Anesthesia for the surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms

  • Mylène Lecours Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California San Francisco, EE.UU.
  • Adrian W. Gelb Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California San Francisco, EE.UU.
Keywords: Subarachnoid hemorrhage, Aneurysm, Intracranial aneurysm, Anesthesia, Hemorrhage

Abstract

Although most cerebral aneurysms are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, their rupture often results in significant morbidity and mortality. The anesthesiologist may become involved in surgical clipping of aneurysms either before aneurysm rupture or after subarachnoid hemorrhage. After subarachnoid hemorrhage, a multisystemic preoperative evaluation is mandatory because both neurological complications (elevated intracranial pressure, rebleeding, hydrocephalus, vasospasm) and non-neurological complications (respiratory insufficiency, cardiac dysfunction, electrolyte abnormalities, endocrine disturbances) might influence anesthetic management. Besides being prepared for potential sudden profuse bleeding, the anesthesiologist caring for craniotomy for aneurysm clipping should follow four main principles. First, acute increase in the aneurysm transmural gradient (mean arterial pressure minus intracranial pressure) should be avoided to prevent rupture or rebleeding. Second, the cerebral perfusion pressure should be maintained with euvolemia and vasopressors to avoid brain ischemia caused either by brain retractors or temporary clipping of the feeding vessel. Third, surgical exposure should be optimized by providing brain relaxation with normal cerebral oxygenation, normal ventilation or transient hyperventilation, appropriate anesthetic choice, mannitol and perhaps lasix, and occasionally cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Fourth, early emergence is favored to allow recognition of potentially reversible complications. By being vigilant and achieving these goals, the anesthesiologist will contribute to optimal patient outcomes. The following article provides information to guide the anesthesiologist in optimal management of surgical clipping of aneurysms.

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How to Cite
1.
Lecours M, Gelb AW. Anesthesia for the surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Colomb. J. Anesthesiol. [Internet]. 2015 Jul. 1 [cited 2024 Apr. 25];43(Supplement):45-51. Available from: https://www.revcolanest.com.co/index.php/rca/article/view/731

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Published
2015-07-01
How to Cite
1.
Lecours M, Gelb AW. Anesthesia for the surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Colomb. J. Anesthesiol. [Internet]. 2015 Jul. 1 [cited 2024 Apr. 25];43(Supplement):45-51. Available from: https://www.revcolanest.com.co/index.php/rca/article/view/731

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