Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2008
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the management of communicating hydrocephalus: a preliminary study.
The purpose of this study was to elucidate the efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), the procedure's indications, and prognosis after treatment in patients with communicating hydrocephalus. ⋯ The new hydrodynamic concept of hydrocephalus opens the possibility that ETV may be an effective treatment for communicating hydrocephalus. It thus constitutes an interchangeable alternative to shunting. Patient age, analysis of the causes of hydrocephalus, and mental state evaluation play important roles in outcome prediction in patients with communicating hydrocephalus who undergo ETV. Randomized clinical studies are needed to explore further the role of this treatment in communicating hydrocephalus therapy.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2008
Three-dimensional constructive interference in steady-state magnetic resonance imaging in obstructive hydrocephalus: relevance for endoscopic third ventriculostomy and clinical results.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is the treatment of choice in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus caused by aqueductal stenosis. The authors examined the clinical course and results of surgical treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus with pre- and postoperative refined constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) MR imaging. ⋯ Endoscopic ventriculostomy in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus is safe and mostly successful, and 3D-CISS MR imaging seems to be a valuable diagnostic method for precisely identifying the anatomy of relevant structures. Furthermore, 3D-CISS MR imaging allows judgment of the thickness of the third ventricle floor and display of the ventriculostomy/flow void, which are predictive for intraoperative course and clinical outcome.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2008
Microsurgical management of 53 jugular foramen schwannomas: lessons learned incorporated into a modified grading system.
Due to the proximity and involvement of critical neurovascular structures, the resection of jugular foramen schwannomas can pose a formidable challenge. The authors review their experience in the microsurgical management of jugular foramen schwannomas and propose a modified grading scale to guide surgical management. ⋯ The microsurgical resection of jugular foramen schwannomas carries a risk of worsening preoperative CN deficits; however, these are often transient. Based on their experience, the authors have formulated a grading scale that predicts the optimal surgical approach to these lesions. Considerable technical training and microneuroanatomical knowledge of the region is required. The modified grading scale presented facilitates preoperative planning.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2008
Gamma Knife radiosurgery for skull base meningioma: long-term results of low-dose treatment.
In this study, the authors evaluate the long-term results after Gamma Knife radiosurgery of cranial base meningiomas. This study is a follow-up to their previously published report on the early results. ⋯ Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a safe and effective treatment for cranial base meningiomas as demonstrated with a long-term follow-up period of > 7 years. Surgeons must be aware of the possibility of treatment failure, defined as local failure, marginal failure, and malignant transformation; however, this may be the natural course of meningiomas and not related to radiosurgery.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2008
Intraoperative nerve action and compound motor action potential recordings in patients with obstetric brachial plexus lesions.
A typical finding in supraclavicular exploration of infants with severe obstetric brachial plexus lesions (OBPLs) is a neuroma-in-continuity with the superior trunk and/or a root avulsion at C-5, C-6, or C-7. The operative strategy in these cases is determined by the intraoperative assessment of the severity of the lesion. Intraoperative nerve action potential (NAP) and evoked compound motor action potential (CMAP) recordings have been shown to be helpful diagnostic tools in adults, whereas their value in the intraoperative assessment of infants with OBPLs remains to be determined. ⋯ Intraoperative NAP and CMAP recordings do not assist in decision making in the surgical treatment of infants with OBPLs. The authors' findings in infants cannot be generalized to adults.