Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2013
Clinical TrialLateral hypothalamic area deep brain stimulation for refractory obesity: a pilot study with preliminary data on safety, body weight, and energy metabolism.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) has been suggested as a potential treatment for intractable obesity. The authors present the 2-year safety results as well as early efficacy and metabolic effects in 3 patients undergoing bilateral LHA DBS in the first study of this approach in humans. ⋯ Deep brain stimulation of the LHA may be applied safely to humans with intractable obesity. Early evidence for some weight loss under metabolically optimized settings provides the first "proof of principle" for this novel antiobesity strategy. A larger follow-up study focused on efficacy along with a more rigorous metabolic analysis is planned to further explore the benefits and therapeutic mechanism behind this investigational therapy.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2013
Case ReportsRisk factor analysis of the development of new neurological deficits following supplementary motor area resection.
Supplementary motor area (SMA) resection often induces postoperative contralateral hemiparesis or speech disturbance. This study was performed to assess the neurological impairments that often follow SMA resection and to assess the risk factors associated with these postoperative deficits. ⋯ Resection of the cingulate gyrus in addition to the SMA was significantly associated with the development of postoperative neurological impairment.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2013
Venous preservation-guided resection: a changing paradigm in parasagittal meningioma surgery.
Surgical treatment of parasagittal meningiomas is challenging. Preserving the venous outflow is the key point, but this may preclude radical resection. Different surgical strategies have been proposed. To contribute to the debate on the optimal strategy for treating these tumors, a single-institutional, single-surgeon series of patients with parasagittal meningiomas was analyzed and the available literature reviewed. ⋯ Analysis of the data obtained in the 67 patients confirmed good outcome and long-term tumor control following a surgical strategy aimed to preserve venous outflow. These findings and the results of the authors' analysis of the literature emphasize that the goal of radical tumor resection should be balanced by an awareness of the increased surgical risk attendant on aggressive management of the SSS and bridging veins.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2013
Radiation exposure in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a quality improvement target.
The care of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has improved dramatically over the last decades. These gains are the result of improved microsurgical, endovascular, and medical management techniques. This intensive management subjects patients to multiple radiographic studies and thus increased radiation exposure. As greater understanding of the risks of radiation exposure develops, physicians must be better equipped to balance the need for optimal SAH management with the minimization of patient exposure to radiation from imaging studies. The goal in the current study was to determine if there is an opportunity for a reduction in radiation dose without a change in the quality of treatment in patients with SAH. ⋯ Study findings suggested that patients with SAH have significant imaging-related exposure to radiation. The authors believe it is possible to continue the current improved outcomes in SAH with a significant reduction in radiation exposure from imaging studies. This analysis highlights the significance of accurate assessment of radiation exposure as a quality improvement target.