Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
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Case Reports
Interhemispheric approach for endoscopic ligation of an anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula.
We describe the endoscopic ligation of an anterior cranial fossa (ACF) dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) through an interhemispheric approach. Intracranial DAVF of the ACF are rare and associated with an aggressive natural history, due to their ubiquitous direct cortical venous drainage and frequent coincidence of venous ectasia. Although surgical ligation is the preferred treatment for ACF DAVF, the role of endoscopy in the surgical management of DAVF is undefined. ⋯ After dissecting along the draining vein to the point of fistulization, the proximal portion of the draining vein was ligated. Intraoperative angiography confirmed complete obliteration of the DAVF, and the patient was asymptomatic at the 6 week postoperative follow-up. Endoscopy provides excellent visualization of ACF DAVF and can safely facilitate surgical treatment in appropriately selected patients with these lesions.
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The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for postoperative infection after spinal surgery, in order to prevent its occurrence. We searched the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases, and identified 25 case-control studies. ⋯ Our analyses suggest strategies to prevent surgical site infection. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because of heterogeneity amongst the included studies.
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We present an updated overview of the literature regarding the management of flexion distraction injuries (FDI). FDI are unstable fractures of the thoracolumbar spine, which require surgical management by long segment open fusion or minimally invasive posterior fixation with pedicle screws. ⋯ Modern biomechanical studies have identified valuable prognostic indicators that may be elucidated from determining the mechanism of injury, including the degree of flexion and presence of compression at the time of injury. An improved understanding of FDI will contribute to more appropriate diagnoses and treatment of these fractures.
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Case Reports
Cervical CT scan-guided epidural blood patches for spontaneous intracranial hypotension.
We describe two patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), presenting with postural headache due to C1-C2 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Both patients were refractory to lumbar epidural blood patching (EBP), and subsequently underwent successful CT scan-guided cervical EBP. SIH affects approximately 1 in 50,000 patients, with females more frequently affected. ⋯ However, in a select subgroup of patients, the symptoms are refractory to medical management and require more invasive therapies. In patients with cervical leaks, EBP in the cervical region is an effective management approach, either in close proximity to, or directly targeting a dural defect. CT scan-guided cervical EBP is an effective treatment approach in refractory SIH, and should be considered in those patients who are refractory to conservative management.
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We report the indications and outcomes of awake right hemispheric brain surgery, as well as a rare patient with crossed aphasia. Awake craniotomies are often performed to protect eloquent cortex. We reviewed the medical records for 35 of 96 patients, in detail, who had awake right hemisphere brain operations. ⋯ There were also improvements in speech and language functions in all patients who presented with speech difficulties. A right sided awake craniotomy is an excellent option for left handed patients, or those with right sided cortical lesions that result in preoperative speech impairments. When combined with intraoperative cortical mapping, both speech and motor function can be well preserved.