Intraoperative aneurysms rupture during the predissection stage

Avoiding Complications in Aneurysm Ligation: Operative Tips and Tricks

Preventing possible complications during brain aneurysm surgery is mandatory to ensure a better outcome for patients. Currently, it is possible to rely on some technologic innovations such as motor evoked potential, endoscope-assisted surgery, dye with indocyanine green, and video angiography capable of supporting the surgeon's work. The innovation process has mainly assisted the endovascular technique compared with surgery. The latter, apart from some new technical expedients, always requires anatomic knowledge and optimal technical preparation. A careful patient selection, adequate surgical exposure, use of microsurgical techniques in expert hands, and meticulous postoperative management represent the key to success for the surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

Incidence of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage with Procedures Requiring General Anesthesia in Patients with Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Background

The role of general anesthesia in precipitating aneurysm rupture is not clearly defined. In this study, we aimed to assess the natural history of unruptured aneurysms in patients undergoing non-aneurysm-related procedures requiring general anesthesia.

Methods

Retrospective review of consecutive patients with untreated intracranial aneurysms that underwent unrelated surgery with operative note documentation of general anesthesia. Events of intraoperative and postoperative subarachnoid hemorrhage were recorded to determine the incidence of rupture.

Results

A total of 110 patients harboring 134 unsecured aneurysms were studied. The mean age was 56.5 years (range, 17-92), and 68% were women (n = 75/110). Mean aneurysm size was 3.5 mm (range 1.5-17). A total of 208 procedures were performed under general anesthesia. There were no events of subarachnoid hemorrhage in 5.7 years of follow-up.

Conclusion

In our study, general anesthesia did not precipitate aneurysm rupture, and there were no instances of subarachnoid hemorrhage during the follow-up period. Our results suggest a benign natural history for aneurysms undergoing unrelated general anesthesia. However, this should be interpreted with caution given limitations related to our small sample size and retrospective study design.

Controversies in the anesthetic management of intraoperative rupture of intracranial aneurysm

Despite great advancements in the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), outcomes following SAH rupture have remained relatively unchanged. In addition, little data exists to guide the anesthetic management of intraoperative aneurysm rupture (IAR), though intraoperative management may have a significant effect on overall neurological outcomes. This review highlights the various controversies related to different anesthetic management related to aneurysm rupture. The first controversy relates to management of preexisting factors that affect risk of IAR. The second controversy relates to diagnostic techniques, particularly neurophysiological monitoring. The third controversy pertains to hemodynamic goals. The neuroprotective effects of various factors, including hypothermia, various anesthetic/pharmacologic agents, and burst suppression, remain poorly understood and have yet to be further elucidated. Different management strategies for IAR during aneurysmal clipping versus coiling also need further attention.