Designing a pain management protocol for craniotomy: A narrative review and consideration of promising practices

Intraoperative application of low-dose dexmedetomidine or lidocaine for postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients following craniotomy: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Background

Postoperative pain is a common occurrence in pediatric patients following craniotomy, often leading to negative outcomes. Intravenous dexmedetomidine and lidocaine are commonly used adjuvant medicines in general anesthesia to reduce perioperative opioid consumption and relieve postoperative pain in adults. While they show promise for use in pediatrics, the evidence of their application in pediatric craniotomy patients is limited. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and lidocaine on postoperative pain in pediatric patients following craniotomy.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, single-center trial on children scheduled for craniotomy. The 255 recruited participants aged 1-12 years were randomly assigned to intraoperatively receive a loading intravenous dose of either dexmedetomidine 1 μg·kg-1 or lidocaine 2 mg·kg-1 or normal saline for 15 min followed by dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg·kg-1·h-1 or lidocaine 1 mg·kg-1·h-1 or normal saline until the sutures of endocranium were completed. The primary outcome was the cumulative sufentanil consumption within 24 h post-surgery.

Results

A total of 241 patients were included in the statistical analysis. The primary outcome did not show any significant differences among the three groups (median (IQR) lidocaine group: 3.36 (1.32-5.64) μg vs. dexmedetomidine group: 3.12 (1.36-6.39) μg vs. control group 3.46 (1.77-7.62) μg, p = 0.485). Among the secondary outcomes, there was a statistically significant but small reduction in sufentanil consumption within 2 h, postoperative FLACC/WBFS/NRS pain scores within 4 h after surgery and postoperative Ramsay sedation scores in dexmedetomidine group (p < 0.05). Regarding postoperative complications, the incidence of electrolyte disturbance within 24 and 48 h after surgery was significantly higher in control group compared to the other two groups. There were no significant differences in intraoperative opioid consumption, postoperative frequency of remedy medication, or length of hospitalization among the three groups. No adverse events related to lidocaine or dexmedetomidine were observed.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in the primary outcome among the three groups. Although dexmedetomidine showed some benefits in reducing postoperative opioid consumption within the first 2 h and pain intensity within the first 4 h post-surgery, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further research is required to comprehensively assess the outcomes and determine the optimal administration strategy.

Clinical Trial Registration

[http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx], identifier [ChiCTR1800019411].

Do Minimally Invasive Approaches to Pediatric Orbital Tumors Provide an Advantage on Outcome and Efficiency?

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluated whether minimally invasive approaches to orbital lesions could improve surgical, clinical, and aesthetic outcomes compared with more invasive ones. This is the first study specifically addressing this topic in children.

METHODS

Children consecutively operated on from January 2010 to January 2020 were analyzed. Thirty patients matched the inclusion criteria and were divided into group A: 14 cases treated with traditional surgical approaches; and group B: 16 cases managed by minimally invasive approaches.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of demographic data and extent of tumor resection. Mean surgical time for the approach (40 minutes vs. 70 minutes, P < 0.0001), surgical complication such as periorbital edema (37% vs. 78%, P = 0.02) and dural tear (0 vs. 21%, P = 0.05), and procedures cost (P < 0.0001) were significantly reduced in group B. Regarding clinical outcomes, group B showed a significant reduction both in terms of postoperative pain (mean score based on visual pain scale was 2.9 vs. 4.1 P = 0.003) and mean hospitalization time (4.5 days vs. 5.5 days, P = 0.0004). The cosmetic outcome according to the Sloan classification was significantly better in group B as well (81% vs. 36% class I patients, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of mini-invasive approaches to orbital tumor has clear advantages in terms of surgical, clinical, and cosmetic outcomes in comparable patients; therefore, they should be preferred whenever feasible. Craniotomic approaches remain necessary for very large tumors.

Nerve Blocks for Craniotomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Postcraniotomy headache (PCH) is a common adverse event and can lead to various complications and decreased quality of life.

RECENT FINDINGS

To reduce postcraniotomy pain and associated complications, a multimodal pain therapy including analgesics, analgesic adjuncts, and regional anesthesia is essential. The use of opioids should be minimized to facilitate prompt postoperative neurosurgical assessment. Here, we provide an update on the latest evidence regarding the role of scalp nerve blocks in the pain management of patients undergoing craniotomy procedure. Nerve blocks are effective in alleviating postoperative pain after craniotomy. Scalp blocks contribute to lower pain levels and less opioid consumption in the first 48 h following surgery. Moreover, there is a significant decrease in patients suffering from PONV among patients who receive scalp block.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for Craniotomies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The efficacy of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in neurosurgery has not yet been established. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare the effects of ERAS protocols and conventional perioperative care on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing craniotomy. The primary outcome was postoperative length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain visual analog pain scores, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), postoperative complications, all-cause reoperation, readmission after discharge, and mortality. A literature search up to August 10, 2023, was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Five studies, including 871 patients, were identified for inclusion in this review. Compared with conventional perioperative care, ERAS protocols reduced the length of postoperative hospital stay (difference of medians, -1.52 days; 95% CI: -2.55 to -0.49); there was high heterogeneity across studies (I2, 74%). ERAS protocols were also associated with a lower risk of PONV (relative risk, 0.79; 95% CI: 0.69-0.90; I2, 99%) and postoperative pain with a visual analog scale score ≥4 at postoperative day 1 (relative risk, 0.37; 95% CI: 0.28-0.49; I2, 14%). Other outcomes, including postoperative complications, did not differ between ERAS and conventional care groups. ERAS protocols may be superior to conventional perioperative care in craniotomy patients in terms of lower length of hospital stay, lower incidence of PONV, and improved postoperative pain scores. Further randomized trials are required to identify the impact of ERAS protocols on the quality of recovery after craniotomy.

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.

Enhanced recovery after surgery in patients undergoing craniotomy: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a multidisciplinary,and evidence-based perioperative care method. It is effective in shortening hospital stays and improving clinical outcomes. However, the application of ERAS in craniotomy lacks reliable evidence. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of ERAS in craniotomy.

METHODS

Studies of ERAS in craniotomy were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science. Primary outcomes (total hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization cost, percent of patients with moderate to severe pain) and secondary outcomes (readmission rate and incidence of complication) were compared between ERAS and traditional perioperative care.

RESULT

Of the 10 studies included in this meta-analysis, 6 were randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), 3 were cohort studies, and 1 was non-RCT. A total of 1275 patients were included, with 648 in the ERAS group and 627 in the control group. Compared with the control group, the ERAS group had a significantly shortened total length of stay (LOS) (MD = -2.437, 95% CI: -3.616, -1.077, P = 0.001) and postoperative LOS, reduced hospitalization cost (SMD = -0.631, 95% CI: -0.893, -0.369, P = 0.001), and lower percent of patients with moderate to severe pain. There was no significant difference in readmission rate between the two groups. Though, the ERAS group had a significantly lower risk of pneumonia than the control group.

CONCLUSION

ERAS is safe and effective for craniotomy as it shortens total and postoperative LOS, reduces hospitalization costs, decreases the percent of patients with moderate to severe pain.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for craniotomies in the treatment of brain tumors: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative complications after craniotomy for brain tumors include pain, nausea/vomiting, and infection. A standardized enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is not widely accepted for this common neurosurgical procedure. Few studies have explored its application.

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases was performed between January 1992 and March 2023. Original studies that implemented an ERAS protocol for patients that underwent craniotomy for brain tumors were included. The following variables were evaluated: hospital length of stay (LOS), postoperative pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis, non-opioid analgesia, and quality of life (QOL).

RESULTS

Twelve studies with a total of 1309 patients met inclusion criteria, including ten randomized controlled trials, one nonrandomized controlled trial, and one quality control study. Most frequently assessed metrics included hospital LOS, PONV prophylaxis, and non-opioid analgesia. A significant reduction in postoperative LOS was observed in 7 studies with ERAS or ERAS components. ERAS was significantly associated with pain reduction on the visual analog scale and verbal numerical rating scale (n=8). Non-opioid analgesia in ERAS improved postoperative pain control (n=4) and decreased the duration of pain (n=1). Three of six studies found no difference in PONV in ERAS vs. control. No studies reported an increase in postoperative complications using ERAS vs. control. One study showed greater patient satisfaction at 30-day follow-up with improved QOL.

CONCLUSION

Implementing ERAS protocol may enhance outcomes and quality of life in patients with moderate evidence for improved recovery in those undergoing craniotomy for brain tumors.

Prevention of Post-Operative Pain after Elective Brain Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background and Objective: To analyze the effects of several drug for pain prevention in adults undergoing craniotomy for elective brain surgery. Material and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The inclusion criteria were limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for preventing post-operative pain in adults (aged 18 years or older) undergoing craniotomies. The main outcome measures were represented by the mean differences in validated pain intensity scales administered at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h post-operatively. The pooled estimates were calculated using random forest models. The risk of bias was evaluated using the RoB2 revised tool, and the certainty of evidence was assessed according to the GRADE guidelines. Results: In total, 3359 records were identified through databases and registers' searching. After study selection, 29 studies and 2376 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The overall risk of bias was low in 78.5% of the studies included. The pooled estimates of the following drug classes were provided: NSAIDs, acetaminophen, local anesthetics and steroids for scalp infiltration and scalp block, gabapentinoids and agonists of adrenal receptors. Conclusions: High-certainty evidence suggests that NSAIDs and acetaminophen may have a moderate effect on reducing post-craniotomy pain 24 h after surgery compared to control and that ropivacaine scalp block may have a bigger impact on reducing post-craniotomy pain 6 h after surgery compared to control. Moderate-certainty evidence indicates that NSAIDs may have a more remarkable effect on reducing post-craniotomy pain 12 h after surgery compared to control. No moderate-to-high-certainty evidence indicates effective treatments for post-craniotomy pain prevention 48 h after surgery.

Association of scalp block with intraoperative hemodynamic profiles and postoperative pain outcomes at 24-48 hours following craniotomy: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

BACKGROUND

Despite the demonstrated analgesic efficacy of scalp block (SB) during the immediate postoperative period, the impact of SB on pain outcomes at postoperative 24 and 48 h in adults receiving craniotomy remains unclear.

METHODS

The databases of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register were searched from inception to January 2022 for available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcome was the severity of pain at postoperative 24 and 48 h, while the secondary outcomes included morphine consumption, hemodynamic profiles after surgical incision and in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and risk of postoperative nausea/vomiting (PONV).

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of 12 studies revealed a lower pain score [MD = -0.83, p = 0.03, 375 patients, certainty of evidence (COE): low] and morphine consumption (MD = -9.21 mg, p = 0.03, 246 patients, COE: low) at postoperative 24 h, while there were no differences in these pain outcomes at postoperative 48 h (COE: low). The use of SB significantly decreased intraoperative heart rate (MD = -10.9 beats/min, p < 0.0001, 189 patients, COE: moderate) and mean blood pressure (MD = -13.02 mmHg, p < 0.00001, 189 patients, COE: moderate) after surgical incision, but these hemodynamic profiles were comparable in both groups in the PACU setting. There was also no difference in the risk of PONV between the two groups (RR = 0.78, p = 0.2, 299 patients, COE: high).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrated that scalp block not only provided hemodynamic stability immediately after surgical incision but was also associated with a lower pain score and morphine consumption at postoperative 24 h. Further studies are needed for elucidation of its findings.

Targeted nutritional intervention with enhanced recovery after surgery for carotid endarterectomy: A prospective clinical trial

Ischemic stroke is the most common cerebrovascular disease, and vascular obstruction is an important cause of this disease. As the main method for the management of carotid artery stenosis, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is an effective and preventive treatment measure in ischemic cerebrovascular disease. This study aims to propose the application of a new enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) nutritional support regimen in CEA, which can significantly improve the perioperative nutritional status of patients. A total of 74 patients who underwent CEA were included and randomly divided into two groups: 39 patients received nutritional therapy with the ERAS protocol (ERAS group) and 35 patients received routine perioperative nutritional support (control group). Our results showed that the levels of major clinical and biochemical parameters (albumin, hemoglobin, creatinine, calcium and magnesium levels, etc.) in the ERAS group were significantly higher than those in the control group after surgery (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients in the ERAS group had dramatically shorter postoperative length of stay and reflected higher mean satisfaction at discharge (p < 0.001). Moreover, no statistically significant differences were observed in postoperative complication rates and Mini-mental State Examination scores at discharge. The emergence of this neurosurgical ERAS nutritional support program can effectively intervene in perioperative nutritional status, and notably reduce postoperative hospital stays.

Pre-incisional infiltration with ropivacaine plus dexamethasone palmitate emulsion for postoperative pain in patients undergoing craniotomy: study protocol for a prospective, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Post-craniotomy pain is a common occurrence which is associated with poor outcomes. Pre-emptive scalp infiltration with dexamethasone and ropivacaine has been proven effective in previous studies but with limited clinical significance. Dexamethasone palmitate emulsion (D-PAL) is a pro-drug incorporating dexamethasone into lipid microspheres with greater anti-inflammatory activity and fewer side effects than free dexamethasone. However, its effects in post-craniotomy pain management remain unknown. This study hypothesizes that pre-emptive scalp infiltration with ropivacaine plus D-PAL emulsion can achieve superior analgesic effects to ropivacaine alone in adult patients undergoing craniotomy.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a single center, randomized controlled trial enrolling 130 patients scheduled for supratentorial craniotomy, which is expected to last longer than 4 h. We compare the efficacy and safety for postoperative pain relief of ropivacaine plus D-PAL group and ropivacaine alone group following pre-emptive scalp infiltration. Primary outcome will be pain Numerical Rating Scale at 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes will include further analgesia evaluations and drug-related complications within a follow-up period of 3 months.

DISCUSSION

This is the first randomized controlled trial aiming to assess the possible benefits or disadvantages of D-PAL emulsion for incisional pain in craniotomy. It may provide an alternative to optimize pain outcome for neurosurgical patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04488315). Registered on 19 July 2020.

Minimally invasive fibrinolytic treatment and drainage in patients with acute subdural hemorrhage and underlying comorbidities

The incidence of acute subdural hemorrhage (ASDH), which is often caused by head trauma, is steadily increasing due to an increase in the elderly population and the use of anticoagulants. Urgent surgical treatment is recommended if the patient has impaired consciousness, worsening neurological symptoms, or brain midline shift (MLS) due to large hematomas on brain computed tomography (CT). Although large craniotomy is traditionally recommended for ASDH removal, old age, comorbidities, and antiplatelet drugs are considered risk factors for surgical complications, many neurosurgeons hesitate to perform aggressive surgical procedures in these patients. In this study, we introduced a method that can quickly and effectively remove ASDH without general anesthesia. We retrospectively reviewed 11 cases of patients with ASDH who underwent hematoma drainage between June 2019 and December 2020. We measured the maximum subdural hematoma thickness and MLS on brain CT of patients and recorded the Glasgow Coma Scale scores before and after the surgical procedure. All patients had multiple comorbidities, and seven patients received anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. On initial brain CT, the median subdural hemorrhage thickness was 21.36 mm, median MLS was 10.09 mm, and mean volume of the subdural hematoma was 163.64 mL. The mean evacuation rate of the subdural hematoma after drainage was 83.57%. There was no rebleeding or operation-related infection during the aspiration procedure, and the median MLS correction after the procedure was 7.0 mm. Our treatment strategies can be a reliable, less invasive, and alternative treatment option for patients at high risk of complications due to general anesthesia or patients who are reluctant to undergo a large craniotomy due to a high bleeding tendency.

Use of Intravenous Paracetamol Preoperatively Favors Lower Risk of Delirium and Functional Recovery in Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

We aimed to investigate whether the use of intravenous paracetamol (IVP) preoperatively in intertrochanteric fracture (IF) patients aged 65 years or over receiving intramedullary fixation had significantly benefits on the pain score at discharge, delirium incidence, length of hospital stay (LOS), functional outcomes, and mortality. A retrospective analysis of all surgically treated patients presenting with IF was conducted at a single Level I trauma center in China between Jan. 2016 and Jan. 2020. The data concerning patients' demographics, injury-related data, surgery-related data, operation-related data, in-hospital data, and postoperative outcomes were extracted. To minimize potential confounding and selection bias, the propensity score matching (PSM) method was performed via the caliper matching method by using a 1 : 1 ratio. After PSM, McNemar's chi-square tests were used to examine the association of using IVP with outcome analyses. The Spearman correlations of IVP using, pain scores, and the factors which may influence them were also computed. After screening 2963 consecutive patients, 2166 were included finally, including 1576 in the non-IVP group and 590 in the IVP group. After PSM, 531 remained in each group. The pain scores at discharge were significantly between the two groups before and after matching (all p < 0.001). The differences of delirium rate and functional outcomes became significant after propensity score-based matching (p=0.001 and 0.033, respectively), although they were not significant before matching. No significant difference was observed in other operation-related data, LOS, and crude mortality rates at 30-day, 90-day, and 12-month before and after PSM. In conclusion, this study highlights the need for preoperative IVP use to optimize pain control, postoperative functional recovery, and minimize pain-related comorbidities such as delirium in elderly patients with hip fracture.

Postcraniotomy Headache: Etiologies and Treatments

Purpose of Review

Postcraniotomy headache (PCH) is a highly underappreciated and very common adverse event following craniotomy.

Recent Findings

Analgetic medication with opioids often interferes with neurologic evaluation in the acute phase of recovery and should be kept to a minimal, in general, in the treatment of chronic pain as well. We provide an update on the latest evidence for the management of acute and chronic PCH.

Summary

Especially in the neurosurgical setting, enhanced recovery after surgery protocols need to include a special focus on pain control. Patients at risk of developing chronic pain must be identified and treated as early as possible.

Effect of Preoperative Anxiety on Postoperative Pain after Craniotomy

Pain following craniotomy is challenging. Preoperative anxiety can be one of the controllable factors for prevention of post-craniotomy pain. The main objective of this prospective observational study is to determine this relationship in patients undergoing scheduled craniotomy from February to June 2021. After excluding patients with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) ≤ 24 points, we administered a preoperative State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. We recorded the patient's analgesic assessment using the Numerical Rating Score (NRS) at 1, 8, 24, and 48 h after surgery. A total of 73 patients were included in the study. Twelve others were excluded due to a MMSE ≤ 24 points. The main predictors for NRS postoperatively at 1, 8, 24, and 48 h were STAI A/E score, male gender, youth, and depression. We identified a cut-off point of 24.5 in STAI A/E for predicting a NRS > 3 (sensitivity 82% and specificity 65%) at 24 h postoperative and a cut-off of 31.5 in STAI A/R (sensitivity 64% and specificity 77%). In conclusion, preoperative STAI scores could be a useful tool for predicting which patient will experience at least moderate pain after craniotomy. The identification of these patients may allow us to highlight psychological preparation and adjuvant analgesia.

Effects of Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine Infusion on Postoperative Pain after Craniotomy: A Narrative Review

Craniotomy involves procedures with high incidences of postoperative pain. Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective a₂-adrenoreceptor agonist, has been shown to be beneficial in neuroanaesthesia. The purpose of this narrative review was to assess the effect and safety of dexmedetomidine given intraoperatively during anaesthesia compared to placebo and demonstrate the effect on acute postoperative pain in adult patients undergoing craniotomy. Literature published from 1996 until 2021 were analysed through a search of PubMed, Medline and Embase. Randomised controlled trials investigating intraoperative administration of Dexmedetomidine with evaluation of postoperative pain were included. Medical Subject Headings terms and free-text words were used to identify articles related to the intraoperative use of Dexmedetomidine and postcraniotomy pain. Thirteen distinct randomized controlled trials with 882 recruited patients undergoing craniotomy were identified as eligible for final inclusion. Intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine is associated with decreased postoperative pain and opioid consumption, and it assures haemodynamic stability. Dexmedetomidine is an efficacious adjunct in craniotomy in adults, showing benefits in reduction of postoperative pain and analgesic consumption. Dexmedetomidine also offers haemodynamic stability. However, widespread methodological heterogeneity of the papers prohibits a valid meta-analysis.

Systematic Review of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in Patients Undergoing Cranial Surgery

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathways are increasingly being integrated in neurosurgical patient management. The full extent of ERAS in cranial surgery is not well studied. We performed a systematic review examining ERAS in cranial surgery patients to 1) identify the extent to which ERAS is integrated in cranial neurosurgical procedures and 2) assess effectiveness of ERAS interventions for patients undergoing these procedures.

METHODS

A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, PsychInfo, and Google Scholar was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines (CRD42020197187). Studies eligible for inclusion assessed patients undergoing any cranial surgical procedure using an ERAS or ERAS-like pathway, defined by ≥2 ERAS protocol elements per the ERAS Society's RECOvER Checklist and the recommendations of Hagan et al. 2016 (not including patient education, criteria for discharge, or tracking of postdischarge outcomes).

RESULTS

Nine studies were included in qualitative synthesis, 2 of which were randomized controlled trials. All studies showed a moderate risk of bias. The most common ERAS elements used were screening and/or optimization and formal discharge criteria. The least common ERAS elements used were fasting/carbohydrate loading and antithrombotic prophylaxis. Complication rates were similar in studies comparing ERAS with non-ERAS groups. ERAS interventions were associated with reduced length of stay, with comparable and/or improved patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS is a safe and potentially favorable perioperative pathway for select patients undergoing cranial surgery. Future studies of ERAS in cranial surgery patients should emphasize postoperative optimizations and patient-reported outcome measures as key features.

Efficacy of an opioid-sparing analgesic protocol in pain control after less invasive cranial neurosurgery

An opioid-sparing protocol for postoperative pain management in less invasive cranial neurosurgery significantly lowered opioid usage while reducing pain scores.

Introduction:

Opioid overuse in postoperative patients is a worrisome trend, and potential alternatives exist which warrant investigation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in treating postoperative cranial surgery pain has been hampered by concern for inadequate pain control and increased risk of hemorrhagic complications. A safe and effective alternative to opioid-based pain management is critical to improving postoperative care.

Objective:

The objective of this retrospective study was to determine whether an NSAID-based opioid-sparing pain management protocol (OSP) is effective in analgesic control of less invasive cranial surgery patients at 6-, 12-, and 24-hour postoperatively. Secondary aims included investigating differences in hemorrhagic complications.

Methods:

Five hundred sixty-six consecutive patients who underwent cranial surgery before and after implementation of the celecoxib-based OSP were eligible. Propensity score matching was used to match patients in each cohort.

Results:

The opioid-sparing cohort had lower pain scores at 6 hours (3.45 vs 4.19, P = 0.036), 12 hours (3.21 vs 4.00, P = 0.006), and 24 hours (2.90 vs 3.59, P = 0.010). Rates of postoperative hemorrhage were not significantly different (5% intervention vs 8% control, P = 0.527). The opioid-sparing pain management protocol provided comparable or better pain control in the first 24 hours after less invasive cranial surgery. Hemorrhage rates did not change with the use of an NSAID-based OSP.

Conclusion:

An effective alternative to the current standard opioid-based pain management is feasible for less invasive cranial surgery. Determinations of hemorrhage risk and more complex cranial surgery will require larger prospective randomized trials.

Postoperative Recovery Quality after General Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Emergency Surgery

BACKGROUND: The quality of post-operative patient recovery is part of the indicators of the quality of anesthesia services. However, side effects were still found in post-operative patients, which resulted in the speed and quality of recovery (QoR) and an increase in the length of stay for patients in the hospital. AIM: This study aims to describe the quality of a patient’s recovery after general anesthesia for patients undergoing surgery in the emergency room. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design conducted from February to July 2020. Patients numbered 52 people who are patients aged 18–59 years who are willing to fill out a questionnaire QoR-40 on the day after surgery. All data were analyzed using the statistical program SPSS. The median of the QoR-40 score will be used as a cutoff point between good and poor recovery quality. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients responded to the study with a median age of 44 years. The median QoR-40 score was 188, with most of the good category’s recovery quality (55.8%). The middle-aged group showed better QoR (68.2 vs. 31.8%), as well as the female compared to male (65 vs. 35%). Patients who underwent neurosurgery showed poor recovery 61.9 vs. 38.1%). CONCLUSION: More than half of the patients who underwent emergency surgery under general anesthesia in the emergency room of Sanglah Hospital have good recovery quality.

The Impact of Surgery-Related Muscle Injury on Prevalence and Characteristics of Acute Postcraniotomy Headache - A Prospective Consecutive Case Series

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

 The latest third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders delineates diagnostic criteria for acute headache attributed to craniotomy (AHAC), but data on possible predisposing factors are sparse. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the impact of surgery-related muscle incision on the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of AHAC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 Sixty-four consecutive adults (mean age: 54.2 ± 15.2 years; 26 males and 38 females) undergoing cranial neurosurgery for various reasons without preoperative headache were included. After regaining consciousness, all patients reported their average daily headache on a numeric pain rating scale (NRS; range: 0-10), headache characteristics, as well as analgesic consumption from day 1 to 3 after surgery. Three distinct patient cohorts were built with respect to the surgical approach (craniotomy ± muscle incision; burr hole surgery) and group comparisons were performed. Additionally, patients with AHAC ≥ 3 NRS were reevaluated at 7.2 ± 2.3 months following treatment by means of standardized questionnaires to determine the prevalence of persistent headache attributed to craniotomy as well as headache-related disability and quality of life.

RESULTS

 Thirty of 64 (46.9%) patients developed moderate to severe AHAC (NRS ≥ 3) after cranial neurosurgery. There were no significant group differences with regard to age, gender, or general health condition (American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification). Craniotomy patients with muscle incision suffered from significantly higher early postoperative mean NRS scores compared with their counterparts without procedure-related muscle injury (3.4 ± 2.3 vs. 2.3 ± 1.9) as well as patients undergoing burr hole surgery (1.2 ± 1.4; p = 0.02). Moreover, the consumption of nonopioid analgesics was almost doubled following muscle-transecting surgery as compared with muscle-preserving procedures (p = 0.03). Young patient age (odds ratio/95% confidence interval for each additional year: 0.93/0.88-0.97) and surgery-related muscle injury (5.23/1.62-19.41) were identified as major risk factors for the development of AHAC ≥ 3 NRS. There was a nonsignificant trend toward higher pain chronification rate as well as headache-related disability after craniotomy with muscle injury.

CONCLUSION

 Surgery-related muscle damage may be an important predisposing factor for AHAC. Therefore, if a transmuscular approach is unavoidable, the neurosurgeon should be aware of the need for adequately adjusted intra- and postoperative analgesia in these cases.

Pain Management Experiences Among Hospitalized Postcraniotomy Brain Tumor Patients

BACKGROUND

Brain tumors account for the majority of central nervous system tumors, and most are removed by craniotomies. Many postcraniotomy patients experience moderate or severe pain after surgery, but patient perspectives on their experiences with pain management in the hospital have not been well described.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe how patients who have undergone a craniotomy for brain tumor removal experience pain management while hospitalized.

METHODS

Qualitative descriptive methods using semistructured interviews were conducted with patients on a neurological step-down unit in an urban teaching hospital in the Midwest United States. Interviews focused on how patients experienced postcraniotomy pain and how it was managed. Narratives were analyzed with standard content analytic procedures.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven participants (median age, 58.5 years; interquartile range, 26-41 years; range, 21-83 years) were interviewed. The majority were white (n = 25) and female (n = 15) and had an anterior craniotomy (n = 25) with sedation (n = 17). Their pain experiences varied on 2 dimensions: salience of pain during recovery and complexity of pain management. Based on these dimensions, 3 distinct types of pain management experiences were identified: (1) pain-as-nonsalient, routine pain management experience; (2) pain-as-salient, routine pain management experience; and (3) pain-as-salient, complex pain management experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Many postcraniotomy patients experience their pain as tolerable and/or pain management as satisfying and effective; others experience pain and pain management as challenging.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Clinicians should be attuned to needs of patients with complex pain management experiences and should incorporate good patient/clinician communication.

Frequency of early postoperative adverse events (AEs) in adult patients undergoing elective neurosurgical intervention at tertiary care center in Pakistan

Objective:

The postoperative period is critical in neurosurgical patients, where the incidence of postoperative AEs is significantly high. Most of events occurs during recovery phase and has got relation to anaesthetic management. The objective of study was to determine frequency of early AEs in elective neurosurgical patients.

Methods:

This cross sectional study was conducted at our tertiary care center. The duration of study was one year, from August 2017-July 2018. The data was collected using predesigned proforma. The assessment was done on arrival in recovery room (T1) and then at forty five minutes (T2), twenty-fourth hour (T3) and forty-eighth hour (T4) postoperatively.

Results:

Total ninety-five patients were included. Overall, five hundred and forty AEs were recorded at T1, T2, T3 and T4. Anaesthesia related events like pain, postoperative sore throat, hoarseness, shivering and hypothermia were the commonest (73%). There was a gradual decline in incidence of these events over period of 48 hours. There was no effect of age, sex, BMI and blood loss on incidence of AEs.

Conclusions:

Postoperative pain, PONV and shivering were frequently reported AEs. We did not identify the impact of age, sex, BMI, comorbid or type of surgery in terms of having these events.

Anesthetic Management of Patients Undergoing Open Suboccipital Surgery

The posterior cranial fossa with its complex anatomy houses key pathways regulating consciousness, autonomic functions, motor and sensory pathways, and cerebellar centers regulating balance and gait. The most common posterior fossa pathologies for which neurosurgical intervention may be necessary include cerebellopontine angle tumors, aneurysms, and metastatic lesions. The posterior cranial fossa can be accessed from variations of the supine, lateral, park-bench, prone, and sitting positions. Notable complications from positioning include venous air embolism, paradoxic air embolism, tension pneumocephalus, nerve injuries, quadriplegia, and macroglossia. An interdisciplinary approach with careful planning, discussion, and clinical management contributes to improved outcomes and reduced complications.

Behavioral and Physiological Pain Responses in Brain-Injured Patients Who Are Unable to Communicate in the Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND

Assessing pain of critically ill patients with brain injuries who are unable to communicate is a challenge. Current behavioral scales are limited in accurate pain assessments for this population.

AIMS

This study sought to investigate the behavioral and physiological responses induced by routine painful procedures in patients with brain injuries who are unable to communicate.

METHODS

Using a repeated-measure within-subject observational study design, 12 participants admitted to an intensive care unit were observed before, during, and 15 minutes after a nonnociceptive (noninvasive blood pressure measurement) procedure and three nociceptive (suctioning, turning, and trapezius pinch) procedures. During each assessment, patients' behavioral and physiological responses were observed using video cameras and bedside monitors.

RESULTS

In the overall behavioral responses to the nociceptive procedures, clenched teeth with tense jaw, frowning, orbit tightening, closing of eyes, eye movement, fixation-staring, flushing, flexion withdrawal of arm, flexion withdrawal of leg, muscle rigidity, twitching, and coughing were more frequently observed during procedures than before and after procedures (p < .01). Regarding physiological responses, significant increases in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate were identified across assessments (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings can be used as a basis for pain assessment and the development of pain assessment tools for brain-injured patients who are unable to communicate. However, since physiological responses may be influenced by various factors besides pain, physiological changes may be used as a sign of the need for pain assessment rather than being used alone as a basis for pain assessment.

Postoperative analgesia of scalp nerve block with ropivacaine in pediatric craniotomy patients: a protocol for a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial

Background

Moderate-to-severe postoperative pain following craniotomy has a high incidence in pediatric patients. Such pain may cause agitation, intracranial hypertension, epileptic seizures, and postoperative hematoma, which affect morbidity and mortality. Although scalp nerve block (SNB) achieves satisfactory pain relief except for suboccipital mid-craniotomy in adults and ropivacaine is widely used as a long-acting peripheral nerve block agent in children, there are few studies of SNB with ropivacaine in pediatric patients undergoing craniotomy. In addition, the neurosurgery operation time is relatively long, but the duration of action of SNB is limited. It is generally believed that postoperative SNB is better than preoperative SNB for postoperative analgesia. However, considering the concept of preemptive analgesia, we believe that preoperative SNB may achieve a longer postoperative analgesia effect than we expected.

Methods

This trial is a single-institution, prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study. A total of 180 children aged between 1 and 12 years who are undergoing elective craniotomy will be randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to three groups: group B (preoperative ropivacaine block group), group A (postoperative ropivacaine block group), and group N (nonblocking control group). This randomization will be stratified by age in two strata (1–6 years and 7–12 years). The primary outcome is the total consumption of sufentanil within 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes include assessment of pain scores, total consumption of sufentanil and emergency-remedy medicine consumption at observation points, the occurrence of postoperative complications, and the length of hospitalization after surgery.

Discussion

This study is designed to explore the effect and feasibility of SNB with ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing craniotomy. Further aims are to compare the effects of preoperative and postoperative SNB on postoperative analgesia in order to identify whether there is a preemptive analgesic effect and determine the better time to implement SNB in pediatric patients during craniotomy.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800017386. Registered on 27 July 2018.

Management of Postoperative Pain after Elective Craniotomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of a Neurosurgical Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Program

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of a neurosurgical enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol on the management of postoperative pain after elective craniotomies. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the neurosurgical center of Tangdu Hospital (Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China). A total of 129 patients undergoing craniotomies between October 2016 and July 2017 were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial comparing an ERAS protocol to a conventional postoperative care regimen. The primary outcome was the postoperative pain score assessed by a verbal numerical rating scale (NRS). Results: Patients in the ERAS group had a significant reduction in their postoperative pain scores on POD 1 compared to patients in the control group (p < 0.05). More patients (n = 44, 68.8%) in the ERAS group experienced mild pain (NRS: 1 to 3) on POD1 compared with patients (n = 23, 35.4%) in the control group (p < 0.05). A further reduction in pain scores was also observed on POD 2 and maintained on POD 3 in the ERAS group compared with that in the control group. In addition, the median postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly decreased with the incorporation of the ERAS protocol compared to controls (ERAS: 4 days, control: 7 days, P<0.001). Conclusion: The implementation of a neurosurgical ERAS protocol for elective craniotomy patients has significant benefits in alleviating postoperative pain and enhancing recovery leading to early discharge after surgery compared to conventional care. Further evaluation of this protocol in larger, multi-center studies is warranted.

Narrative review of acute post-craniotomy pain. Concept and strategies for prevention and treatment of pain

The aim of this narrative review is to confirm that acute pain after craniotomy is frequent and presents with moderate to severe intensity. We also highlight the importance of not only treating post-craniotomy pain, but also of preventing it in order to reduce the incidence of chronic pain. Physicians should be aware that conventional postoperative analgesics (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, paracetamol, cyclooxygenase inhibitors 2, opioids) are not the only options available. Performing a scalp block prior to surgical incision or after surgery, the use of intraoperative dexmedetomidine, and the perioperative administration of pregabalin are just some alternatives that are gaining ground. The management of post-craniotomy pain should be based on perioperative multimodal analgesia in the framework of an "enhaced recovery after surgery" (ERAS) approach.

Subcutaneous sumatriptan for the treatment of postcraniotomy pain (SUPS trial): protocol for a randomised double-blinded placebo controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Postcraniotomy pain protocols use opioids, which are considered suboptimal analgesia following this procedure. Multimodal analgesia components are sparse. Our null hypothesis states that sumatriptan is not different to placebo in addition to usual intravenous opioids, for the treatment of acute postcraniotomy pain.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a prospective single-centre randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled phase III clinical trial comparing subcutaneous sumatriptan injection in the recovery area with placebo for the treatment of postcraniotomy pain. Eligible adult patients (18 years and older) undergoing craniotomy will be identified preoperatively. Both patient groups will receive a subcutaneous injection at a point where recovery-nursing staff would initiate the usual intravenous opioid analgesia as per standardised pain management protocol. In both groups, further pain management will be followed by the usual intravenous opioid administration. Primary outcome will consist of the difference in pain experienced by the two groups of patients in recovery area 60 min after the study drug administration. Postcraniotomy pain will be measured at regular intervals using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in recovery area. The minimal clinically important difference of 10 mm on the VAS between the two groups will be considered as statistically significant. We will include selected clinical and patient-reported outcomes as secondary endpoints. Univariate regression will be conducted on each one of the clinically plausible potential confounders. We will enrol a total 136 patients, with the study duration of 2 years. This trial will commence recruitment on the 1 July 2019.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This trial protocol has achieved approval by the Austin Health Research Committee, HREC/17/Austin/596. This trial was prospectively registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on the 10/05/2018 with a unique trial identifier U1111-1209-9072 and registration Number ACTRN12618000793213P. Findings of this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed academic journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

U1111-1209-9072, ACTRN12618000793213P.

Pre-emptive scalp infiltration with dexamethasone plus ropivacaine for postoperative pain after craniotomy: a protocol for a prospective, randomized controlled trial

Background: Approximately 55–87% of the patients undergoing craniotomy experience moderate to severe pain during the first 48 hrs after surgery, which negatively influences patients’ postoperative rehabilitation. Recently, local infiltration of analgesia (LIA) has been widely performed clinically as a promising analgesic method that could avoid the side effects of analgesics but only has a short pain-free duration; researchers have clarified that the addition of dexamethasone to LIA could provide significant analgesic effects and significantly prolong the duration of analgesic effects without obvious complications for various types of surgeries. To date, no studies have evaluated the addition of dexamethasone to LIA for patients receiving craniotomy. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that pre-emptive scalp infiltration with a steroid (dexamethasone) plus a local anesthetic (ropivacaine) could achieve superior postoperative analgesic effects to a local anesthetic (ropivacaine) alone in adult patients undergoing a craniotomy.

Study design and methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial that will include one intervention and one control group involving a total of 140 adults scheduled for elective craniotomy for resection of supratentorial tumors under general anesthesia and with an anticipated full recovery within 2 hrs postoperatively. The intervention will involve pre-emptive scalp infiltration with ropivacaine plus dexamethasone (the dexamethasone group) or ropivacaine alone (the control group), and the participants in both groups will complete a 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome will be the cumulative sufentanil consumption within 48 hrs postoperatively.

Discussion: The intervention, if effective, this study will provide clinically important information on the role of dexamethasone in scalp infiltration for post-craniotomy pain management.

Treatment of post-craniotomy acute severe supraorbital neuralgia using ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency: a case report

Pulsed radiofrequency is an effective, safe, and nondestructive pain treatment technique that has been insufficiently reported in the treatment of supraorbital neuralgia. We report the successful use of pulsed radiofrequency to alleviate acute severe supraorbital neuralgia in a post-craniotomy patient. A 52-year-old female, who had acute severe supraorbital neuralgia after having received a right frontal craniotomy and with poor efficacy in response to medication and a nerve block, was subjected to ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment and experienced complete pain relief, as a result of which the patient stopped taking all analgesic drugs. The patient had follow-up visits for 1 year, during which she reported no pain. Furthermore, no side effects of nerve damage after pulsed radiofrequency were observed. Our results suggest that pulsed radiofrequency is a promising technique for the treatment of supraorbital neuralgia and that further studies of this technique should be conducted.