Page 56 - BH-3-1

Brain & Heart ICU admission post-craniotomy for tumor

and ICU admission policies following brain tumor has been associated with improved outcomes, including
surgery should be based on objective, with evidence- a reduced risk of mortality, shortened hospital stays, and
based measures. improved functional outcomes. Understanding the early
and efficient detection of potential complications can
7. Conclusion help healthcare professionals to monitor patients more
7.1. Summary of the benefits and limitations of ICU effectively and guide decision-making for optimal care.
use Post-operative complications can be severe and represent
important causes of morbidity and mortality following
Admission to the ICU plays an important role in brain tumor surgery. Continuous monitoring in the
managing potential complications post-surgery for first 24 h is critical for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
patients undergoing elective brain tumor surgery However, the need for ICU admission depends on many
and offers various benefits. ICU admission following individual factors, which has led to growing debate
major surgery is considered a standard of care in many regarding the routine use of the ICU. Some studies suggest
healthcare systems around the world, aimed at preventing that ICU care may not be necessary for all patients with
serious and life-threatening complications. Patients with PBTs postoperatively and that a more selective approach
PBTs who undergo elective craniotomy are at risk of may be appropriate. Factors such as the patient’s age,
complications such as brain swelling, bleeding, infection, comorbidities, and the specific type and location of the
and neurological deficits. The ICU is often used to monitor tumor may influence the decision for ICU care. While
and manage these patients in the immediate post-operative ICUs provide critical care for patients with life-threatening
period, with the goal of preventing or treating these conditions, they come with high costs. HAIs are another
complications. Some studies have shown that specific ICU major problem associated with ICU stays. Prevalence
interventions, such as intracranial pressure monitoring surveys in the United States (US) suggest that 30% of HAIs
and cerebrospinal fluid drainage, are associated with occur in ICUs. Despite the advantages of ICU monitoring,
improved outcomes in this population. The ICU provides very few patients develop adverse reactions to post-
early detection and prompt treatment of any increase in operative management that could affect the prognosis or
intracranial pressure and other complications to prevent survival, which would require prolonged hospital stays or
further harm. ICU admission after brain tumor surgery close monitoring in the ICU.

Figure 2. Pictorial representation of the knowledge gap in determining whether a patient requires ICU or non-ICU management after elective craniotomy
for a primary brain tumor
Abbreviations: ICU: Intensive care unit; ERAS: Enhanced recovery after surgery.

Volume 3 Issue 1 (2025) 8 doi: 10.36922/bh.3802