Retrospective analysis of common complications in neurosurgical postanesthesia care unit

Abstract

Objective To explore the complications neurosurgical patients with general anesthesia in neurosurgical postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and analyse the probable cause to enhance the safety of neurosurgical patients in perioperative period. Methods The clinical monitor data (March, 2009-January, 2010) of 2414 patients in neurosurgical PACU after neurosurgical operation were reviewed. The causes of complication were analysed and characteristics of prevention and treatment were summarized. Results The mean monitor duration in PACU was 2 hours. The incidence of complication was 52.57% (1269/2414). There were 486 patients (20.13% ) suffered from 2 or more than 2 complications. The incidence of arrhythmia, hypertension, pain, shivering, nausea and vomiting, and delirium was 14.08%, 13.79%, 13.67%, 10.19% , 9.20% and 8.91% , respectively. The incidence of hypoxemia, respiratory obstruction, delayed recovery and hypotension was 3.27% , 1.99% , 1.41% and 0.50% , respectively. Three patients with consciousness delay or pupil size anisocoria diagnosed as cerebral edema or intracranial hematoma by computed tomography (CT) underwent recraniotomy. All complications were treated in time. Conclusion The incidence of neurosurgical postoperative complications is fairly high. Different kinds of disease and operation may present special related complications. All complications should be monitored and treated promptly and accurately to secure the safety of patients in PACU.

DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2010.04.013