Cerebral aneurysm--treatment and perioperative nursing care.

A cerebral aneurysm is a weakening and saccular outpouching of a cerebral artery. This life threatening condition affects approximately 10 million to 15 million Americans annually. Perioperative nurses must be aware of the incidence, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and treatments for cerebral aneurysm. This article details the perioperative care of patients undergoing craniotomy for surgical clipping or insertion of an endovascular coil. Although endovascular coiling is a relatively new procedure with unknown long-term results, this treatment option offers patients a minimally invasive alternative to craniotomy with a shorter hospital stay and decreased recovery time.