World Neurosurg
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Neurosurgery simulation has gained attention recently due to changes in the medical system. First-year neurosurgical residents in low-income countries usually perform their first craniotomy on a real subject. Development of high-fidelity, cheap, and largely available simulators is a challenge in residency training. An original model for the first steps of craniotomy with cerebrospinal fluid leak avoidance practice using a coconut is described. ⋯ The model has a potential pedagogic neurosurgical application for freshman residents before they perform a real craniotomy for the first time. Further validity is necessary to confirm this hypothesis.
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Review Meta Analysis
Cavernous Sinus Invasion in Pituitary Adenomas: Systematic Review and Pooled Data Meta-analysis of Radiological Criteria and Comparison of Endoscopic and Microscopic Surgery.
Despite the substantial impact of cavernous sinus invasion (CSI) in pituitary adenoma surgery, its radiologic determination has been inconsistent and variable, and the role of endonasal endoscopic surgery has been unclear. This is a systematic review and pooled data meta-analysis of the literature to ascertain the best radiologic criteria for CSI and verify the efficacy and safety of an endonasal endoscopic approach. ⋯ Knosp 3-4 remains the best objective indicator of CSI. Microscopy tends to overestimate intraoperative CSI compared with endoscopy. Among pituitary adenomas with CSI, GTR in endoscopic series is higher than microscopy and improves with experience without significant additional morbidity.
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Carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are abnormal connections between the carotid arteries and the cavernous sinus. CCFs often present with double vision, reduced visual acuity, and conjunctivitis. Deteriorating ocular symptoms caused by abnormal fistula drainage can cause permanent blindness, and so urgent interventional treatment is necessary. Transvenous embolization of the fistula is the primary treatment option for most patients with symptomatic CCFs. Orbital approaches are considered to be risky compared with the traditional approach via the inferior petrosal sinus and are thus used as a secondary option. These approaches include embolization via the superior ophthalmic vein, inferior ophthalmic vein, and medial ophthalmic vein and direct transorbital puncture. This study aims to assess the merits and risks of orbital approaches in transvenous embolization of CCFs. ⋯ All orbital approaches for transvenous embolization of CCFs are effective and safe.
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Surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) associated with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia is challenging. We analyze the treatments for this disease, discussing the advantages and drawbacks, and present our own technique and series. ⋯ TN associated with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia can be treated surgically with minimal morbidity. BA repositioning has the highest success rate. Our technique of inducing a dural scar to fix the BA in its new position away from the trigeminal nerve is simple, not technically demanding, and highly effective.
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Review Case Reports
Fatal superior sagittal sinus and torcular thrombosis following vestibular schwannoma surgery- report of a rare complication and review of literature.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare condition with the potential to cause severe morbidity and mortality. CVST can also occur after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery with the thrombosis of transverse and sigmoid sinus. However, there is not a single report of superior sagittal sinus (SSS) thrombosis after VS surgery reported in the literature. ⋯ This case underscores the significance of adequate optimization of the patients prior to surgery, besides adequate operative skills to avoid this rare but serious complication of SSS and torcular thrombosis after VS surgery.