A Novel Protocol for Reducing Intensive Care Utilization After Craniotomy.

Background: There is a growing body of evidence suggesting not all craniotomy patients require postoperative intensive care.

Objective: To devise and implement a standardized protocol for craniotomy patients eligible to transition directly from the operating room to the ward-the Non-Intensive CarE (NICE) protocol.

Methods: We preoperatively identified patients undergoing elective craniotomy for simple neurosurgical procedures with age <65 yr and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class of 1, 2 or 3.