World Neurosurg
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The biopsy is recognized as the most accurate method to determine the histologic characterization of sellar germ cell tumors. It is difficult to evaluate the prognosis before histologic confirmation. ⋯ Diameter >15 mm, octamer-binding transcription positivity, or NGGCT was associated with a poorer prognosis for patients with sellar GCTs, whereas the combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy was associated with a better prognosis.
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A few options of extracranial donor vessels exist for use in intracranial vascular bypass procedures. To our knowledge, the use of an internal thoracic artery for cerebral revascularization has not been studied previously. Hence, this cadaveric feasibility study was performed. ⋯ In this cadaveric study, we demonstrated the suitability of the internal thoracic artery in use as a donor vessel for a single site anastomosis in a high-flow cerebral bypass procedure.
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Treatment options for hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) include microvascular surgery, stereotactic radiofrequency thermocoagulation (SRT), laser interstitial thermal therapy, or Gamma Knife surgery. During SRT, thermographic monitoring cannot be performed and therefore highly accurate placement of electrode and confirmation of its position are required. We have used robotic guidance (ROSA) and coregistered it with O-arm for performing ablation of hamartoma. ⋯ SRT is a cost-effective method of treating HH when compared with laser interstitial thermal therapy. With the use of a robotic arm we have demonstrated accurate placement of electrodes. Intraoperative computed tomography acquired using an O-arm can be merged with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. This confirms electrode location and trajectory on a real-time basis by performing intraoperative imaging. This method is safe and can be used for radiofrequency ablation of HH.
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Hormonal insufficiency of 1 or more pituitary axes can appear after pituitary surgery. Adrenal axis impairment after surgery can lead to serious consequences if not identified and treated. ⋯ Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis insufficiency is common after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Male gender, age greater than 50 years, visual impairment, and intraoperative CSF leak were correlated with late postoperative AI. More than two thirds of patients in whom early AI developed did not require steroids in the long term.
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Realistic, safe, and efficient modalities for simulation-based training are highly warranted to enhance the quality of surgical education, and they should be incorporated in resident training. The aim of this study was to develop a patient-specific virtual cerebral aneurysm-clipping simulator with haptic force feedback and real-time deformation of the aneurysm and vessels. ⋯ We have successfully developed a virtual aneurysm-clipping simulator. Next, we will prospectively evaluate this device for surgical procedure planning and education.