Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2010
Comparative StudyThe sutureless excimer laser assisted non-occlusive anastomosis (SELANA); a feasibility study in a pressurized cadaver model.
To compare intracranial feasibility of the conventional Excimer laser assisted non-occlusive anastomosis (ELANA) with the new experimental sutureless ELANA (SELANA). ⋯ This comparative study shows potential advantages of the SELANA anastomosis over the ELANA anastomosis because during application, it causes less manipulation of surrounding structures while it is faster and easier. Further preclinical research should be performed in order to improve SELANA feasibility on angulated anastomosis spots and to assess long-term SELANA patency and endothelialization.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2010
Anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of α-lipoic acid on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbits.
Radical oxygen species produced after injury counteracts antioxidant activity and frequently causes severe oxidative stress for the tissues. Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful metabolic antioxidant with immunomodulatory effects which provides neuroprotection. The aim of this study is to investigate the neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic effects of alpha-lipoic acid on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion. ⋯ Although further studies considering different dose regimens and time intervals are required, the results of the present study prove that alpha-lipoic acid has favorable effects on experimental spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2010
A modified Roland-Morris disability scale for the assessment of sciatica.
The Roland-Morris disability scale (RMS) for disability secondary to low back pain is a validated and popular instrument in clinical practice and research. We have made a simple modification to the questionnaire to increase sensitivity to sciatica (RMS-L) and validated this in patients with lumbar disc prolapse and radiculopathy. ⋯ The original and modified RMS can discriminate disability due to low back pain and sciatica, respectively. Separate assessment of these symptoms and their contribution to functional impairment is useful in assessing suitability for surgery and predicting outcome.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2010
Case ReportsThe 'triangle' rubber dam interposition technique: preservation of the arteries around an aneurysm.
The authors describe an intraoperative technique in which a triangular rubber dam is inserted between the aneurysm and the perforating arteries. In this way, we can avoid obstruction of perforating arteries on application of a clip. This technique is especially useful for deep-seated aneurysms, such as basilar bifurcation aneurysms.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Aug 2010
Review Case ReportsAcute intracranial hypertension and shunt dependency following treatment of intracranial arachnoid cyst in a child: a case report and review of the literature.
Arachnoid cysts are developmental anomalies that represent 1% of all intracranial space occupying lesions. Treatment of symptomatic cases may include shunting of the cyst or an open fenestration of it, among other less acceptable surgical procedures. ⋯ We present a case of the development of an acute intracranial hypertension during cysto-peritoneal shunt malfunction in a child. We describe the possible mechanism of these phenomena and, based on this report and by reviewing other case series in the literature, we raise the possibility that acute increase in intracranial pressure and the development of shunt dependency, although rare, are important complications of shunting an arachnoid cyst.