World Neurosurg
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Occipitocervical fusion (OCF) procedures are increasing due to an aging population and the prevalence of trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, and tumors. Reoperation rates and readmission risk factors for cervical fusions have been established, but in relation to OCF they have not been explored. This study investigates the patterns of readmissions and complications following OCF using a national database. ⋯ Nonelective OCF was found to have a readmission rate of almost 2½× that of elective OCF. Understanding risk factors associated with OCF will help with operative planning and patient optimization.
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Dumbbell-shaped thoracic tumors usually arise from neurogenic elements within the spinal canal and are characterized by involvement of both spinal canal and posterior thoracic cavity. The tumor mass becomes frequently very large growing inside and outside of the spinal canal, through the connection of the neural foramen, involving the surrounding structures. Most of the dumbbell tumors are peripheral nerve sheath tumors, of which neurofibromas and schwannomas represent the vast majority. ⋯ However, these operations have significant approach-related morbidity; therefore, in the last decades, thanks to the constant progress of technological devices, minimally invasive techniques have been increasingly used for the surgical management of spinal tumors. In this surgical video (Video 1), we present a minimally invasive, single-step posterolateral approach through a small costotransversectomy (centered with echography and fitted with spine navigation) for the surgical management of a giant dumbbell thoracic neurofibroma. The usefulness of current technology guiding the surgical procedure is underlined with special emphasis.
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Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are rare vascular malformations. Digital subtraction angiography is the modality of choice to demonstrate the malformation before endovascular embolization or open surgical repair. Angiographically occult SDAVFs have been previously reported. Surgical considerations in SDAVFs with misleading angiography findings have not yet been assessed. ⋯ SDAVFs should be treated promptly after diagnosis. In cases with high suspicion for SDAVF with occult or misleading angiography findings, spinal exploration should be pursued with no delay. Indocyanine green-assisted microscopic angiography may contribute to exploratory spine surgery for SDAVF closure.
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a standard surgical treatment option in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Adverse effects on cognitive function have been reported, impacting the quality of life of patients and caregivers. We aimed to investigate a quantitative predictive preexisting cognitive factor for predicting postoperative cognitive changes. ⋯ Preoperative evaluation of the Similarities and Object Assembly subtests may be useful to identify patients who are at a greater risk of experiencing decreases in visuospatial functioning after STN-DBS. Furthermore, a low score on the Similarities subtest may predict future global cognitive deterioration.
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Acute basilar artery occlusion is a devastating life-threatening condition. Early recanalization is the therapeutic goal in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Despite the high rates of recanalization achieved with modern devices for basilar occlusions, many patients have had poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to assess the predictors of good and poor outcomes among patients with basilar artery occlusion treated with thrombectomy. ⋯ After thrombectomy for posterior circulation strokes, young patients, V4-proximal basilar occlusion, (high) baseline posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, and complete recanalization were independent predictors of good neurologic outcomes. Failure to recanalize was strongly related to sICH and mortality. In addition, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores ≥10 had an independent association with mortality. This study contributes to the knowledge required to optimize recanalization treatments for posterior circulation strokes and may help to improve future clinical studies.