Timing of surgery for cerebral aneurysms: a plea for early referral

• Published in: Medical journal of Australia Vol. 150; no. 4; p. 183, 187
• Main Authors: Dorsch, N W, Besser, M, Brazenor, G A, Stuart, G G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia 20-02-1989
• Subjects: Emergencies; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Intracranial Aneurysm - complications; Intracranial Aneurysm - surgery; Ischemic Attack, Transient - etiology; Microsurgery; Postoperative Complications - etiology; Referral and Consultation; Severity of Illness Index; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage - etiology; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage - surgery; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0025-729X
• DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1989.tb136422.x

Two groups of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhages--111 patients who underwent surgery within three days of haemorrhage, and 203 patients who underwent operations four or more days after the haemorrhage--were compared. No significant differences were found in outcome between the two groups. This indicates that early operation, which has the advantage of minimizing the risk of recurrent haemorrhage, is safe. The importance of the early diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage and of an urgent referral for neurosurgical management is stressed.