[Results of early surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysm. Preliminary report].

The authors report their preliminary experiences with early (within 72 hours after haemorrhage) operations in cases of intracranial aneurysms. Out of 131 patients operated on from April 1985 to March 1986 in the Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Academy in Warsaw 20 were qualified for surgical intervention immediately after haemorrhage. In 13 cases Nimodipine (Nimotop) was given locally during the operation and in the postoperative period. The schedule of drug administration is shown. In 15 cases (75%) a very good result was noted, in 3 (15%) major signs of focal brain damage were observed within 6 months after the operation. Two patients (20%) died. In 4 cases neurological focal signs developed 4-5 days after subarachnoid haemorrhage due to ischaemia confirmed with CT. The operative conditions during early operations, and the approach to the vessels at the base of the brain were as good as during delayed operations.