World Neurosurg
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Readmission and reoperation are used as hospital and surgeon quality metrics. Venous thromboembolic (VTE) events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE), are a major cause of readmission, morbidity, and mortality after spine surgery. Specific procedural, perioperative, and patient characteristics may be associated with these outcomes. ⋯ Transfusion and EBL are associated with numerous negative outcomes. Transfusion is an independent predictor of VTE, readmission, reoperation, and epidural hematoma requiring evacuation. Specific pathologies were associated with specific negative outcomes.
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Brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) account for up to 18% of all intracranial cavernous malformations. Due to their complex anatomic location, they represent a significant challenge for neurosurgeons. As such, the identification of risk factors associated with negative outcomes is of significant importance. We analyze a series of 50 cases of BSCMs treated surgically in order to identify risk factors for unfavorable outcomes. ⋯ BSCM size, compromise of lower cranial nerves, and hemorrhagic recurrence before surgery were identified as risk factors associated with unfavorable outcomes of surgically treated BSCMs in this cohort.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of Single-Level and Multilevel Decompressive Laminectomy for Multilevel Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.
This study aimed to clarify whether multiple compressions of nerve roots resulted in poorer surgical outcome when patients were treated with single-level decompressive laminectomy or multilevel decompressive laminectomy. To reach this we compared preoperative and postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and walking duration of multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients treated with single-level and multilevel decompressive laminectomy. ⋯ Recovery in terms of ODI scores, VAS scores, and walking duration was better in LSS patients undergoing single-level laminectomy than in those undergoing multilevel laminectomy. Also, the rates of operative complications and postoperative follow-up spondylolisthesis were higher in patients treated with multilevel laminectomy.
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The persistence of synchondrosis in adulthood can confound diagnostic decisions made during patient management. ⋯ The localization and level of the remnant of the dentocentral synchondrosis are extremely important from the clinical viewpoint because of odontoid and C2 fractures. Neurosurgeons should thus be aware of the possible presence of a persistent (remnant) C2 dentocentral synchondrosis in adult subjects in order to avoid misdiagnosis with C2 fracture.
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Many methods for treating complex anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysms are available; however, there is substantial variation among methods because of various aneurysm locations, the relationship of the aneurysm to arterial branches, aneurysm size and other morphologic characteristics, and the diameters of the parent or branching arteries. ⋯ Treatment of complex ACA aneurysms should be tailored according to the location and nature of the aneurysm and collateral circulation. Viable and feasible treatment strategies must be established by the neurovascular surgeon.