World Neurosurg
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To describe the decision-making and the surgical strategy in the resection of anterior skullbase meningiomas. ⋯ For most skull base meningiomas, I usually prefer the endoscope-assisted microsurgical transcranial approach which combines the advantages of the operating microscope with the advantages of the endoscope. The endonasal approach is beneficial for small tumors located below or behind the chiasm.
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Spinal imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). In recent years there has been increasing interest in the development of advanced imaging techniques to provide pertinent microstructural and metabolic information that is not provided by conventional modalities. ⋯ Advanced imaging of the spinal cord has tremendous potential to provide patient-specific physiological information about the status of cord integrity and health. Advanced spinal cord imaging is still at early stages of development and clinical implementation but is likely to play an increasingly important role in the management of spinal cord health in the foreseeable future.
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Review
The endoscopic endonasal approach to the Meckel's cave tumors: surgical technique and indications.
Many benign and malignant tumors as well as other inflammatory or vascular diseases may be located in the areas of Meckel's cave or the cavernous sinus. Except for typical features such as for meningiomas, imaging may not by itself be sufficient to choose the best therapeutic option. Thus, even though modern therapy (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or radiosurgery) dramatically reduces the field of surgery in this challenging location, there is still some place for surgical biopsy or tumor removal in selected cases. ⋯ Percutaneous biopsy using the Hartel technique has been developed for biopsy of such tumors but may fail in the case of firm tumors, and additionally it is not appropriate for anterior parasellar tumors. With the development of endoscopy, the endonasal route now represents an interesting alternative approach to Meckel's cave as well as the cavernous sinus. Through our experience, we describe the modus operandi and discuss what should be the appropriate indication of the use of the endonasal endoscopic approach for Meckel's cave disease in the armamentarium of the skull base surgeon.
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To analyze current indications for transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. ⋯ Even as medical and surgical treatment for pituitary tumors evolves, transsphenoidal surgery remains a mainstay of treatment. Outcomes after transshenoidal surgery have improved over time. Neurosurgeons must be aware of the indications, risks and alternatives to transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.
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Review
Current purpose and practice of hypertonic saline in neurosurgery: a review of the literature.
To review and summarize controversies and current concepts regarding the use of hypertonic saline during the perioperative period in neurosurgery. ⋯ We suggest that hypertonic saline will emerge as an alternative to mannitol, especially for a long-term use or multiple doses are needed and lead to a great opportunity for collaborative research.