A prospective, randomized, double blind study to compare the effects of equiosmolar solutions of 3% hypertonic saline and 20% mannitol on reduction of brain-bulk during elective craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumor resection.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of mannitol (M) and hypertonic saline (HTS) on brain relaxation and electrolyte balance.

SETTINGS AND

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

A total of 114 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists status II and III, scheduled to undergo craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumor resection were enrolled. Patients received 5 ml/kg 20% mannitol (n = 56) or 3% HTS (n = 58) at the start of scalp incision. Hemodynamics, fluid balance and electrolytes, were measured at 0, 15, 30, and 60 min and 6 h after infusion. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay between the two groups was also recorded. The surgeon assessed brain relaxation on a four-point scale (1 = Relaxed, 2 = Satisfactory, 3 = Firm, 4 = Bulging). Appropriate statistical tests were used for comparison; P < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Brain relaxation conditions in the HTS group (relaxed/satisfactory/firm/bulging, n = 28/20/5/3) were better than those observed in the M group (relaxed/satisfactory/firm/bulging, n = 17/21/11/9). The levels of serum sodium were higher in the HTS group (P < 0.001). The average urine output was higher in the M group (5.50 ± 0.75 L) than in the HTS group (4.38 ± 0.72 L) (P < 0.005). There was no significant difference in fluid input, ICU stay, and hospital days between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that HTS provided better brain relaxation than mannitol during elective supratentorial brain tumor surgery, without affecting ICU and hospital stay.