World Neurosurg
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Extraventricular neurocytoma (EVN) is a rare neurocytoma occurring in the brain parenchyma outside the ventricular system that shares similar biological behaviors and histopathologic characteristics with central neurocytoma. Reports of EVN localized in the brainstem and cerebellum are relatively uncommon. In addition, few cases with radiotherapy as the only treatment have been reported and their outcomes were unclear. ⋯ These results suggest that patients with EVN who are treated with radiotherapy without surgery may have a favorable prognosis.
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Preoperative patient optimization is increasingly recognized as key to good surgical outcomes. Preoperative hyponatremia is a modifiable risk factor linked to poorer postoperative outcomes in other surgical fields. We provide the first investigation of the association of preoperative hyponatremia with morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. ⋯ Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, hyponatremia is observed in approximately 1 in every 20 patients undergoing cervical spine fusion. More importantly, it is a predictor of mortality, major morbidity, and prolonged hospitalization. From a systems-level perspective, preoperative hyponatremia may therefore represent a point of intervention for preoperative patient optimization.
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The robotic surgery is an advanced modern minimally invasive technology, widely used in urologic oncology, and it has become useful in particular conditions. Over time, different surgical specialties made use of the robotic properties to minimize complications for high-risk procedures. A combined 1-staged robot-assisted multidisciplinary surgery with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring can be a safe procedure to remove a sacral chordoma with low morbidity rates. ⋯ This combined technique represents a promising treatment option in selected cases. The robotic technology combined with the experience of highly qualified staff can improve the surgical result by minimizing complications. However, longer follow-up is necessary to confirm the long-term effects in terms of recurrence and survival.
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Case Reports
Severe intracranial hypotension after a middle fossa approach for spontaneous otogenic pneumocephalus. Case report.
Spontaneous otogenic pneumocephalus is a rare condition caused by erosion of the tegmen tympani with subsequent entrance of air into the intracranial space. Its pathogenesis is thought to involve a previous state of intracranial hypotension, which pulls air into the intracranial cavity. The surgical management involves obliteration of the tegmen defect via a mastoidectomy or a middle fossa approach. Lumbar drainage has been used safely as an adjunct to middle fossa approaches so as to provide brain relaxation and decrease the incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks. ⋯ Intraoperative lumbar drainage during a middle fossa approach for spontaneous otogenic pneumocephalus may dramatically aggravate a state of preexisting intracranial hypotension and lead to transtentorial herniation.
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Considering that primary watertight dural closure is not always possible following posterior fossa surgery, several methods of dural reconstruction were proposed to reduce the risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of collagen matrix inlay graft compared with other techniques in a propensity score-matched cohort. ⋯ Dural reconstruction using a collagen matrix inlay graft efficiently reduces CSF leakage after posterior fossa surgery and does not increase the risk of postoperative infection and inflammation. It seems to be a feasible option for dural reconstruction.