Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jul 2004
Case Reports Clinical TrialRobot-assisted navigated endoscopic ventriculostomy: implementation of a new technology and first clinical results.
Important landmarks in the evolution of advanced neurosurgical techniques during the past decades include microneurosurgery, neuro-endoscopy and its minimally invasive nature, as well as neuronavigation and advanced intra-operative imaging. With conventional neuroendoscopic techniques, e.g. free-hand endoscopy or the use of mechanical or pneumatic holding devices, a definitive and controlled movement of the endoscope within the brain does depend on the experience and manual skill of the individual neurosurgeon. Therefore, the development of robotic systems to assist surgeons in performing complex neurosurgical procedures is a growing field of interest. ⋯ The use of robotic technology for neuro-endoscopic third ventriculostomies is a major step towards the controlled movement of the neuro-endoscope within the cranium. The start up procedure and calibration of the robot is still time consuming, but the real operation time is comparable to free hand neuro-endoscopy. The steering of the endoscope is facilitated and the precision of the endoscopic movements is noteworthy.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jul 2004
Case ReportsCT-guided percutaneous aspiration of Tarlov cyst as a useful diagnostic procedure prior to operative intervention.
Tarlov or perineural cysts are lesions of the nerve root most often found in the sacral region. Several authors recommend surgical treatment of symptomatic Tarlov cysts. However, successful surgical treatment is dependent on appropriate patient selection. In this article, we report three cases of a sacral perineural cyst, causing sciatic pain, and emphasize the usefulness of CT-guided percutaneous aspiration as an important diagnostic and prognostic procedure prior to definitive operative treatment.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jul 2004
Quality of life after decompressive craniectomy in patients suffering from supratentorial brain ischemia.
Decompressive craniectomy in patients suffering from severe ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory (MCA) decreases mortality to near 30%. Additionally functional outcome in patients after early craniectomy seems to be better than in patients without surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life of patients who were treated with a decompressive craniectomy for severe ischemic stroke. ⋯ Despite the fact that some patients remain in a poor neurological condition, quality of life after decompressive surgery for ischemic stroke seems to be acceptable to the patients.