Neurosurgery
-
Multicenter Study
Microsurgical Obliteration of Craniocervical Junction Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Multicenter Experience.
Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) located at craniocervical junction are extremely rare (1%-2% of intracranial/spinal dAVFs). Their angio-architectural complexity renders endovascular embolization to be challenging given multiple small feeders with risk of embolysate reflux into vertebral artery and limited transvenous access. The available literature discussing microsurgery for these lesions is limited to few case reports. ⋯ Craniocervical dAVFs represent rare entity of lesions presenting most commonly with hemorrhage or myelopathy because of venous congestion. Microsurgery using a far lateral approach provides robust exposure and visualization for these lesions and allows obliteration of the arterialized draining vein intradurally as close as possible to the fistula point. This approach was associated with a high rate of angiographic cure and favorable clinical outcomes.
-
Understanding the growth pathway of Knosp grade 4 pituitary adenoma (KG4PA) has a direct impact on surgical planning and safety for tumor eviction. ⋯ The subclassification strengthens our understanding of KG4PAs on tumor growth corridors and topographic relations of tumor and cavernous segment of internal carotid artery. Furthermore, the distinction into groups 4A, 4B, and 4AB is of benefits for selecting approaches, predicting risk and avoiding complications, and generating more tailored individualized surgical strategies for KG4PAs with better outcomes.
-
Two common approaches for open, one-level, posterior lumbar fusions include transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterolateral fusion (PLF) alone without an interbody. ⋯ TLIF patients had slightly higher NRS-back pain at baseline and 3 months, but similar NRS-leg pain, despite the added risk of placing an interbody. No differences were seen in discharge disposition, RTW, and 12-month pain scores and ODI.
-
The prevalence of intracranial aneurysms among female cigarette smokers was shown to be high in previous studies, yet the cost-effectiveness of screening them has never been explored. ⋯ Screening female smokers for intracranial aneurysms once at younger age is most optimal. However, in clinical practice, the duration and intensity of exposure to cigarettes should be taken into consideration.