World Neurosurg
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Extent of resection of glioblastoma is an important predictor for overall survival, and 5-aminolevulinic acid fluorescence-guided surgery can improve outcomes. However, the technique requires the installation of a blue light module on operative microscopes and may be cost prohibitive. A novel and economical blue light-emitting headlamp was designed, and its clinical utility was explored. ⋯ This novel proof-of-concept blue light-emitting headlamp device may offer an opportunity for institutions with limited resources to implement 5-aminolevulinic acid fluorescence-guided glioblastoma resections.
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Comparative Study
Autologous Bone Cranioplasty: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Frozen and Subcutaneous Bone Flap Storage Methods.
The use of autologous bone for cranioplasty offers superior cosmesis and cost-effectiveness compared with synthetic materials. The choice between 2 common autograft storage mechanisms (subcutaneous vs. frozen) remains controversial and dictated by surgeon preference. We compared surgical outcomes after autologous bone cranioplasty between patients with cryopreserved and subcutaneously stored autografts. ⋯ Subcutaneous and frozen storage of autologous bone result in similar surgical risk profiles. Cryopreservation may be preferred because of shorter operation time and avoidance of complications with the abdominal pocket, whereas the portability of subcutaneous storage remains favorable for patients undergoing cranioplasty at a different institution. VPS placement prior to cranioplasty should be avoided, if possible, due to the increased risk of hospital-acquired infection.
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To lower external ventricular drain (EVD)-related infection rates, in April 2013, our institution enacted a major protocol change, switching from routine EVD replacement every 5 days to EVD replacement only when clinically indicated. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of this change on nosocomial EVD-related infections. ⋯ The findings from our study strengthen an increasing body of evidence suggesting the importance of inoculation of skin flora as a critical risk factor for EVD-related infections, underscoring the importance of drain changes only when clinically indicated and that, as soon as clinically permitted, catheters should be removed.
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The endoscopic endonasal approach for the craniovertebral junction (CVJ), instead of the microscopic transoral approach, has been widely adopted and accepted, especially in resection of the odontoid process for basilar invagination. However, there is concern regarding insufficient resection of odontoid and surgical complications, including vessel injuries, because this is a historically immature procedure. Here, we report a surgical case of endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy (EEO) in the hybrid operating room (hOR) for improvement of its safety and reliability. ⋯ The application of the hOR may make the EEO safe and precise for anterior decompression of the CVJ. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing clinical experience of EEO in the hOR.
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We present a case of post-traumatic intracranial dislocation of an unfractured mandibular condyle in a 17-year old female patient associated with multiple skull base fractures. Computed tomography (CT) findings are illustrated, and also postoperative CT is described. The article underlines the pivotal role of CT in the early diagnosis and in the investigation of additional brain lesions and complications.