Neurosurgery
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The transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) technique, pioneered by Harms and Rolinger in 1982 and further refined in the early 2000s by Rosenberg and Mummaneni and later by Foley and Lefkowitz, uses Kambin triangle to access the disc space, thecal sac, and nerve roots. The minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approach to TLIF minimizes soft tissue disruption and spinal segment destabilization, offering benefits such as reduced operative times, blood loss, complications, and postoperative opiate use, with comparable fusion rates to open techniques. Despite these advantages, MIS interbody selection poses challenges, with the MIS TLIF preferred for L4-5 fusions when lordosis restoration is not needed. ⋯ Awake MIS TLIF, incorporating conscious sedation and local anesthesia, offers additional benefits of faster discharge and reduced postoperative pain. Some authors have also started using endoscopic techniques as well to further minimize tissue trauma. The integration of these advanced techniques and technologies in MIS TLIF continues to improve surgical outcomes and expands the applicability of this minimally invasive approach, making it a valuable tool in spine surgery.
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Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is crucial for improving functional outcomes for acute ischemic stroke. Length of stay (LOS) is a reimbursement metric implemented to incentivize value-based care. Our study aims to identify predictors of LOS in patients undergoing MT at a high-volume center in the United States. ⋯ By identifying predictors of eLOS, we provide a foundation for targeted interventions aimed at optimizing post-thrombectomy care pathways and improving patient outcomes. The implications of our study extend beyond clinical practice, offering insights into healthcare resource utilization, reimbursement strategies, and value-based care initiatives.
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Review Case Reports
Biportal Versus Uniportal Lumbar Decompression-Indications and Efficacy: A Review With Case Examples.
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery offers many advantages including reduced patient morbidity and quicker return to normal life. Endoscopic lumbar spine surgery, sometimes termed "ultra" minimally invasive, further pushes the envelope on reducing operative time, blood loss, and recovery time. ⋯ Biportal approach involves two incisions, one for the endoscope and one for the instruments. In what follows we review the indications and efficacy of these procedures with case examples.
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Spinal chordomas are primary bone tumors where surgery remains the primary treatment. However, their low incidence, lack of evidence, and late disease presentation make them challenging to manage. Here, we report the postoperative outcomes of a large cohort of patients after surgical resection, investigate predictors for overall survival (OS) and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) times, and trend functional outcomes over multiple time periods. ⋯ Surgeons must often weigh the pros and cons of en bloc resection and sacrificing important but affected native tissues. Our findings can provide a benchmark for counseling patients with spinal chordoma. Tumors ≥100 cm 3 appear to have a 5.89-times higher risk of recurrence, mobile spine chordomas have a 7.73 times higher risk, and neoadjuvant radiotherapy confers an 11.1 times lower risk for local recurrence. Patients age ≥65 years at surgery have a 16.70 times higher risk of mortality than those <65 years.