World Neurosurg
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The role for nucleus caudalis (NC) and spinal dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesioning in the management of chronic pain emanating from increased electrical activity in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and brainstem remains largely uncharted. ⋯ Spinal and NC DREZ lesioning can provide effective relief in well-selected patients with intractable chronic pain conditions arising from trigeminal pain, spinal cord injury, brachial plexus avulsions, post-herpetic neuralgia, and phantom limb pain.
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Risk Factors for Graft Infection After Cranioplasty in Patients with Large Hemicranial Bony Defects.
To identify infection incidence and related risk factors in patients who underwent cranioplasty (CP) after unilateral decompressive craniectomy (DC). ⋯ The incidence of wound infection was high. Risk factors included motor deficits, Glasgow Outcome Scale score <4, lower hemoglobin levels, recent systemic infections, interval between DC and CP of 29-84 days, and DC and CP performed during the same hospitalization. Performing CP during a different hospitalization may reduce the risk of graft infection because the hemoglobin level would be higher, and patients would be less dependent and free of recent infection.
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Comparative Study
Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Supracerebellar-Infratentorial Surgery of the Pineal Region: Anatomical Comparison of Four Variant Approaches.
The endoscopic supracerebellar-infratentorial (SCIT) approach is a viable method to access pathology of the posterior incisura, but a narrow working space and frequent instrument conflict can potentially limit its surgical efficacy. Until now, no rigorous studies were available comparing surgical freedom and angle of attack for four previously well-described approaches to pineal region targets. ⋯ Presurgical planning and a detailed understanding of the important neurovascular structures in the pineal region are paramount to safe and successful surgical execution. Our current cadaveric study indicates that the medial-to-lateral location of craniotomy can maximize access to pineal region targets. Furthermore, the endoscope is a viable alternative to the microscope for identifying pathology of the posterior incisura. These differences in surgical freedom and angle of attack to the pineal region may be useful to consider when planning minimal-access approaches.
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Central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) is typically treated with chemotherapy and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Optimal management of recurrent CNSL is poorly defined. ⋯ Stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with recurrent CNSL is well tolerated and has a high rate of radiographic response. A marginal dose of 15.5 Gy or greater, a Karnofsky score of 80 or greater, and the absence of pre-SRS WBRT were associated with significantly longer overall survival. Stereotactic radiosurgery may be beneficial as an initial salvage therapy in the treatment of recurrent CNSL for properly selected patients.
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Vertebral artery (VA) aneurysms comprise approximately one-third of posterior circulation aneurysms. They are morphologically variable, and located critically close to the cranial nerves and the brainstem. We aim to represent the characteristics of these aneurysms and their treatment, and to analyze the outcome. ⋯ Microsurgery is a feasible treatment for VA aneurysms, although cranial nerve deficits are more common than in endovascular surgery. Despite the challenge of an often severe hemorrhage, of challenging morphology, and risk for laryngeal palsy, most patients surviving the initial stage return to normalcy.