Surgical NeurologyPub Date : 2009-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.surneu.2009.03.005
Christopher J. Carrubba BS, Todd W. Vitaz MD
{"title":"Factors affecting the outcome after treatment for metastatic melanoma to the brain","authors":"Christopher J. Carrubba BS, Todd W. Vitaz MD","doi":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.03.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.03.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Because of the difficulties inherent to the treatment of metastatic melanoma to the brain including high rates of disease progression and local treatment failure, we attempted to determine the prognostic factors that impacted the outcome of these patients, and reviewed patient outcome based on primary treatment with either surgical resection or SRS.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A retrospective review identified 37 patients treated for metastatic melanoma between July 2002 and April 2007. Information was obtained documenting systemic disease, preoperative symptoms, tumor size and location, disease recurrence, primary and secondary treatments, and survival time.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Two patients were alive as of March 2008. The median survival time for patients primarily treated with surgical resection was 9.7 months compared to 7.9 months for patients initially treated with SRS. Solitary brain metastases and the absence of both preoperative hemorrhage and lung metastases served as prognostic factors increasing survival in both groups. Four patients undergoing primary treatment with SRS required subsequent surgical intervention secondary to radiation necrosis (3 patients) or local recurrence (1 patient). All 4 had lesions greater than 1.5 cm. For surgical patients, planned postoperative treatment with either radiosurgery or radiation therapy increased survival time to 12.3 months vs 7.3 months.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Patients with positive prognostic factors including solitary brain lesions, absence of hemorrhage preoperatively, and absence of lung disease are viable candidates for aggressive, surgical intervention followed by adjuvant therapy with radiosurgery or conventional radiation therapy. Other patients should be considered for more conservative treatment with radiosurgery or other palliative treatments.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":22153,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Neurology","volume":"72 6","pages":"Pages 707-711"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/j.surneu.2009.03.005","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"28309242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Psychiatric symptom changes after corticoamygdalohippocampectomy in patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy through Symptom Checklist 90 Revised","authors":"Zhang Guangming MD , Zhou Wenjing MD , Chen Guoqiang MD , Zhu Yan MD , Zhang Fuquan MD , Zuo Huancong MD","doi":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.02.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.02.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Corticoamygdalohippocampectomy (anterior temporal lobe resection plus amygdalohippocampectomy) is common in epilepsy surgery. Pre- and postoperative psychiatric disorders occurred sometimes in patients with refractory medial TLE. We want to know if CAH has an affirmative effect on the psychiatric symptom of patients with medial TLE through a quantitative method.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Sixty-two patients with medial TLE who had CAH accomplished SCL-90-R questionnaires thrice (presurgical and postsurgical 1 and 2 years). Average GSI scores in SCL-90-R were calculated and statistically analyzed.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>There was no statistical difference in the presurgical average GSI scores between Engel I and Engel II to IV subgroup. Postoperative 1 and 2 years' average GSI scores of Engel II to IV subgroup were both statistically higher than those of Engel I subgroup. There were no statistical differences between other subgroups in different time. Postsurgical 1 and 2 years' average GSI scores of the whole group and Engel I subgroup were statistically lower than those of presurgery. Postoperative 2 years' average GSI scores of the whole group and Engel I subgroup were statistically lower than those of postsurgical 1 year. For Engel II to IV subgroup, there were no statistical differences among the average GSI scores in different time.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Corticoamygdalohippocampectomy could improve the psychiatric symptoms of patients with TLE as assessed by the SCL-90-R. This improvement was related to the therapeutic effect and was not related to sex, lateralization, and MRI abnormality.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":22153,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Neurology","volume":"72 6","pages":"Pages 587-591"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/j.surneu.2009.02.004","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"28309974","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Surgical NeurologyPub Date : 2009-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.surneu.2009.07.035
Jimmy Tse-Jen Wang MD , Joe-Sharg Li MD , Wen-Ta Chiu MD, PhD , Sheng-Hsuan Chen MD, PhD , Shin-Da Tsai MS , Wen-Yu Yu MD, MS , Chien-Chang Liao MS , Cheuk-Sing Choy MD, MS
{"title":"Characteristics of bicycle-related head injuries among school-aged children in Taipei area","authors":"Jimmy Tse-Jen Wang MD , Joe-Sharg Li MD , Wen-Ta Chiu MD, PhD , Sheng-Hsuan Chen MD, PhD , Shin-Da Tsai MS , Wen-Yu Yu MD, MS , Chien-Chang Liao MS , Cheuk-Sing Choy MD, MS","doi":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.07.035","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.07.035","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Bicycle-related head injury is an important public health issue. A paucity of statistical data on bicycle accidents exists in Taiwan. The purpose of this study was to report the characteristics of bicycle-related head injuries among school-aged children in Taipei, Taiwan.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Between 2001 and 2002, basic patient information of those with bicycle-related head injuries was collected from the Trauma Data Registry in 5 hospitals of the Taipei area. Telephone interviews were conducted to collect specific information surrounding bicycle accidents.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Of 324 patients with bicycle-related head injuries, 90 (27.8%) had severe head injuries. Boys compared with girls had a higher proportion of severe head injuries (34.1% vs 23.4%; <em>P</em> = .048). Children aged 5 to 9 years had a higher proportion of severe head injuries compared with ages 10 to 14 years (65.2% vs 6.4%; <em>P</em> = .043). Bicycles without reflectors had a higher proportion of severe head injuries compared to bicycles with reflectors (69.0% vs 5.7%; <em>P</em> = .004). Bicyclists carrying goods (such as backpacks or weighted toward the road) and speeding were associated with severe head injury (<em>P</em> < .05). Collisions with vehicles of a larger size resulted in a higher rate of severe head injury compared with collisions with pedestrians (76.9% vs 3.6%; <em>P</em> = .043).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>For children whose main mode of transport is bicycles, the enforcement of helmet legislation, educational programs in bicycling safety and equipment, and improving the infrastructure for bicycling in urban areas are needed in Taiwan to reduce potentially debilitating or life-threatening injuries.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":22153,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Neurology","volume":"72 ","pages":"Pages S36-S40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/j.surneu.2009.07.035","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"28535146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Surgical NeurologyPub Date : 2009-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.surneu.2009.06.009
Marc Possover MD, PhD, Vito Chiantera MD
{"title":"Neuromodulation of the superior hypogastric plexus: a new option to treat bladder atonia secondary to radical pelvic surgery?","authors":"Marc Possover MD, PhD, Vito Chiantera MD","doi":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.06.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.06.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The aim of this study is to report on the impact of neuromodulation to the superior hypogastric plexus in patients with bladder atonia secondary to pelvic surgery.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>In 4 consecutive patients with bladder atonia secondary to pelvic surgery, we performed a laparoscopic implantation of a neurostimulator—LION procedure—to the entire superior hypogastric plexus.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Of the 4 reported patients, 3 are able to partially void or empty their bladder.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>If the presented results could be obtained in further patients and maintained in long-term follow-up, the LION procedure to the superior hypogastric plexus could change the management of bladder function in patients with bladder atonia.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":22153,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Neurology","volume":"72 6","pages":"Pages 573-576"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/j.surneu.2009.06.009","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"28655695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Surgical NeurologyPub Date : 2009-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.surneu.2009.02.028
Jon Olabe MD , Javier Olabe MD, PhD , Vidal Sancho MD
{"title":"Human cadaver brain infusion model for neurosurgical training","authors":"Jon Olabe MD , Javier Olabe MD, PhD , Vidal Sancho MD","doi":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.02.028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.02.028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Microneurosurgical technique and anatomical knowledge require extensive laboratory training before mastering these skills. There are diverse training models based on synthetic materials, anesthetized animals, cadaver animals, or human cadaver. Human cadaver models are especially beneficial because they are the closest to live surgery with the greatest disadvantage of lacking hemodynamic factors. We developed the “brain infusion model” to provide a simple but realistic training method minimizing animal use or needs for special facilities.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Four human cadaveric brains donated for educational purposes were explanted at autopsy. Carotids and vertebral arteries were cannulated with plastic tubes and fixed with suture. Water was flushed through the tubings until the whole arterial vasculature was observed as clean. The cannulated specimens were fixed with formaldehyde. Tap water infusion at a flow rate of 10 L/h was infused through the arterial tubings controlled with a drip regulator filling the arterial tree and leaking into the interstitial and cisternal space.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Multiple microneurosurgical procedures were performed by 4 trainees. Cisternal and vascular dissection was executed in a very realistic fashion. Bypass anastomosis was created as well as aneurysm simulation with venous pouches. Vessel and aneurysm clipping and rupture situations were emulated and solution techniques were trained.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Standard microsurgical laboratories regularly have scarce opportunities for working with decapitated human cadaver heads but could have human brains readily available. The human brain infusion model presents a realistic microneurosurgical training method. It is inexpensive and easy to set up. Such simplicity provides the adequate environment for developing microsurgical techniques.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":22153,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Neurology","volume":"72 6","pages":"Pages 700-702"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/j.surneu.2009.02.028","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40020076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Surgical NeurologyPub Date : 2009-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.surneu.2009.05.023
Masaki Fujioka MD, PhD, Kiyoshi Oka MD, Riko Kitamura MD, Aya Yakabe MD
{"title":"Cervical osteomyelitis and epidural abscess treated with a pectoralis major muscle flap","authors":"Masaki Fujioka MD, PhD, Kiyoshi Oka MD, Riko Kitamura MD, Aya Yakabe MD","doi":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.05.023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.05.023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Spinal osteomyelitis and epidural abscess are uncommon but have a potentially disastrous outcome, although the surgical techniques and antimicrobial therapy have advanced.</p></div><div><h3>Case Description</h3><p>We present a case of cervical osteomyelitis and epidural abscess resulting from pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma ablation, which were treated with a pectoralis major muscle flap successfully.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Muscle flap insertion to the cervical contaminated wound enables radical removal of the contaminated tissue, and the muscle flaps for dead-space obliteration and neovasculation were obligatory for successful management of the infected complex wound. Furthermore, the inserted pectoralis major muscle flap can divide vertebrae and epidural canal from these origins of infection. We believe that this technique is simple, can be performed in a one-stage management, has minimal associated morbidity, and thus, is advocated as a desirable treatment option in the treatment of cervical osteomyelitis and epidural abscess.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":22153,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Neurology","volume":"72 6","pages":"Pages 761-764"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/j.surneu.2009.05.023","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40021331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Surgical NeurologyPub Date : 2009-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.surneu.2008.10.002
Yung-Chien Huang MD , Ya-Fang Chen MD , Yao-Hung Wang MD , Yong-Kwang Tu MD, PhD , Jiann-Shing Jeng MD , Hon-Man Liu MD
{"title":"Cervicocranial arterial dissection: experience of 73 patients in a single center","authors":"Yung-Chien Huang MD , Ya-Fang Chen MD , Yao-Hung Wang MD , Yong-Kwang Tu MD, PhD , Jiann-Shing Jeng MD , Hon-Man Liu MD","doi":"10.1016/j.surneu.2008.10.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surneu.2008.10.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Arterial dissection involving cervicocranial arteries usually results in ischemia or SAH. This study correlated the clinical manifestations, image characteristics, and outcome of arterial dissection and compared the differences between arterial dissection of anterior and posterior circulation at our institute.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Clinical symptoms and neuroradiologic findings were retrospectively analyzed in 73 patients (6-75 years old) who had a spontaneous arterial dissection of cervicocranial vessels verified by angiography or MRI. Twenty-four cases of ACAD and 49 cases of PCAD were included in this study.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The leading presentation of arterial dissection of ACAD group was ischemic stroke (79.2%), and that of posterior circulation was SAH (44.9%), followed by ischemic stroke (42.8%). In the ACAD group, the extracranial ICA was more commonly involved (62.5%), with long segmental narrowing the most common angiographic finding. In the PCAD group, the intracranial VA was more commonly involved (81.6%), with alternating narrowing and dilatation the leading angiographic picture.</p><p>All the cases presenting with ischemic stroke or headache were conservatively treated with anticoagulants or antiplatelets, except for one treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis for thromboembolism in basilar artery at an early stage. One of them died of progressed brainstem infarct in spite of anticoagulation therapy. All the others reached improved or stable clinical condition. Eighteen cases were treated by surgical or endovascular intervention. None of them had rebleeding. Of the 5 patients with SAH due to dissecting lumens without treatment, 2 died of rebleeding.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Ischemia is the predominant presentation of ACAD; and PCAD has similar occurrence of SAH and ischemia. Intracranial arterial dissection is not uncommon; and it should be kept in the list of differential diagnosis of young stroke. Aggressive treatment of arterial dissection presenting with SAH should be considered; otherwise, rebleeding may occur.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":22153,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Neurology","volume":"72 ","pages":"Pages S20-S27"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/j.surneu.2008.10.002","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39997272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Surgical NeurologyPub Date : 2009-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.surneu.2009.05.002
Nancy E. Epstein MD
{"title":"Wound-peritoneal shunts: part of the complex management of anterior dural lacerations in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament","authors":"Nancy E. Epstein MD","doi":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surneu.2009.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The complex management of dural lacerations occurring after the resection of multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) requires further clarification.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Both preoperative MR and CT studies documented multilevel ventral cord compression attributed to OPLL with kyphosis in 82 patients requiring multilevel anterior corpectomy/fusion (ACF) (average, 2.6 levels) followed by posterior fusion (PF) (average, 6.6 levels) under the same anesthetic. The 5 patients who developed intraoperative dural lacerations/penetration demonstrated the single-layer sign (2 patients: large central mass) or the double-layer sign (3 patients: hyperdense/hypodense/hyperdense layers) on preoperative 2-dimensional CT studies. All 5 patients were managed with complex dural repair (sheep pericardial grafts, fibrin sealant, microfibrillar collagen) and had shunts placed (wound-peritoneal and lumboperitoneal).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>After complex dural repair/shunting, all 5 intraoperative dural lacerations (DLs) resolved. The application of low-pressure wound-peritoneal shunts was unique to this study (Uni-Shunts, Codman, Johnson and Johnson, Dorchester, Mass). The proximal end is placed lateral/parallel to the fibula strut graft/plate complex, whereas the distal catheter is tunneled into the peritoneum in the right upper quadrant (always prepared and draped in anticipation of the need for a shunt).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Of 82 patients undergoing multilevel anterior corpectomy for OPLL/kyphosis, 5 developed intraoperative DLs successfully managed with a complex dural repair, wound-peritoneal, and lumboperitoneal shunting procedures.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":22153,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Neurology","volume":"72 6","pages":"Pages 630-634"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1016/j.surneu.2009.05.002","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40020893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}