World Neurosurg
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Cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) was a special type of intracranial vascular malformation, and endovascular treatment was usually the first choice. However, sometimes it might fail for patients without the proper approach. Video 1 illustrates the case of a patient who presented with left exophthalmos and conjunctival hyperemia caused by cavernous sinus DAVF. ⋯ Endovascular treatment remained the optimal choice for cavernous sinus DAVF. However, for practical cases without accessible pathways, combined microsurgical and endovascular management in a hybrid neurovascular operating room was feasible, although challenging. The patient gave informed consent for the procedure and video production.
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High-grade glioma has a poor overall survival with profoundly negative effects on the patient's quality of life and their caregivers. In this study, we investigate the factors associated with receiving palliative care in patients diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) and the association of receiving or not receiving palliative care with overall survival. ⋯ In patients with high-grade glioma, receiving palliative care is associated with decreased survival. When receiving palliative care, recommended treatment increases the number of patients who survive more than 2 years approximately 3-fold compared with those declining part or whole treatment.
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As a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, elective surgeries nationwide were suspended. The objective was to compare temporal trends in patient demographics, case volumes, and postoperative complications of patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery from pre-COVID-19 (2019-2020 Q1) to post-COVID-19 (2020 Q2-Q4). ⋯ Elective surgery declined drastically during the second quarter of 2020. Patients undergoing surgery during the pandemic had an overall greater comorbidity burden, resulting in increased total complication and mortality rates over the study period.
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Lumbar lateral interbody fusion (LLIF) is traditionally performed in 2 stages: placing the interbody cage in the lateral decubitus position, then placing the percutaneous pedicle screw in the prone position. Performing interbody fusion and posterior fixation simultaneously could improve operative efficiency and clinical outcomes associated with longer operative times. We describe the operative steps and report clinical and radiographic outcomes associated with a simultaneous anterior and posterior approach (SAPA) for LLIF. ⋯ SAPA LLIF is a safe approach for LLIF that results in favorable clinical outcomes. This technique can potentially improve operative efficiency further along the course of a surgeon's learning curve.
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Spinal cord stimulation is an effective treatment modality for chronic pain. Although percutaneous leads are commonly placed in the outpatient setting, paddle leads are typically implanted in the inpatient setting. Given the substantial cost savings associated with the ambulatory setting, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of thoracic paddle lead implantation in a freestanding ambulatory surgery center (ASC). ⋯ Thoracic laminotomy for paddle lead spinal cord stimulator implantation can be performed in a freestanding ASC with complication rates comparable to the hospital setting. Future comparative studies that assess clinical outcomes and cost are necessary to determine the cost-effectiveness of the ambulatory setting.