Acta neurochirurgica
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As the population continues to age, the number of elderly patients with symptomatic pituitary tumours will continue to increase. Little information exists as to the safety of pituitary surgery in this patient population. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the presentation and perioperative risk associated with transsphenoidal surgery in patients over the age of 70. ⋯ Transsphenoidal surgery can be performed in patients over the age of 70 without undo significant risks. Surgical removal of pituitary adenomas should be considered the mainstay of treatment in elderly patients in whom treatment is necessary. Patients who are medically suitable candidates should be offered surgical resection as would their younger counterparts.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jun 2008
The effect of haematoma, brain injury, and secondary insult on brain swelling in traumatic acute subdural haemorrhage.
The high mortality of acute subdural haematoma (ASDH) is largely explained by its frequent association with primary brain damage consisting of contusion and brain swelling. However, the nature and causes of brain swelling after traumatic brain injury are multifactorial and poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pathophysiology of brain swelling associated with ASDH in traumatic brain injury. ⋯ Given our findings, it is possible that the poor outcome of ASDH patients depends not only on the characteristics of the haematoma itself, but also on the presence of additional cerebral parenchymal injury and secondary insult.