Neurosurgical review
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Neurosurgical review · Apr 2012
A management algorithm for cerebrospinal fluid leak associated with anterior skull base fractures: detailed clinical and radiological follow-up.
Detailed outcome data for the management of anterior skull base fractures associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is lacking. We present detailed follow-up data of a single-center study using a predetermined algorithm for the management of CSF leakage secondary to traumatic fractures. A number of 138 consecutive patients were included in the analysis; all patients underwent high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scanning at time of admission with β(2)-transferrin testing used to confirm CSF leakage. ⋯ Comparable rates of anosmia and frontal lobe hypodensities were seen in the surgical and conservatively managed subgroups. The presented algorithm, utilizing prophylactic antibiotics, trial of LD, acute and/or delayed intradural microsurgery, yields favorable outcomes. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to better define the role of prophylactic antibiotics and to better characterize the optimal timing and approach of surgical repair.
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Neurosurgical review · Apr 2012
Post-craniotomy neuronavigation based purely on intraoperative ultrasound imaging without preoperative neuronavigational planning.
Neuronavigation has become an established technology which provides objective data for localization in 3D space and thus decreases uncertainties regarding tumor localization, relation to vasculature, safe trajectories, and craniotomy design during surgery. We have evaluated whether neuronavigation based purely on 3D ultrasound without any preoperative navigational imaging can provide necessary information for navigation and resection control. This application is a new way of utilizing ultrasound-guided neuronavigation. ⋯ The two biopsies yielded representative material. It was possible to use operative neuronavigation based on intraoperative ultrasound without relying on preoperative navigational imaging. Neuronavigation based solely on intraoperative ultrasound was feasible and may increase surgical safety when preoperative neuronavigational image is not feasible or unavailable.
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Neurosurgical review · Jan 2012
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for atherosclerotic stenosis of the subclavian or innominate artery: angiographic and clinical outcomes in 36 patients.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate stenting and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the treatment of stenotic lesions of the subclavian or innominate artery based on surgical results and long-term follow-up with 36 patients. In particular, we evaluated the efficacy of self-expanding stents compared to balloon-expandable stents. Between February 2000 and March 2008 at the Kyoto Medical Center, 36 patients underwent both stenting and PTA of the subclavian or innominate artery. ⋯ Restenoses occurred in 4 of 20 individuals (20%) who received balloon-expandable stents but were not observed in those who received self-expanding stents. Endovascular therapy for the subclavian and innominate arteries is less invasive and safer than open surgery, making it the preferable option. In this clinical period, the rate of restenosis using self-expanding stents was lower than the rate using balloon-expandable stents.
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Postoperative haemorrhage (POH) is one of the most serious complications of any cranial neurosurgical procedure and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The relative paucity of work investigating this postoperative complication prompted us to undertake a review of the literature, focussing on demographic, clinical, and surgical risk factors. A literature search was undertaken using Ovid MEDLINE (1950-2009) using keywords including craniectomy, craniotomy, neurosurgery, intracranial, reoperation, repeat craniotomy, postoperative, haemorrhage, haematoma, and bleeding. ⋯ We defined postoperative haemorrhage as that following craniotomy, which is clinically significant and requires surgical evacuation. Risk factors include pre-existing medical comorbidities including hypertension, coagulopathies and haematological abnormalities, intraoperative hypertension and blood loss, certain lesion pathologies including tumours, chronic subdural haematomas, and deficiencies in haemostasis. We conclude by providing recommendations for clinical practice based on the literature reviewed to aid clinicians in the detection and avoidance of POH.