Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
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A space-occupying mass effect is a common finding in several stroke subtypes. A large, intracranial mass is a potentially life-threatening complication, irrespective of its underlying origin, with transtentorial or transforaminal herniation being the common endpoint and often the cause of death. ⋯ Yet many questions concerning hemicraniectomy in malignant MCA infarction remain open: the definition of a malignant MCA infarct within the first hours, optimal timing of surgery, quality of life and acceptance of remaining disability, the role of aphasia in patients with dominant hemispheric infarcts, the effect of age, and the influence of the pre-morbid status on decision making. The joint efforts of neurologists, neurosurgeons, intensive care physicians, and rehabilitation physicians are needed to design and conduct studies that might answer these questions.
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The semi-sitting position has lost favor among neurosurgeons partly due to unproven assumptions of increased complications. Many complications have been associated with this position; the most feared: venous air embolism and paradoxical air embolism. We report on this retrospective study of the outcome over 4 years of 48 neurosurgical patients operated on consecutively using a standardized protocol: 41 (85%) in the semi-sitting position, and seven (15%) in the prone position. ⋯ Our study suggests that a model similar to ours is effective in preventing major complications associated with the semi-sitting position. The semi-sitting position is a safe, practical position that should be considered in appropriate cases. The fear of dreadful complications seems unwarranted.
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Comparative studies evaluating efficacy and safety of minimally invasive spinal fusion between patients with significant obesity (body mass index [BMI]≥35 kg/m(2)) and those of normal weight are scarce. We examined complication rates and outcomes for minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MITLIF) in patients with significant obesity and those of normal weight undergoing treatment for symptomatic spondylolisthesis. Patients with a BMI≥35 kg/m(2) or <25 kg/m(2) undergoing elective MITLIF for symptomatic spondylolisthesis for the period 2006-09 were identified. ⋯ There were no statistically significant differences between normal weight and obese groups in postoperative VAS (p=0.728) and ODI (p=0.886) scores. Patients with significant obesity experienced clinical improvement similar to that of patients with normal weight, suggesting that obesity does not impact MITLIF outcomes. In addition, both groups experienced similar complication rates, operative times, EBL, and length of hospital stay.
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The long-term maintenance of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt function depends on the correct placement of the catheter tip in the lateral ventricle. The relationship between the location of the ventricular catheter tip and VP shunt function was analyzed in 52 patients. The location of the ventricular catheter tip was classified into one of the following five groups: (i) Group A--superior to the foramen of Monro; (ii) Group B--in the center of the lateral ventricle body; (iii) Group C--in the third ventricle; (iv) Group D--contacting the ventricle wall; and (v) Group E--in the septum pellucidum. ⋯ Long term VP shunt function or failure due to irreversible malfunction is directly influenced by the position of the ventricular catheter tip. Ideal points for positioning the ventricular catheter tip are superior to the foramen of Monro and in the center of the lateral ventricle body. Early shunt revision may be required for patients in whom the catheter tip contacts the ventricle wall or is located in the septum pellucidum.
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Decompressive craniectomy has been considered the most attractive option for surgical treatment of malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological records of 78 patients with malignant MCA infarction who underwent decompressive craniectomy with dura augmentation over a 6-year period. Twenty-six patients had undergone additional anterior temporal resection during decompressive craniectomy. ⋯ Although no patient with an infarction on the dominant side recovered effective verbal ability during the 6 months of follow-up, there was no significant difference between the two groups in clinical outcome at 6 months after surgery. The 30-day survival rate in the 26 patients who underwent additional anterior temporal lobectomy was significantly higher (84.6%) than that in patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy and duroplasty only (69.2%) (p<0.05). However, in patients who survived, this additional procedure does not appear to improve the functional outcome.