World Neurosurg
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Outcome in vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery has improved enormously over the last decades. Surgical positioning remains a matter of discussion. A standardized protocol for diagnostics and management has been applied and evaluated for complications and functional outcome. ⋯ In a standardized setting, the semi-sitting position allowed a safe approach. This setting offers the advantage of bimanual tumor nerve handling by the surgeon and an optimal visualization of important functional structures.
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Case Reports
Detection of spinal dural defect in superficial siderosis by intraoperative ultrasonography.
Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system is a rare disease caused by repeated hemorrhages in the subarachnoid space. We describe surgical treatment of a case in which a tiny dural defect with fluid collection in the spinal canal was detected by intraoperative ultrasonography (US). After laminectomy, intraoperative US imaging confirmed epidural fluid collection around the ventral dural defect before incision of the posterior dura mater. ⋯ The ventral dural defect was repaired by direct sutures. After repair, intraoperative US imaging confirmed dural hole closure and resolution of the collected fluid. Intraoperative US is useful for detecting the level of dural defect before repair and confirming closure of the dural defect and successful resolution of fluid collection after repair.
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Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign intracranial neoplasms arising from the eighth cranial nerve for which targeted radiation therapy (RT) has proved increasingly successful. However, long-term hearing and related cranial nerve outcomes have been disputed for the 3 current RT modalities. ⋯ Our series indicated an excellent tumor control rate in all the modalities. Our SRS cohort showed increased incidence and shorter time to hearing deterioration compared with the FSRT and hypoFSRT cohorts. The FSRT and hypoFSRT cohorts have shown comparable overall outcomes. Onset of post-RT tinnitus was observed only with FSRT.
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Surgical approaches for posterior C1-C2 arthrodesis, such as C1-C2 transarticular and C1-C2 screw stabilization, are known to be demanding because of the anatomic close proximity of cervical vertebrae to neurovascular structures. Currently, navigation by fluoroscopy or intraoperative computed tomography (ICT) is the standard practice. However, fluoroscopy has various limitations, and ICT is time consuming and not available in many centers; furthermore, both diagnostic tools lead to exposure of the operating room staff to radiation exposure. We evaluate the safety, efficacy, and facility of a navigation system using only preoperative cervical computed tomography and computed tomographic angiography (CT/CTA), to prevent the risk of neurovascular damage in atlantoaxial stabilization. ⋯ The use of a neuronavigation system, based on preoperative acquired cervical CT and intraoperative single-vertebra registration, may provide a valuable support for the improvement of the surgical accuracy of posterior C1-C2 screw fixation.
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The diagnosis and timely treatment of shunt infections (SI) in children is of paramount importance. In some cases, the standard cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) variables will not be sufficient for an accurate diagnosis of SI. CSF lactate (LCSF) has been found to assist in differentiating bacterial from nonbacterial meningitis in non-neurosurgical patients. To the best of our knowledge, the use of lactate in diagnosing or confirming the presence of SI has not yet been discussed. The goal of the present study was to describe the role of LCSF levels in children with shunts and Ommaya reservoirs and to evaluate its role in the accurate diagnosis of shunt-related infection. ⋯ LCSF levels can be used as an additional chemical marker for the diagnosis and confirmation of SIs. An LCSF value of <2.95 mmol/L had a high negative predictive value.