World Neurosurg
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Labrune syndrome is a neurologic disorder that manifests as a progressive cerebral degeneration characterized by a radiologic triad of cerebral white matter disease (leukoencephalopathy), intracranial calcification, and cysts. The associated novel genetic mutation in SNORD118 has been recently identified. However, its significance in relation to the progression and severity of the disease is yet to be clarified. ⋯ He had urgent endoscopic-assisted aspiration of the cerebellar cyst with insertion of a reservoir with resolution of the hydrocephalus and raised intracranial pressure symptoms. His genetic testing revealed a rare biallelic mutation with 2 variants in the gene SNORD118. The progressive form of this disease will be challenging for neurosurgeons.
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Comparative Study
Stereotactic-guided dilatable endoscopic port surgery for deep-seated brain tumors: technical report with comparative case series analysis.
Deep-seated brain tumors are often best treated by primary surgical excision. Traditional microsurgical techniques can cause retraction injury and require extensive brain dissection. To mitigate this risk, stereotactic-guided tubular retractors were developed; however, the risk of shear injury remains. We created a stereotactic-guided dilatable port system to create a corridor for deep brain tumor surgery along the trajectory of a brain needle to minimize iatrogenic brain injury. ⋯ DEPS might be a safe alternative to standard endoscopic port surgery or microsurgery for deep-seated brain tumors. The degree of iatrogenic injury using DEPS, as determined by magnetic resonance imaging analysis, might be equivalent to or less than that with standard port surgery techniques, although larger sample sizes are needed for validation.
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We sought to clarify the expression characteristics and prognostic significance of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3 in cranial meningiomas. ⋯ TGF-β3 expression levels gradually declined with the increase of WHO grade and were lower in recurrent meningiomas than in primary meningiomas. Besides, low TGF-β3 expression was found to predict tumor recurrence and mortality in meningiomas based on univariate analysis.
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Several differences distinguish brain functioning and behavior of women and men. This article addresses how gender features influence the way one behaves in the workplace, in particular, in neurosurgery. Women experience impostor syndrome, which is a persistent fearing of impropriety, by tending to point out their own fears and express their flaws, underrating themselves. ⋯ According to several authors, female neurosurgeons represent an important component for the future of the discipline and are essential to the field's growth. Nevertheless, young women feel a tension between the "women can have it all" movement and a realistic view of themselves as mothers, partners, employees, and leaders. As a young neurosurgeon, I think that our future is in our hands, it depends on our enthusiasm, on our energy but, above all, it will be bright, since we all are neurosurgeons.
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The main criticism of endoscopic excision of colloid cysts of the third ventricle is the decreased ability to completely resect the cyst wall, therefore increasing the risk of recurrence. The extent of resection varies widely across the endoscopic series and is largely influenced by the surgical technique. We report the results of the rotational technique for endoscopic transforaminal excision of colloid cysts in a series of consecutive patients. Our objective is to contribute to the current literature and to shed more light on an effective and safe yet less commonly used technique. ⋯ Our high total excision rate and low complication profile are in concordance with the recent reports of endoscopic resection of colloid cysts. The rotational technique for the endoscopic transforaminal approach is highly effective and a safe alternative to the bimanual dissection technique.