The Outcome of Aneurysm Clipping in Septuagenarians - A Retrospective Analysis in a Basic Neurovascular Unit

Introduction: The management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in the elderly is challenging. Clipping as the definitive treatment is less well tolerated by the elderly population. The outcome is anticipated to be more glimmer in poor grade SAH and in a setup which lacks modern neurovascular gadgets. We present our experience of surgical clipping in elderly patients in such a basic neurovascular unit. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of hospital records of elderly patients between 70 and 79 of age who underwent surgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms between 2015 and 2017 was done. The patients' characteristics, comorbidities, aneurysm characteristics, intraoperative complications, and postoperative complications were studied to determine the factors influencing an unfavorable outcome. All information was entered into a database (Microsoft Excel) and analyzed using SPSS trial version 16. Outcomes were grouped into a favorable outomce which included Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4 and 5, whereas an unfavorable outcome which included Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 1, 2, and 3. Results: There were 21 patients with aneurysms located either in the anterior or posterior circulation or both. All underwent standard craniotomy and clipping pertaining to that particular type of aneurysm. A favorable outcome was achieved in 48% of the patients and 52% had an unfavorable outcome. The duration of surgery, number of days on ventilator, and presence of hydrocephalus were the factors found to be statistically significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes. Conclusion: A team approach consisting of a neuroanaesthetist, neurosurgeons, and critical care personnel can have a huge impact on the postoperative outcome.