Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2016
Neurosurgical treatment of glossopharyngeal neuralgia: analysis of 103 cases.
The object of this study was to investigate the immediate and long-term follow-up results of glossopharyngeal nerve rhizotomy (GPNR) with or without partial vagus nerve rhizotomy (VNR) for treating glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN). ⋯ In general, this study indicates that GPNR alone or in combination with VNR is a safe, simple, and effective treatment option for GPN. It may be especially valuable for patients who are not suitable for the microvascular decompression (MVD) procedure and for surgeons who have little experience with MVD. Of note, this study renews the significance of GPNR alone, which, the authors believe, is at least valuable for a subgroup of GPN patients, with significantly fewer long-term complications than those for rhizotomy for both glossopharyngeal nerve and rootlets of the vagus nerve.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2016
Case ReportsDural incision in the petrosal approach with preservation of the superior petrosal vein.
The petrosal approach has been applied for the treatment of many lesions in the posterior fossa, but the location and preservation of the superior petrosal veins (SPVs) during this approach are usually not particularly considered. The authors developed a technique of dural incision with special consideration of the location of the SPVto preserve venous flow during the petrosal approach. ⋯ The SPVs should be considered critical structures in the petrosal approach. Preoperative evaluation of the SPV anatomy should be performed in patients undergoing such surgical treatment, and the dural opening must be performed with special attention to the SPVto avoid intraoperative injury and postoperative complications.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2016
Case ReportsReport of whole-brain radiation therapy in a patient with an implanted deep brain stimulator: important neurosurgical considerations and radiotherapy practice principles.
Patients with implanted neuromodulation devices present potential challenges for radiation therapy treatment planning and delivery. Although guidelines exist regarding the irradiation of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, fewer data and less clinical experience exist regarding the effects of radiation therapy on less frequently used devices, such as deep brain stimulators. A 79-year-old woman with a history of coarse tremors effectively managed with deep brain stimulation presented with multiple intracranial metastases from a newly diagnosed lung cancer and was referred for whole-brain radiation therapy. ⋯ The patient tolerated the treatment well with no acute complications and no apparent change in the functionality of her neurostimulator device or effect on her underlying neuromuscular disorder. This represents the first reported case of the safe delivery of whole-brain radiation therapy in a patient with an implanted neurostimulator device. In cases such as this, neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists should have discussions with patients about the risks of brain injury, device malfunction or failure of the device, and plans for rigorous testing of the device before and after radiation therapy.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2016
Case ReportsEndoscopic fenestration of intraventricular cerebrospinal fluid cysts: the contralateral approach.
The endoscopic fenestration of intraventricular CSF cysts has evolved into a well-accepted treatment modality. However, definition of the optimal trajectory for endoscopic fenestration may be difficult. Distorted ventricular anatomy and poor visibility within the cyst due to its contents can make endoscopic fenestration challenging if approached from the ipsilateral side. In addition, transcortical approaches can theoretically cause injury to eloquent cortex, particularly in patients with dominant-sided lesions. The aim of this study was to examine the value of the contralateral transcortical transventricular approach in patients with dominant-sided ventricular cysts. ⋯ The contralateral approach to ventricular cysts can achieve excellent surgical outcomes while minimizing approach-related trauma to the dominant hemisphere. Careful case selection is essential to ensure that the contralateral endoscopic trajectory is the best possible exposure for sufficient cyst fenestration and restoration of CSF circulation.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2016
Case ReportsEndoscope-assisted retrosigmoid infralabyrinthine approach to jugular foramen tumors.
Removal of jugular foramen (JF) tumors usually requires extensive skull base approaches and is frequently associated with postoperative morbidities such as lower cranial nerve injury. The endoscope-assisted retrosigmoid infralabyrinthine approach is a relatively new approach to tumors extending into the bony canal of the JF. The authors present their experience with this approach. ⋯ This study shows that the judicious application of the endoscope-assisted retrosigmoid infralabyrinthine approach is safe and effective for removal of the schwannomas extending into the JF and selected paragangliomas without significant luminal invasion of the sigmoid-jugular system.