World Neurosurg
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Although there are many reports on the efficacy of preoperative embolization for meningioma, such as a reduction in intraoperative blood loss, its efficacy for vestibular schwannoma remains unclear. Feeding arteries of vestibular schwannomas include branches from the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and internal carotid artery, in addition to the branches from the external carotid artery (ECA). However, it has been reported that the embolization of feeding arteries from the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and the internal carotid artery has a high risk of complications. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed the effects of preoperative embolization of only the feeding arteries from the ECA for vestibular schwannomas, particularly regarding its volume reduction effect. ⋯ Preoperative embolization of only the feeding arteries from the ECA may be an effective adjunctive treatment for vestibular schwannomas, given the significant volume reduction effect achieved within several days after embolization, in addition to reducing intraoperative blood loss.
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This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of posterior long-segment fixation for thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (TLOVCFs) and identify prognosis-predicting factors. ⋯ Posterior long-segment fixation effectively improved kyphotic deformity and provided stable outcomes in patients with TLOVCFs. Open screw fixation offered better maintenance of correction with a lower risk of screw loosening compared to percutaneous methods. Therefore, further prospective studies are necessary to establish standardized treatment protocols for TLOVCFs.
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Review
Machine Learning Algorithms for Neurosurgical Preoperative Planning: A Comprehensive Scoping Review.
Preoperative neurosurgical planning is an important step in avoiding surgical complications, reducing morbidity, and improving patient safety. The incursion of machine learning (ML) in this domain has recently gained attention, given the notable advantages in processing large datasets and potentially generating efficient and accurate algorithms in patient care. We explored the evolving applications of ML algorithms in the preoperative planning of brain and spine surgery. ⋯ ML algorithms for preoperative neurosurgical planning are being developed for efficient, automated, and safe treatment decision-making. However, future studies are necessary to validate their objective performance across diverse clinical scenarios. Enhancing the robustness, transparency, and understanding of ML applications will be crucial for their successful integration into neurosurgical practice.
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To examine recurrence rates in patients undergoing microsurgical excision of colloid cysts of the third ventricle with long-term serial clinical and imaging follow-up and to identify risk factors for cyst recurrence. ⋯ Periodic imaging surveillance is essential after excision of third ventricular colloid cysts to detect asymptomatic recurrences because these lesions may recur several years after presumed total or near-total excision. Recurrences associated with clinical symptoms or demonstrated growth on serial follow-up require intervention; however, reoperation may be cautiously deferred in patients with stable asymptomatic recurrences.
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Cavernous malformations are low-flow fragile vascular lesions prone to extralesional bleeding that can occur in the cerebral hemispheres, the brainstem, or the spinal cord. This paper reports the case of a 32-year-old right-handed man with acute-onset headaches associated with right-sided tinnitus, right-sided hemianesthesia, and binocular diplopia related to cranial nerve IV palsy. Neuroimaging displayed left-sided isolated cavernous malformation of the inferior tectal plate, with evidence of extralesional bleeding. ⋯ At the 3-month follow-up consultation, symptoms had improved aside from diplopia, which required wearing prism eyeglasses. Tectal cavernous malformations account for 18% of midbrain cavernomas. It was explained that surgical excision using the supracerebellar infratentorial approach would be performed within 2 months after a second extralesional bleeding episode causing disabling symptoms.