Neurosurgical review
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Neurosurgical review · Jul 2011
ReviewLaparoscopy-assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery: personal experience and review of the literature.
Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is a widely accepted technique for the treatment of hydrocephalus. The standard procedure to insert the peritoneal catheter requires an abdominal incision, muscle dissection, and opening of the peritoneum. A number of complications related to the abdominal surgical phase have been reported. ⋯ In the laparoscopic group, an earlier peristalsis, quicker mobilization, and better cosmetic results were also noted. Laparoscopy in both ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement and revision is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive technique. It ensures proper abdominal placement of the distal catheter under direct vision allowing confirmation of its patency.
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Neurosurgical review · Jan 2011
ReviewRecanalization therapy for acute ischemic stroke, part 1: surgical embolectomy and chemical thrombolysis.
Cerebral revascularization approaches for acute ischemic stroke greatly expanded during the past decade. Many new revascularization strategies are currently being assessed, while others continue to gain in popularity, offering hope to those with an otherwise refractory disease. We discuss historical and current progress toward successful recanalization, as well as the efforts being made to develop a safe and efficacious method of revascularization in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
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Statins are drugs used to control cholesterol disorders and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Their denominated pleiotropic effects have demonstrated a broad action spectrum that might profit some neurological and neurosurgical diseases. These effects are correlated to dose and kind of statin. ⋯ The origin of these multiple effects from neuroprotection to tumoral apoptosis is not totally explained so far. Recent data in literature are discussed in this review. More trials in humans are urgently required to finally determine if statins could contribute to the current management of neurosurgical diseases.
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Neurosurgical review · Jul 2010
ReviewPathogenesis of syringomyelia associated with Chiari type 1 malformation: review of evidences and proposal of a new hypothesis.
The exact pathogenesis of syringomyelia associated with Chiari type 1 malformation is unknown, although a number of authors have reported their theories of syrinx formation. The purpose of this review is to understand evidences based on the known theories and to create a new hypothesis of the pathogenesis. We critically review the literatures on clinicopathological, radiological, and clinical features of this disorder. ⋯ The review of evidences promotes a new hypothesis of syrinx formation. Decreased absorption mechanisms of the extracellular fluid may underlie the pathogenesis of syringomyelia. Reduced compliance of the posterior spinal veins associated with the decreased compliance of the spinal subarachnoid space will result in disturbed absorption of the extracellular fluid through the intramedullary venous channels and formation of syringomyelia.
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Neurosurgical review · Oct 2009
Editorial Review Historical ArticleNeurosurgery in Italy: the past, the present, the future.