World Neurosurg
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Lesions located in the pineal region represent a surgical challenge. Multiple approaches to this region have been described, each with its advantages and disadvantages. We report the first application of the endoscopic supracerebellar infratentorial approach for complete resection of a pineal tumor. Unlike transventricular endoscopy, this technique poses no risk to the fornices and can be applied independent of ventricular size. ⋯ Taking the advantages of the endoscope and peculiar supracerebellar infratentoria corridor, we could successfully remove the gross-total tumor without violating the critical neurovascular structures. Moreover, this approach can be performed regardless of the size of the ventricle. Consequently, it is an excellent minimally invasive surgical option for resection of symptomatic pineal tumor.
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Historical Article
Endovascular neurosurgery in Europe and in Italy: what is in the future?
The cerebrovascular discipline has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. This has been made possible by the work of pioneers in the fields of neurosurgery and neuroradiology. ⋯ To remain at the forefront of evaluating, caring for, and treating patients with cerebrovascular disease, vascular neurosurgery must evolve toward a specialty, mastering the knife as well as the catheter. We think it is time for European neurosurgeons to start training residents in endovascular neurosurgery in the same way we train neurosurgeons in every other neurosurgical discipline. • Peer-Review Report.
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Prompt access to arterial occlusion is the key to successful endovascular revascularization in acute stroke. We present the first reported case utilizing anterior-to-posterior circulation approach for a successful mechanical thrombectomy and chemical thrombolysis of an acute basilar artery (BA) occlusion using the Penumbra Aspiration System. ⋯ In patients with unfavorable VA anatomy, anterior-to-posterior thrombectomy of the BA can be successfully achieved using the Penumbra catheter via an anatomically suitable posterior communicating artery.
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Endoscopic endonasal compared with microscopic transsphenoidal and open transcranial resection of craniopharyngiomas.
Craniopharyngiomas have traditionally represented a challenge for open transcranial or transsphenoidal microscopic neurosurgery because of their anatomical location and proximity to vital neurovascular structures. The extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach has been more recently developed as a potentially surgically aggressive, yet minimal access, alternative. To gain a more comprehensive assessment of the benefits and limitations of the various approaches to resection of craniopharyngiomas, we performed a systematic review of the available published reports after endoscope-assisted endonasal approaches and compared their results with transsphenoidal purely microscope-based or transcranial microscope-based techniques. ⋯ The endoscopic endonasal approach is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of certain craniopharyngiomas. Larger lesions with more lateral extension may be more suitable for an open approach, and further follow-up is needed to assess the long-term efficacy of this minimal access approach.