World Neurosurg
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Review Meta Analysis
Antibiotic Impregnated External Ventricular Drains: Meta and Cost Analysis.
To determine whether antibiotic impregnated external ventricular drains (AI-EVDs) are effective in preventing ventriculostomy associated infection (VAI), and to examine their cost effectiveness. ⋯ Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant protective benefit of AI-EVDs against VAI, and this benefit is likely associated with cost savings. However, current data on AI-EVDs are limited, and overall hospital costs will vary among institutions. Although both the efficacy and cost effectiveness of AI-EVDs are supported by this analysis, further study of AI-EVDs is clearly warranted.
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To investigate adequate radiation doses for repeat Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKS) for trigeminal neuralgia in our series and meta-analysis. ⋯ Our study suggests that the second GKS dose is a potentially important factor.
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The three-dimensional (3D) endoscope is a novel tool that provides stereoscopic vision and may allow for improved dexterity and safety during surgical resection of ventral skull base lesions. We describe here the cumulative experience available in the neurosurgical literature. ⋯ Our findings suggest that 3D endoscopy provides improved surgical dexterity by affording the surgeon with depth perception when manipulating tissue and maneuvering the endoscope in the endonasal corridor.
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Absent congenital pedicle syndrome is a posterior arch defect characterized by numerous congenital and mechanical abnormalities that result from disconnection of the anterior and posterior columns of the spinal canal. Absent congenital pedicle syndrome is a rare anomaly that is most commonly diagnosed incidentally, after evaluation of minor trauma, or after complaints of chronic neck pain. We report a case of absent congenital pedicle syndrome in a patient who presented with myelopathy and lower extremity weakness and review the literature on the surgical management of this entity. ⋯ Absent congenital pedicle syndrome is rare, and most reported cases were treated conservatively. Surgical management is reserved for patients with myelopathy or instability.