TOPICAL IRRIGATION OF PAPAVERINE DURING INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSM SURGERY IN PREVENTING CEREBRAL VASOSPASM

Abstract

Background: Derived from opium poppy (Papaver somniferous), papaverine is a non-analgesic 
opioid vasodilator employed in the treatment of vasospasm and impotency. Cerebral vasospasm, a 
major contributor to unfavorable outcomes in subarachnoid hemorrhage resulting from intracranial 
aneurysm rupture, prompted this investigation. The study aims to compare the incidence of ischemia 
in patients subjected to perioperative papaverine irrigation within the subarachnoid space during 
aneurysm surgery with those who did not receive preoperative papaverine treatment.
Materials and Methods: Conducted at Madras Medical College, Chennai, in 2022, this study 
involved 49 patients. Postoperatively, patients were closely monitored for cerebral ischemia, and 
evaluated through clinical and radiological indicators.