Neurosurgery
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Some patients suffering from intractable epileptic seizures, particularly drop attacks (DAs), are nonremediable by curative techniques. Palliative procedure carries a significant rate of surgical and neurological complications. ⋯ Gamma Knife callosotomy is safe and accurate with comparable efficacy to open callosotomy in this cohort of patients with intractable epilepsy suffering from severe drop attacks.
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Epidural cement leakage (CL) is a common complication in cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation (CAFPSF) with the potential for neural injury. However, there are no reports discussing basivertebral vein morphology and pedicle screw placement, which are critical in the analysis of the risk of epidural CL after CAFPSF. ⋯ In osteoporotic patients receiving CAFPSF, epidural CL is relatively common. The morphology of basivertebral foramen should be taken into account when planning a CAFPSF procedure. It is important to try and achieve a deeper screw implantation, especially when a magistral type of basivertebral foramen is present.
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The optimal timing of cranioplasty (CP) and predictors of overall postoperative complications are still controversial. ⋯ Brain collapse and lower Karnofsky Performance Status score at the time of CP were independent predictors of overall complications after CP. The optimal timing of CP may be determined by tissue window based on brain collapse volume instead of time window based on the decompressive craniectomy-CP interval.
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Postoperative hemorrhage is a rare but potentially serious complication after pituitary surgery. The risk factors for this complication are mostly unknown, and further knowledge would help guide postoperative management. ⋯ Larger tumor size and presentation with apoplexy were associated with clinically significant postoperative hemorrhage. Patients presenting with pituitary apoplexy are more likely to experience a significant postoperative hemorrhage and should be carefully monitored for headache and vision changes in the days after surgery.
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The management of craniopharyngiomas is challenging, usually requiring multidisciplinary care. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is an essential technique for residual/recurrent craniopharyngiomas. ⋯ The management of craniopharyngioma requires a multidisciplinary approach, and irradiation represents effective treatment option for residual/recurrent tumors after surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that addresses the efficacy of frameless hfGKRS in managing craniopharyngiomas over sufficient follow-up.