World Neurosurg
-
Treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis is still controversial. In our study, we assessed the efficacy and feasibility of single-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion using a structural autograft combined with a titanium mesh cage, and posterior instrumentation for the treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis with significant vertebral body loss. ⋯ The combination of single-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion using structural autografts with a titanium mesh cage, and posterior instrumentation is an effective and safe option for the treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis with significant vertebral body loss.
-
Case Reports
Comprehensive Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Cushing's Disease: 2-Dimensional Angiographic and Operative Video.
Cushing disease (CD), or hypercortisolemia secondary to an adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting (ACTH-secreting) pituitary adenoma, is the most common etiology of noniatrogenic Cushing syndrome.1 The diagnostic algorithm employed in the patient with suspected CD is complex and includes consideration for inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS).2,3 When workup is consistent with CD, extracapsular resection of the ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma through the endonasal corridor is the preferred operative strategy.4 In this publication, we discuss the case of a 26-year-old woman who presented with 9 months of weight gain (Video 1). Initial labs, including low- and high-dose dexamethasone suppression tests, were consistent with CD. Findings on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging were suggestive of a left 2-mm microadenoma. ⋯ Following surgery, the patient required glucocorticoid supplementation after her cortisol levels decreased to 2 ug/dL the evening of surgery. Subsequent laboratory analysis has been consistent with hormonal cure.5,6 The accompanying video manuscript describes 1) preoperative diagnostic evaluation of the patient with suspected CD, 2) indications for and techniques of IPSS, 3) nuances of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgical management, and 4) relevant considerations in postoperative care. Of note, full patient consent for photography and/or recording of other forms of video/imaging was obtained in the preoperative period.7-10.
-
In the present study, we investigated the role of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) in internal carotid artery (ICA) injury during endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EESBS). ⋯ SSEP and EEG monitoring can accurately detect cerebral hypoperfusion and provide real-time feedback during surgery. SSEP and EEG changes predicted for neurologic outcomes and guide surgical decisions regarding the preservation or sacrifice of the ICA. Comprehensive multimodality monitoring according to the surgical risks can serve to detect and guide the management of ICA injury in EESBS.
-
Decompressive craniectomy (DC) relieves intracranial hypertension after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), but it has been associated with poor clinical outcome in 2 recent randomized controlled trials. In this study, we investigated the incidence and explanatory variables for DC-related and cranioplasty (CP)-related complications after TBI. ⋯ DC and CP surgery have a high risk for complications, leading to additional neurosurgery in about one third of cases. Synthetic CP materials may decrease the risk of reoperation, but special care with hemostasis is required because of increased risk of postoperative hemorrhage. Future trials need to address these topics to further improve the outcome for these patients.
-
Cessation of elective procedures and lower bed capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a rise in the waiting lists for surgery, but it is unclear if workload has recovered sufficiently to account for this backlog. We describe the change in neurosurgical workload at a tertiary neurosciences center in the United Kingdom after the first pandemic wave in comparison with the months before and during the first wave. ⋯ In the aftermath of COVID-19, higher referral volumes and operative procedures were apparent in the post-wave months as services returned to normal. With the expectation of a second wave of infections, it is unclear whether this will be sustainable.