Minimally invasive neurosurgery : MIN
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Minim Invasive Neurosurg · Aug 2011
Review Case ReportsNeuroendoscopic management of intraventricular germinoma at the foramen of Monro: case report and review of the literature.
Intraventricular tumors account for approximately 3% of adult brain tumors and 16% of childhood and adolescent brain tumors. Half of the intraventricular tumors in adults and one quarter of those in children are found in the lateral ventricles. Ependymoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, choroid plexus papilloma, meningioma and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma are the common tumors encountered at this particular site. A germinoma at this site is rare. Microsurgery of intraventricular tumors can be challenging and is performed with potential functional and cognitive complications. ⋯ This report suggests that in selected cases endoscopic resection of an intraventricular tumor under frameless neuronavigation guidance is feasible and safe. The target can be precisely located and procedure-related adverse events can be minimized.
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Minim Invasive Neurosurg · Feb 2011
Review Comparative StudyPost-operative infection after minimally invasive versus open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF): literature review and cost analysis.
Surgical site infection (SSI) in the setting of lumbar fusion is associated with significant morbidity and medical resource utilization. To date, there have been no studies conducted with sufficient power to directly compare the incidence of SSI following minimally invasive (MIS) vs. open TLIF procedures. Furthermore, studies are lacking that quantify the direct medical cost of SSI following fusion procedures. We set out to determine the incidence of SSI in patients undergoing MIS vs. open TLIF reported in the literature and to determine the direct hospital cost associated with the treatment of SSI following TLIF at our institution. ⋯ Post-operative wound infections following TLIF are costly complications. MIS vs. open TLIF is associated with a decreased reported incidence of SSI in the literature and may be a valuable tool in reducing hospital costs associated with spine care.