Neurosurgery
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Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has demonstrated promise in surgical neuro-oncology because of its effectiveness in delivering precise thermal energy to lesions. The extent of ablation (EOA) is a prognostic factor in improving patient outcomes but is often affected by perilesional heatsink structures, which can lead to asymmetric ablations. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the impact of various perilesional heatsink structures on the EOA in LITT for brain metastases. ⋯ This novel quantitative analysis shows that perilesional heatsinks contribute to asymmetric ablations. CSF spaces trended toward higher degrees of asymmetric ablations. Importantly, neurosurgeons may anticipate asymmetric ablations preoperatively if heatsinks are located within 13.3 mm of the laser probe midpoint. These preliminary results may guide surgical decision-making in LITT for metastatic brain lesions.
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Prevertebral soft-tissue swelling (PSTS) after anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) is known to be influenced by several factors. We considered the effect of lateral deviation on the traction force and attempted to find a relationship with the PSTS. This study was designed to evaluate the preoperative lateral deviation of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage and its effect on PSTS, airway collapse, and clinical outcomes after ACDF. ⋯ A left-sided deviation of more than 5 mm of the hyoid bone or thyroid cartilage discouraged the left-sided approach for ACDF because of the aggravation of dPSTS, airway collapse, and dysphagia postoperatively.
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Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring plays a pivotal role in modern neurosurgery, aiding in real-time assessment of eloquent neural structures to mitigate iatrogenic neural injury. This study represents the largest retrospective series to date in monitoring corticospinal tract integrity during intracranial surgery with transcranial motor-evoked potentials (TCMEPs), focusing on the influence of demographic factors, comorbidities, and preoperative motor deficits on the reliability of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. While the impact of patient-specific factors affecting TCMEP monitoring in spine surgery is well-documented, similar insights for intracranial surgery are lacking. ⋯ Our investigation into TCMEPs during intracranial surgery demonstrated a notably high acquisition rate in hand muscles, irrespective of preoperative motor deficits. Preoperative motor scores reliably correlated with TCMEP amplitudes in a linear fashion while advanced age and renal disease emerged as independent predictors of lower TCMEP amplitudes.
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Bundled payment for care improvement advanced (BPCIA) is a voluntary alternative payment model administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services using value-based care to reduce costs by incentivizing care coordination and improved quality. We aimed to identify drivers of negative financial performance in BPCIA among patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. ⋯ Nonelective spinal surgery is an independent preoperative predictor of negative financial performance in BPCIA. Nonelective spinal surgeries are more likely than elective surgeries to have higher length of stay, nonhome discharge, 90-day hospital readmission, 90-day additional nonspine surgeries, and less time spent at home during the bundled period, all of which contribute to higher health care utilization. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should consider incorporating nonelective spine surgery into risk-adjustment models.
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Postclipping cerebral infarction (PCI) remains a major concern after treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). However, studies of microsurgical clipping based on diffusion-weighted imaging are limited. We aimed to present the incidence, risk factors, and types of PCI and its radiological and clinical characteristics. ⋯ Microsurgical clipping is a safe and viable option for the treatment of anterior circulation UIAs. However, modification of the surgical technique, preoperative radiological assessment, and patient selection are required to reduce the incidence of PCI.