World Neurosurg
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Several postoperative complications related to lumbar microdiscectomy have been reported, including cauda equina syndrome. However, to the best of our knowledge, postoperative cauda equina syndrome resulting from dural sac shift with engorgement of the epidural venous plexus is yet to be reported. ⋯ We report a rare case of postoperative cauda equina syndrome due to dural sac shift and discuss the nascent mechanism of the dural sac shift focusing on anatomic features of the dural sac. We also propose laminoplasty as an option to treat dural sac shift with engorgement of the epidural venous plexus.
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Case Reports
Iatrogenic sigmoid sinus occlusion rescued by graft repair and endovascular thrombolysis.
Iatrogenic cerebral venous sinus injury and occlusion may occur during resection of parasagittal meningioma and lateral skull base surgery. The former involves the superior sagittal sinus, and direct surgical repair is associated with good results. Outcome of direct repair of transverse-sigmoid sinus injury is less clear. We present a patient with iatrogenic sigmoid sinus injury in whom direct repair was complicated by subsequent thrombosis that was successfully salvaged by combined endovascular mechanical and chemical thrombolysis. ⋯ This case emphasizes the need to preserve every vein, especially when major venous sinuses have been obliterated. Detailed study of high-quality preoperative digital subtraction angiography is extremely important. Venous injury should be repaired immediately whenever possible. Postrepair venous sinus thrombosis may be effectively salvaged by endovascular thrombectomy for rapid recannulation, with or without combined use of continuous in situ thrombolytic therapy.
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Halo fixation is one of the possible treatments for cervical spine fractures. However, improper use of these devices may lead to many complications, such as pin loosening, halo dislocation, pin site infection, and intradural penetration. ⋯ Misapplication of halo fixation devices may lead to serious complications, including intracranial pin penetration and brain abscesses. Proper use of the recommended technique may decrease the risk for complications related to the procedure.
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The anatomic area exposed through exposure of Trautmann triangle may not be sufficient. We studied the additional exposure provided by skeletonizing the sigmoid sinus (SS). ⋯ Working area and visibility improved as the PSC and SS approached the same plane on axial imaging. Preoperative evaluation of the laterality of the SS to the PSC may assist a surgeon in determining the need for skeletonizing the SS and avoiding possible vascular injuries.
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Racial disparities exist in health care, frequently resulting in unfavorable outcomes for minority patients. Here, we use guided machine learning (ML) ensembles to model the impact of race on discharge disposition and length of stay (LOS) after brain tumor surgery from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample. ⋯ Minority race independently increases the risk of extended LOS and black race increases the risk of non-home discharge in patients undergoing brain tumor resection, a finding not mimicked in the general inpatient or operative population. Recognition of the influence of race on discharge and LOS could generate interventions that may improve outcomes in this population.