World Neurosurg
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In the early days of modern neurologic surgery, the inconveniences and potential dangers of general anesthesia by chloroform and ether using the so-called "open-drop technique" led to the quest for alternative methods of anesthesia. This became all the more necessary, since patient positioning and the surgical arrangements often hindered the use of a drop bottle. One approach to solve this problem was intrarectal ether application. The present article aims to shed light on this original, less well-known anesthesia technique in the neurosurgical field.
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Review
Metabolic in vivo Visualization of Pituitary Adenomas: a Systematic Review of Imaging Modalities.
Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are the most common intrasellar mass. Functional PAs constitute most of pituitary tumors and can produce symptoms related to hormonal overproduction. Timely and accurate detection is therefore of vital importance to prevent potentially irreversible sequelae. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for detecting PAs, but is limited by poor sensitivity for microadenomas and an inability to differentiate scar tissue from tumor residual or predict treatment response. Several new modalities that detect PAs have been proposed. ⋯ PET and MRS appear to have the strongest predictive value in detecting PAs. MRS has the advantage of low cost, but the literature is lacking in specific studies of the pituitary. Due to high recurrence rates of functional PAs and low sensitivity of existing diagnostic workups, further investigation of metabolic imaging is necessary.
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Comparative Study
Drain Insertion in Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An International Survey of Practice.
To investigate whether, after the publication of grade I evidence that it reduces recurrence rates, the practice of drain insertion after burr-hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma has changed. Further, we aimed to document various practice modalities concerning the insertion of a drain adopted by neurosurgeons internationally. ⋯ The publication of grade I evidence in favor of drain use influenced positively this practice worldwide. Some surgeons are still reluctant to insert a drain, especially when the subdural space is narrow after drainage of the hematoma. The insertion of a subperiosteal drain could be a good alternative solution. However, its outcome and efficacy must be evaluated in larger studies.
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Case Reports Comparative Study
Overlapped Stenting Combined with Coiling for Blood Blister-like Aneurysms: Comparison of Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) Stent and Non-LVIS Stent.
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of overlapped stenting for blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) and to compare the outcomes between Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) and non-LVIS stents. ⋯ Overlapped LVIS stenting combined with coiling is feasible and safe for BBAs. Overall, the LVIS stent provided less risk of BBA recurrence compared with the non-LVIS stent and did not increase the risk of procedure-related complications.
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Prognostic factors for the disease course of patients with spondylodiscitis have not been well studied. ⋯ Compared with MRI, CT imaging parameters have a higher prognostic value regarding the disease course. Patients infected with low-virulence bacteria and atypical MRI findings are at higher risk for poor clinical outcome and thus warrant closer monitoring.