British journal of neurosurgery
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The endonasal endoscopic approach to skull base is still under investigation. The main goal is the minimal invasive approach to pathologies with a better rate of resection without retraction of the brain tissue. Here, the authors report their technique of transnasal endoscopic neurosurgery using a mononostril approach and its development. ⋯ Our mononostril approach of transnasal transsphenoidal surgery shows better results compared with previously published reports in regards to radicality, low cerebrospinal fluid leaks and morbidity. The very low rate of nasal complains is particularly remarkable.
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Non-neurological complications like acute kidney injury (AKI) can affect outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aims to analyze the incidence, predictive factors, and impact of AKI in operated patients with severe TBI. ⋯ Reversible AKI without need for RRT occurred in nearly 12% of patients with severe TBI requiring surgical intervention. Aminoglycoside therapy was the only predictive factor for the occurrence of AKI. Patients with AKI have a longer period of mechanical ventilation, longer ICU and hospital stay, and poorer GCS at discharge.
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The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether spinal cord stimulation (SCS) significantly reduces pain intensity for up to 18-month follow-up in patients with chronic neuropathic pain. Forty-eight patients were recruited. Patients rated their pain using a Visual analog scale (VAS) and pain-related disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline (1 week prior to SCS surgery) and at 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-up. ⋯ Pain-related disability scores significantly decreased from baseline (M = 55.04, SD = 16.43) to the 6-month follow up (M = 46.98, SD = 19.05), [t(47) = 3.464, p = 0.001] and from baseline to the 12-month follow up (M = 48.49, SD = 20.94), [t(47) = 2.918, p = 0.005], but not during the 18-month follow up (M = 51.75, SD = 20.92), [t(47) = 1.330, p = .190]. There was a significant increase in pain-related disability between the 6- and the 18-month follow up [t(47) = -2.188. p = 0.034]. These findings suggest that the beneficial effect of SCS on pain intensity may diminish over time, and that the 6-month follow-up scores may reflect a placebo effect.
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Acute severe headache is a common medical presentation, and a common area of diagnostic uncertainty. Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is the cause in a minority of patients and has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, its conclusive diagnosis with computed tomography (CT) or lumbar puncture (LP) is paramount. With advancement in imaging technology, emerging evidence now suggests that LP is no longer required for a subset of patients as CT has 100% sensitivity in detecting SAH, when performed under specific conditions. ⋯ LP has a high diagnostic yield, eliminating the need for neurosurgical opinion or investigation in almost 90% of cases. The test is both cost and time efficient and subjects only a small number of patients to the radiation and contrast risks of angiography.
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Observational Study
Clinical impact of residual lateral spread response after adequate microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm: A retrospective analysis.
Residual lateral spread response (LSR) after seemingly adequate decompression for hemifacial spasms (HFSs) can provide prognostic information about the outcome of microvascular decompression (MVD). In the present study, the main objective was to evaluate the clinical and prognostic impact of residual LSR after adequate MVD for HFS. ⋯ Lateral spread is an invaluable tool in MVD for HFSs. Adequate decompression in patients with residual LSR improved long-term spasm relief. Constant communication between neurophysiologists and the surgeon might be vital to achieve adequate decompression. The amplitude of residual LSR after adequate decompression does not significantly affect the long-term spasm relief.