Neurosurgery
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To evaluate the efficacy of anterior surgery for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, we have reviewed our experience with anterior cervical corpectomy (ACC) at the University of Florida, specifically analyzing neurological outcomes and complications. These results have been compared with historical control subjects receiving laminectomy or "no treatment." ⋯ We conclude that ACC is a safe and effective treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. In an average of 39 months, ACC showed improved results in terms of myelopathy scores, compared with historical control subjects receiving either no treatment or laminectomy. Age, gender, preoperative myelopathy severity, and extent of disease were not negative predictors of clinical outcomes.
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Few published studies have focused specifically on the unique management issues encountered in treating patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and associated intracranial aneurysms. The primary objective of this study was to retrospectively review the clinical and radiographic features of these patients. ⋯ Aneurysms associated with AVMs are at risk for rupture before, during, and immediately after treatment of the AVMs. New aneurysms may arise in patients with high-flow AVMs. The risk of intracranial hemorrhage from either source is higher in female patients. To reduce the complications of intracranial hemorrhage in these patients, we recommend a management protocol designed to treat the aneurysms by surgical or endovascular means before administering definitive therapy for the AVMs. Meticulous intraoperative blood pressure control and fluid management during aneurysm surgery is critical to avoid hemorrhage from the AVMs.
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Plexiform neurofibromas with sizable intraspinal extensions and resultant spinal cord compromise pose challenging management problems, because these lesions may involve multiple nerves and engulf adjacent vascular and visceral structures. In this report, we review our experience with the surgical treatment of these lesions. ⋯ Radical resection of intraspinal tumor components in patients with neurofibromatosis 1 and large plexiform neurofibromas can help to preserve excellent neurological function. Technical factors in the management of these lesions are presented.
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A variety of factors may affect surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The aim of this study is to determine these factors on the basis of preoperative radiological and clinical data. ⋯ It can be concluded that age and abnormal cervical curvature predict less postoperative neurological improvement. The presence of preoperative high signal intensity within the spinal cord may also reflect less neurological improvement.
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Transcranial motor evoked potentials (tc-MEPs) are used to monitor the spinal cord intraoperatively. Volatile anesthetics considerably depress amplitudes of tc-MEPs. This study was undertaken to determine whether multipulse stimulation might overcome this depressant effect. ⋯ These data suggest that despite the powerful depressant effects of isoflurane on myogenic motor responses, tc-MEP monitoring during isoflurane anesthesia may be feasible, provided that multipulse stimulation paradigms are used and the concentration of isoflurane does not exceed 1 minimal anesthetic concentration unit.