World Neurosurg
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Most methods currently used to assess surgical skill are rather subjective or not adequate for microneurosurgery. Objective and quantitative microneurosurgical skill assessment systems that are capable of accurate measurements are necessary for the further development of microneurosurgery. ⋯ These results show the potential contribution of the system to microsurgical skill assessment. Quantitative and detailed analysis of surgical tasks helps surgeons better understand the key features of the required skills.
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Neuroacanthocytosis (NA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease that involves severe involuntary movements including chorea, dystonia, and trunk spasms. Current treatments are not effective for these involuntary movements. Although there are a few reports on the use of deep brain stimulation to treat patients with NA, the optimal stimulation target is not yet definitive. Some authors have reported successful improvement of NA symptoms with stimulation of the globus pallidum interna, and others have reported a reduction in trunk spasm with stimulation of the ventralis oralis complex of the thalamus. We investigated whether the optimal target is well defined for NA. ⋯ Gpi stimulation appears to be insufficient to control violent involuntary movements; therefore, combined GPi and Vo complex stimulation provided some moderate advantage over Gpi stimulation alone.
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Case Reports
Unilateral Tailored Fronto-Orbital Approach for Giant Olfactory Groove Meningiomas: Technical Nuances.
Giant olfactory groove meningiomas (maximum diameter ≥6 cm) remain a surgical challenge. Historically, extensive anterior and antero-lateral approaches have been the primary approaches for removal of such large tumors with limitations and morbidity pertaining to each approach. Herein, the authors describe a minimally invasive, unilateral, tailored fronto-orbital approach for resection of these complex lesions with an emphasis on preservation of the anterior cerebral arteries and olfactory nerves. ⋯ Giant olfactory groove meningiomas (≥6 cm) can be safely and completely resected with this 4-stage, unilateral fronto-orbital technique. Furthermore, early identification and preservation of the adjacent critical neurovascular structures can be achieved. This technique avoids the inherent limitations and morbidity associated with the more classic pterional and bifrontal approaches respectively while minimizing normal tissue disruption.
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Brainstem hemangioblastomas (HBs) are considered one of the most challenging lesions in surgical procedures. We present our institutional experience with 116 patients over a period of 20 years in the treatment of HBs. ⋯ Based on our experience, microsurgery is safe and effective, and excellent outcomes can be obtained for cystic or small tumors. We advocate early surgical intervention for sporadic HBs; giant solid HBs remain a challenge, and meticulous microsurgical technique and perioperative management are vital. Long-term monitoring also is recommended.
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Intracranial atypical meningiomas have a greater rate of recurrence than benign meningiomas. Scant literature, however, is available regarding the treatment and prognosis of these tumors after recurrence. The objective of this study was to analyze the treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of atypical meningiomas after recurrence of disease. ⋯ Recurrent atypical meningiomas are intractable tumors with a high rate of recurrence and death. Total resection of the tumors under relatively safe conditions remains the most suitable treatment strategy.