World Neurosurg
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Minimally invasive surgery has become popular in recent times and has proved more advantageous than conventional open surgery methods, in terms of maximal preservation of natural anatomy and minimal postoperative complications. However, these advancements require a longer learning curve for inexperienced surgeons. ⋯ Appropriate instruments, a trained team, and an adept radiographer are important assets for a smooth transition during the learning period. Structured training with cadavers and lots of practice, preferably while working under the guidance of experienced surgeons, is helpful. The learning curve can be shortened when a proficient surgeon gains relevant knowledge, understands three-dimensional anatomy, and has surgical aptitude along with manual dexterity.
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Infection follow-up in patients stabilized with the Dynesys system. Infection rates were determined in patients who had ≥5 segments stabilized with the Dynesys system. ⋯ We report that long-level stabilization with the Dynesys system results in a high infection rate.
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Patients with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade V subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) mostly have a poor outcome. Correct identification of patients who might benefit from treatment remains challenging. We investigated which disease-related characteristics, present at admission, could identify patients with chance of good outcome. ⋯ More than one third of all treated patients with WFNS grade V SAH had a good outcome. All patients in whom the aneurysm was not treated died. Reliable identification of patients who will reach good outcome, on the basis of symptoms on admission, seems impossible, as these symptoms are not discriminating enough.
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Case Reports
Giant Pediatric Rhabdoid Meningioma Associated with a Germline BAP1 Pathogenic Variation: A Rare Clinical Case.
Rhabdoid meningiomas are rare World Health Organization grade 3 tumors that tend to follow an aggressive course, with an increased likelihood for local recurrence, remote metastasis, and cerebrospinal fluid dissemination. Genetic testing has found certain genes associated with reduced time to tumor recurrence. BAP1 (BRCA1-associated protein 1) is a tumor suppressor gene that is associated with multiple tumors, including rhabdoid meningiomas. ⋯ Rhabdoid meningiomas are unlikely to be found in children and have a high rate of local recurrence. Gross total resection has to be balanced with risk of postoperative deficit. Genetic testing of this rare entity should be performed to identify any hereditary germline mutations.
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Dizziness often happens in patients with chronic neck pain with only cervical disc degeneration but without cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. We prospectively selected a series of patients who showed cervical disc degeneration with concomitant chronic neck pain and intractable dizziness who did not respond to conservative treatment to test a new diagnostic method for this dizziness, to analyze the results of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery based on the test, and to explore its pathogenesis. ⋯ Current clinical and immunohistochemical studies strongly suggest that chronic neck pain and intractable dizziness in this series of patients stem from the degenerative cervical discs.