Neurosurg Focus
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Treatment of Chiari I malformation in patients with and without syringomyelia: a consecutive series of 66 cases.
The authors describe the results of performing a standard posterior craniovertebral decompression and placement, if indicated, of a syringosubarachnoid shunt for the treatment of patients with Chiari I malformation with and without syringomyelia. ⋯ Posterior craniovertebral decompression and selective placement of a syringosubarachnoid shunt in patients with Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia is an effective and safe treatment. Primary placement of a shunt in the presence of a sufficiently large syrinx appears to be beneficial. The question of if and when to place a shunt, however, requires further, preferably prospective, investigation.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of silk sutures as a medical implant when applied for the embolization of cerebral and dural arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The facility of surgery and the clinical significance of complications related to preoperative silk suture embolization were evaluated immediately after surgery and at long-term follow up. ⋯ Silk sutures are safe embolic agents especially for proximal occlusion of AVM feeding vessels. New permanent neurological deficits were not encountered in this series. Fever was considered to be a minor, temporary side effect of silk suture embolization.
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Over the past century pituitary surgery has undergone multiple revolutions in surgical technique and technological advancements that have resulted in what is now recognized as modern transsphenoidal surgery. Although the procedure is well established in the current neurosurgical literature, the historical maze that led to its development continues to be of interest because it allows us to appreciate better the unique contributions made by the pioneers of the technique as well as the innovative spirit that continues to fuel neurosurgery. ⋯ The story of these innovations is unique because each was developed as a response to certain needs of the surgeon. An understanding of these more recent contributions coupled with the early history provides a more complete perspective on modern transsphenoidal surgery.
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Herniated thoracic discs, unlike their lumbar counterparts, are difficult to read and safely resect using traditional posterior approaches. Historically, the use of a laminectomy for thoracic disc resection has yielded poor clinical outcomes. Posterolateral and anterolateral approaches have become the standard surgical means of treating these lesions. ⋯ This approach provides the shortest direct route to the thoracic spine and leaves the pleura intact. A smaller incision and less retraction than traditional approaches may reduce postoperative pain and pulmonary-related complications. The retropleural thoracotomy is a valuable technique for the neurosurgeon treating thoracic disc disease.