Recovery for Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas in Children

Postoperative Orders

• Normotension and normovolemia: Maintain normal range mean arterial pressure and adequate hydration during the postoperative period.
• PICU: Overnight observation at the PICU is recommended for frequent neurological evaluation.
• Activity and diet: If extubation is tolerated, activity out of bed is encouraged and diet may be advanced when the patient can swallow clear fluids without difficulty.
• Seizure treatment: Continue antiepileptic medical treatment if the patient presented with seizures.
• Testing: Order a CBC and basic metabolic profile in cases involving blood loss or fluid shifts.
• Imaging: If any change in neurological status is present, obtain emergent CT or MRI to check for hemorrhage or infarct.
• Anticoagulation treatment: Consider anticoagulation if venous thrombosis is present. Consult a hematologist. In the context of significant embolization with a large pouch, there may be consumption of thrombotic factors, causing a coagulopathic state or even disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Postoperative Morbidity

• No expected morbidity: There is generally no expected morbidity associated with DAVF treatment.