Neurosurgery
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The purpose of this study was to delineate the anatomy of the precentral cerebellar vein, superior vermian vein, and internal occipital vein using reconstructions of computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans with navigation software. These data were compared with previous anatomic and angiographic findings to show the resolution and accuracy of the system. ⋯ This study illustrates the possibility of depicting the small vessels draining into the pineal region venous complex using 3-dimensional neuronavigation with an accuracy comparable to that of digital subtraction angiography. This tool provides important information for both surgical planning and intraoperative orientation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Perioperative fever and outcome in surgical patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
We examined the incidence of perioperative fever and its relationship to outcome among patients enrolled in the Intraoperative Hypothermia for Aneurysm Surgery Trial. ⋯ These findings suggest that fever is associated with worsened outcome in surgical subarachnoid hemorrhage patients, although, because the association between fever and the primary outcome measure for the trial is dependent on the covariates used in the analysis (particularly operative events and delayed ischemic neurological deficits), we cannot rule out the possibility that fever is a marker for other events. Only a formal trial of fever treatment or prevention can address this issue.
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Comparative Study
Endonasal versus supraorbital keyhole removal of craniopharyngiomas and tuberculum sellae meningiomas.
Endonasal and supraorbital "eyebrow" craniotomies are increasingly being used to remove craniopharyngiomas and tuberculum sellae meningiomas. Herein, we assess the relative advantages, disadvantages, and selection criteria of these 2 keyhole approaches. ⋯ The endonasal route is preferred for removal of most retrochiasmal craniopharyngiomas, whereas the supraorbital route is recommended for meningiomas larger than 30 to 35 mm or with growth beyond the supraclinoid carotid arteries. For smaller midline tumors, either approach can be used, depending on surgeon experience and tumor anatomy. Compared with traditional craniotomies, the major limitation of both approaches is a narrow surgical corridor. The endonasal approach has the added challenges of restricted lateral suprasellar access, a greater need for endoscopy, and a more demanding cranial base repair.
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The transoral approach is the most direct and commonly used method to access the ventral craniocervical junction. Recently, an endonasal, endoscopic approach to the craniovertebral junction was proposed. We reasoned that the coupling of the endoscope with the direct transoral approach and image guidance could result in a minimally invasive, simple approach to the ventral craniovertebral junction. We investigated the potential usefulness of such an approach in a cadaver model. ⋯ With the aid of the endoscope and image guidance, it is possible to approach the ventral craniovertebral junction transorally with minimal tissue dissection, no palatal splitting, and no compromise of surgical freedom. In addition, the use of an angled-lens endoscope can significantly improve the exposure of the clivus without splitting the soft palate. An endoscope-assisted transoral approach is a direct and powerful tool for the treatment of surgical pathology at the craniovertebral junction.
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Because of the difficulty in distinguishing idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) from other neurodegenerative conditions unrelated to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, response to CSF shunting remains highly variable. We examined the utility of CSF drainage and CSF pressure (Pcsf) dynamics in predicting response to CSF shunting for patients with INPH. ⋯ In this study of 51 INPH patients who underwent Pcsf monitoring with waveform analysis and CSF drainage followed by shunt surgery, there was no correlation between specific Pcsf wave characteristics and objective symptomatic improvement after shunt placement. Pcsf monitoring with B-wave analysis contributes little to the diagnostic dilemma with INPH patients. Clinical response to continuous CSF drainage over a 72-hour period suggests a high likelihood of shunt responsiveness.