World Neurosurg
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There are a multitude of treatments for low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis. There are no clear guidelines for the optimal approach. ⋯ Clinical equipoise exists for the treatment of spondylolisthesis. Differences are greater when the patient presents without associated back pain. Surgeon case volume, practice duration, and specialty training influence operative decisions for a given pathologic condition. Recognizing this practice variation will hopefully lead to better evidence and practice guidelines for the optimal and most cost-effective treatment paradigms.
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The prognosis and recurrence rate after resection of an anterior skull base lesion via transciliary supraorbital keyhole craniotomy depend on residual tumor volume. The extent to which pathology and size of tumor influence the resection rate using this approach is unknown. ⋯ Transciliary keyhole craniotomy is a safe and effective approach for anterior skull base tumors, especially meningiomas. Excellent resection results were achieved even in cases of large meningiomas. Although longer operative times, longer hospital stays, and greater blood loss occurred in larger compared with smaller meningioma cases, recurrence rates were similar.
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Brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) account for up to 18% of all intracranial cavernous malformations. Due to their complex anatomic location, they represent a significant challenge for neurosurgeons. As such, the identification of risk factors associated with negative outcomes is of significant importance. We analyze a series of 50 cases of BSCMs treated surgically in order to identify risk factors for unfavorable outcomes. ⋯ BSCM size, compromise of lower cranial nerves, and hemorrhagic recurrence before surgery were identified as risk factors associated with unfavorable outcomes of surgically treated BSCMs in this cohort.
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Readmission and reoperation are used as hospital and surgeon quality metrics. Venous thromboembolic (VTE) events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE), are a major cause of readmission, morbidity, and mortality after spine surgery. Specific procedural, perioperative, and patient characteristics may be associated with these outcomes. ⋯ Transfusion and EBL are associated with numerous negative outcomes. Transfusion is an independent predictor of VTE, readmission, reoperation, and epidural hematoma requiring evacuation. Specific pathologies were associated with specific negative outcomes.
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Clinical Trial
Application of Rubber Band with Hooks on Both Ends for Vagus Nerve Stimulator Implantation.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a valuable therapeutic option for many types of drug-resistant epilepsy. Muscle hooks and carotid endarterectomy rings have been used for cervical delamination preceding the implantation of stimulation electrodes. The attachment on both sides of a rubber band of Kamiyama-style hanging needles, as are used for scalp and dural retraction during craniotomy, yields a useful tool for VNS implantation. Here we report our experience with this method. ⋯ The use of hooks attached to both sides of a rubber band rendered VNS implantation safer by lifting the vagus nerve and standardizing the procedure.