Experience of patients undergoing awake craniotomy-investigation of the early effects on language, cognitive skills, and quality of life

Awake craniotomy is a method used for tumour resection of brain regions with critical functions. Since it allows instant monitoring of the patient's neurological status at the time of surgery, language, cognition, motor and sensory functions can be preserved. Our study consists of two phases. The aim of the qualitative research is to investigate the experiences of patients undergoing awake craniotomy in Turkey. The aim of the quantitative research is to examine the effect of awake craniotomy on language, cognition skills and quality of life of patients in the early postoperative period. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who underwent awake craniotomy. In the quantitative phase, scales related to language, cognition skills and quality of life of the patients in the preoperative and early postoperative period were used. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in the Aphasia Language Assessment Test naming score and total score in repeated measurements, while the results of the Picture Naming Test and Pyramid and Palm Trees Test did not show significant differences. A significant difference (p<0.05) was found in the Standardised Mini Mental State Examination results. No significant difference was found in the results of the Stroke and Aphasia Related Quality of Life Scale. However, a significant difference was found in the Physical Function and Social Function sub-scores of the Short Form-36-TR (p<0.05). İt was determined that the patients showed high satisfaction with the process. It is thought that this study will contribute to the understanding of patient experiences in the awake craniotomy process and the development of surgical procedures. After awake craniotomy, patients' language, cognitive skills and quality of life decreased. It is thought that this study will contribute to the literature by analysing the experiences of patients undergoing awake craniotomy.