An Alternative as a Depleting Agent in Posterior Fossa Tumor Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Brain depletion constitutes an important element in the anesthetic management of posterior fossa tumors. The use of mannitol is common, although in recent times there is a tendency to use 3% hypertonic saline solution. Both generate changes in blood volume, mean arterial pressure and hemogasometric patterns.

Objective: To describe the degree of intraoperative brain depletion produced by both solutions in patients undergoing elective surgery for posterior fossa tumors.

Methods: A descriptive study was carried out on the degree of brain depletion with the use of mannitol and 3% hypertonic saline solution, based on a non-probabilistic sample selection. Sampling was by convenience into two groups, according to the depletion applied. Group I received 3% hypertonic saline and group II received mannitol. The clinical-epidemiological variables, hemogasometry, adverse reactions and degree of depletion were evaluated.

Results: When evaluating the degree of brain depletion, the good degree of depletion predominated in both study groups, so it was similar without significant statistical differences p > 0.05, and in group I the sodium was greater.

Conclusions: The degree of intraoperative brain depletion produced by both solutions showed equal conditions as brain depletion in patients with posterior fossa tumor.