Neurosurgery
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Red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) is associated with medical complications in general medical and surgical patients. We examined the hypothesis that RBCT during intensive care unit (ICU) care is associated with medical complications after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). ⋯ These data suggest that RBCTs are associated with medical complications after SAH. However, the data do not infer causation, and further study is necessary to better define the indications for transfusion after SAH.
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This case report describes a new complication associated with a baclofen pump in which its fractured intrathecal catheter migrated into the patient's ventricular system. A thecal model was developed to evaluate catheter buoyancy in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The literature was reviewed to identify possible mechanical and physiologic causes of catheter migration. ⋯ This complication alerts surgeons to the migration risk of loose intrathecal catheter segments into the ventricular system. CSF flow patterns and mechanical processes, but not material properties of the catheter, are likely causes.
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Medically refractory epilepsy is amenable to neurosurgical intervention if the epileptogenic focus is accurately localized. If the scalp video-electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging are nonlateralizing, yet a single focus is suspected, video-EEG monitoring with bilateral intracranial electrode placement is helpful to lateralize the ictal onset zone. We describe the indications, risks, and utility of such bilateral surveys at our institution. ⋯ Bilateral placement of subdural strip and depth electrodes for epilepsy monitoring in patients with nonlateralizing scalp EEG and/or discordant imaging studies but clinical suspicion for focal seizure origin is both safe and effective. Given the safety and efficacy of this procedure, epileptologists should have a low threshold to consider bilateral implants for suitable patients.
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The placement of thoracic pedicle screws, particularly in the deformed spine, poses unique challenges, and a learning curve. We measured the in vivo accuracy of placement of thoracic pedicle screws by computed tomography in the deformed spine by a single surgeon over time. ⋯ The overall accuracy of placement of thoracic pedicle screws in the deformed spine was 88.4%, with no neurologic or visceral complications. One patient from group A returned to the operating room on postoperative day 2 for removal of an asymptomatic left T7 thoracic pedicle screw abutting the aorta. As surgeon experience increased, there was an overall decreased breach rate, which was mainly reflected in fewer medial breaches.
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To show the long-term benefits of total and near-total resection of complex spinal cord lipomas and reconstruction of the neural placode. ⋯ Total and near-total resection of lipomas and complete reconstruction of the neural placode produced a much better long-term progression-free probability than partial resection and nonsurgical treatment. The perioperative complications for total resection were low and compared favorably with published results. A low postoperative cord-sac ratio and well-executed placode neurulation were strongly correlated with good outcome. The ideal preoperative patient profile with early disease stabilization and the best recurrence-free probability is an asymptomatic child less than 2 years without previous lipoma surgery. There are strong indications that partial resection in many cases produces worse scarring on the neural placode and worse prognosis than no surgery.