Recent studies of conventional craniotomies and image-guided biopsies have afforded a solid characterization of surgical morbidity and the timing of its occurrence. This report outlines a novel 11-year experience with outpatient image-guided biopsy and outpatient craniotomy for supratentorial intraaxial brain tumors.

During the period between August 1996 and May 2007, 117 awake image-guided biopsies and 145 elective craniotomies for tumor resection were prospectively selected to be performed as outpatient procedures. Data were recorded for each patient regarding tumor histological type, reasons for admission if planned early discharge failed, and surgical complications.

Successful discharge from the Day Surgery Unit was possible in 109 (93%) of 117 biopsy cases and 136 (94%) of 145 craniotomy cases (only 2 of which [1.5%] required unplanned readmission after discharge). Neurological worsening occurred in 5.1% of the patients who underwent image-guided biopsies, and in 5.5% of those who underwent outpatient craniotomies (based on intent-to-treat group analysis). No patient suffered an adverse event with alteration in outcome because of planned outpatient discharge.

Outpatient image-guided brain biopsy and outpatient craniotomy for tumor resection are safe and effective procedures in selected patients.