Neurosurgery
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Cranial and orbitocranial penetration by organic foreign material is not infrequent. It is important to identify whether penetration has occurred and to localize and remove the organic foreign material. ⋯ Retained intracranial wood should be removed. The radiological diagnosis can be difficult, and magnetic resonance imaging is the investigation of choice. Magnetic resonance imaging may not detect some cases of organic foreign material penetration.
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This study retrospectively compares the incidence of venous air embolism (VAE) detection and morbidity in the sitting and supine positions. All patients underwent vestibular schwannoma resection via the retrosigmoid approach by a single surgical team. ⋯ Our results indicate that although there is a higher incidence of VAE detection in sitting patients, the morbidity is not statistically greater. We conclude that because morbidity from VAE is similar in either position, patient positioning should be based on surgical team preference.
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We evaluated a combined technique designed for procedures requiring intraoperative language mapping. We planned to induce general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation and hyperventilation and then to awaken and extubate the patient for speech testing. After the latter, endotracheal reintubation and general anesthesia were planned. ⋯ The combined technique that we describe abolished the potential discomfort of surgical stimulation on a sedated patient, reduced the duration of wakefulness, and provided a secure airway and the means to hyperventilate our patients before dural opening.
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We review the anatomic features of the lateral ventricle, the foramen of Monro, the third ventricle, and the choroidal fissure, and we describe the transchoroidal approach to the third ventricle. This approach consists of opening the taenia fornicis of the choroidal fissure in the body of the lateral ventricle and approaching the third ventricle between the two internal cerebral veins. This route allows further posterior enlargement of the foramen of Monro without sacrificing any neural structures. When necessary, the anterior septal vein can be sacrificed. ⋯ An understanding of the choroidal fissure is fundamental for use of the transchoroidal approach. Unlike transforaminal, subchoroidal, subforniceal, and interforniceal approaches to the third ventricle, which sacrifice some neural or vascular structures, the transchoroidal approach follows a natural route, and certainly it is one of the options to be considered when entry into the third ventricle is required.