World Neurosurg
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Review Case Reports
Treatment of Partially Thrombosed Intracranial Aneurysms: Single-Center Series and Systematic Review.
Partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms (PTIAs) represent a challenging subgroup of aneurysms, with an organized intraluminal thrombus and a solid mass, in which the optimal therapeutic strategy is discussed controversially because of limited data. We therefore analyzed the results of surgical and endovascular treatment in patients with PTIAs treated in our department and combined the results with a systematic literature review. ⋯ In this study, surgical treatment of PTIAs showed superior initial radiologic results and better long-term stability than endovascular treatment. Therefore, surgical treatment should be considered in those patients harboring PTIAs who are qualified as suitable surgical candidates after interdisciplinary consensus.
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Conventional external beam radiation and stereotactic radiosurgery are common radiation techniques used to treat spinal tumors. Intraoperative brachytherapy (BT) may serve as an alternative when other options have been exhausted or as an adjunct in combination with other therapies. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on BT use in spinal tumor surgery. ⋯ BT was used to treat metastatic disease in patients who failed previous therapies and could not tolerate open surgery or further therapy. This review summarizes the major findings in the available literature pertaining to patient background, indications, and outcomes. Spinal BT seems to be a viable option for spine tumor treatment and should be made available at treating centers.
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The nondominant hemisphere (usually right) is determinant for main cognitive functions such as visuospatial and social cognitions. Awake surgery using direct electrical stimulation for right cerebral tumor removal remains challenging due to the complexity of the functional anatomy and the difficulties in adapting the classical bedside tasks for awake surgery conditions. ⋯ In this second review of 2 parts, we discuss the pertinence of the neuropsychological tests available for the study of nondominant hemisphere functions for the surgery on right-sided tumors in awake surgery conditions. In conjunction with part I of the review, which focuses primarily on the anatomical, functional, and semiological basis of the right hemisphere function, this article provides a comprehensive review of current knowledge supporting the awake surgery in the right hemisphere.
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Odontoid fractures are the most common acute cervical spinal fractures in the geriatric population. Their rate is increasing along with the rising age of the elderly population. Whereas conservative management with external immobilization is reported as the treatment of choice for type I and III odontoid fractures, there are no clear indications concerning the best treatment for type II fractures. In younger patients surgical management is considered the best choice, but in older adults the rate of good outcomes worsens and operative risk because of comorbidities increases. ⋯ Our study was limited because it was a retrospective review, with a limited number of patients. Nevertheless, the clinical and radiologic outcomes of our patients differ from the results of other studies, suggesting that conservative management of these fractures in this population does not necessarily lead to a bad clinical outcome or delayed surgery.
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Review Comparative Study
Pros and Cons of Tentative Clipping in Intracranial Aneurysm Surgery: Review of 867 Direct Clippings in Single Institution.
In direct aneurysm surgery, tentative clipping is frequently applied to facilitate aneurysm dissection. However, no systemic review on the pros and cons of tentative clipping has been conducted. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and concerns of tentative clipping. ⋯ Tentative clipping facilitates dissection of the aneurysm sac from the surrounding structure but can occasionally lead to intraoperative rupture. Before applying tentative clips, surgeons should prepare for temporary clipping or additional tentative clipping in case of a rupture.