World Neurosurg
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The extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial (ELSI) approach has the potential to access several distinct anatomical regions that are otherwise difficult to reach. We have illustrated the surgical anatomy through cadaveric dissections and provided an extensive review of the literature to highlight the versatility of this approach, its limits, and comparisons with alternative approaches. ⋯ The ELSI approach represents one of the most versatile approaches with respect to its ability to address several anatomical regions centered at the posterior and middle incisural spaces. For intra-axial pathologies, the approach allows for access to the central core of the brain with several advantages compared with alternate approaches that frequently involve significant brain retraction and cortical incisions. In specific cases of skull base lesions, the ELSI approach is an elegant alternative to traditionally used skull base approaches, thereby avoiding approach-related morbidity.
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Fluorescein sodium (FNa) videoangiography (VA) was performed to evaluate blood flow within vessels and exclusion of the aneurysm after surgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms. The aim of this study was to report results of FNa-VA in a case series, including benefits and limitations of the technique, and compare intraoperative findings with postoperative cerebral angiography to assess reliability of FNa-VA. ⋯ FNa-VA adds greatly to the safety of surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms, particularly in lesions situated in deep locations, by enabling real-time inspection, which facilitates safer manipulation and evaluation of structures in question.
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Intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumors (ID-EMSCT) make up 40% of all spinal neoplasms. Resection of these tumors is mostly conducted using intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). However, the literature shows heterogenous data on its added value for ID-EMSCT. The aim of this study is to define sensitivity and specificity of IONM in ID-EMSCT resection and to study possible correlations between preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables and neurologic outcomes after ID-EMSCT resection. ⋯ IONM yielded high to perfect sensitivity and high specificity. However, IONM signals did not always determine the extent of resection, and false-positive results did not always result in incomplete tumor resections, because of surgeons overruling IONM. Therefore, IONM cannot fully replace clinical judgment and other perioperative information.
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Transforaminal Endoscopic Surgical Treatment for Posterior Migration of PEEK TLIF Cage: Case Series.
This study aims to report the clinical outcome of treating lumbar radiculopathy in the setting of retropulsed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) cages with transforaminal endoscopic spine surgery. ⋯ Transforaminal endoscopic spine surgery for the treatment of a retropulsed PEEK TLIF cage is a safe and effective approach with low morbidity and acceptable complication rates for patients with radiculopathy secondary to a retropulsed PEEK TLIF cage. Compared with a more invasive approach to removing or drilling the PEEK TLIF cage, endoscopic spine surgery could achieve a similar improvement in the patient-reported outcomes with possibly fewer complications.
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In patients with new primary intradural spinal tumors, the best screening strategy for additional central nervous system (CNS) lesions is unclear. The goal of this study was to document the rate of additional CNS tumors in these patients. ⋯ Among patients without an underlying genetic syndrome, the likelihood of identifying additional CNS lesions requiring treatment is low. In appropriate cases, focused spine imaging may be a more cost-effective strategy.