World Neurosurg
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Historical Article
Scythian trepanations in the Gorny Altai in Hippocratic times: modern expert appraisal of ancient surgical technologies.
To report the analysis of 3 cases of ancient trepanation discovered in the craniological collection (153 skulls) of the Pazyryk nomadic culture (500-300 bc) from the Gorny Altai, Russia, and to evaluate the technique, instrumentation, and materials used for cranial surgery as well as the motivation for the trepanations in Scythian times. ⋯ Our data suggest that the Scythian population of the Altai Mountains had sufficient medical knowledge to perform sophisticated and successful manipulations on the human skulls. Scraping technique with bronze tools was quite effective for prevention of wound infection and resulted in a high survival rate after surgery. In the era of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, it may be useful to consider some ancient surgical technologies.
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Comparative Study
Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage due to motor vehicle crash versus fall from height: a 4-year epidemiologic study.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is difficult to estimate the real incidence of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (TSAH). Although TSAH after trauma is associated with poor prognoses, the impact of mechanism of injury (MOI) and the pathophysiology remains unknown. We hypothesized that outcome of TSAH caused by motor vehicle crash (MVC) or fall from height (FFH) varies based on the MOI. ⋯ Patients with TSAH have a higher mortality rate. In this population, MVCs are associated with a 3-fold increased risk of mortality. Therefore, prevention of MVC and fall can reduce the incidence and severity of TBI in Qatar.
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Choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) in the third ventricle is a rare benign intracranial tumor. ⋯ Young children have a small total blood volume and fragile cardiovascular status. Therefore, it is critical to preserve the venous system and to ligate the feeding artery before extirpation of the tumor. The surgical approach to the third ventricular CPPs should be tailored to individual children based on tumor size, location, and vascularity.
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Cerebral revascularization has been used in treating difficult skull base tumors when the preservation of the involved native arteries is deemed challenging, and the patients are at risk of developing vascular complications. We aimed to evaluate a recent series of patients who needed high flow cerebral bypasses as part of the surgical treatment strategies for their difficult skull base tumors; to assess current indications and the results of such treatments. ⋯ High flow bypass for cerebral revascularization is a good surgical option for treating certain difficult skull base tumors. High rate of graft patency and low risk of perioperative stroke can be achieved in experienced hands with concurrent high rate of gross total resection of the tumor and good clinical outcome of the patients.
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Lateral ventricular trigone meningioma is relatively rare and surgical resection is the main treatment strategy. It is a challenge to achieve total resection without any complication. We analyzed a series of cases using literature review. ⋯ Surgical resection, using the trans-sulcal approach with intraoperative ultrasound assistance, can achieve a high rate of total resection and a low rate of complication, promising a good prognosis. The management technique and the perioperative treatment have to be individualized.