World Neurosurg
-
Internal auditory canal (IAC) lipomas are rare intracranial lesions. Consequently, preoperative imaging is essential in differentiating IAC lipomas from more common tumors such as vestibular schwannomas. The hallmark of lipomas on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is hyperintensity on T1-weighted images that suppresses on fat-suppressed sequences and does not enhance with gadolinium administration. ⋯ This case demonstrates the importance of ensuring that both fat-suppressed and non-fat-suppressed T1-weighted pregadolinium images are obtained in the diagnostic process of IAC lesions. It is therefore recommended that imaging centers ensure that such sequences are included in their MRI protocols.
-
Surgical proficiency is classically acquired through live experience in the operating room. Trainee exposure to cases and complex pathologies is highly variable between training programs.1 Currently, there is no standard for neurosurgical skill assessment for specific operative techniques for trainees. Cadaveric simulation has been used to demonstrate surgical technique and assess resident skill but often presents a significant financial and facility burden.2-4 Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an alternative to cadaveric tissue in providing high-quality representation of surgical anatomy; however, this technology has significant limitations in replicating conductive soft tissue structures for the use of cauterization devices and haptic learning for proper tissue manipulation.5-7 Our team has combined novel synthesis methods of conductive thermoplastic polymerization and 3-dimensional-printed cervical spine models to produce a layered biomimetic simulation that provides cost-effective and anatomically accurate education for neurosurgical trainees (Video 1). ⋯ The consistency of the thermoplastics can be tailored according to the desired soft tissue structures (skin, fat, fascia, muscle) according to the degree of polymerization. This cost-effective simulation was designed to represent the material and biomechanical properties of the cervical spine cortico-cancellous interface, as well as individual soft tissue components with specific anatomic details of muscle tendinous and ligamentous insertion. These features allow for representative start-to-finish surgical simulation that has not yet been made widely available to neurosurgical training programs.
-
To investigate the clinical and imaging outcomes of posterior unilateral vertebral lamina fenestration debridement and bone grafting fusion combined with laminar reconstruction and instrumentation compared with the traditional posterior-only method for treating monosegment spinal tuberculosis. ⋯ The procedure of posterior unilateral vertebral lamina fenestration debridement and bone grafting fusion combined with laminar reconstruction and internal fixation is safe and effective in treating monosegment spinal tuberculosis. Compared with the conventional posterior-only approach, this method maximizes the retention and reconstruction of the posterior column and is minimally invasive, achieving faster postoperative recovery with fewer complications.
-
Cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum will be present in a wide range of clinical conditions. The term "cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum" reflects our current understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of these lesions and does not necessarily imply confinement to the splenium. ⋯ Brain magnetic resonance imaging will be of pivotal value in the investigation. We report the case of a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder who underwent bilateral deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens and developed infection along the surgical path of both electrodes associated with a cytotoxic lesion in the splenium of corpus callosum.
-
Since the introduction of endovascular treatment for cerebral aneurysms, hospitals in which subarachnoid hemorrhage is treated show different availability and/or preferences towards both treatment modalities. The main aim is to evaluate the clinical and angiographic results according to the hospital's treatment preferences applied. ⋯ In Spain, there is significant variability in aneurysm exclusion treatment in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Surgical centers offer better results for both surgical and endovascular patients. A multidisciplinary approach and the maintenance of an elevated quality of surgical competence could be responsible for these results.