World Neurosurg
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The anterior petrosectomy, also known as the Kawase approach, and the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach (RISA) have both been used to reduce the petrous apex and access the petroclival region. Our goal was to compare the volumes and 3-dimensional shapes of bony resection obtained through each approach while trying to resemble realistic surgical settings. ⋯ The Kawase approach invariably results in larger volumes of bony removal than the RISA operative variant, and the volume of petrosectomy that is spatially congruent is only partially identical. The Kawase corridor is best suited for middle fossa lesions that extend into the posterior fossa, while the RISA is suitable for pathologies mainly residing in the posterior fossa and extending into the Meckel cave.
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Holospinal epidural abscess (HEA) is a rare condition that can cause extensive cord compression, necessitating prompt neurosurgical intervention for evacuation and drainage. Here we report the case of a 74-year-old male with HEA due to Cutibacterium acnes infection leading to headache, neck stiffness, and decreased mental acuity, successfully treated using segmental laminectomies in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.
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Petroclival meningiomas are challenging deep-seated lesions related to many critical neurovascular structures of the skull base.1-5 We present the case of a 45-year-old male presenting with a 3-year history of progressive headache associated gradually with multiple cranial nerves deficits and progressive tetraparesis leading to use of a wheelchair (Video 1) Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a mass highly suggestive of a giant left petroclival meningioma. Considering worsening of symptoms and impressive mass effect, microsurgical resection employing the posterior petrosal approach was performed. Mastoidectomy with skeletonization of semicircular canals and a craniotomy approaching both posterior and middle cranial fossae were done. ⋯ The posterior petrosal approach gives great exposure and a more lateral angle of attack to the ventral surface of brainstem, allowing in this case to approach the whole tumor attachment. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for the procedure and publication of this operative video. Anatomic images were courtesy of the Rhoton Collection, American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Neurosurgical Research and Education Foundation.
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Frequent intermittent bleeding control and suction are often necessary during microneurosurgical procedures. We compared the visual searching strategy that guides these types of gross hand movements between expert surgeons and neurosurgical residents. ⋯ Task time analysis for this basic microsurgical task is not sufficient to evaluate participants' level of expertise. Gaze behavior analysis helps to reveal hidden differences between experts and residents. This research provides more evidence that supports the use of gaze analysis for assessing surgeons' skills in microsurgery.
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Continuous bedside brain tissue oxygen monitoring is an essential part of managing comatose patients with acute brain injury. Maintenance of adequate brain oxygenation has been established as an important goal in neurocritical care to prevent patients from secondary ischemia. As patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury often require early magnetic resonance imaging, conventionally implanted metal bolts are disadvantageous due to massive artifacts. We hereby report a novel technique of magnetic resonance imaging conditional bedside implantation of a brain tissue oxygenation probe. ⋯ This article describes the feasibility of a novel technique of bedside implantation of a Licox brain tissue oxygenation probe, resulting in a length-adjustable insertion and rigid fixation without metal artifacts in early magnetic resonance imaging.