The Effects of Spinal Anaesthesia and Tourniquet Use on Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Total Knee Replacement Cases

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Abstract
Backgraound: Optic nerve sheath diameter measurement is a non-invasive method that provides rapid results in intracranial pressure assessment. Our aim in this study is to investigate how spinal anesthesia and tourniquet use affect optic nerve sheath diameter values in total knee arthroplasty operations. Methods:30 cases were included in the study. After spinal anesthesia, the tourniquet cuff was inflated. Right and left optic nerve sheath diameter measurements were performed 5 times with ocular ultrasound before spinal anesthesia, after spinal anesthesia, at 10th minutes after tourniquet inflation, 30th minutes after tourniquet inflation, and after tourniquet was deflated. The measurements were recorded in centimeters. During the first 24 hours postoperatively, the patients were followed up for the headache and/or visual impairment. Results: A significant difference was found between optic nerve sheath diameter values before and after spinal anesthesia (p<0.001, p<0.001). When comparing the optical diameter, tourniquet and tourniquet deflation values obtained on the right and left sides over time, we found a linear increase. Conclusion: The use of a tourniquet in spinal anesthesia and orthopedic surgery increases intracranial pressure. Optical measurement of nerve sheath diameter is a non-invasive and successful method that can be used safely for diagnosis and follow-up of elevated intracranial pressure. We believe that anesthesiologists should pay more attention to the measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter in clinical practice.

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