NCOG-40. AWAKE CRANIOTOMY FOR EXCISION OF BRAIN TUMORS; INITIAL 200 CONSECUTIVE CASES FROM AN LMIC

Abstract In recent years, reports from developed countries have shown that awake craniotomy has been shown to improve outcomes of surgical resection of brain tumors. However, no such data is available from low- and middle-income countries. We retrospectively reviewed 200 cases of awake craniotomy performed at our center for excision of brain tumors during last 5 years, and assessed clinical outcomes. Data was collected from patients’ medical records, and included demographics, tumor location/histology, clinical complains, and functional status. We used Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) to assess function. Extent of resection was determined on post-operative MRI. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Seven attending surgeons performed these cases; however, 168 (84%) surgeries were performed by a single surgeon who is the senior author (SA Enam). Mean age was 39.3 ± 11.9 years and 79% (158) were male. Left frontal lobe was the most common location for tumors (50; 25%). Although 52% (104) patients had malignant neoplasms, seizures were the most common presenting symptom in 63% (126) cases followed by motor deficits in 29% (58). The most common tumors were low grade oligodendroglioma (58; 29%%) followed by glioblastoma (42; 21%). Mean length of hospital stay was 3.15 days ± 1.7 days. Gross total resection was achieved in 82 (41%) patients. New intraoperative neurological complains were seen in 31 (15.5%) patients, however, 22 (11%) of these had recovered by median follow-up of 1.4 months. KPS at last follow-up improved in 92 (46%), remained stable in 94 (47%) and deteriorated in 14 (7%) patients. Although absence of a control group decreases the strength of this, with our large sample size we can safely conclude that AC allows maximum safe excision of brain tumors, and offers a good chance of preserving patients’ functional status, along with adequate extent of resection.