World Neurosurg
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The nondominant hemisphere (usually right) is determinant for main cognitive functions such as visuospatial and social cognitions. Awake surgery using direct electrical stimulation for right cerebral tumor removal remains challenging due to the complexity of the functional anatomy and the difficulties in adapting the classical bedside tasks for awake surgery conditions. ⋯ In this second review of 2 parts, we discuss the pertinence of the neuropsychological tests available for the study of nondominant hemisphere functions for the surgery on right-sided tumors in awake surgery conditions. In conjunction with part I of the review, which focuses primarily on the anatomical, functional, and semiological basis of the right hemisphere function, this article provides a comprehensive review of current knowledge supporting the awake surgery in the right hemisphere.
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Odontoid fractures are the most common acute cervical spinal fractures in the geriatric population. Their rate is increasing along with the rising age of the elderly population. Whereas conservative management with external immobilization is reported as the treatment of choice for type I and III odontoid fractures, there are no clear indications concerning the best treatment for type II fractures. In younger patients surgical management is considered the best choice, but in older adults the rate of good outcomes worsens and operative risk because of comorbidities increases. ⋯ Our study was limited because it was a retrospective review, with a limited number of patients. Nevertheless, the clinical and radiologic outcomes of our patients differ from the results of other studies, suggesting that conservative management of these fractures in this population does not necessarily lead to a bad clinical outcome or delayed surgery.
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Review Comparative Study
Pros and Cons of Tentative Clipping in Intracranial Aneurysm Surgery: Review of 867 Direct Clippings in Single Institution.
In direct aneurysm surgery, tentative clipping is frequently applied to facilitate aneurysm dissection. However, no systemic review on the pros and cons of tentative clipping has been conducted. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and concerns of tentative clipping. ⋯ Tentative clipping facilitates dissection of the aneurysm sac from the surrounding structure but can occasionally lead to intraoperative rupture. Before applying tentative clips, surgeons should prepare for temporary clipping or additional tentative clipping in case of a rupture.
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Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) and their treatment are associated with hypothalamic damage that causes hypothalamic obesity (HO) in 30%-70% of cases. Thus, there is ongoing research regarding tangible solutions for HO, because these patients have unrelenting resistance to basic weight-loss interventions. This review aims to summarize the interventions that are used to treat CP-related HO (CP-HO), including pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. ⋯ Octreotide appears to be a preferred treatment for patients with CP-HO, based on limited data. Gastric bypass surgery may also be suitable for select patients with CP-HO, based on a review of various procedures in this setting. Microsurgical preservation of the hypothalamic structures is mandatory to decrease CP-HO-related morbidity and mortality. Further studies with adequate analytical power and sufficient follow-up are needed to identify effective strategies for CP-HO treatment.
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Multicenter Study
Use of Flow Diversion for the Treatment of Distal Circulation Aneurysms: A Multicohort Study.
The safety and efficacy of flow diversion for distal circulation aneurysms of the cerebral vasculature has not been well evaluated. The objective of this study was to assess the use of flow diversion for distal circulation aneurysms (defined as at or beyond the M1, P1, and A1 segments of the middle cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery, and anterior cerebral artery, respectively) in an international multicenter cohort. ⋯ Flow diversion for aneurysms beyond the circle of Willis has occlusion rates comparable to alternative treatments and low morbidity. The clinical significance of flow limitation through covered side branches requires further investigation.