Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Oct 2014
Primary dural closure and anterior cranial base reconstruction using pericranial and nasoseptal multi-layered flaps in endoscopic-assisted skull base surgery.
Dural and anterior cranial base reconstruction is essential in the surgical resection of a craniofacial tumor that extends from the paranasal sinuses to the subdural space. Watertight reconstruction of vascularized tissue is essential to prevent postoperative liquorrhea, especially under conditions that prevent wound healing (e.g., postoperative irradiation therapy). ⋯ This multi-layered anterior cranial base reconstruction consisted of three layers: a fascia for dural plasty and double-layered PCF and NSF. This surgical reconstruction technique is suitable to treat craniofacial tumors extending into the subdural space through the anterior cranial base dura mater.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Oct 2014
Usefulness of facial nerve monitoring for confirmation of greater superficial petrosal nerve in anterior transpetrosal approach.
The greater superficial petrosal nerve (GSPN) is especially important in anterior transpetrosal approach (ATPA) as the most reliable superficial landmark of Kawase's triangle. The GSPN can be considered as the superficial lateral border of anterior petrosectomy on the middle fossa to avoid internal carotid artery (ICA) injury. Although experienced operators can find the GSPN, its confirmation is not always easy to achieve. ⋯ GSPN confirmation and preservation are not always easy to achieve. These monitoring methods are useful for the confirmation of the GSPN, which is a landmark for safe extradural anterior petrosectomy, and for the preservation of the GSPN itself.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Oct 2014
Gamma Knife radiosurgery for brainstem cavernous malformations: should a patient wait for the rebleed?
The effectiveness of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for cavernous malformation (CM) has not been fully assessed. Consequently, observation is usually recommended when a bleeding CM is initially discovered. Recurrent bleeding occurs with CMs, and these repeat hemorrhages can result in additional morbidity. ⋯ In this study, GKS was demonstrated to be a safe and effective alternative treatment for brain stem CMs that resulted in a reduction in the AHR. Consequently, we suggest that even CM patients who have suffered only a single bleed should not be contraindicated for SRS.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Oct 2014
Peripheral nerve stimulation by 'sandwich' paddle leads: technical note.
Recently, there has been a burgeoning interest in the utility of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for a variety of chronic focal neuropathic, musculoskeletal and visceral pain conditions. If the source of pain is directly related to a single peripheral nerve, surgical exposure and placing a paddle lead on the nerve are most effective. ⋯ In selected cases where an open surgical PNS lead needs to be placed, the 'sandwich' technique can be used to augment the stimulation without additional morbidity. Although occasionally used in practice, this technique is still unreported.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Oct 2014
Reconstruction after retrosigmoid approaches using autologous fat graft-assisted Medpor Titan cranioplasty: assessment of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks and headaches in 60 cases.
Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and headaches remain potential complications after retrosigmoid approaches for lesions in the posterior fossa and cerebellopontine angle. The authors describe a simple repair technique with an autologous fat graft-assisted Medpor Titan cranioplasty and investigate the incidence of postoperative CSF leaks and headaches using this technique. ⋯ Our multilayer repair technique with a fat graft-assisted Medpor Titan cranioplasty appears effective in preventing postoperative CSF leaks and new-onset postoperative headaches after retrosigmoid approaches. Postoperative lumbar drainage may not be necessary.