Although mannitol is used for brain relaxation during neurosurgery and in the treatment of
raised intracranial pressure; there is not a consensus on its safe and effective dose, the
duration of its administration and its use in combination with loop diuretics. This study
aimed to compare the effects of the mannitol alone and in combination with furosemide in
different doses, on the brain relaxation, electrolyte, lactate levels of the blood,
peroperative fluid balance and the volume of the urine in supratentorial mass resection
surgeries.
This prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study included fifty one
patients (ASA I-III) scheduled for elective supratentorial mass resection surgery. The
patients were randomized into three groups for investigation of the effects of mannitol alone
and in combination with furosemide in different doses. Blood sodium, potassium, chlorine,
lactate, urine and osmolarity levels were recorded. The brain relaxation score (BRS) was
evaluated twice by the surgeon using a 4 point scale (1=very good, 2=good, 3=bad, 4=very
bad); at dura opening, and 30 minutes after the administration of the study drug.