Surgical and Anesthesiological Considerations of Awake Craniotomy: Cerrahpasa Experience

Aim: Awake craniotomy (AC) with electrical cortical stimulation has become popular during the last ten years although the basic principles were introduced almost 50 years ago. The aim of this paper is to share with the readers our experience in 25 patients who underwent AC with electrical stimulation.

Material And Methods: Twenty-five patients who underwent AC between 2010 and 2013 are the subjects of this paper. All patients were diagnosed with intraaxial lesions involving the functional area itself or very close to it by preoperative imaging. During surgery, the functional area was demonstrated by cortical electrical stimulation and resection aimed to preserve it in order to avoid an irreversible functional deficit.

Results: Total resection was possible in 80% while in 20% subtotal resection had to be performed because of involvement of the functional area itself. The neurological complication rate was found to be 16% (4 patients) and all were transient. No complication regarding anesthesia was noted.

Conclusion: Awake craniotomy in selected patients is very effective, safe and practical for supratentorial lesions close to the eloquent area. Complications related to the surgery itself are uncommon and general anesthesia is avoided. The hospital stay including the intensive care unit is short which makes it very economical surgical procedure.