Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Oct 2019
The long-term effects of microvascular decompression on social phobia and health-related quality of life in patients with hemifacial spasm: a 3-year prospective study.
Although not a life-threatening condition, hemifacial spasm (HFS) frequently leads to social phobia because it causes significant facial disfigurement and consequently reduces health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The purpose of the current study was to examine the long-term effects of MVD on psychological aspects and HRQoL in HFS patients with social anxiety over a 36-month follow-up. ⋯ The improvements previously observed in psychological aspects and HRQoL over a short-term follow-up after MVD in HFS patients with social phobia were maintained for at least 36 months after MVD.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Oct 2019
Gradual expansion of stent retriever in mechanical thrombectomy for curved middle cerebral artery: structural findings of the stent for predictable recanalization results.
Trevo Provue stent retriever with visible struts under fluoroscopy may be useful in identifying the optimal position and expansion of the stent during the procedure. This study aimed to demonstrate and analyze changes in the segmental diameter of a radio-opaque stent retriever after deployment according to recanalization results, and its relationship with the angle of the occluded segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). ⋯ The diameter of the stent retriever after deployment was associated with the recanalization results in mechanical thrombectomy following MCA occlusion.
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Microscope-based augmented reality (AR) is commonly used in cranial surgery; however, until recently, this technique was not implemented for spinal surgery. We prospectively investigated, how AR can be applied for intradural spinal tumor surgery. ⋯ Microscope-based AR can be reliably applied to intradural spinal tumor surgery. Automatic AR registration ensures high precision and provides an intuitive visualization of the extent of the tumor and surrounding structures. Given this setting, all advanced multi-modality options of cranial AR can also be applied to spinal surgery.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2019
Management of perineural (Tarlov) cysts: a population-based cohort study and algorithm for the selection of surgical candidates.
Perineural cysts, also known as Tarlov cysts, are cerebrospinal fluid-filled growths that develop at the intersection of a dorsal root ganglion and posterior nerve root. They are typically an asymptomatic and incidental finding during routine spine imaging. For symptomatic perineural cysts, there is little evidence on which treatment is most effective or when it is indicated. The aim of this study was to review our experience from a population-based cohort of patients with symptomatic perineural cysts and to propose an algorithm that could be used in the selection of surgical candidates. ⋯ Microsurgical cyst fenestration seems to be a safe and effective option for symptomatic relief in patients with perineural cysts. Based on the results from our series and those of others, we propose an algorithm for the selection of surgical candidates.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2019
An assessment of patient-reported long-term outcomes following surgery for cauda equina syndrome.
Data regarding long-term outcomes following surgery for cauda equina syndrome (CES) is scarce. In addition, these studies rely on patient descriptions of the presence or absence of symptoms, with no gradation of severity. This study aimed to assess long-term bladder, bowel, sexual and physical function using validated questionnaires in a CES cohort. ⋯ With a mean follow-up time of 43 months, these findings confirm the high prevalence of long-term bladder, sexual and physical dysfunction in CES patients and that a diagnosis of CES-R confers poorer outcomes. This study provides useful, objective data to guide the expectations of patients and clinicians.