Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2015
Multicenter StudyImpact of resident involvement in neurosurgery: an analysis of 8748 patients from the 2011 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.
This study evaluates the impact of resident presence in the operating room on postoperative outcomes in neurosurgery. ⋯ In this multicenter study, the authors demonstrated that resident involvement in the operating room was not a significant factor for postoperative complications in neurosurgery service. This analysis also showed that much of the observed difference in postoperative complication rates was attributable to other confounding factors. This is a quality indicator for resident trainees and current medical education. Maintaining high standards in postgraduate training is imperative in enhancing patient care and reducing postoperative complications.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2015
Case ReportsProstate cancer with perineural spread and dural extension causing bilateral lumbosacral plexopathy: case report.
Perineural tumor spread in prostate cancer is emerging as a mechanism to explain select cases of neurological dysfunction and as a cause of morbidity and tumor recurrence. Perineural spread has been shown to extend from the prostate bed to the lumbosacral plexus and then distally to the sciatic nerve or proximally to the sacral and lumbar nerves and even intradurally. ⋯ The neoplastic nature of the process was confirmed by a sciatic nerve fascicular biopsy. The authors believe that transmedian dural spread allows continuity of a neoplastic process from one side of the body to the other.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2015
Case ReportsIntegrated open surgical and endovascular embolization treatment of a paracavernous venous plexus fistula: case report.
The authors report the treatment of a rare type of dural arteriovenous fistula of the paracavernous venous plexus. These fistulas can mimic carotid-cavernous fistulas in both imaging characteristics and clinical presentation, but the anatomical differences require differences in management. The authors describe an integrated open surgical and direct endovascular embolization approach and review of the literature pertaining to the anatomy of and treatment options for paracavernous fistulas.
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Xanthogranulomas are rare inflammatory masses most often found in the skin and eye. The incidence of intracranial xanthogranulomas is 1.6%-7%, with those found in the sellar and parasellar region being exceedingly rare and their etiology controversial. Sellar and parasellar xanthogranulomas are rarely reported in the western hemisphere, and their incidence in Western countries is unknown. ⋯ Parasellar xanthogranulomas most closely approximate CPs clinically but pathological evidence may suggest an RCC origin. Gross-total resection can be achieved through extended endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches, and is curative.
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Epidermoid tumors arise from misplaced squamous epithelium and enlarge through the accumulation of desquamated cell debris. Optimal treatment consists of total removal of the capsule; therefore, giant and multicompartmental tumors are particularly challenging. A conservative attitude in handling the tumor capsule is common given concerns about capsule adherence to neurovascular structures, and thus the possibility of recurrence is accepted with the intent of minimizing complications. This study focuses on the outcome of surgery in patients with giant epidermoid tumors for which total capsule removal was the aim. ⋯ Total removal of the capsule of giant epidermoid tumors was achieved in 73% of patients with de novo tumors and was associated with improved function, low morbidity and mortality, and a lower risk of recurrence. Surgery in patients with recurrent tumors was associated with higher morbidity and persistence of the disease.