Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2017
Meta AnalysisEffects of decompressive craniectomy on functional outcomes and death in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE Patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grade IV or V) are often considered for decompressive craniectomy (DC) as a rescue therapy for refractory intracranial hypertension. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of DC on functional outcome and death in patients after poor-grade aSAH. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. ⋯ DC is associated with high rates of unfavorable outcome and death. Because of the lack of robust control groups in a majority of the studies, the effect of DC on functional outcomes versus that of other interventions for refractory intracranial hypertension is still unknown. A randomized trial is needed.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2017
Clinical features and surgical outcomes of patients with skull base chordoma: a retrospective analysis of 238 patients.
OBJECTIVE Skull base chordoma is relatively rare, and a limited number of reports have been published regarding its clinical features. Moreover, the factors associated with extent of resection, as well as the value of marginal resection for long-term survival, are still in question for this disease. The objective of this study was to investigate these factors by evaluating their clinical features and surgical outcomes. ⋯ Marginal resection was more likely to be achieved for primary lesions with smaller volumes (< 40 cm3). The rate of CSF leakage declined due to improved dura mater repair with free fat grafts. Marginal resection, or gross-total resection when possible, should be performed in patients with primary chordomas to achieve better long-term survival.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2017
Cranioplasty with autogenous bone flaps cryopreserved in povidone iodine: a long-term follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term therapeutic efficacy of cranioplasty with autogenous bone flaps cryopreserved in povidone iodine and explore the risk factors for bone resorption. METHODS Clinical data and follow-up results of 188 patients (with 211 bone flaps) who underwent cranioplasty with autogenous bone flaps cryopreserved in povidone-iodine were retrospectively analyzed. Bone flap resorption was classified into 3 types according to CT features, including bone flap thinning (Type I), reduced bone density (Type II), and osteolysis within the flaps (Type III). ⋯ The rates of moderate and severe resorption were much higher in Type III than in Type I. The grade of bone flap resorption was associated with bone flap locations. Fragmented bone flaps or those implanted in patients treated with VP shunts may have a higher incidence of bone flap collapse due to bone resorption.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2017
Techniques and outcomes of microsurgical management of ruptured and unruptured fusiform cerebral aneurysms.
OBJECTIVE Fusiform cerebral aneurysms represent a small portion of intracranial aneurysms; differ in natural history, anatomy, and pathology; and can be difficult to treat compared with saccular aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to examine the techniques of treatment of ruptured and unruptured fusiform intracranial aneurysms and patient outcomes. METHODS In 45 patients with fusiform aneurysms, the authors retrospectively reviewed the presentation, location, and shape of the aneurysm; the microsurgical technique; the outcome at discharge and last follow-up; and the change in the aneurysm at last angiographic follow-up. ⋯ CONCLUSIONS Fusiform and dolichoectatic aneurysms involving the entire vessel wall must be investigated individually. Although some of these aneurysms may be amenable to primary clipping and clip reconstruction, these complex lesions often require alternative microsurgical and endovascular treatment. These techniques can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates and with low rates of early rebleeding and recurrence.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2017
Midterm results of T-stent-assisted coiling of wide-necked and complex intracranial bifurcation aneurysms using low-profile stents.
OBJECTIVE Coiling of wide-necked and complex bifurcation aneurysms frequently requires implantation of double stents in various configurations. T-stent-assisted coiling involves the nonoverlapping implantation of 2 stents to protect the daughter vessels of bifurcation and is followed by coiling of the aneurysm. The authors studied the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the T-stent-assisted coiling procedure as well as the midterm angiographic/clinical outcomes of patients with wide-necked bifurcation intracranial aneurysms treated using this technique. ⋯ Modified Rankin Scale scores of all patients at the last follow-ups were between zero and 2. CONCLUSIONS T-stent-assisted coiling using low-profile stents is a feasible, effective, and relatively safe endovascular technique used to treat wide-necked and complex intracranial aneurysms. The midterm angiographic and clinical outcomes are outstanding.