Contemporary Management of Increased Intraoperative Intracranial Pressure: Evidence-Based Anesthetic and Surgical Review

Hypertonic saline achieves superior brain relaxation in tumor craniotomy: An updated systematic-network meta-analysis

Background

Brain tumor craniotomy requires relaxation of the brain through decreasing the intracranial pressure (ICP). Osmo-hyperosmolar therapy can be used to lower the ICP.

Objectives

This study was aimed at updating previous studies to determine the effects and safety of using hypertonic saline (HTS) and mannitol to decrease ICP in adult patients with brain tumors undergoing craniotomy.

Methods

To identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing HTS vs mannitol, we performed a systematic literature search according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, by examining records from 2013 to December of 2023 in five databases. The primary outcome was brain relaxation, and the secondary outcomes were cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), urine output (UO), fluid input, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and plasma sodium. Conventional meta-analysis, Bayesian meta-insight analysis, trial-sequential analysis, and trial quality assessment were conducted.

Results

Eleven RCTs involving 593 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Use of HTS, compared with mannitol, was associated with significantly greater brain relaxation, and significantly lower UO and fluid input. HTS was also significantly associated with elevated MAP. Plasma sodium was significantly higher in the HTS group than the mannitol group. No significant difference in CPP was observed between groups. Trial sequential analysis indicated true significance for the brain relaxation outcomes. Bayesian analysis demonstrated the superiority of 3% HTS at 5 ml/kg in achieving brain relaxation, followed by 3% HTS at 5.3 ml/kg and 20% mannitol at 5 ml/kg.

Conclusions

HTS is superior to mannitol in achieving optimal brain relaxation, maintaining stable blood flow, and minimizing diuretic effects. However, use of HTS during tumor craniotomy procedures can increase plasma sodium levels. The optimal dose for achieving brain relaxation appears to be 3% HTS at 5 ml/kg body weight.

Reduction Cranioplasty in Cases of Hydrocephalic Macrocephaly: Pearls and Pitfalls of Computer-Assisted Surgery

Reduction cranioplasty may be indicated to address functional or cosmetic sequelae of hydrocephalic macrocephaly. With the advent of CAD/CAM digital workflow, surgeons can design and fabricate craniotomy guides, templates, and models that allow for precise cranial reconstruction. Although there are several advantages of virtual planning, pre-determined surgical plans may limit intraoperative flexibility, requiring surgeons to troubleshoot errors in pre-operative planning or model design. The purpose of this report is to present a series of cases demonstrating our institution's technique for single-stage reduction cranioplasty using a CAD/CAM workflow. This report will highlight the benefits and challenges associated with a contemporary digital workflow for reduction cranioplasty.

Intraoperative rupture of intracerebral aneurysm immediately after meningioma resection: a case report

Background

Meningiomas and unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCAs) rarely coexist. However, the treatment strategy remains to be fully elucidated. This report is a first report that UCA related to the tumor feeder intraoperatively ruptured when the meningioma was resected.

Case presentation

Herein, we present a case of meningioma coexisting with contralateral UCA related to a tumor feeder. Immediately after the meningioma was resected, intraoperative acute brain swelling due to rupture of the contralateral aneurysm appeared. The swollen brain protruding into the epidural space was resected, following contralateral ruptured aneurysm was performed by endovascular surgery. Intensive neurological treatment was administered and the patient gradually recovered.

Conclusion

This report highlights the possibility of intraoperative UCA rupture related to the tumor feeder when the meningioma is resected.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-022-02664-8.