World Neurosurg
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Microwave ablation (MWA) is a novel technique that offers several potential advantages over existing ablation systems, which include production of larger ablation zones, shorter procedural times, and more effective heating through high impedance tissues such as bone. ⋯ This review showed that MWA can be effective in achieving analgesia for up to 6 months in select cases, although most procedures were performed in combination with augmentation and/or open surgery. Local tumor control was additionally successful in most patients, suggestive of a potential curative role for MWA.
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Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare and devastating brainstem glioma that occurs predominately in children. To date, the prognostic impact of radiotherapy (RT) in conjunction with temozolomide (TMZ) in DIPG has not been thoroughly analyzed. The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze the effectiveness of RT quantitatively and precisely in conjunction with TMZ in improving the prognosis of DIPG. ⋯ Requirements of up-to-date evidence on evaluating the prognostic impact of this therapy are urgent.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Minimal Invasive Surgery Instrumented Fusion versus Conventional Open Surgical Instrumented Fusion for the Treatment of Spinal Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
In this study, we aimed to compare the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) instrumented fusion ± decompression versus conventional open surgery (COS) instrumented fusion ± decompression for the treatment of spinal metastases. ⋯ MIS was associated with lower complications, blood loss, transfusion rate, and shorter length of stay with a similar rate of neurologic improvement and length of surgery compared with COS.
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Review Case Reports
Multilevel Hemilaminotomy Windows for the Surgical Management of Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis Causing Syringomyelia: Technical Note and Literature Review.
Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is the excessive accumulation of extradural adipose tissue. Severe cases could result in myelopathy, and very rarely, in syringomyelia formation. Surgery has been associated with high morbidity and mortality, and no proven long-term benefits. The objective was to provide a technical description of an efficient and cost-effective procedure for multilevel thoracic decompression without requiring spinal instrumentation. ⋯ This technique of multilevel alternating hemilaminotomy "windows" allows for safe and effective decompression and resection of the excessive adipose tissue with reduced operative time and without requiring spine instrumentation. The technique maintains the integrity of the posterior column, thus reducing the risk of postdecompression deformity. Careful bipolar electrocoagulation of internal vertebral veins and meticulous hemostasis is key for minimizing the intraoperative blood loss and avoiding postoperative hematoma formation.
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The cause of surfer myelopathy remains enigmatic and long-term follow-up outcomes are not well documented. In the present study, the mechanisms underlying surfer myelopathy in children are analyzed and the long-term follow-up outcomes are reported. ⋯ Surfer myelopathy in children is caused by spinal venous hypertension. The AIS grade on admission is a predictor of prognosis.