Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Sep 1999
Natural history of asymptomatic colloid cysts of the third ventricle.
To determine the natural history of colloid cysts of the third ventricle in patients in whom the cysts were incidentally discovered, the authors retrospectively reviewed cases observed during the modern neuroimaging era (1974-1998). ⋯ Patients in whom asymptomatic colloid cysts are diagnosed can be cared for safely with observation and serial neuroimaging. If a patient becomes symptomatic, the cyst enlarges, or hydrocephalus develops, prompt neurosurgical intervention is necessary to prevent the occurrence of neurological decline from these benign tumors.
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The results of surgical treatment of epidermoid cysts of the pineal region in six cases are presented. ⋯ Surgical results can be excellent if a removal, as extensive as possible, is performed using either the supracerebellar or occipital-transtentorial approach.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Sep 1999
Outcome after complex neurosurgery: the caregiver's burden is forgotten.
The goals of this study were twofold: 1) to determine outcome, including quality of life, in patients who have undergone surgery for petroclival meningioma in which a standard skull base approach was used; and 2) to assess the impact of the patients' surgical treatment on their caregivers. ⋯ After transpetrosal excision of a petroclival meningioma, the quality of life for the patient is worse than that indicated in surgeons' reported results. The impact on the patient's caregiver is profound-a burden perhaps not fully appreciated by the surgeon.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Sep 1999
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for intracranial atherosclerotic lesions: evolution of technique and short-term results.
A retrospective analysis of a 9-year experience with balloon angioplasty for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis was undertaken with the goals of illustrating development of a safe technique for treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic disease and reporting the immediate results in this series of patients. ⋯ Extremely slow balloon inflation combined with balloon undersizing results in decreased intimal damage, decreased acute platelet/thrombus deposition, and decreased acute closure. This technique sometimes yields suboptimal angiographic results but achieves the clinical goal safely. Intracranial angioplasty can be safely performed using this technique and modern equipment.