changes, group B&C (16/25, 64%) showed higher DWI positive rate than group A (13/102, 12.7%). In DWI findings, the DWI positive cases (16/31, 51.6%) showed a higher motor function deficit rates than the DWI negative cases (3/96, 3%). These two results were all statistically significant (P<0.01). In group A, motor function deficits were presented in 3 of 13 DWI positive case, all of which were transient. In group B, motor function deficits were presented in 9 out of 13 DWI positive cases with permanent 4 and transient 5. In group C, motor function deficits were presented in 4 out of 5 DWI positive cases with permanent 3 and transient 1. CONCLUSIONS Both intraoperative MEP changes and postoperative DWI positive findings in supratentorial brain tumor surgery were significant related with postoperative motor function deficits. Even if intraoperative MEP changes occur during supratentorial brain tumor surgery, active and appropriate efforts to prevent irreversible MEP changes may reduce the occurrence of permanent postoperative motor function deficits.

Predicting short-term outcomes following supratentorial tumor surgery

ObjectivesThe LACE+ index risk prediction tool has not been successfully used to predict short-term outcomes after neurosurgery. This study assessed the ability of LACE+ to predict 30-day (30D) adverse outcomes after supratentorial brain tumor surgery. Patients and methodsLACE+ scores were retrospectively calculated for consecutive patients (n = 624) who received surgery for supratentorial tumors at one multi-center health system (2017–2019). Coarsened exact matching was employed to control for confounding variables. Outcomes including unplanned hospital readmission, emergency department visits, and death were compared for patients with different LACE+ score quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). Results134 patients were matched between Q1 and Q4; 152 patients between Q2 and Q4; 192 patients between Q3 and Q4. LACE+ score was not found to predict readmission within 30D of discharge for Q1 vs Q4 (p = 0.239), Q2 vs Q4 (p = 0.336), or Q3 vs Q4 (p = 0.739). LACE + score also did not predict 30D risk of emergency department visits for Q1 vs Q4 (p = 0.210), Q2 vs Q4 (p = 0.839), or Q3 vs Q4 (p = 0.167). LACE + did predict death within 30D of surgery for Q3 vs Q4 (1.04 % vs 7.29 %, p = 0.039), but not for Q1 vs Q4 (p = 0.625) or Q2 vs Q4 (p = 0.125). ConclusionLACE + may not be suitable for characterizing short-term risk of certain perioperative events in a patient population undergoing supratentorial brain tumor surgery.

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.

Prophylactic antiepileptic treatment with levetiracetam for patients undergoing supratentorial brain tumor surgery: a two-center matched cohort study.

Guidelines on the administration of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AED), and specifically levetiracetam, for brain tumor surgery are still lacking. In this two-center matched cohort study, we aim to compare the proportion of postoperative seizures during follow-up after supratentorial tumor surgery in patients receiving no seizure prophylaxis, and those treated with levetiracetam perioperatively. Three hundred sixteen consecutive patients undergoing supratentorial tumor surgery, without history of seizures were included: 207 patients did not receive AED (no AED group), and 109 patients received levetiracetam perioperatively (levetiracetam group). The primary outcome measure was the rate of postoperative seizures. Additionally, uni- and multivariate analyses assessing possible risk factors for postoperative seizures were performed. No statistically significant difference for the occurrence of postoperative seizures was found between the two groups (10.1%, n = 21 in the no AED group vs. 9.2%, n = 10, in the levetiracetam group; p = 0.69, OR 0.9 [0.4-2.0), NNT 103 [12.9-17.1]). After propensity score matching, the primary outcome was observed in 13 patients (12.4%) from the no AED group and in 9 patients (8.6%) from the levetiracetam group (p = 0.50, OR 0.7 [0.3-1.6], NNT 26.3 [8.3-22.4]). Among all analyzed possible risk factors for postoperative seizures, only postoperative infarction showed a statistically significant association with higher seizure rates in multivariate analysis (OR 8.2 [1.1-60.6], p = 0.04). Prophylactic treatment with levetiracetam after brain tumor surgery showed no statistically significant effect in preventing postoperative seizures. However, in case a postoperative infarction occurs, its administration might be indicated.

Mannitol Improves Intraoperative Brain Relaxation in Patients With a Midline Shift Undergoing Supratentorial Tumor Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Mannitol is widely used to reduce brain tissue swelling and improve brain relaxation during neurosurgery. However, the optimal dosage for patients with midline shift undergoing supratentorial tumor resection remains unclear. In this randomized, controlled double-blinded study, 204 patients with preoperative midline shift who underwent elective supratentorial brain tumor surgery were equally allocated to receive placebo or 0.7, 1.0, or 1.4 g/kg mannitol infusion. The primary outcome was the proportion of satisfactory brain relaxation. Demographics and baseline characteristics were similar among the 4 groups. Trend analysis showed that mannitol infusion increased satisfactory brain relaxation (P<0.0001), relaxed dural tension (P<0.0001) and adequate surgical exposure (P<0.0001), and decreased the requirement for rescue therapy for brain swelling (P<0.0005), all in a dose-dependent manner. Tumor size (odds ratio [OR]: 0.99 per 1 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.989-0.998, P=0.004), peritumoral edema classification (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37-0.97; P=0.038) as well as mannitol dose (OR: 2.81, 95% CI: 1.97-4.02, P<0.0001) were significantly associated with satisfactory brain relaxation. An increased risk of moderate to severe postoperative cerebral edema was found in the group receiving 1.4 g/kg mannitol (P=0.025) in a dose-dependent manner (P=0.018). An optimal mannitol infusion dosage of 1.0 g/kg is recommended to improve brain relaxation with lower risk of moderate to severe postoperative cerebral edema in patients with midline shift undergoing supratentorial tumor resections. The effect of mannitol on brain relaxation is affected by tumor size and severity of peritumoral edema, rather than by midline shift.

Clinical Factors Associated With ICU-Specific Care Following Supratentoral Brain Tumor Resection and Validation of a Risk Prediction Score.

The postoperative management of patients who undergo brain tumor resection frequently occurs in an ICU. However, the routine admission of all patients to an ICU following surgery is controversial. This study seeks to identify the frequency with which patients undergoing elective supratentorial tumor resection require care, aside from frequent neurologic checks, that is specific to an ICU and to determine the frequency of new complications during ICU admission. Additionally, clinical predictors of ICU-specific care are identified, and a scoring system to discriminate patients most likely to require ICU-specific treatment is validated. Retrospective observational cohort study. Academic neurosurgical center. Two-hundred consecutive adult patients who underwent supratentorial brain tumor surgery. An additional 100 consecutive patients were used to validate the prediction score. None. Univariate statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify clinical characteristics associated with ICU-specific treatment. Eighteen patients (9%) received ICU-specific care, and 19 (9.5%) experienced new complications or underwent emergent imaging while in the ICU. Factors significantly associated with ICU-specific care included nonelective admission, preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale, and volume of IV fluids. A simple clinical scoring system that included Karnofsky Performance Status less than 70 (1 point), general endotracheal anesthesia (1 point), and any early postoperative complications (2 points) demonstrated excellent ability to discriminate patients who required ICU-specific care in both the derivation and validation cohorts. Less than 10% of patients required ICU-specific care following supratentorial tumor resection. A simple clinical scoring system may aid clinicians in stratifying the risk of requiring ICU care and could inform triage decisions when ICU bed availability is limited.

Analysis of Cost Variation in Craniotomy for Tumor Using 2 National Databases.

There is a significant increase and large variation in craniotomy costs. However, the causes of cost differences in craniotomies remain poorly understood. To examine the patient and hospital factors that underlie the cost variation in tumor craniotomies using 2 national databases: the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and Vizient, Inc. (Irving, Texas). For 41 483 patients who underwent primary surgery for supratentorial brain tumors from 2001 to 2013 in the NIS, we created univariate and multivariate models to evaluate the effect of several patient factors and hospital factors on total hospital cost. Similarly, we performed multivariate analysis with 15 087 cases in the Vizient 2012 to 2015 database. In the NIS, the mean inflation-adjusted cost per tumor craniotomy increased 30%, from $23 021 in 2001 to $29 971 in 2013. In 2001, the highest cost region was the Northeast ($24 486 ± $1184), and by 2013 the western United States was the highest cost region ($36 058 ± $1684). Multivariate analyses with NIS data showed that male gender, white race, private insurance, higher mortality risk, higher severity of illness, longer length of stay, elective admissions, higher wage index, urban teaching hospitals, and hospitals in the western United States were associated with higher tumor craniotomy costs (all P < .05). Multivariate analyses with Vizient data confirmed that longer length of stay and the western United States were significantly associated with higher costs (P < .001). After controlling for patient/clinical factors, hospital type, bed size, and wage index, hospitals in the western United States had higher costs than those in other parts of the country, based on analyses from 2 separate national databases.

Surgery for primary supratentorial brain tumors in the United States, 2000-2009: effect of provider and hospital caseload on complication rates.

The object of this study was to examine how procedural volume and patient demographics impact complication rates and value of care in those who underwent biopsy or craniotomy for supratentorial primary brain tumors. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) on 62,514 admissions for biopsy or resection of supratentorial primary brain tumors for the period from 2000 to 2009. The main outcome measures were in-hospital mortality, routine discharge proportion, length of hospital stay, and perioperative complications. Associations between these outcomes and hospital or surgeon case volumes were examined in logistic regression models stratified across patient characteristics to control for presentation of disease and comorbid risk factors. The authors further computed value of care, defined as the ratio of functional outcome to hospital charges. High-case-volume surgeons and hospitals had superior outcomes. After adjusting for patient characteristics, high-volume surgeon correlated with reduced complication rates (OR 0.91, p=0.04) and lower in-hospital mortality (OR 0.43, p<0.0001). High-volume hospitals were associated with reduced in-hospital mortality (OR 0.76, p=0.003), higher routine discharge proportion (OR 1.29, p<0.0001), and lower complication rates (OR 0.93, p=0.04). Patients treated by high-volume surgeons were less likely to experience postoperative hematoma, hydrocephalus, or wound complications. Patients treated at high-volume hospitals were less likely to experience mechanical ventilation, pulmonary complications, or infectious complications. Worse outcomes tended to occur in African American and Hispanic patients and in those without private insurance, and these demographic groups tended to underutilize high-volume providers. A high-volume status for hospitals and surgeons correlates with superior value of care, as well as reduced in-hospital mortality and complications. These findings suggest that regionalization of care may enhance patient outcomes and improve value of care for patients with primary supratentorial brain tumors.

Quantitative longitudinal evaluation of diaschisis-related cerebellar perfusion and diffusion parameters in patients with supratentorial hemispheric high-grade gliomas after surgery.

Decreased cerebral blood volume (CBV) in contralateral cerebellar gray matter (cGM) in conjunction with cerebellar white matter (cWM) damage, consistent with crossed cerebro-cerebellar diaschisis (cCCD) develop following supratentorial hemispheric stroke. In this study, we investigated the longitudinal evolution of diaschisis-related cerebellar perfusion and diffusion tensor-imaging (DTI) changes in patients after surgery for supratentorial brain tumors. Eight patients (M:F 5:3, age 8-22years) who received surgery for supratentorial high-grade gliomas were evaluated. Initial MRI studies were performed 19-54days postoperatively, with follow-ups at 2- to 3-month intervals. For each study, parametric maps of the cerebellum were generated and coregistered to T1-weighted images that had been previously segmented for cGM and cWM. Aggregate mean values of CBV, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were obtained separately for cGM and cWM, and asymmetry indices (AIs) were calculated. Hemodynamic changes were more robust in cGM than in cWM. Seven patients showed decreased perfusion within cGM contralateral to the supratentorial lesion on the first postoperative study, and asymmetry was significant for both CBV (p = 0.008) and CBF (p < 0.01). For CBV, follow-up studies showed a significant trend towards recovery (p < 0.02). DTI changes were more pronounced in cWM. FA values suggested a "paradoxical" increase at initial follow-up, but steadily declined thereafter (p = 0.0003), without evidence of subsequent recovery. Diaschisis-related hemodynamic alterations within cGM appear on early postoperative studies, but CBV recovers over time. Conversely, cWM DTI changes are delayed and progressive. Although the clinical correlates of cCCD are yet to be elucidated, better understanding of longitudinal structural and hemodynamic changes within brain remote from the area of primary insult could have implications in research and clinical rehabilitative strategies.