World Neurosurg
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To present a hitherto unreported modification of the classic Torkildsen procedure: passing a catheter intracranially, between the third ventricle and cisterna magna. ⋯ Our case illustrates that ventriculocisternal shunting can successfully be used in selected cases. The variation we describe can be a valuable surgical strategy in patients with pineal region masses, in whom a supracerebellar infratentorial route is used and in whom uncertainty exists regarding the patency of the sylvian aqueduct.
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There is a strong relationship between lower back pain and paraspinal muscle atrophy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of lumbar paravertebral muscle atrophy in patients with and without single-level disc herniation. ⋯ The MM and erector spinae muscle groups are innervated by the dorsal root of the spinal nerve arising from the same level; therefore, long-term pressure on the root caused by disc herniation can cause atrophy and degeneration of that muscle group.
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Patients with diagnoses of high-grade carotid stenosis are often placed on antiplatelet therapy and undergo carotid endarterectomy (CEA) during their hospital stay. There is intersurgeon variability in offering CEA to patients specifically on the potent antiplatelet agent clopidogrel. ⋯ Across the United States, 1 in 6 patients was on clopidogrel therapy prior to undergoing a CEA. Patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis were most likely to be on clopidogrel therapy prior to their CEA. Future systematic analysis of differences in outcomes and safety events are needed.
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Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of gross total resection in improving patient survival in glioblastoma (GBM). Advances in surgical tools and techniques such as intra-operative imaging, fluorescent agents, and functional imaging sequences are allowing for better identification of tumor borders and vital eloquent cortex in order to safely achieve higher rates of complete resections. Furthermore, due to the limits of surgical resection alone, new minimally invasive techniques for treatment of GBM are under development. These advances are crucial for improving neurosurgical care and outcomes in this difficult patient population.
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The aim of this study was to identify key anatomic landmarks useful in gaining access to the anteromedial temporal region via the corridor formed by the inferior orbital fissure (IOF), the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve (V1), and the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve (V2) via an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). ⋯ The anteromedial temporal fossa was exposed by drilling the V1-V2 triangle corridor via an EEA. Endoscopic endonasal exposure of the anteromedial temporal fossa is feasible and requires limited endonasal work. This approach may be considered as an alternate surgical corridor to the temporomesial lobe that offers the advantages of a direct route with less temporal lobe retraction.