Neurosurgery
-
Phrenic nerve transfer has been used for treating lesions of the brachial plexus since 1970. Although, today, surgeons are more experienced with the technique, there are still widespread concerns about its effects on pulmonary function. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this procedure. ⋯ On the basis of our small series and data from the literature, we conclude that phrenic nerve transfer in well-selected patients is a safe and effective procedure for recovering biceps function.
-
A new nerve transfer technique using a healthy fascicle of the posterior cord for suprascapular nerve reconstruction is presented. This technique was used in a patient with posttraumatic brachial plexopathy resulting in upper trunk injury with proximal root stumps that were unavailable for grafting associated with multiple nerve dysfunction. ⋯ The posterior cord can be used as a source of donor fascicle to the suprascapular nerve after its infraclavicular relocation. This new intraplexal nerve transfer could be applied in patients with isolated injury of the upper trunk and concomitant lesion of the extraplexal nerve donors usually used for reinnervation of the suprascapular nerve.
-
Choroid plexus carcinoma (CPCa) is an uncommon tumor rarely occurring in patients older than 2 years of age. The case reported herein represents the first documented example of a primary supratentorial, extraventricular CPCa in an adult. The scant literature regarding this topic is reviewed. ⋯ CPCa infrequently affects adults. Only rarely does it present as a supratentorial, extraventricular mass. Resection is the mainstay of therapy. Adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy are rational treatment options.
-
To review the clinical outcomes in our patients who have undergone nerve transfer operations for brachial plexus reconstruction at the Louisiana State University (LSU) over a 10-year period. A secondary objective is to compare clinical outcomes in patients who had only nerve transfer operations as compared with patients whose nerve transfers were supplemented with direct repair of brachial plexus elements. ⋯ Nerve transfers for repair of brachial plexus injuries result in excellent recovery of elbow and shoulder functions. Patients who had direct repair of brachial plexus elements in addition to nerve transfers tended to do better than those who had only nerve transfer operations.
-
A limitation of previous studies of the arachnoid cisterns and membranes is that the act of opening the sylvian and interhemispheric fissures and basal arachnoid often led to destruction of the cisternal compartments and their membranous walls. The goal of this study was to overcome this limitation by combining the surgical microscope and endoscope for the examination of the cisternal compartments and their membranous walls. ⋯ Twelve inner arachnoid membranes and 9 cisterns were identified in this study.