World Neurosurg
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Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery is the predominant mode of therapy for patients with hydrocephalus. However, it has potential complications that may require multiple surgical procedures during a patient's lifetime. The objective of this study is to review our long-term experience and evaluate the risk factors for VP shunt failure after initial shunt surgery and after subsequent revisions. ⋯ The findings of the study indicate that age at shunt placement, etiology of hydrocephalus, type of hydrocephalus, and previous treatments before shunt surgery were independently significantly associated with the shunt survival. Prospective controlled studies are required to address the observed associations between the risk factors and incidence of shunt revisions in these patients.
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Cerebrospinal fluid leakage and meningitis caused by frontal sinus (FS) exposure are characteristic complications of bifrontal craniotomy used for treating skull base tumors and anterior communicating artery aneurysms. Prevention of these complications is of utmost importance. We describe in detail our procedure for sealing exposed FSs during bifrontal craniotomy and present the results and outcomes of the procedure. ⋯ Our results indicate the effectiveness of our technique in the prevention of FS-related postoperative complications.
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On the basis of recent findings about the pathophysiology of cluster headache and through the experience reported in recent literature, we have reviewed the outcome of four patients affected by drug-resistant cluster headache treated in our department by posterior hypothalamic deep brain stimulation with a follow-up of more than 5 years. ⋯ The long-lasting pain reduction and the improvement in the patients' symptoms should be considered a real positive prospective, not only because there was uncertainty about the persistence of the beneficial effects at a long-term follow-up, but also for the improvement of the quality of life. The stimulation can restore important aspects concerning the psychic condition that very often constitutes an important limiting factor in normal daily life for this type of patient.