J Neurosurg Sci
-
The management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to evolve in a number of key areas. In the first instance there have been major advances in clinical information gathering and interpretation such that there are mow sophisticated prognostic models readily available. ⋯ Finally recent clinical trials have raised important questions regarding the efficacy or otherwise of important therapeutic options most notably hypothermia and decompressive craniectomy. The aim of this update is to highlight some of the areas where there has been advancement and controversy.
-
Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a major complication that afflicts approximately 30% of patients who suffer an aneursymal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). DCI is often associated with neurological infarction, poor outcome and mortality. Though the pathogenesis of DCI is not yet clear, it is traditionally been attributed to angiographic vasospasm. ⋯ More recently, increasing concern that vasospasm could not fully account for DCI development has incited novel proposals as to the pathogenesis of DCI. A general theme exists among these theories (microcirculatory constriction, cortical spreading depression, blood brain barrier breakdown, microthrombosis) in that a majority seems to revolve around dysfunction and changes to the microvasculature. This purpose of this review was then to juxtapose macrovascular and microvascular changes after SAH, and provide an overview of current and prospective treatments.
-
Technical improvements in endoscopy have had a major effect in the practice of minimally invasive surgery, which is preferable to more invasive surgical procedures for central and hard thoracic disc herniation. Eleven patients underwent surgery between 2002 and 2008. Data was collected from self-reporting questionnaires completed by the patient at each visit before surgery and after surgery at 3,6,12 and 24 months. ⋯ Video assisted thoracic spine surgery (VATS) clearly provides a minimally invasive and effective alternative to open thoracic surgery. A surgeon must be familiar with the surgical anatomy and the endoscopic techniques to ensure an optimal surgical outcome. Hence, that is one limitation in the practice of thoracoscopic discectomy.