World Neurosurg
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Skull base osteosarcoma is a rare and aggressive tumor that is most commonly treated with primary surgical resection and adjuvant chemoradiation. Using the National Cancer Database, we analyzed demographic and clinical prognosticators for overall survival (OS). ⋯ Tumor histologic subtype, advanced tumor grade, and greater tumor size are predictors of worse OS in skull base osteosarcoma. No significant differences in OS were identified based on treatment modality, which warrants further investigation.
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Awake craniotomy (AC) and direct electric stimulation emerged together with epilepsy surgery >80 years ago. The goal of our study was to evaluate the benefits of awake surgery in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy caused by focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) affecting eloquent areas. ⋯ AC during epilepsy surgery for FCD in eloquent areas may change the preoperative plan. The good rate of postoperative seizure control and the absence of permanent postoperative neurologic deficit in our series is the main proof that AC is a useful tool in patients with FCD involving the eloquent cortex.
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Recently, a hybrid anterior column realignment-pedicle subtraction osteotomy (ACR-PSO) approach has been conceived for patients with severe rigid sagittal deformity, the clinical and radiographic outcomes of which require further investigation compared with ACR only. ⋯ For patients with severe rigid sagittal deformity, the hybrid ACR-PSO approach offers significant restoration of lumbar lordosis compared with ACR only, with similar complications but reduced PT correction.
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Epidural hematoma causing brain herniation is a major cause of mortality and morbidity after severe traumatic brain injury, even if surgical treatment is performed quickly. Decompression may be effective in decreasing intracranial pressure, but its effect on outcomes remains unclear. ⋯ Decompressive craniectomy following the evacuation of an acute epidural hematoma in deeply comatose patients demonstrated inferior outcomes in comparison with OC. Brain injury in the decompressive craniectomy patient group was more severe (concomitant subdural hematoma, early brain ischemia, and early brain herniation), which may have influenced the outcome. Further prospective studies are needed.
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Low-grade gliomas are a heterogeneous group with significant changes in their management during the last decade. ⋯ More radical surgery was associated with increased survival, less need for postoperative adjuvant therapy and better seizure control, without significant morbidity. Molecular markers are useful tools for stratification of benefits after such surgery.