Department Of Neurosurgery Research Articles

Long-term outcomes after formation of a low-flow STA-MCA bypass for treatment of symptomatic occlusion of the internal carotid artery

Aim. To evaluate short‑ and long‑term effectiveness of low‑flow bypass between superficial temporal artery and M4 segment of middle cerebral artery (low‑flow STA‑MCA bypass) in patients with symptomatic occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA).Materials and methods. Between 2016 and 2019 at the Department of Neurosurgery of the N. V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Medicine, 54 patients who underwent low‑flow STA‑MCA bypass formation at the side of symptomatic ICA occlusion between 2013 and 2015 were examined. Symptomatic ICA occlusion was more common in men than in women (7:1 ratio). Patient age varied between 48 and 73 years (mean age was 62 years).During low‑flow STA‑MCA bypass formation surgery for symptomatic ICA occlusion, intraoperative flowmetry was used in 52 (96 %) patients, in 2 (4 %) patients this diagnostic method was impossible to perform due to technical difficulties. The main examination methods in the long term after cerebral revascularization were evaluation of neurological status dynamics per the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS); modified Rankin scale; Rivermead mobility index; computed tomography angiography of the extra‑intracranial arteries; ultrasound (US) examination of the STA‑MCA bypass for eval uation of linear and volumetric blood flow velocities; single‑photon emission computed tomography. The type and size of trephination were evaluated, and operative time was taken into account.The patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 included patients with follow‑up period of 1–2 years after cerebral revascularization, group 2 – 3–4 years, group 3 – 5–6 years. All results were compared to preoperative, early, and longterm measurements.Results. In the long‑term postoperative period between 1 and 6 years after cerebral revascularization, 54 patients were examined. Computed tomography angiography and US showed functioning STA‑MCA bypass in 53 (98 %) patients. According to single‑photon emission computed tomography of the brain, regional cerebral blood flow in the longterm postoperative period varied between 28 and 40 mL / 100 g / min, median regional cerebral blood flow in the long‑term postoperative period was 38 mL / 100 g / min. Intraoperative flowmetry was performed in 52 (96 %) patients, median was 15.5 mL / min. US showed that linear blood flow velocity in the STA‑MCA bypass varied between 20 and 95 cm / s, median was 49 cm / s. Volumetric blood flow varied between 30 and 85 mL / min with median of 75 mL / min.Resection trephination was performed in 36 (67 %) patients, mean size of trephination hole was 3 cm3. In the study, operative time was measured: mean value was 212 min; no significant correlation between operative time and trephination size was observed.Improved neurological status was observed in all study groups. Per the NIHSS, in group 1 (1–2 years) improvement was observed in 59 % of patients, in group 2 (3–4 years) in 48 %, in group 3 (5–6 years) in 47 %. Per the modified Rankin scale, in group 1 improvement was observed in 36.4 % of patients, in group 2 – in 48 %, in group 3 – in 42.9 %. Per the Rivermead mobility index, in group 1 improvement was observed in 63.3 % patients, in group 2 – in 56 %; in group 3 – in 57.1 %. The best outcomes were observed in group 1 (63.3 %).Conclusion. Instrumental diagnostic methods and evaluation of neurological status showed positive dynamics both in the postoperative period and in long‑term period between 1 and 6 years after low‑flow STA‑MCA bypass formation. In the long term, repeat abnormalities of cerebral blood flow of ischemic type and repeat transient ischemic attacks were not observed. Correct selection of patients in the preoperative period and comprehensive treatment including drug therapy in the postoperative and long‑term periods allow to prevent repeat ischemic cerebrovascular disease and therefore improve patients’ quality of life.

A brief retrospective of the history of neurosurgery in Croatia.

The beginnings of neurosurgery in Croatia date to the end of the 19th century when Teodor Wickerhauser performed the first craniotomy in the country in 1886. Exactly 60 years later, in 1946, Danko Riessner founded a separate neurosurgical ward in Zagreb and is therefore considered the founder of Croatian neurosurgery. His main scientific contribution was a paper on the shifting of brain masses, published in 1939. The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Zagreb was founded in 1974 as one of the first institutions of its kind in Southeast Europe. Finally, the Croatian Neurosurgical Society was founded in 1992 to promote the neurosurgical profession and science at the national level. This historical vignette aimed to provide a brief chronology of the most important events and notable people in the history of Croatian neurosurgery, as well as to commemorate its founders and highlight its development from the beginning to its current state of proficiency and expertise.

705 Urgent or Emergent Endovascular Intervention for Neurological Deficits Post-carotid Endarterectomy: A Single-institutional Case Series and Systematic Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION: Historically the management of acute neurological deficit following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been operative re-exploration; however, given the proliferation of endovascular techniques, and utilization of CT angiography, endovascular intervention is an alternative to redo-CEA. METHODS: All patients undergoing CEA in the Department of Neurosurgery at Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI) were reviewed. A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed according to PRISMA guidelines to identify papers relevant to endovascular procedures addressing acute neurological deficits following CEA, which yielded 2499 unique articles. Review by 2 investigators revealed 12 relevant articles. RESULTS: Four patients from our institutional cohort met inclusion criteria. Among these, stenting was technically successful in 3 patients, 2 of which achieved near-full recovery. One patient underwent successful carotid stenting and ipsilateral M2 thrombectomy for tandem occlusion. Stent placement was unsuccessful in the remaining patient due to mechanical constriction. Articles obtained through the literature review revealed 57 further relevant cases. Of those with sufficiently complete data, 30/39 (76.9%) were male with an age range of 43 - 78 years old. Twenty-eight of 32 (87.5%) patients underwent CEA for symptomatic carotid stenosis. Post-CEA angiographic evaluation was most commonly conducted for routine completion imaging (21/57, 36.8%), non-specific stroke symptoms (15/57, 26.3%), and extremity weakness (7/57, 12.3%). Thrombotic stenosis (23/43, 53.4%) and arterial dissection (15/43, 34.9%) were the most common angiography findings. Two (3.5%) stent procedures were unsuccessful, and in the immediate postoperative period 8 patients (14.0%) had significant neurological deficits and only 3 deaths (5.3%) were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular intervention may be considered in situations where patients have neurological deficit after CEA. Direct comparison of outcomes in patients who have endovascular intervention vs. redo CEA may help identify the optimal management strategy.

459 Outcome of Surgeries of Pan Brachial Plexus Injuries - Our 10 Years Experience

INTRODUCTION: Brachial plexus injuries are very much devastating and lead to significant socioeconomic and mental burden to the affected person and his family. In the early days of 20th century many authors were in favour of conservative management even the amputation of affected limb. But in later decades due to development in technological advancement of operating microscope, intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring, biological tissue glue etc. the results of surgical repair are beyond the imagination that could be done previously. METHODS: Our study is a Retrospective observational analytical study in which we included patients of Pan brachial plexus injury operated under the Department of Neurosurgery from April 2011 till February 2023 (excluding covid period from March 2020 to September 2021) at apex trauma center AIIMS Delhi, India. Demographic details, mode of injury, surgery performed and outcome were analyzed. Data was extracted from patient’s casualty, ICU and OT records and analyzed using SPSS version 29.0.0.0. Analysis of outcome was taken in terms of improvement in motor power and quality of life. RESULTS: There were 113 patients diagnosed to have Pan brachial plexus injury by clinical examination and supported with brachial plexus MRI, NCV and EMG of the affected limb. 24 (21.24%) cases underwent Neurolysis only, 17 (15.04%) cases underwent Supraclavicular neurotization only, 24 (21.24%) cases were operated by infraclavicular neurotization and 48 (42.48%) patients were operated by supraclavicular and infraclavicular neurotization both. Respectively 25%, 23.52%, 25% and 35.42% cases had motor and sensory improvement and were able to perform few of their daily activities with lesser support. CONCLUSIONS: In our study at least 25% Patients of Pan brachial plexus injury after surgery got benefited in their routine activity and quality of life thus lesser affected in socioeconomic and psychological front.

Evaluation of surgically treated primary spinal cord tumors in a single Indian institution: A case series study of 178 patients.

Primary spinal cord tumors are rare tumors that are usually heterogeneous having variable histopathological subtypes. Rapidly, growing space-occupying lesions in the spinal canal cause severe loss of function. This study aimed to analyze all adult patients diagnosed with primary spinal cord tumors and to describe their location, symptoms, histopathological types, surgical outcome, complications, recurrence in a single institution, and prognostic factors. The study was a retrospective study of 178 patients with spinal tumor who underwent surgical intervention at the department of neurosurgery at a tertiary care institute from 2014 to 2021. Patient demographic characteristics, symptoms, radiological features, spinal level of tumor, spinal compartment, preoperative and postoperative McCormick grade, and complications were recorded, and a comparison of outcomes after surgical intervention was done. In our study, 97 patients were males and the rest of the 81 patients were females. The mean age at the time of surgery was 43.5 years. The thoracic region of the spinal canal was the most involved with 67 (37.64%) cases, whereas intradural extramedullary was the most common (65.73%). Schwannoma was the most common histopathological subtype (46.06%). Total excision was achieved in 154 cases. A total of 37 patients were in Grades 4 and 5 of modified McCormick's grade preoperatively. However, postoperatively, there were only 17 patients in this group. Two patients with cervical intramedullary tumor expired in the postoperative period. Early surgical intervention with sound microneurosurgical skills gives good outcomes independent of the type and location of tumor. Better outcomes are seen in extradural tumors, early surgical intervention, tumors better amenable to total resection, and in patients with better preoperative neurological status.

External ventricular drainage in pediatric patients: indications, management, and shunt conversion rates

PurposePlacement of an external ventricular drainage (EVD) is one of the most frequent procedures in neurosurgery, but it has specific challenges and risks in the pediatric population. We here investigate the indications, management, and shunt conversion rates of an EVD.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of a consecutive series of pediatric patients who had an EVD placement in the Department of Neurosurgery at Hannover Medical School over a 12-year period. A bundle approach was introduced to reduce infections. Patients were categorized according to the underlying pathology in three groups: tumor, hemorrhage, and infection.ResultsA total of 126 patients were included in this study. Seventy-two were male, and 54 were female. The mean age at the time of EVD placement was 5.2 ± 5.0 years (range 0–17 years). The largest subgroup was the tumor group (n = 54, 42.9%), followed by the infection group (n = 47, 37.3%), including shunt infection (n = 36), infected Rickham reservoir (n = 4), and bacterial or viral cerebral infection (n = 7), and the hemorrhage group (n = 25, 19.8%). The overall complication rate was 19.8% (n = 25/126), and the total number of complications was 30. Complications during EVD placement were noted in 5/126 (4%) instances. Complications during drainage time were infection in 9.5% (12 patients), dysfunction in 7.1% (9 patients), and EVD dislocation in 3.2% (4 patients). The highest rate of complications was seen in the hemorrhage group. There were no long-term complications. Conversion rates into a permanent shunt system were 100% in previously shunt-dependent patients. Conversion rates were comparable in the tumor group (27.7%) and in the hemorrhage group (32.0%).ConclusionEVD placement in children is an overall safe and effective option in children. In order to make further progress, carefully planned prospective and if possible randomized studies are needed controlling for multivariable aspects.

The first neurosurgical service in Texas: neurosurgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch (1937-2023).

The authors present a historical analysis of the first neurosurgical service in Texas. Initially established as a subdivision within the Department of Surgery in the early 1900s, this service eventually evolved into the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). The pivotal contributions of individual chiefs of neurosurgery throughout the years are highlighted, emphasizing their roles in shaping the growth of the neurosurgery division. The challenges faced by the neurosurgical division are documented, with particular attention given to the impact of hurricanes on Galveston Island, Texas, which significantly disrupted hospital operations. Additionally, a detailed account of recent clinical and research expansions is presented, along with the future directions envisioned for the Department of Neurosurgery. This work offers a comprehensive historical narrative of the neurosurgical service at UTMB, chronicling its journey of growth and innovation, and underscoring its profound contributions to Galveston's healthcare services, extending its impact beyond the local community.

338 Getting Ahead of the Disparities Curve: Increasing Capture Rate of Comorbidities Which Would Exacerbate Socioeconomic Disparities in a Value-Based System

INTRODUCTION: Value-based systems will place financial risk on providers. If these payments are not adequately adjusted for comorbidity burden, systems will be disincentivized to treat marginalized socioeconomic groups who have disproportionately high comorbidity burden. METHODS: Comorbidity-focused note-writing templates were incorporated into the physicians’ workflow within Jefferson University Hospital’s Neurosurgery Department. A list of high-risk comorbidities was identified and incorporated into the top of each note. Emphasis was given to comorbidities which have high historical impact on mortality and which are commonly overlooked in the acute neurosurgical decisionmaking process (e.g. obesity). The selected comorbidities were populated into the top of every note which included treatment plans for each condition. The process measure included the percentage of notes in compliance with the template. The outcome measures were expected mortality (composite variable representing comorbidity burden) and the capture rate of major comorbidities within the coding process. Measures were compared between one full year pre and post-intervention. Coders were blinded to the presence of our intervention. RESULTS: There was 100% compliance after the second week post-intervention (as measured by full audit of all notes written). There was a 44% (3.4% to 4.9%) improvement in expected mortality for the department’s encounters. There was an increased capture rate for several major comorbidities which are disproportionately associated with marginalized socioeconomic groups. These included malnutrition (233% increase, from 3% to 10%), coagulopathies (71% increase from 7% to 12%), obesity (50% increase from 22% to 33%), congestive heart failure (43% increase from 7% to 10%), hypertension (31% increase from 13% to 17%), and deficiency anemias (31% increase from 16% to 21%). CONCLUSIONS: We present a low-cost framework to increase capture rate of high-risk comorbidities which traditionally contribute to socioeconomic disparities.

Combined effects of psychological and life style factors on pain intensity and/or disability in patients with chronic low back pain: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionChronic Lower Back Pain (CLBP) is a frequently encountered health issue in primary care settings, leading to global disability and imposing a considerable economic burden.ObjectivesThis study aimed to: (1) compare socio-demographic, health, lifestyle (sleep, physical activity) and psychological factors (depression, anxiety) between people with and without CLBP; and (2) quantify the correlations between these psychological and lifestyle factors, and clinical outcomes (intensity of CLBP and CLBP-related disability) in people with CLBP after considering other confounders.MethodsA cross-sectional study was undertaken at the neurosurgery and orthopedic outpatient department of Heraklion University Hospital between 2019-2021. Two hundred fifty three volunteers with CLBP and 116 without CLBP provided sociodemographic information, daily habits, medical history, subjective sleep/ sleep complaints, low back pain intensity and disability using a10-point numeric Visual Analogue Scale pain rating scale and Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale, as well as questions assessing impact of pain on mobility, self-care, routine activities and psychological status, respectively. Participants also completed the Zung Self-Rating Scale (SDS) for self-assessment of depression and Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS). Associations among CLBP, demographics, psychosocial or sleep disorders parameters and clinical outcomes were analyzed using multivariate models.ResultsPeople with CLBP exhibited a substantially greater prevalence of depressive, insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms than controls (p < 0.05). CLBP diagnosis was independently correlated with female gender, older age, as well as worse physical and mental health outcomes measured by (i) higher level of sleep symptoms such as sleepiness, OSA and insomnia symptoms and (ii) higher prevalence of physician-diagnosed depression, and moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The level of functional disability for CBLP patients (based on Quebec score) was independently associated with age, physician diagnosed depression, lower educational status, moderate to severe depressive symptoms and OSA symptoms. The combination of moderate to severe depressive symptoms with OSA or insomnia symptoms was the most important predictive factor for functional disability for CBLP patients (OR 13.686, 95% CI 4.581-40.885; p<0.001).ConclusionsDepressive symptoms and subjective sleep disorders appear to relate to greater CLBP-intensity and/or CLBP-related disability in people with CLBP. To achieve the desired outcomes when treating patients with chronic CLBP, it is essential to employ a holistic approach, involving assessment and management of their psychological comorbidities, and sleep issues, that may improve quality of life in these patients.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Pediatric neurosurgery in Ukraine in 2001-2020. Availability, workforce, performance indicators

Objective: to analyze the development dynamics of pediatric neurosurgical care in Ukraine in 2001-2020. Materials and methods. The number of pediatric neurosurgical beds, pediatric neurosurgeons, hospitalization rates and surgical treatment of children in neurosurgical departments of Ukraine in 2001‒2020 were analyzed. Data for the years 2014-2020 were unavailable for departments located in temporarily non-government-controlled territories. Results. In 2020, there were 22 pediatric neurosurgery departments in Ukraine, with a total of 290 pediatric neurosurgical beds, representing a 26.6% increase compared to 2001. Pediatric neurosurgical departments or pediatric units with neurosurgical beds were operational in almost all regions. The distribution of pediatric neurosurgical beds in Ukraine did not statistically differ from countries with high-income levels (p=0.9987). The increased number of beds contributed to more than doubling the provision of neurosurgical beds per child population. In 2001, there were 17 beds per 1 million children, compared to 38 beds in 2020. In 2020, the number of pediatric neurosurgeons in Ukraine doubled compared to 2001 reaching 58 in 2020 (9.2% of the total number of neurosurgeons in Ukraine and 2.5% of the total number of pediatric neurosurgeons globally). The provision of pediatric neurosurgeons in Ukraine increased more than threefold from 2001 to 2020, reaching 7.7 per 1 million children, meeting the Ministry of Health of Ukraine's standard (7.5). Consequently, the workload per pediatric neurosurgeon decreased almost fourfold, with one specialist per 129,895 children. In 2020, the number of children hospitalized in neurosurgical departments was 9,045, operated on ‒ 3,144, representing a 15.8% decrease and a 3.3% increase, respectively compared to 2001. Per 1 million child population, the hospitalization rate increased by 53, 8% (1201 and 781), the surgery rate increased by 88.7% (417 and 221).Despite the decrease in the number of operated patients over 20 years, surgical activity in neurosurgical institutions of the country increased from 28.3% in 2001 to 34.8% in 2020 (by 23%), postoperative lethality during this period decreased from 2,1 to 1.0% (by 52%).Significant fluctuations in hospital morbidity (HM) rate of children for general neurosurgical pathology and its individual types were recorded during the studied period. In 2020, an increase in these indicators was noted compared to 2001: HM for pediatric neurosurgical pathology in general increased by 53.7% (from 781 to 1,201 cases per 1 million child population), for acute craniocerebral trauma - by 17,5% (from 595 to 699), for hydrocephalus - 5.1 times (from 29 to 149), for neuro-oncological diseases - 3.2 times (from 31 to 100), for congenital anomalies of the nervous system - 4 times ( from 15 to 60), for vascular lesions of the nervous system - 5.1 times (from 5 to 26), for acute spinal trauma - twice (from 9 to 18). Conclusions. Ukraine is a country with high availability of pediatric neurosurgical care. Over the past 20 years, there has been an increase in the provision of pediatric neurosurgery beds and pediatric neurosurgeons. In the first 13 years of the 21st century the trend towards a significant increase in both absolute and relative rates of hospitalization and surgery for children with neurosurgical pathology in subsequent years as a result of the annexation of Crimea, military actions in Donbas and the coronavirus epidemic has changed to a trend towards a decrease in these rates. However, in general, only the absolute number of hospitalized children decreased over 20 years, while the absolute number of operated on and the level of hospitalization and operated on increased. Surgical activity also increased accompanied by a decrease in postoperative lethality.

Hyperacute Restenosis after Carotid Endarterectomy – A Rare Entity and Its Management

We report an interesting case of restenosis coming on in the early postoperative period after successful carotid endarterectomy at the site of endarterectomy. The patient was admitted and managed at Neurosurgery Department of Grant Government Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai.

Usability and outcomes of self-monitored surgical wound healing using a smartphone-based application by patients following neurosurgery

The Radboudumc developed a smartphone application (WondGezond) to collect surgical wound-healing information provided by the patient. To evaluate usability and outcomes to assess its potential for early surgical site infection (SSI) detection. Patients surgically treated for degenerative spinal disorders or carpal tunnel syndrome between August 2020 and February 2023 were enrolled one day post surgery and asked to download the app via a quick-response (QR) code. Participants uploaded a photoand answered four questions about their wound daily, for 14 days. Afterwards, participants indicated whether they received treatment for a suspected SSI (participant-reported outcome). Two neurosurgeons independently assessed photos and questionnaire answers for suspected SSIs (physician-assessed outcome). The association between both outcomes was determined by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value (PPV/NPV). After 2009 surgeries, 1695 QR-codes were distributed and 412 (21%) were activated. In all, 232 (56%) participants completed the 14-day period of whom 22 (10%) reported SSI treatment. Physician assessment identified 15 (7%) SSIs. Concordance was reached in 88% of cases. Among 27 discordant cases were 17 false-positives and 10 false-negatives, resulting in low sensitivity (33%) and PPV (23%), but high NPV (95%). WondGezond provides clinicians with information regarding wound healing and SSIs to follow-up on patients at risk, while possibly also reducing antibiotic (over)treatment and unnecessary visits for patients without issues in wound healing. However, the low participation and false-positive results render the app in its current form unsuitable for surveillance purposes. Further validation of WondGezond is required.

Results of Surgical Treatment of Occult Spinal Dysraphisms-A Single Centre Experience.

Occult spinal dysraphisms (OSDs) are caused by various defects in the embryogenesis of the spinal cord and represent an obstacle to the ascent of the conus, which allows the conus to pass from the lower levels of the spinal canal to the final position between L1 and L2 during normal foetal life. When an OSD tethers the spinal cord at the lower levels, it can lead to neurological symptoms, better known as tethered cord syndrome. Surgical treatment of OSD is primarily aimed at untethering the spinal cord. In asymptomatic patients, this can protect against the long-term development of neurological deficits. In symptomatic patients, this can halt or limit the progression of existing symptoms. The aim of this study is to examine all paediatric and adult patients diagnosed with OSD and treated in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana during the 5-year period of 2016-2021. All patients diagnosed with OSD during this period were included in the study. Patient characteristics, treatment modalities and outcomes were studied with the aim of describing the differences between the paediatric and adult population and defining the rationality of treating these pathological conditions. We included in the study 52 patients with 64 occult dysraphic lesions. Adults (>18 years old) represented 15/52 (28.8%) of all patients, while 37/52 (71.8%) were children. The most common OSDs were conus lipomas, followed by dermal sinus tracts, filum terminale lipomas and split cord malformations. Surgical treatment was performed in 35/52 (67.3%) cases, while conservative management was chosen in 17/52 (32.6%) cases. The preoperative presence of symptoms was statistically higher in adults than in children (p = 0.0098). Surgery on complex spinal cord lipomas was statistically related to a higher rate of postoperative neurological complications (p = 0.0002). The treatment of OSD is complex and must be based on knowledge of the developmental anomalies of the spine and spinal cord. Successful surgical treatment relies on microsurgical techniques and the use of neuromonitoring. Successful treatment can prevent or limit the occurrence of neurological problems.

Molecular insights and the role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the diagnosis of spinal gliomas.

In recent years, molecular findings on spinal gliomas have become increasingly important. This study aimed to investigate the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) in the diagnosis of spinal glioma. This study included patients diagnosed with spinal cord glioma who underwent 18F-FDG-PET examination at the Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Hospital between January 2016 and November 2023. The gliomas were divided into two groups, high-grade and low-grade, based on pathological and molecular studies. The maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the tumors were quantified and subsequently represented using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Eighteen participants were included in this study. Of the participants, seven had high-grade glioma with an SUVmax of 6.76 ± 0.72, and eleven had low-grade glioma with an SUVmax of 4.02 ± 1.78, and a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The ROC curve delineated an SUVmax cutoff value of 5.650, with an area under the curve (AUC) of approximately 0.909. Based on the cutoff value, the results of the diagnostic performance rendered a sensitivity and negative predictive value of 1.0, whereas the specificity and positive predictive value were 0.909 and 0.875, respectively. The present study shows that 18F-FDG-PET exhibits a markedly sensitive and negative predictive value in the assessment of spinal gliomas. Additionally, these findings have potential implications for the qualitative assessment of spinal gliomas using 18F-FDG-PET/CT. This imaging modality may be useful for making timely treatment decisions in situations where a detailed diagnosis by molecular analysis is not possible.

Surgical Management of Complex Skull Base Tumor Using Preoperative Multimodal Image Fusion Technology.

To review our single-institution experience in the surgical management of complex skull base tumors using multimodal image fusion technology. From October 2019 to January 2022, 7 cases of complex skull base tumors that performed preoperative multimodal image fusion in Zhuhai People's Hospital neurosurgery department were involved in this study. The image data were uploaded to the GE AW workstation. Corresponding image sequences were opened in the workstation to complete registration fusion and 3D reconstruction. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging data, and surgical strategy, respectively. one case of recurrent C2 schwannoma, 1 case of recurrent spindle cell tumor of the left cranio-orbital communication, 1 case of lobular malignant tumor of the left infratemporal fossa, 1 case of central giant cell repairing granuloma, 1 case of mesenchymal malignant tumor in left pharyngeal process, 1 case of meningioma in jugular foramen, and 1 case of hemangioblastoma with vascular malformation in fourth ventricular. All cases underwent preoperative multimodal image fusion for the surgical plan and all cases had gross total resection. Except for one case of mesenchymal malignant tumor in left pharyngeal process that had dysphagia and one case of hemangioblastoma that had discoordination, others cases were without postoperative complication. Preoperative multimodal image fusion and surgical approach simulation benefit complex skull base tumor surgical treatment. Individually multiple image assessment of complex skull base tumors to determine the specific surgical strategy is more rational and should be recommended (Supplemental Digital Content 1, Supplementary Video, http://links.lww.com/SCS/F936).

Penetrating head and spine injuries due to artisanal Sahelian metal arrows: experience from a tertiary hospital in Niger

Background and objectiveMetal arrows are medieval weapons typically used for hunting and war. The incidence of metal arrow wounds has declined considerably since the 16th century. Different metal arrowheads exist, and the traditional Sahelian arrowhead is barbed. Extraction of this type of metal arrow is challenging because of the risk of extensive damage to surrounding structures. To the best of our knowledge, there are no guidelines in the literature for intracranial and spinal penetrating Sahelian arrow injuries and their surgical extraction. Most authors referred to the principles of common trauma injury.In this study, we aimed to share our experience with the surgical extraction of intracranial and spinal artisanal Sahelian arrows leading to penetrating injuries, and to propose some guidelines for such lesions. MethodsWe present a consecutive case series of 8 patients admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of the National Hospital of Zinder for metal arrow injuries of the head and spine between November 2015 and June 2023. ResultsEight patients with penetrating head and spine barbed-arrow injuries were admitted to our department. Mean age was 19.37 years (range, 15 to 25 years). Patients were all male, from a rural area. Trauma circumstances involved fighting between farmers and herders. All patients received antibiotics, analgesics and tetanus prophylaxis at admission before undergoing surgical extraction under general anesthesia. Successful extraction was achieved in all cases. ConclusionExtraction of intracranial or spinal artisanal Sahelian arrows is a challenge, particularly in limited facility structures. The proposed guidelines may lead to good extraction outcomes.

Clinicopathological Analysis of Pediatric Posterior Fossa Tumors: Insights from a National Neurosurgical Center

BACKGROUNDː Pediatric posterior fossa tumors are the significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children and adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the patient population and report the experience in managing and treating children with these tumors, as well as their survival outcomes in Kazakhstan.<br /> METHODSː This retrospective study analysed data from the archives of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Department and included 214 pediatric patients with PFT in the period from January 2015 to December 2020.<br /> RESULTSː The study included 214 patients with a mean age of 7.29 ± 4.26 years. The most common tumor pathology observed in this study was medulloblastoma (33.18%). Grade I tumors showed a notable median survival of 56.64 months (95% CI, 53.93-59.35), surpassing Grade II tumors at 50.38 months (95% CI, 40.57-60.2). Grade III and IV tumors had median survivals of 38.64 months (95% CI, 31.11-46.17) and 38.76 months (95% CI, 33.96-43.56). Multivariate analysis using Cox regression model revealed significant predictors of overall survival. Grade III-IV tumors (RR = 0.577, 95% CI 0.462-0.720, p = 0.000), delayed resection (RR = 0.950, 95% CI 0.717-1.104, p = 0.000), and brainstem tumors (RR = 2.454, 95% CI 1.791-5.751, p = 0.000) had poorer survival. Tumor volume, age, and adjuvant chemotherapy were not significant predictors of 5-year survival (p > 0.05).<br /> CONCLUSIONSː The study found similar death rates in children with pilocytic astrocytoma compared to other population studies. Regrettably, the 5-year survival rate for medulloblastoma and ependymoma indicates a poorer outcome compared to previous reports.

The efficacy of using the allogeneic osteoplastic material in skull trepanation

Introduction. When performing osteoplastic craniotomy, there is a need to fill the diastasis between the skull bone and the explanted bone fragment. Grafts based on allogeneic bone chips and collagen (bone-plastic material) may be very effective for cranial bone repair in diastasis area.Aim. To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of osteoplastic material during the osteoplastic craniotomy.Material and methods. A retrospective and prospective clinical study was conducted at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine and included 12 patients treated in Urgent Neurosurgery Department with diagnoses suggesting the need for craniotomy. Allogenic osteoplastic material was obtained from a 0.7-0.9% solution of type I collagen and spongy bone chips with a fraction size of 315-630 microns. Osteoplastic material grafts were used intraoperatively at the cranioplastic stage of the operation after the main stages had been completed. The efficacy and safety of the use of osteoplastic material were evaluated clinically and radiologically in the early postoperative period.Results. In the early postoperative period, the study patients had no pyo-septic complications, severe pain or soft tissue swelling. All patients were discharged from the hospital in satisfactory condition to be followed-up by the physician or neurologist at the out-patient facility. The computed tomography performed in the early postoperative period visualized the diastasis lines along the bone flap line in the comparison group patients (without osteoplastic material); and in the main group, the osteoplastic material was clearly visualized. At computed tomography of the skull performed after 6–9 months and after 2–18 months, the signs of bone tissue consolidation were visualized in the patients of the main group. The radiodensity of the autologous bone flap in both groups did not significantly change at any periods. In the diastasis area, the radiodensity of diastasis in the main group was significantly higher than in the comparison group. After 1-1.15 years the radiodensity values in the diastasis area increased by average of 1.95 times (p<0.05) in the patients of the main group, while in the patients without osteoplastic material, this parameter did not significantly change during the entire follow-up period.Conclusions. In patients with intraoperative cranioplasty osteoplastic material grafts did not cause complications in the early and late postoperative period. Intraoperative cranioplasty performed with using osteoplastic allogeneic material caused no complications in either early or late postoperative periods. The presence of osteoplastic material contributed to the consolidation of the autologous bone flap and healthy bone.

Optimization of nursing interventions for postoperative mental status recovery in patients with cerebral hemorrhage.

Hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage (HCH), the most common chronic diseases, has become a topic of global public health discussions. To investigate the role of rehabilitative nursing interventions in optimizing the postoperative mental status recovery phase and to provide clinical value for future rehabilitation of patients with HCH. This randomized controlled study included 120 patients with cerebral HCH who were contained to our neurosurgery department between May 2021-May 2023 as the participants. The participants have randomly sampled and grouped into the observation and control groups. The observation group received the rehabilitation nursing model, whereas the control group have given conventional nursing. The conscious state of the patients was assessed at 7, 14, 21, and 30 d postoperatively. After one month of care, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression were compared between the two groups. Patient and family satisfaction were assessed using a nursing care model. The results showed that the state of consciousness scores of the patients in both groups significantly increased (P < 0.05) after surgical treatment. From the 14th day onwards, differences in the state of consciousness scores between the two groups of patients began to appear (P < 0.05). After one month of care, the sleep quality, anxiety state, and depression state of patients were significantly better in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Satisfaction with nursing care was higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The rehabilitation nursing model has a more complete system compared to conventional nursing, which can effectively improve the postoperative quality of life of patients with cerebral hemorrhage and improve the efficiency of mental state recovery; however, further analysis and research are needed to provide more scientific evidence.

Vascular Complications of Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Approach to Sellar Base Lesions

Objective: Vascular complications are one of the most dangerous complications of endoscopic skull base surgeries. The aim of this study was to evaluate vascular complications of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery in patients with sellar and parasellar lesions.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: Between August 1997 and July 2023, a total of 5300 patients underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for skull base lesions at Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery and Pituitary Research Center. Patients with vascular complications during and after surgery were included into the study.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: We encountered 12 major vascular injuries, 116 epistaxis, and 50 operation site hematoma in our series.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Major vascular injuries are the most life-threatening complicastions. They can cause high mortality. The ways to prevent these injuries seems to have high experience and to investigate preoperative vascular evaluation in detail.