Post-operative anemia in children undergoing elective neurosurgery: An analysis of incidence, risk factors, and outcomes.

Objectives: Pediatric neurosurgeries carry a considerable risk of intraoperative bleeding and, subsequently, anemia in the post-operative period. Postoperative anemia is often multifactorial with several factors contributing to its occurrence. The present study aims to quantify the incidence of postoperative anemia, identify potential risk factors, and assess the impact of post-operative anemia on clinical outcomes in the pediatric neurosurgery population. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center and retrospective cohort study which included children <18 years of age undergoing elective neurosurgery. The data were extracted from the electronic and physical patient health records. Post-operative anemia was defined for this study as a hemoglobin value below 10 g/dL at any time up to 3 days after surgery. Results: A total of 300 children were recruited during the study period. The incidence of post-operative anemia after elective pediatric neurosurgery was 21.33%. Children in the post-operative anemia group were younger (P = 0.004), had lower pre-operative hemoglobin values (P < 0.001), belonged to higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status (P = 0.023), underwent predominantly supratentorial (P = 0.041) and non-tumor surgeries (0.004), and received lesser intraoperative blood transfusion (P = 0.010) compared to no post-operative anemia group. The factors that remained predictive of post-operative anemia on multivariate analysis were ASA physical status (P = 0.018, odds ratio [OR] = 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] of 1.12-3.36), pre-operative hemoglobin (P < 0.001, OR = 0.64, 95% CI of 0.50-0.82), and intraoperative transfusion (P = 0.028, OR = 0.45, 95% CI of 0.22-0.92). Conclusion: Optimization of modifiable risk factors is essential to reduce the occurrence of post-operative anemia and improve outcomes in pediatric neurosurgical patients.

Krause approach to pineal tumour with intraoperative oculomotor nerve monitoring.

Background: The supra-cerebellar infratentorial approach to pineal region tumours is versatile and safe corridor to lesions located below the deep veins. Monitoring of the extra-ocular muscle pathways using the evoked compound muscle action potential can lead to safer resections. Technical note: To describe the use of electrooculography and a three handed retractor less method for pineal region tumour surgeries. Material and methods: Intraoperative electrooculography uses recording done from two channels (horizontal and vertical)by inserting disposable subdermal needle electrodes along the periorbital area. The oculomotor nerve is being monitored as it exits the midbrain. Retractor-less three-handed-technique allows for minimal handling of the cerebellum while maximizing the operative corridor. Result: The oculomotor nerve was stimulated post resection and correspondingly led to improved symptoms post-operatively. Discussion and conclusion: We demonstrate a method for the intraoperative monitoring of the continuity of the oculomotor tracts and a three handed retractor-less method of resection of pineal region tumours. The placement of electrodes and area of stimulation need sound knowledge of anatomy of the region. Haemostasis at every step is absolutely essential to be able to visualize in the narrow corridor.

Incidence, predictors, and impact of acute post-operative pain after cranial neurosurgery: A prospective cohort study.

Objectives: Pain is common after craniotomy. Its incidence and predictors in developing nations are not adequately studied. We aimed to assess the incidence, predictors, and impact of acute post-operative pain after intracranial neurosurgeries. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in adult patients undergoing intracranial neurosurgeries. After patient consent, ethics committee approval, and study registration, we assessed the incidence of post-operative pain using numerical rating scale (NRS) score. Predictors and impact of pain on patient outcomes were also evaluated. Results: A total of 497 patients were recruited during 10-month study period. Significant (4-10 NRS score) post-operative pain at any time-point during the first 3 days after intracranial neurosurgery was reported by 65.5% (307/469) of patients. Incidence of significant pain during the 1st post-operative h, on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd post-operative days was 20% (78/391), 50% (209/418), 38% (152/401), and 24% (86/360), respectively. Higher pre-operative NRS score and pain during the 1st h post-operatively, predicted the occurrence of pain during the first 3 days after surgery, P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively. Pain was significantly associated with poor sleep quality on the first 2 post-operative nights (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction score was higher in patients with post-operative pain, P = 0.002. Conclusion: Every two in three patients undergoing elective intracranial neurosurgery report significant pain at some point during the first 3 postoperative days. Pre-operative pain and pain during 1st post-operative h predict the occurrence of significant post-operative pain.

Postoperative delirium after intracranial neurosurgery: A prospective cohort study from a developing nation.

INTRODUCTION: Post-operative delirium (POD) is a major complication after anesthesia and surgery with an incidence varying from 5 to 50%. The incidence of POD after intracranial surgery is likely to be higher due to the pre-existing brain pathology and direct handling of the brain during neurosurgery. The primary objective of this study was to assess the incidence of POD after intracranial neurosurgery and our secondary objective was to identify the potential risk factors for its occurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted after the institutional ethics committee approval between october 2020 and march 2021. We included patients of either gender aged ≥ 18 years and undergoing elective intracranial neurosurgery. Exclusion criteria included patients aged below 18 years, undergoing emergency neurosurgery, patients with impaired consciousness and patients with psychiatric comorbidities or those taking psychotropic medications. We planned to exclude patients from analysis who were transferred to intensive care unit (ICU) or if they were not extubated after surgery. Our study outcome was development of POD as assessed by confusion assessment method (CAM). RESULTS: The overall incidence of POD during the three postoperative days was 19.2% (n=60/313). The incidence of POD on days 1, 2, and 3 were 19.2% (n=60/313), 17.2% (n=50/291), and 16.3% (n=39/239). Preoperative delirium and hyperactive Emergence Delirium were found to be the significant predictors of POD. CONCLUSION: Every one in five patients undergoing intracranial neurosurgery is vulnerable for the development of POD within first three days after surgery. The incidence of occurrence of POD is time-sensitive and is decremental.

Association between patient characteristics and dissatisfaction after cranial neurosurgery: A prospective observational study.

Objectives: Patient satisfaction is an indicator of the quality of healthcare. It can improve treatment adherence and health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the incidence, predictive factors, and impact of post-operative patient dissatisfaction with perioperative care after cranial neurosurgery. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care academic university hospital. Adult patients undergoing cranial neurosurgery were assessed for satisfaction 24 h after surgery using a five-point scale. The data regarding patient characteristics that may predict dissatisfaction after surgery were collected along with ambulation time and hospital stay. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess normality of data. Univariate analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U-test and significant factors were entered into binary logistic regression model for identifying predictors. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Four hundred and ninety-six adult patients undergoing cranial neurosurgery were recruited into the study from September 2021 to June 2022. Data of 390 were analyzed. The incidence of patient dissatisfaction was 20.5%. On univariate analysis, literacy, economic status, pre-operative pain, and anxiety were associated with post-operative patient dissatisfaction. On logistic regression analysis, illiteracy, higher economic status, and no pre-operative anxiety were predictors of dissatisfaction. The patient dissatisfaction did not impact ambulation time or duration of hospital stay after the surgery. Conclusion: One in five patients reported dissatisfaction after cranial neurosurgery. Illiteracy, higher economic status, and no pre-operative anxiety were predictors of patient dissatisfaction. Dissatisfaction was not associated with delayed ambulation or hospital discharge.

Opioid versus Nonopioid Analgesia for Craniotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Despite the use of intraoperative opioid analgesia, postoperative pain is often reported by patients undergoing craniotomies. Opioids also cause undesirable side effects in neurosurgical patients. Hence, the role of nonopioid analgesia has been explored for craniotomies in recent years. METHODS: This systematic review evaluated evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing opioid and nonopioid analgesia during craniotomies regarding postoperative pain, recovery, and adverse events. RESULTS: Of the 10,459 records obtained by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases, 6 RCTs were included. No difference was observed in pain scores between opioid and nonopioid analgesia at 1 and 24 hours after surgery: mean difference (MD), 1.11 units; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.16 to 2.38, P = 0.09 and MD, -0.06 units; 95% CI, -1.14 to 1.01, P = 0.91, respectively. The time for first postoperative analgesic requirement was shorter with opioids but was not statistically significant (MD, -84.77 minutes; 95% CI, -254.65 to 85.11; P = 0.33). Postoperative nausea and vomiting (relative risk = 1.60; 95% CI, 0.96-2.66; P = 0.07) was similar but shivering (relative risk = 2.01; 95% CI, 1.09-3.71; P = 0.03) was greater in the opioid group than nonopioid group. CONCLUSIONS: There were no important differences in clinical outcomes between the groups in our review. The GRADE certainty of evidence was rated low for most outcomes. Available evidence does not suggest superiority of intraoperative nonopioid over opioid analgesia for postoperative pain in patients undergoing craniotomy. More studies are needed to firmly establish the role of nonopioid intraoperative analgesics as an alternative to opioids in this population.

Opioid versus non-opioid analgesia for spine surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Opioids are the primary analgesics used in patients undergoing spine surgery. Postoperative pain is common despite their liberal use and so are opioid-associated side effects. Non-opioid analgesics are gaining popularity as alternative to opioids in spine surgery. METHODS: This systematic review evaluated current evidence regarding opioid and non-opioid intraoperative analgesia and their influence on immediate postoperative pain and adverse events in spine surgery. RESULTS: A total of 10,459 records were obtained by searching Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science databases and six randomized controlled trials were included. Differences in postoperative pain scores between opioid and non-opioid groups were not significant at 1 h: 4 studies, mean difference (MD) = 0.65 units, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [-0.12 to 1.41], p = 0.10, but favored non-opioid at 24 h after surgery: 3 studies, MD = 0.75 units, 95%CI [0.03 to 1.46], p = 0.04. The time for first postoperative analgesic requirement was shorter (MD = -45.06 min, 95%CI [-72.50 to -17.62], p = 0.001), and morphine consumption during first 24 h after surgery was higher in opioid compared to non-opioid group (MD = 4.54 mg, 95%CI [3.26 to 5.82], p < 0.00001). Adverse effects of postoperative nausea and vomiting (Relative risk (RR) = 2.15, 95%CI [1.37 to 3.38], p = 0.0009) and shivering (RR = 2.52, 95%CI [1.08 to 5.89], p = 0.03) were higher and bradycardia was lower (RR = 0.35, 95%CI [0.17 to 0.71], p = 0.004) with opioid analgesia. CONCLUSION: The certainty of evidence on GRADE assessment is low for studied outcomes. Available evidence supports intraoperative non-opioid analgesia for overall postoperative pain outcomes in spine surgery. More research is needed to find the best drug combination and dosing regimen. Prospero Registration: CRD42020209042.

Perioperative care practices and outcomes of intracranial neurosurgery: Experience at a dedicated neurosciences hospital in a developing country.

Background and Aims: Understanding of perioperative care practices and early postoperative outcomes helps minimize potentially preventable perioperative complications while supporting systemic and neurological well-being. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the perioperative care practices and early postoperative outcomes of cranial neurosurgery at a high-volume tertiary care neurosciences hospital in India. We also aimed to see if the care elements differed depending on the surgical approach. We hypothesized that care elements and outcomes are likely to be different between major surgical approaches. Material and Methods: This was a prospective observational study of consecutive adult neurosurgical patients who underwent elective surgeries for intracranial pathologies over a period of six months from October 2020 to March 2021 at a tertiary care neurosciences center in India. Perioperative data about intraoperative care elements and early postoperative outcomes till the third day after surgery were collected. Results: Incidence of blood loss >1 L was significantly (P = 0.07) higher after infratentorial surgery (26%, N = 17). Incidence of intraoperative and postoperative desaturation was more after transnasal surgery (6%, N = 2, P = 0.002, and 9%, N = 3, P = 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: This study informs the early perioperative care practices of neurosurgical patients from a dedicated neurosciences hospital in a developing world. We observed that transnasal surgery was associated with more perioperative adverse events and slower convalescence compared to supra- and infratentorial surgeries despite being a considerably less invasive surgery.

Superselective Anesthesia Functional Examination of the Diaphragm during Endovascular Embolization of Spinal Cord Arteriovenous Malformation.

Superselective anesthesia functional evaluation (SAFE) is an adjunct to the Wada test. It is performed to rule out unintentional positioning of the tip of the embolization catheter proximal to the origin of a normal artery supplying eloquent region of spinal cord. We report a case of a 36-year-old male with cervical intramedullary spinal cord arteriovenous malformation (SCAVM) at C3 level. In this patient, we monitored motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) of bilateral upper and lower limbs along with diaphragm. Electrodes for compound muscle action potential of diaphragm were placed under fluoroscopy guidance. Through this case, we want to emphasize that intraprocedural diaphragmatic MEPs enhance the safety margin during endovascular embolization of cervical intramedullary SCAVMs. Placement of electrodes under fluoroscopy guidance ensures proper positioning into the diaphragm muscle.

Emergence delirium after intracranial neurosurgery- a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of emergence delirium (ED) including hypo- and hyperactive ED, after intracranial neurosurgery. Secondary objective was to identify perioperative risk factors of ED in these patients. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at an academic neurosciences hospital. All consecutive adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) with a preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 undergoing elective intracranial surgery under general anesthesia during the six-month period from October 2020 to March 2021 were included in this study. Perioperative patient data were collected till one hour after surgery. ED was defined as per Riker's sedation agitation score (SAS) as hyperactive ED when SAS was >4 and hypo active ED when SAS was <4 on a 1 to 7 scale. RESULTS: Data of 320 patients were analyzed in this study. The overall incidence of ED was 22 % (71/320), with incidence of hyperactive ED of 4.3 % (n = 14) and hypoactive ED of 18 % (n = 57). The risk factors for ED were preoperative delirium (odds ratio [OR], 95 % confidence interval [CI] and p value of 4.41, 1.3-15.19, and 0.002), education level (OR = 2.21, [0.98-4.94], p = 0.05), minimum alveolar concentration of inhalational anesthetic (OR = 1.47, [1.17-1.88], p = 0.002), postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR = 4.56, [2.04-10.32], p = 0.001), and body weight (OR = 1.69, [1.1-2.68], p = 0.02). Hyperactive ED was predicted by preoperative delirium (OR = 5.28, [1.12-21.21], p = 0.024) and low education level (OR = 4.35, [1.2-17.04], p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Atleast one in five patients undergoing brain surgery under anesthesia develop ED. Addressing modifiable risk factors might reduce ED.

Translational Research in Perioperative Neurosciences.

Synchrony between basic neuroscience investigations and clinical research has been deficient for quite some time. Translational research includes several dimensions such as laboratory research, clinical demands, government policies, and availability of funds. Through translational research, techniques of neuroanesthesia have become precise and secure over time. Perioperative translational science and contemporary translational research are the two major dimensions of translational research in perioperative neurosciences. The knowledge gap in perioperative neuroscience can be filled with scientific and technological advances with a multidisciplinary approach. In this review, we will discuss various domains of translational research in perioperative neurosciences and have a glance into the translated clinical applications.

Survey of Family Satisfaction with Patient Care and Decision Making in Neuro-Intensive Care Unit- A Prospective Single Center Cross Sectional Study from an Indian Institute of Neurosciences.

Background: Quality of health care is a major issue. Providing care that accommodates individual patient preferences and values is termed patient-centered care. Objectives: In this study, we assessed family satisfaction (FS) with intensive care unit (ICU) care and family satisfaction with decision making in the care of critically ill neurological/neurosurgical patients. Materials and Methods: The FS-ICU questionnaire was used to assess family satisfaction. Data were analyzed using frequency tables and rates. Results: Of the 154 FS-ICU questionnaires analyzed, the overall satisfaction rate with care was 59.97, with information needs was 56.52, and with decision making was 59.46. Lower satisfaction rates among families may be due to the highly morbid nature of neurological illness in their kin or due to differences in socioeconomic factors. Conclusions: Periodic audit of the FS questionnaire is useful in assessing the quality of health care in the neuro-ICU. Efforts to incorporate suggestions of study subjects may improve FS with patient care and decision making.

KetaDex: A Saviour for Intraoperative Multimodal Neurophysiological Monitoring in Complex Neurosurgeries.

BACKGROUND: The anaesthetic mandate for a combination of electrocorticography (ECoG) and subcortical motor evoked potential mapping (SCMEPM) substantially differs from that required for each of these monitors in isolation. There is no current consensus defining the anaesthetic management for intraoperative multimodal monitoring combining these two modalities. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report our experience of anaesthetising a drug resistant epileptic patient for craniotomy and resection of his frontal gliotic lesion. We propose a novel anaesthetic technique to cater to the multiple goals of this surgery like optimal neuromonitoring under adequate depth of anaesthesia. We used balanced anaesthesia technique. Continuous intravenous (IV) infusions of Inj. Dexmedetomidine of 1.5 mcg/kg/hour and Inj. Ketamine at 0.5mg/kg/hour were used to supplement inhalational anaesthetic titrated to a MAC up to 0.5. Neuromuscular blockade was avoided after the initial tracheal intubation dose. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reporting the safety and efficacy of balanced anaesthetic technique for concurrent ECoG and SCMEPM. Successful intraoperative ECoG and SCMEPM monitoring with absent intraoperative awareness confirmed the safety of our anaesthetic technique. Through this, a composite of patient safety, surgeon satisfaction and adequate intraoperative monitoring could be achieved.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of lung and heart in predicting successful weaning in mechanically ventilated neurosurgical patients.

In critically ill neurosurgical patients, delayed and premature extubation increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Assessment of critically ill patients before and during spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) is crucial in predicting weaning failure. We explored the trend of changes with integrated lung and cardiac ultrasonography in predicting success of weaning in neurosurgical patients. Lung ultrasound and cardiac ultrasound was performed before and after 30 min and 120 min of SBT. Lung ultrasound score (LUS, range 0-36) was calculated using a predefined method of assessment of six chest regions on either side. The left ventricular function was evaluated by measuring fractional area change. The maximum velocities of mitral inflow E and A waves (E/A), deceleration time of E wave (DTE) and tissue doppler based E' wave at lateral annulus to calculate E/E', were measured to assess left ventricular filling pressure. Twenty seven patients underwent SBT, among these 22 had success and five had failure of SBT. The SBT failure group had higher baseline LUS and progressively higher LUS during SBT compared to the success group, suggesting significant lung de-recruitment. There was significant increase in the LV filling pressure (increase E/A and E/E', decrease in DTE) after 30 and 120 min of SBT in failure group compared to the success group. Point of care lung and cardiac ultrasonography may be useful in detecting cardiopulmonary changes induced by SBT. Higher lung aeration loss and LV filling pressure were observed with SBT failure group.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Emergence Delirium and Postoperative Delirium in Neurosurgical Patients- A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Delirium after surgery is a spectrum of clinical syndrome constituting emergence delirium (ED) and/or postoperative delirium (POD). OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of ED and POD in patients after neurosurgical procedures. The secondary objectives were to examine the relationship between ED and POD and identify perioperative risk factors of ED and POD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences. After obtaining the ethics committee approval, consecutive adult patients scheduled for elective neurosurgical procedures from February 2018 to November 2018 were included. We excluded children, patients with preoperative Glasgow Coma score <15, and patients with preoperative delirium. ED was assessed using Riker's Sedation-Agitation Score and POD was assessed using Confusion Assessment Method. Data collection included patient demographics, details of anesthetics and analgesics, and neurosurgical details. RESULTS: The incidence of ED and POD was 41% (N = 82/200) and 20% (N = 40/200), respectively. The occurrence of ED and POD coexisting as a continuous spectrum was 15%. Patients undergoing spine surgeries were found to have 44% less risk of ED than after cranial surgeries (P = 0.032). Presence of ED was associated with 1.8 times higher risk of POD (P < 0.001) and male gender was associated with 2.5 times higher risk of POD (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Incidences of ED and POD are higher after neurosurgery as compared with that reported in nonneurosurgical population previously.

Multimodal Intraoperative Monitoring During Microsurgical Treatment of Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula.

We report here a case to illustrate the potential intraoperative multimodal monitoring options available for safe ligation of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). The success of microsurgical treatment depends on the correct identification of the arterial feeder and monitoring the functional integrity of the corticospinal tract.

Completeness of manual data recording in the anaesthesia information management system: A retrospective audit of 1000 neurosurgical cases.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anaesthesia information management system (AIMS) is increasingly implemented in many hospitals. Considering the capital cost involved in its installation and maintenance, it is important to evaluate its performance and adoptability by end users. This study assessed the completeness of manual data recording in the AIMS one year after its implementation and also evaluated potential predictors for completeness. METHODS: In this retrospective audit of AIMS, 1000 electronic anaesthesia records of patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures over one year were assessed for completeness of 41 preidentified items, one year after its implementation. Parameters evaluated were patient identifiers, personnel identifiers, demographics, airway management parameters, anaesthesia management items and end-of-anaesthesia parameters. We hypothesised that completeness of anaesthesia record can be predicted by nature of surgeries, case sequence, seniority of anaesthesiologist and phase ( first or second) of the study period. RESULTS: We observed higher completeness of manual data recording during phase 2 of AIMS use compared to phase 1. Higher grade of anaesthesiologist, second case of the day and emergency surgery led to reduction in completeness of data entry. Anaesthesiologist grade significantly predicted complete entry of 18 (44%) variables, case number predicted 8 (20%) variables and phase- and procedure-type predicted 6 (15%) and 5 (12%) variables, respectively. CONCLUSION: Completeness of manual data recording in the electronic AIMS is poor after one year of implementation. First case of the day, second phase of study period, elective cases and trainee anaesthesiologist are associated with better completeness of manual data recording in the AIMS.