World Neurosurg
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The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-directed implantable guide tube technique allows for direct targeting of deep brain structures without microelectrode recording or intraoperative clinical assessment. This study describes a 10-year institutional experience of this technique including nuances that enable performance of surgery using readily available equipment. ⋯ The MRI-directed implantable guide tube technique is a highly accurate, low-cost, reliable method for introducing deep brain electrodes. This technique reduces brain shift secondary to pneumocephalus and allows for whole trajectory planning of multiple electrode contacts.
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The prevalence of obesity continues to rise in the United States at a disparaging rate. Although previous studies have attempted to identify the influence obesity has on short-term outcomes following elective spine surgery, few studies have assessed the impact on discharge disposition following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The aim of this study was to determine whether obesity impacts the hospital management, cost, and discharge disposition after elective ACDF for adult CSM. ⋯ Our study demonstrates that obesity is an independent predictor for nonroutine discharge disposition following elective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
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We sought to compare the outcomes of single-position (SP) circumferential lumbar interbody fusion in lateral decubitus versus dual-position (DP) fusion. ⋯ Literature comparing SP versus lateral-then-prone lumbar fusion shows a tendency toward shorter operating time and hospital stays in SP lumbar fusion while maintaining similar perioperative outcomes.
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Surgical strategy in vestibular schwannomas may require subtotal resection to preserve neurologic function. Residual tumor growth pattern and contrast enhancement in the immediate postresection period remain uncertain. We sought to evaluate changes in the enhancement pattern and volume of vestibular schwannomas after subtotal resection in the immediate postoperative period. ⋯ Vestibular schwannomas that undergo subtotal resection tend to decrease in size over the first 3 months after resection. Residual tumor volume may fail to enhance on the immediate postresection MRI. Both of these findings could lead surgeons to misinterpret degree of resection after surgery and have implications for clinical decision making and research reporting in the scientific literature for vestibular schwannomas after subtotal resection.