World Neurosurg
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Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring has become "state of the art" in the management protocol for unconscious or sedated patients with intracranial pathologies; however, all current monitoring systems have significant drawbacks. We analyzed the complications of these monitoring devices as well as the risk factors for those complications. ⋯ EVD is an indispensable device in neurosurgery. Unfortunately, it has a significantly high complication rate, mostly in relation to infections. Therefore, the indication of the device used to monitor ICP must be evaluated carefully. The antimicrobial-impregnated external catheter and silver-coated catheters might decrease the problem of infection.
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One of the goals of calvarial reconstruction after craniectomy is optimization of cosmesis. A simple technique for intraoperative generation of an implant based on the patient's native skull contour for immediate skull reconstruction after craniectomy is described. ⋯ In selected cases, this technique for in situ cranioplasty before craniectomy generates an implant that mimics the patient's calvarium and results in excellent cosmetic outcomes.
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To investigate the healing effects of erythropoietin (EPO) and stem cells (SCs) in traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ Separately given, SCs and EPO have a positive effect on TBI, and our findings suggest that their coadministration is even more powerful.