Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
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With continuous refinement of neurosurgical techniques and higher resolution in neuroimaging, the management of pontine lesions is constantly improving. Among pontine structures with vital functions that are at risk of being damaged by surgical manipulation, cranial nerves (CN) and cranial nerve nuclei (CNN) such as CN V, VI, and VII are critical. Pre-operative localization of the intrapontine course of CN and CNN should be beneficial for surgical outcomes. ⋯ Clinical associations between post-operative improvements and the corresponding CN area of the pons were demonstrated. Our results suggest that pre- and post-operative DTI allows identification of key anatomical structures in the pons and enables estimation of their involvement by pathology. It may predict clinical outcome and help us to better understand the involvement of the intrinsic anatomy by pathological processes.
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Meta Analysis
Dexmedetomidine as an anesthetic adjuvant for intracranial procedures: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
This meta-analysis aimed to systematically collect the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine (DEX) as an anesthetic adjuvant for patients undergoing intracranial surgery. A systematic literature search of randomized controlled trials (RCT) was conducted to compare DEX with placebo or opioids in patients undergoing intracranial procedures. Hemodynamic data, opioid consumption, and recovery parameters were pooled. ⋯ Patients also had lower mean arterial pressure and heart rate when extubated (mean difference [MD]=-9.74 mm Hg, 95% CI -12.35 to -7.12, p<0.00001; and MD=-16.35 beats/minute, 95% CI -20.00 to -12.70, p<0.00001, respectively), a lower intraoperative additional fentanyl consumption (MD=-0.78 μg/kg, 95% CI -1.51 to -0.05, p=0.04), and lower postoperative antiemetic requests (RR=0.51, 95% CI 0.33-0.80, p=0.003). DEX may not increase extubation time, postoperative PaCO2, or the risk of perioperative bradycardia. Only a small number of RCT are available, but meta-analysis shows evidence that DEX as an anesthetic adjuvant during intracranial procedures leads to better perioperative hemodynamic control, less intraoperative opioid consumption, and fewer postoperative antiemetic requests.
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Cervical disc arthroplasty has emerged as a viable technique for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy, with the proposed benefit of maintenance of segmental range of motion. There are relatively few, non-industry sponsored studies examining the outcomes and complications of cervical disc arthroplasty. Therefore, we set out to perform a single center evaluation of the outcomes and complications of cervical disc arthroplasty. ⋯ Symptomatic cervical radiculopathy is a common problem in both the civilian and active duty military populations and can cause significant disability leading to loss of work and decreased operational readiness. There exist several surgical treatment options for appropriately indicated patients. Based on our findings, cervical disc arthroplasty is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy, with a low incidence of complications and high rate of symptom relief.
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We present a patient with asymmetric oro-facial angioedema following thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke with serial photographs of this phenomenon. We discuss the mechanism for the development of asymmetric oro-facial oedema following thrombolysis and suggest a management plan.
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Surgery in the trigone of the lateral ventricle remains a challenge for neurosurgeons. In recurrent trigonal meningiomas (RTM), the disturbance of normal anatomic structures and adhesion due to previous surgeries, significant oedema, and their malignant properties heighten the difficulties associated with their surgical removal. This report presents two patients with recurrent meningiomas with anaplastic transformation at the trigone of the lateral ventricle who were successfully treated with contralateral posterior interhemispheric transfalcine transprecuneus (CITT) surgeries. ⋯ The CITT approach suits most trigonal lesions with advantages of optic radiation preservation, reduction of retraction, improved exposure, and navigation accuracy, and because it addresses the origin of the trigonal lesion. Although the characteristics of RTM heighten the difficulty associated with their surgical removal, these challenges highlight the advantages of the CITT approach. In conclusion, the CITT approach is a safe and effective procedure for the removal of RTM.