Abordaje perioperatorio en cirugía neurológica con el paciente despierto / Perioperative approach in neurological surgery with the patient awake

Resumen: La craneotomía con el paciente despierto se refiere a aquellos procedimientos en los que el paciente conserva su estado de consciencia durante toda la cirugía o en parte de ésta con el objetivo de explorar la integridad de sus funciones cerebrales superiores en tiempo real. Estas técnicas neuroanestésicas son útiles para ayudar al neurocirujano a preservar la integridad del tejido cerebral, o bien, no causar mayor daño del que la propia enfermedad ha causado.

Abstract: Awake craniotomy refers to those procedures in which the patient remains conscious for all or part the time, with the aim of explore in real time the integrity of their higher brain functions. This kind of neuroanesthetic techniques are useful in assisting the neurosurgeon to preserve the integrity of the brain or not to damage more than what the disease has caused.

Abordaje de la vía aérea en el paciente neuroquirúrgico / Airway approach in the neurosurgical patient

Resumen: El abordaje de la vía aérea en el paciente neuroquirúrgico presenta grandes retos debido al escenario tan complejo al cual nos enfrentamos; debemos considerar las características propias del paciente, las comorbilidades presentes y la patología neurológica por la que va a ser intervenido. Conocer la patología neurológica y las implicaciones o repercusiones que ésta puede llegar a tener en el manejo de la vía aérea ayudarán a la toma de decisiones y conocer los retos y escenarios que se pudieran presentar durante el evento anestésico-quirúrgico.

Abstract: The approach to the airway in the neurosurgical patient presents great challenges due to the complex scenario we face; we must consider the patient's own characteristics, the co-morbidities present and the neurological pathology for which it is going to be intervened. Knowing the neurological pathology and the implications or repercussions that this may have over the management of the airway will help decision making and manage the challenges and scenarios that could arise during the anesthetic surgical event.

Challenges in the performance of awake craniotomies in the Philippine General Hospital: A case series

@#Awake craniotomy is a neurosurgical technique that involves an awake neurological testing during the resection of an intracranial lesion in eloquent cerebral cortical areas representing motor, language, and speech. This technique is highlighted by an intra-operative cortical mapping that requires active participation by the patient and poses unique challenges to the anesthesiologist. The surgical and anesthetic techniques have evolved significantly over time, as the neurosurgeon and the anesthesiologist learn new steps in making this technique safe to achieve reasonable patient satisfaction. A thorough understanding of this surgical technique's rationale will guide the anesthesiologist in planning the anesthetic management depending on the surgery and neurologic testing. Constant communication between the neurosurgeon, anesthesiologist, and the patient will define this surgical technique's success. It is already a well-established procedure; however, factors that contribute to failures in awake craniotomy procedures have not been well characterized in the literature. Failure is defined as the inability to conduct awake neurologic testing during the awake craniotomy procedure because of various factors which will be described. This paper aims to review the challenges in the performance of three (3) cases of awake craniotomies performed in the Philippine General Hospital. The challenges described in these three (3) cases reveal that this can be experienced by the neurosurgeon, neuroanesthesiologist, and most especially the patient in an acute critical condition. Identification of the procedures' failure and the steps taken to manage such situations with the patient's safety in mind are discussed.

Experiencia emocional percibida por pacientes sometidos a craneotomía con despertar intraoperatorio / Emotional experience perceived by patients undergoing craniotomy with intraoperative awakening / Experiência emocional percebida por pacientes submetidos à craniotomia com despertar intraoperatório

Resumen: Introducción: la craneotomía vigil para el tratamiento de tumores cerebrales en áreas elocuentes es una técnica que se realiza en forma cada vez más frecuente. Sin embargo, muy poca literatura se ha publicado en referencia a cómo percibe el paciente esta experiencia que podría parecer estresante. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia emocional de los pacientes sometidos a despertar intraoperatorio para el tratamiento de los gliomas. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de 16 pacientes operados entre enero de 2015 y octubre de 2017, a los cuales se les efectuó una craneotomía con despertar intraoperatorio. Se identificaron 6 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Posteriormente a la cirugía se realizó, en una primera instancia, encuestas estandarizadas en donde se evaluó: datos sociodemográficos, nivel de ansiedad durante el despertar intraoperatorio, miedo a la anestesia y nivel de información de la enfermedad. En una segunda instancia, se le realizó una entrevista subjetiva por parte de un Licenciado en Psicología. Resultados: De los datos sociodemográficos obtuvimos que el 67% son hombres, y que la media de edad era de 30,66 años. En cuanto a la ansiedad observamos que el 60% de los pacientes tenían un nivel de ansiedad bajo, el 40% un nivel de ansiedad medio, y destacamos que ningún paciente tuvo un nivel de ansiedad alto. Con respecto al miedo a la anestesia y acto quirúrgico el 67% no tuvo miedo, mientras que el 37% restante afirman tenerlo, y los motivos más frecuentes para ello fueron: a morir, y a quedar con secuelas. En cuanto al nivel de información que fue proporcionada por el médico, en un 17% fue excelente, 33% muy completa, el 33% indicaron que la información fue suficiente y el 17% restante indica que la misma fue escasa. Conclusión: Destacamos que la cirugía con despertar intraoperatorio es bien tolerada. De las lecciones prácticas aprendidas enfatizamos la importancia de la entrevista preoperatoria en donde se explican con detalle el objetivo del procedimiento y cuáles son los pasos a seguir, para de esta manera maximizar la cooperación.

Abstract: Introduction: awake craniotomy for brain tumors surgery is a technique that is performed for tumors located on eloquent areas. However, a few articles has been published in reference to how the patient perceives this experience. Our objective is to describe the emotional experience of patients undergoing intraoperative awakening for the treatment of gliomas. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of 16 patients operated between January 2015 and October 2017, who underwent awake craniotomy. Six patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified. After the surgery, standardized surveys were carried out, in the first instance, where the following were evaluated: sociodemographic data, level of anxiety during intraoperative awakening, fear of anesthesia and level of information about the disease. In a second instance, a subjective interview was conducted by a Psychologist. Results: There were 4 mans and 2 womens with average age was 30.66 years. Regarding anxiety, we observed that 60% of patients had a low anxiety level, 40% had a medium level of anxiety, and we emphasized that no patient had a high level of anxiety. Regarding the fear of anesthesia and surgery, 67% were not afraid, while the remaining 37% claim to have fear of death or sequelae. Regarding the level of information that was provided by the doctor, 17% was excellent, 33% very complete, 33% indicated that the information was sufficient and the remaining 17% indicated that it was scarce. Conclusion: We emphasize that surgery with intraoperative awakening is well tolerated. From the practical lessons learned we emphasize the importance of the preoperative interview where the objective of the procedure is explained in detail and which are the steps to follow, in order to maximize cooperation.

Resumo: Introdução: A craniotomia de vigília para o tratamento de tumores cerebrais em áreas eloqüentes é uma técnica cada vez mais realizada. No entanto, muito pouca literatura foi publicada em referência a como o paciente percebe essa experiência que pode parecer estressante. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever a experiência emocional de pacientes submetidos ao despertar intraoperatório para o tratamento de gliomas. Materiais e Métodos: Revisão retrospectiva de 16 pacientes operados entre janeiro de 2015 e outubro de 2017, submetidos à craniotomia com despertar intraoperatório. Foram identificados seis pacientes que preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Após a cirurgia, em primeira instância, foram realizados inquéritos padronizados, nos quais foram avaliados: dados sociodemográficos, nível de ansiedade durante o despertar intraoperatório, medo da anestesia e nível de informação sobre a doença. Em um segundo momento, uma entrevista subjetiva foi conduzida por um Bacharel em Psicologia. Resultados: A partir dos dados sociodemográficos, obtivemos que 67% são homens e a idade média foi de 30,66 anos. Em relação à ansiedade, observamos que 60% dos pacientes apresentavam baixo nível de ansiedade, 40% apresentavam nível médio de ansiedade e enfatizamos que nenhum paciente apresentava alto nível de ansiedade. Com relação ao medo da anestesia e da cirurgia, 67% não temeram, enquanto os 37% restantes afirmaram tê-lo, e os motivos mais frequentes foram: morrer e ficar com seqüelas. Em relação ao nível de informação que foi fornecido pelo médico, 17% foi excelente, 33% muito completo, 33% indicaram que a informação era suficiente e os 17% restantes indicaram que esta era escassa. Conclusão: Enfatizamos que a cirurgia com despertar intraoperatório é bem tolerada. A partir das lições práticas aprendidas, enfatizamos a importância da entrevista pré-operatória, onde o objetivo do procedimento é explicado em detalhes e quais são os passos a seguir, a fim de maximizar a cooperação.

Reliability and validity of Chinese version of sensory-motor function scale during awake craniotomy / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To translate English version of sensory-motor profile awake ( SMP-a) into Chinese version (the Chinese Version of SMP-a),and analyze the reliability and validity of the scale before and after craniotomy under awakening anesthesia. Methods Eighty-one patients whose tumors were located near or already in sensory-motor functional area were included in this study. Before and after awake cranioto-my,the Chinese version of SMP-a was used to accurately assess the sensory-motor function of each patient. Finally, the reliability and validity of the scale were analyzed by SPSS statistical software. Results Cronbach's α coefficient in the Chinese version of SMP-a was 0. 971,and Cronbach's α coefficient in the four subscales of face,hand,leg and sensation was 0. 965,0. 989,0. 981 and 0. 970,respectively. The test-retest reliability of the Chinese version of sensorimotor assessment scale was 0. 910,0. 904,0. 884,0. 898 and 0. 695 (total,face,hands,legs and sensory score respectively). The raters' consistency reliability was above 0. 949,0. 960,0. 934,0. 887 and 0. 660,respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficients of sensorimotor function score with SF-36 physiological function factors and KPS score were 0. 868 and 0. 790,respectively. Conclusion Before or after operation,the Chinese version of SMP-a has preferable reliability,internal con-sistency reliability and structural validity. It is feasible in awakening anesthesia craniotomy,and the degree of damage can be determined by repeated measurement of the sensorimotor sites that may be impaired by the patient.

Anesthetic considerations for awake craniotomy: case report / Considerações anestésicas para craniotomia em paciente acordado: relato de caso

Abstract Background and objectives: The conscious patient cooperation during neurological procedures has become necessary for the delimitation of areas to be managed by a neurosurgeon, with better results in the treatment of tumor lesions, vascular or epileptic foci, and lesser sequelae. The need for perioperative awareness (responsiveness to commands) challenges anesthesiologists to further ensure patient safety during the procedure. Several techniques have been described for this purpose. Case report: In this case, interaction with the patient during brain tumor resection enabled a broad approach of the tumor lesion, limited by deficits in speech and naming observed during surgical manipulation, avoiding major consequences. The chosen technique was deepening of general anesthesia during surgical times of most painful stimulus with intraoperative awakening of the patient. Conclusions: Patient selection, an exhaustive explanation of the procedure to him, and the selection of drugs are crucial for a successful procedure. Laryngeal mask is useful in times requiring greater depth and anesthetic ventilation control, primarily in situations where endotracheal intubation may be hindered by the position. The continuous infusion of remifentanil and adjuncts in the awake period associated adequate analgesia and full consciousness.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A colaboração consciente do paciente durante procedimentos neurológicos tem se tornado necessária para delimitar áreas a serem abordadas pelo neurocirurgião, com melhores resultados no tratamento de lesões tumorais, vasculares ou focos epiléticos e minimização de sequelas. A necessidade de consciência perioperatória e responsividade a comandos desafia o anestesiologista a garantir ainda a segurança do paciente durante o procedimento. Várias técnicas têm sido descritas para esse fim. Relato de caso: No presente caso, a interação com paciente durante ressecção de tumor cerebral possibilitou abordagem ampla de lesão tumoral, limitada por déficits de fala e de identificação notados à manipulação cirúrgica, e evitou sequelas maiores. A indução de anestesia geral em tempos cirúrgicos de maior estímulo doloroso com despertar intraoperatório do paciente foi a técnica escolhida. Conclusões: A seleção do paciente, seu exaustivo esclarecimento e a seleção das drogas são de fundamental importância para o sucesso do procedimento. A máscara laríngea é instrumento útil em tempos que exigem maior profundidade anestésica e controle da ventilação, primariamente em situações em que a intubação endotraqueal pode estar dificultada pelo posicionamento. A infusão contínua de remifentanil e coadjuvantes no período desperto associou analgesia adequada e consciência plena.

Accidental intracerebral injection and seizure during scalp nerve blocks for awake craniotomy in a previously craniotomized patient: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 34-year-old man who previously underwent a craniotomy due to oligodendroglioma was admitted with a diagnosis of recurrent brain tumor. An awake craniotomy was planned. Approximately 15 minutes after completing the scalp nerve block, his upper torso suddenly moved and trembled for 10 seconds, suggesting a generalized clonic seizure. He recovered gradually and fully in 55 minutes without any neurological sequelae. The emergency computed tomography scan revealed a localized fluid collection and small intracerebral hemorrhage nearby in the temporoparietal cortex beneath the skull defect. He underwent surgery under general anesthesia at 8 hours after the seizure and was discharged from the hospital after 10 days. This report documents the first case of generalized seizure that was caused by the accidental intracerebral injection of local anesthetics. Although the patient recovered completely, the clinical implications regarding the scalp infiltration technique in a patient with skull defects are discussed.

Uso de la Dexmedetomidina en la Neurocirugía con el paciente despierto. A propósito de un caso clínico / Use of Dexmedetomidine in Neurosurgery with the patient awake. About a clinical case

Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 58 años, coordinado para resección de tumor temporo insular izquierdo mediante una craneotomía despierto. Se analiza en este trabajo, a partir de la descripción del caso clínico, las ventajas de la resección de este tipo de lesiones con el paciente despierto. La posibilidades de abordaje, despierto durante todo el procedimiento (awake), dormido-despierto-dormido (asleep-awake-asleep), dormido-despierto (asleep-awake). A su vez se analiza la técnica anestésica, la combinación de fármacos y especialmente las características de la Dexmedetomidina. Conclusiones: la neurocirugía con el paciente despierto, determina una serie de características y desafíos para el equipo anestésico tratante y la interacción con un equipo mulitidisciplinario (neurocirujanos, neurofisiologos, anestesiologos). Existen diferentes combinaciones de fármacos; siendo la Dexmedetomidina una opción que mejorar la satisfacción de los pacientes durante la etapa de despertar, así como las condiciones quirúrgicas con mínimas interferencia en la monitorización neurofisiológica.

We present the case of a 58-year-old patient, scheduled to resection of left insular tumor by an awake craniotomy. In this paper, from the description of the clinical case, we analyzed the advantages of a resection of this type of lesion with an awake patient. We discuss the surgical approach, and options of an awake patient all throughout the procedure, asleep-awake-asleep and asleep-awake. Also, the anesthetic technique, the combination of drugs and especially the characteristics of Dexmedetomidine are analyzed. Conclusions: neurosurgery with an awake patient, determines a series of characteristics and challenges for the anesthetic and multidisciplinary team (neurosurgeons, neurophysiologists, anesthesiologists). There are different combinations of drugs, with Dexmedetomidine being an option that would improve patient satisfaction during the awakening stage, as well as surgical conditions with minimal interference in neurophysiological monitoring.

Costos económicos en craneotomía vigíl para la resección de tumores intracerebrales / Economic costs in a craniotomy monitor for the resection of intracerebral tumors

INTRODUCCIÓN: la técnica de craneotomía vigíl (CV) ha facilitado la extracción de lesiones intracerebrales cercanas a áreas elocuentes debido a la información inmediata que se puede obtener por vía de cortico-estimulación. OBJETIVO: describir los costos económicos comparativos entre CV y anestesia general (CAG). MÉTODO: se estudiaron los casos operados bajo CV, desde noviembre del 2007 a octubre del 2012, en el Hospital de Diagnóstico de El Salvador. Se operaron 63 pacientes bajo CV, de estos, 45 con patología oncológica fueron comparados contra 45 pacientes operados bajo CAG. Se analizan costos de CV versus CAG, los cuales se desglosan en: procedimiento, días de estancia intrahospitalaria y unidades intermedias. RESULTADOS: el costo promedio de CV fue de 6,540 USD (6,300 ­ 6,900) versus 8,550 USD (8,000 - 9,000) de CAG (p.0003). El tiempo en quirófano fue de 257.49 minutos en CV y de 247.51 minutos para CAG (p.0.63). El tiempo promedio hospitalización en CV fue de 2.1 días (1-4) y en CAG de 2.9 días (2-5) (p0.004). Tres (6.6%) pacientes de CV pasaron a unidad de cuidados intermedios (UCIM), de CAG 6 (13.3%) pacientes pasaron a UCIM (p.0.04). La tasa de resección volumétrica según RM control fue de 92% (40-100) en CV versus 95% (62-100) en CAG (p.0.5). CONCLUSIONES: la CV mostró ser más económica que la clásica CCAG e incurre en menor tiempo de hospitalización. Las series no fueron comparables en cuanto a cercanía de las lesiones a áreas elocuentes y a la existencia de complicaciones, ya que la mayoría de casos en dichas áreas fueron operados por CV

INTRODUCTION: awake craniotomy (CV) technique made easier the resection of intracerebral lesions near eloquent cortex due to the immediate information that can be obtained via cortico-stimulation. OBJECTIVE: to investigate comparative costs at our center between CV and general anesthesia (CAG). METHOD: we analyzed the cases that were operated under CV from November 2007 to October 2012 at the Hospital de Diagnóstico de El Salvador. During this period 63 patients were operated using CV. 45 patients with oncological pathology were chosen that could be compared to 45 patients that were operated by the same team but under CAG. Comparative costs were studied and broken down in the direct cost of procedure, hospital stay in regular and intermediate care units. A brief description of the techniques used is provided and clinical results with regards to volumetric resection and neurologicalcomplications. RESULTS: the average cost of CV was 6,540 USD (6,300 ­ 6,900) versus 8,550 USD (8,000 - 9,000) of CAG (p.0003). Operating room time was 257.49 minutes in CV and 247.51 minutes for CAG p.0.63. The average hospitalization time was in CV 2.1 days (1-4) and 2.9 days in CAG (2-5) (p.0.004). Three (6.6%) patients of CV needed Intermediate Care (UCIM), in CAG 6 (13.3%) patients needed (UCIM p.0.04). The proportion of lesions next to or in eloquent cortex was CV (36) versus CAG (15) 2.4:1 (p.0.0031). Volumetric resection according MRI was 92% (40-100) in CV versus 95% (62-100) in CAG, (p.0.5). CONCLUSIONS: awake craniotomy showed to be less expensive than CAG and had less hospital stay. Both series were not comparable with regards to tumor resection in eloquent or near eloquent cortex and complications due to the fact that most of the complex cases were operated under CV

The History of Awake Craniotomy in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Awake craniotomy is a brain surgery performed on awake patients and is indicated for certain intracranial pathologies. These include procedures that require an awake patient for electrocorticographic mapping or precise electrophysiological recordings, resection of lesions located close to or in the motor and speech of the brain, or minor intracranial procedures that aim to avoid general anaesthesia for faster recovery and earlier discharge. This type of brain surgery is quite new and has only recently begun to be performed in a few neurosurgical centres in Malaysia. The success of the surgery requires exceptional teamwork from the neurosurgeon, neuroanaesthesiologist, and neurologist. The aim of this article is to briefly describe the history of awake craniotomy procedures at our institution.

Awake Craniotomy: A Case Series of Anaesthetic Management using a Combination of Scalp Block, Dexmedetomidine and Remifentanil in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Awake craniotomy is a brain surgery in patients who are kept awake when it is indicated for certain intracranial pathologies. The anaesthetic management strategy is very important to achieve the goals of the surgery. We describe a series of our first four cases performed under a combination of scalp block and conscious sedation. Scalp block was performed using a mixture of ropivacaine 0.75% and adrenaline 5 μg/ ml administered to the nerves that innervate the scalp. Conscious sedation was achieved with a combination of two recently available drugs in our country, dexmedetomidine (selective α 2-agonist) and remifentanil (ultra-short acting opioid). Remifentanil was delivered in a target controlled infusion (TCI) mode.

Awake craniotomy - for management of intracranial lesions safely in eloquent areas of brain.

The awake craniotomy is a procedure where the craniotomy and excision of the lesion is done in awake patient without general anaesthesia. This surgical technique enable surgeons to avoid damaging normal cerebral regions and allow real-time patient feedback while operating on important functional areas of brain like motor cortex and speech areas (motor, somatosensory, and language areas). Such surgical interventions would not be possible without anesthesia. This technique was originally introduced for the surgical treatment of epilepsy and has subsequently been used in patients undergoing surgical management of supratentorial tumours, deep brain stimulation and near critical brain regions. This surgical approach aims to maximize lesion resection while sparing important areas of the brain.

Anesthetic management with propofol/remifentanil target controlled infusion for awake craniotomy: A case report

Awake craniotomy is indicated for tumor resection involving eloquent cortex. It allows the operator to perform appropriate cortical mapping during surgery and facilitate maximum tumor resection while minimizing neurologic deficit. Therefore anesthesia should provide adequate analgesia and sedation but also importantly a full consciousness and cooperation for neurologic testing. This case reports the use of target-controlled infusion (TCI) and monitoring of sedation and anesthetic depth through bispectral index (BIS), providing good control of sedation and analgesia to meet frequent changes throughout the different levels of the procedure while maintaining good condition for intraoperative brain mapping. We propose that TCI of propofol and remifentanil in combination may be a useful alternative for awake craniotomy requiring intraoperative brain mapping surgery.

Development of a contralateral acute subdural hematoma during awake craniotomy for glial tumor in a 12-year-old boy: A case report

Contralateral acute subdural hematomas that occur during removal of brain tumors under general anesthesia are extremely rare, and there are no reports of this developing during awake craniotomy for brain tumors. We report a case of a 12-year-old boy who complained of sudden and severe headache and nausea around the completion of removal of a glial tumor of the frontal lobe under awake anesthesia. Postoperative computerized tomography scan revealed the presence of contralateral acute minimal subdural hematoma. We suggest that during craniotomy with awake anesthesia for brain tumors, contralateral acute subdural hematoma may occur, even in the absence of brain bulging or changes in vital signs. Sudden intra-operative headache and nausea should be investigated by immediate postoperative computerized tomography scans to ascertain diagnosis.

Development of a contralateral acute subdural hematoma during awake craniotomy for glial tumor in a 12-year-old boy: A case report

Contralateral acute subdural hematomas that occur during removal of brain tumors under general anesthesia are extremely rare, and there are no reports of this developing during awake craniotomy for brain tumors. We report a case of a 12-year-old boy who complained of sudden and severe headache and nausea around the completion of removal of a glial tumor of the frontal lobe under awake anesthesia. Postoperative computerized tomography scan revealed the presence of contralateral acute minimal subdural hematoma. We suggest that during craniotomy with awake anesthesia for brain tumors, contralateral acute subdural hematoma may occur, even in the absence of brain bulging or changes in vital signs. Sudden intra-operative headache and nausea should be investigated by immediate postoperative computerized tomography scans to ascertain diagnosis.

Comparison of Lidocaine and Ropivacaine for Scalp Blockade during Awake Craniotomy / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of lidocaine and ropivacaine for scalp block in providing adequate analgesia with minimum side effects during awake craniotomy.Methods60 patients, ASA 1～2, were randomized into either lidocaine (L) group (n=30) or ropivacaine (R) group (n=30). 1% lidocaine or 0.5% ropivacaine were taken for scalp nerve block 15 min before incision. Supplemental oxygen was given using nasal prongs that were adapted for the monitoring of end tidal CO2 and respiratory rate. Serial parameters about circulation and respiratory were measured and drug consumption were recorded.ResultsThe hemodynamic parameters of L group were higher than R group in the latter stage(P<0.05). L group was associated with significantly more consumption of sufentanil and more respiratory depression than R group(P<0.05).ConclusionRopivacaine, taking for scalp block undergoing awake craniotomy, is associated with less consumption of analgesic and less respiratory depression than lidocaine.

Anesthetic management with scalp nerve block and propofol/remifentanil infusion during awake craniotomy in an adolescent patient: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Despite of various neurophysiologic monitoring methods under general anesthesia, functional mapping at awake state during brain surgery is helpful for conservation of speech and motor function. But, awake craniotomy in children or adolescents is worrisome considering their emotional friabilities. We present our experience on anesthetic management for awake craniotomy in an adolescent patient. The patient was 16 years old male who would undergo awake craniotomy for removal of brain tumor. Scalp nerve block was done with local anesthetics and we infused propofol and remifentanil with target controlled infusion. The patient endured well and was cooperative before scalp suture, but when surgeon sutured scalp, he complained of pain and was suddenly agitated. We decided change to general anesthesia. Neurosurgeon did full neurologic examinations and there was no neurologic deficit except facial palsy of right side. Facial palsy had improved with time.

Cortical stimulation of language fields under local anesthesia: optimizing removal of brain lesions adjacent to speech areas / Mapeamento cortical da fala com o paciente acordado: optimização para ressecção de lesões intracranianas localizadas próximas a área da fala

OBJECTIVE: The main objective when resecting benign brain lesions is to minimize risk of postoperative neurological deficits. We have assessed the safety and effectiveness of craniotomy under local anesthesia and monitored conscious sedation for the resection of lesions involving eloquent language cortex. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a consecutive series of 12 patients who underwent craniotomy under local anesthesia between 2001 and 2004. All patients had lesions close to the speech cortex. All resection was verified by post-operative imaging. Six subjects were male and 6 female, and were aged between 14 and 52 years. RESULTS: Lesions comprised 7 tumour lesions, 3 cavernomas and 1 dermoid cyst. Radiological gross total resection was achieved in 66 percent of patients while remaining cases had greater than 80 percent resection. Only one patient had a post-operative permanent deficit, whilst another had a transient post-operative deficit. All patients with uncontrollable epilepsy had good outcomes after surgery. None of our cases subsequently needed to be put under general anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Awake craniotomy with brain mapping is a safe technique and the "gold standard" for resection of lesions involving language areas.

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo visa discutir as vantagens e as limitacões do uso da técnica de mapeamento cortical da área da fala com o paciente acordado. MÉTODO: esta é uma revisão retrospectiva dos casos em que foi realizado monitoramento cortical intraoperatório em cirurgias para ressecção de lesões intracranianas localizadas próximas à área da fala. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a avaliação neuropsicológica no pré e intra-operatório. O grau das ressecções foi verificado através de exames de imagem pós-operatórios. Foram avaliados um total de 12 pacientes. Destes, 6 eram do sexo masculino e 6 do feminino. RESULTADOS: 7 lesões eram tumorais. A ressecção total foi atingida em 66 por cento e ressecção subtotal nos remanescentes. Apenas 1 paciente apresentou déficit motor permanente no pós-operatório e todos os pacientes com quadro prévio de epilepsia refratária obtiveram bom controle das crises no pós-operatório. Em nenhum caso houve necessidade de conversão da anestesia para geral. CONCLUSÃO: O mapeamento funcional intraoperatório na craniotomia com o paciente acordado otimiza a extensão da ressecção da lesão minimizando morbidade permanente. Esta é uma técnica eficaz no manejo de lesões em íntimo contato com o córtex eloqüente, que outrora, seriam designadas inoperáveis.

The Comparison of the Anesthetic Regimens for Functional Direct Cortical Stimulation Mapping during Craniotomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Recently, functional direct cortical stimulation mapping is frequently used during craniotomy for the surgery of brain pathology (tumors, epileptic foci etc.) within or close to the central motor area. We reviewed and analyzed our experiences to evaluate the safety and efficacy of our hospital's anesthetic management regimens. METHODS: We used three anesthetic regimens (isoflurane fentanyl; propofol fentanyl; awake craniotomy, conscious sedation analgesia) in 44 patients. We evaluated the success ratio of mapping and the incidence of intraoperative problems (seizures, changes in vital signs etc) in each regimens. RESULTS: In awake craniotomy group, functional mapping is performed successfully in all patients but there were some intraoperative problems (hypertension; 3 in 11 patients, hypercapnia; 3 in 11 patients, change to general anesthesia required; 1 in 12 patients). In general anesthesia groups, there were no significant differences between isoflurane treated patients and propofol treated patients in the success ratio of mapping (17/20 vs 11/12) and the incidence of intraoperative problems (seizure; 3/20 vs 1/12, hypertension; 2/20 vs 1/12). CONCLUSION: This results suggest that the anesthetic management regimens used in our hospital provide suitable conditions for craniotomies when brain mapping is required.