Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jun 2016
Review Case ReportsCyst-cisternal shunting for cystic multirecurrent brainstem epidermoid: case report and literature review.
Surgical treatment of recurrent, posterior cranial fossa epidermoids in multioperated patients carries significant morbidity, mainly due to tumor adhesion to cranial nerves and vessels, and brainstem involvement. Radical resection is often not feasible; therefore surgery should aim to restore cerebrospinal fluid circulation, release engulfed neurovascular structures, and relieve brainstem compression. Intra-axial epidermoids are extremely rare. We present an innovative surgical technique of a cyst-cisternal shunting to treat cystic recurrent, unresectable brainstem epidermoids. ⋯ Cyst-cisternal shunting in case of recurrent, brainstem epidermoid is a safe and long-term effective technique to relieve mass effect into the brainstem.