Postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale Research Articles

Endoscopic Evacuation Versus Open Craniotomy and Evacuation of Non-traumatic Intracerebral Bleed: A Comparative Study.

Objective In patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the usage of microsurgical instrumentation and techniques can reduce traction-related injuries and enhance postoperative outcomes compared with traditional hematoma evacuation.The purpose of this study was to compare the results of endoscopic evacuation of spontaneous non-traumatic ICH with conventional open craniotomies and evacuations of ICH in terms of safety, feasibility, and neurological outcomes. Methods This was a prospective study that included 21 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hematomas managed by surgical evacuation endoscopically and another 24 patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH who underwent hematoma evacuation by open craniotomy. Primary outcomes included operation duration, operative blood loss, hematoma evacuation rate, re-bleeding rate, and postoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Results The median operation durations were 110 (90-200) and 230 (120-460) minutes in the endoscopic and open procedure groups, respectively (p = 0.00001). The median operative blood loss was 160 (80-300) and 530 (100-2000) mL in the endoscopic and open procedure groups, respectively (p < 0.00001). The median hematoma removal rates were 90% (60%-99%) and 85% (60%-100%) in the endoscopic and open procedure groups, respectively (p = 0.0348). Re-bleeding rates were higher in the endoscopic group (p = 0.46). Postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale scores at two-month and six-month intervals were similar between the groups (p = 0.87). Conclusion Endoscopic hematoma evacuation for spontaneous supratentorial hemorrhage is becoming a standard surgical procedure, and promising clinical results can be expected. In addition, an endoscope can enhance time efficiency, hematoma evacuation rates, and reduce bleeding. Although endoscopic surgeries have higher re-bleeding rates, the difference is not significant when compared to open craniotomies with similar postoperative GCS scores. It is therefore important to be familiar with the endoscope and its associated equipment in order to achieve better results and reduce complications.

Machine learning prediction models for in-hospital postoperative functional outcome after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.

This study aims to utilize machine learning (ML) and logistic regression (LR) models to predict surgical outcomes among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on admission examination, assisting in making optimal surgical treatment decision for these patients. We conducted a retrospective review of patients hospitalized in our department for moderate-to-severe TBI. Patients admitted between October 2011 and October 2022 were assigned to the training set, while patients admitted between November 2022 and May 2023 were designated as the external validation set. Five ML algorithms and LR model were employed to predict the postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) status at discharge using clinical and routine blood data collected upon admission. The Shapley (SHAP) plot was utilized for interpreting the models. A total of 416 patients were included in this study, and they were divided into the training set (n = 396) and the external validation set (n = 47). The ML models, using both clinical and routine blood data, were able to predict postoperative GOS outcomes with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.860 to 0.900 during the internal cross-validation and from 0.801 to 0.890 during the external validation. In contrast, the LR model had the lowest AUC values during the internal and external validation (0.844 and 0.567, respectively). When blood data was not available, the ML models achieved AUCs of 0.849 to 0.870 during the internal cross-validation and 0.714 to 0.861 during the external validation. Similarly, the LR model had the lowest AUC values (0.821 and 0.638, respectively). Through repeated cross-validation analysis, we found that routine blood data had a significant association with higher mean AUC values in all ML and LR models. The SHAP plot was used to visualize the contributions of all predictors and highlighted the significance of blood data in the lightGBM model. The study concluded that ML models could provide rapid and accurate predictions for postoperative GOS outcomes at discharge following moderate-to-severe TBI. The study also highlighted the crucial role of routine blood tests in improving such predictions, and may contribute to the optimization of surgical treatment decision-making for patients with TBI.

Prognostic predictive value of intracranial pressure and cerebral oxygen metabolism monitoring in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

ObjectiveOur study aimed to investigate the predictive value of intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral oxygen metabolism monitoring in the postoperative prognosis of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH).MethodsThe clinical data of 55 patients with SICH treated by neurosurgery were analyzed retrospectively. These patients were divided into two groups based on postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores, i.e., the poor prognosis group (GOS I-III) and the good prognosis group (GOS IV and V). Next, the ICP and cerebral oxygen metabolism indexes, such as brain temperature (BT), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), internal jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2), and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), were recorded after the operation. Further, the prognostic differences between the two groups were compared, and the predictive values were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC).ResultsThe results showed that the average ICP and BT in the good prognosis group were lower than those in the poor prognosis group. However, the CPP and SjvO2 in the good prognosis group were higher than those in the poor prognosis group. Moreover, the incidence of low PaCO2 in the poor prognosis group was higher than that in the good prognosis group.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that the average ICP, BT, CPP, SjvO2, and arterial PaCO2 may reflect the changes in brain function and cerebral blood flow, which are significantly correlated with the prognosis of patients. Further, our findings indicated that the combined postoperative ICP levels with cerebral oxygen metabolism indexes could guide clinical treatments and predict prognosis.

A comparison of subgaleal active drainage and subdural passive drainage and an analysis of factors affecting chronic subdural hematoma outcomes

To analyze and to compare the factors that influence the recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) among patients treated with subdural non-suction-assisted passive drainage, subgaleal suction-assisted active drainage, and without drainage. We retrospectively evaluated 87 surgical patients with a diagnosis of CSDH treated between 2007 and 2018 using patient records from the neurosurgery archive of our faculty. The patients were divided into three groups: drainfree group (group A), subdural passive drainage group (group B), and subgaleal active drainage group (group C). Recurrence was defined as an increase in hematoma volume on imaging and persistence of the patient?s symptoms. Patients with double-membrane CSDH exhibited higher recurrence rates (p=0.043) and those with low-density CSDH exhibited lower recurrence rates (p=0.015) compared to the other patients. No relationship was found between the number of burr holes made and CSDH recurrence (p=0.177). Group C showed the lowest recurrence rate (13.3%), but the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Hematoma density, membrane type, postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, and postoperative drainage time were found to be statistically significant predictors of recurrence. Burr-hole craniotomy with subgaleal active drainage is a safe and effective method for preventing CSDH recurrence and carries a reduced risk of parenchymal injury.

Surgical Outcome of Brain Abscess after Single Burrhole Aspiration Technique in Terms of Glasgow Outcome Scale

Objectives: This case-series was aimed to determine the surgical outcome of brain abscess after a single burr hole aspiration technique in terms of the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS).&#x0D; Material &amp; Methods: 100 cases were taken in the study with brain abscess. The favourable outcome included those patients with postoperative GOS of 4 or 5, at discharge and one month postoperatively whereas unfavourable outcome included patients with postoperative GOS of less than 4, at discharge and one month postoperatively.&#x0D; Results: Of the 100 patients included, there were 72 (72%) males and 28 (28%) females. The overall mean diameter of the abscess was 6.01 cm ± 1.90. Mean GOS was 2.95 ± 0.86 while mean GOS 3.79 ± 1.18. In this study 75% (n=75) patients presented with a GCS of 12 or less. Among these patients, 2 patients presented with a GCS of 5, 6 patients with a GCS of 7, 9 with GCS 8, 11 with GCS 9, 18 with GCS 10, 15 with GCS 11 and 14 patients presented with a GCS of 12. A favourable outcome was observed in 73 (73%) patients (GOS = 4 and 5), while 27 (27%) were in the unfavourable outcome group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Although most of the patients present with a good neurological state, those who present with lower GCS are particularly prone to the poor postoperative outcome and higher mortality. The size of the brain abscess is also an important predictor of the postoperative outcome. The overall outcome for brain abscess aspiration was good.

Transcortical approaches to large intraventricular tumors: a prospective case series of 20 patients

BackgroundLarge intraventricular tumors (IVTs) impose technical and surgical challenges, due to their enormous sizes, mass effect, vast extensions, and vascularity.ObjectiveThe authors aim at presenting their results, clinical outcomes, and the surgical strategies in the management of large IVTs through transcortical approaches.MethodsA prospective trial was conducted at the Main Hospital of Alexandria University, Egypt, between August 2018 and October 2020 on 20 patients harboring IVTs larger than 5 cm or bilaterally represented. The variables evaluated included the extent of resection, postoperative neurological deficits, blood loss, surgical approaches, intraoperative challenges, complications, adjuvant therapies, Glasgow Outcome Scale, hydrocephalus, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion.ResultsThe study included 20 cases (9 males and 11 females). Mean age at diagnosis was 16.1 years (range 1–45). Mean follow-up was 12 months (range 9–26). Primary tumor locations were ventricular body, atrium, temporal horn, and frontal horn in 11, 5, 3, and 1 cases, respectively. Main pathologies were central neurocytomas (7 patients/35%), ependymomas (3 patients/15%), and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) (3 patients/15%). Excision was gross total (n = 19) and near-total (n = 1). Significant intraoperative bleeding (n = 6). Postoperative minor intraventricular hemorrhage (n = 6), subdural collections (n = 8), hydrocephalus (n = 9), memory affection (n = 4), and motor deficits (n = 4). Postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale of 5/5 (n = 20), no mortalities were recorded. preoperative seizures (n = 7), new onset postoperative seizures (n = 2).ConclusionSurgical approaches to large tumors of the lateral ventricles should be tailored to the variability of tumor locations, dimensions, extensions, and the individual morbid anatomy, in addition to the surgeon’s experience and preferences. Trans-cortical approaches can provide safe surgical corridors to tackle these challenging subtypes of IVTs with good clinical outcomes, tumor resectability rates, and seizure control.

Surgery for Coagulopathy-Related Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Craniotomy vs. Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery.

Coagulopathy-related intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is life-threatening. Recent studies have shown promising results with minimally invasive neurosurgery (MIN) in the reduction of mortality and improvement of functional outcomes, but no published data have recorded the safety and efficacy of MIN for coagulopathy-related ICH. Seventy-five coagulopathy-related ICH patients were retrospectively reviewed to compare the surgical outcomes between craniotomy (n = 52) and MIN (n = 23). Postoperative rebleeding rates, morbidity rates, and mortality at 1 month were analyzed. Postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 1 year were assessed for functional outcomes. Morbidity, mortality, and rebleeding rates were all lower in the MIN group than the craniotomy group (8.70% vs. 30.77%, 8.70% vs. 19.23%, and 4.35% vs. 23.08%, respectively). The 1-year GOSE score was significantly higher in the MIN group than the craniotomy group (3.96 ± 1.55 vs. 3.10 ± 1.59, p = 0.027). Multivariable logistic regression analysis also revealed that MIN contributed to improved GOSE (estimate: 0.99650, p = 0.0148) and mRS scores (estimate: −0.72849, p = 0.0427) at 1 year. MIN, with low complication rates and improved long-term functional outcome, is feasible and favorable for coagulopathy-related ICH. This promising result should be validated in a large-scale prospective study.

Evaluation of implant properties, safety profile and clinical efficacy of patient-specific acrylic prosthesis in cranioplasty using 3D binderjet printed cranium model: A pilot study

There exists a significant demand to develop patient-specific prosthesis in reconstruction of cranial vaults after decompressive craniectomy. we report here, the outcomes of an unicentric pilot study on acrylic cranial prosthesis fabricated using a 3D printed cranium model with its clinically relevant mechanical properties. MethodsThe semi-crystalline polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) implants, shaped to the cranial defects of 3D printed cranium model, were implanted in 10 patients (mean age, 40.8 ± 14.8 years). A binderjet 3D printer was used to create patient-specific mould and PMMA was casted to fabricate prosthesis which was analyzed for microstructure and properties. Patients were followed up for allergy, infection and cosmesis for a period of 6 months. ResultsAs-cast PMMA flap exhibited hardness of 15.8 ± 0.24Hv, tensile strength of 30.7 ± 3.9 MPa and elastic modulus of 1.5 ± 0.1 GPa. 3D microstructure of the semi-crystalline acrylic implant revealed 2.5–15 µm spherical isolated pores. The mean area of the calvarial defect in craniectomy patients was 94.7 ± 17.4 cm2. We achieved a cranial index of symmetry (CIS -%) of 94.5 ± 3.9, while the average post-operative Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score recorded was 4.2 ± 0.9. Conclusions3D printing based patient-specific design and fabrication of acrylic cranioplasty implant is safe and achieves acceptable cosmetic and clinical outcomes in patients with decompressive craniectomy. Our study ensured clinically acceptable structural and mechanical properties of implanted PMMA, suggesting that a low cost 3D printer based PMMA flap is an affordable option for cranioplasty in resource constrained settings.

Radiographic predictors of clinical outcome in traumatic brain injury after decompressive craniectomy.

Primary decompressive craniectomy (DC) is considered for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with clinical deterioration, presenting large amounts of high-density lesions on computed tomography (CT). Postoperative CT findings may be suitable for prognostic evaluation. This study evaluated the radiographic predictors of clinical outcome and survival using pre- and postoperative CT scans of such patients. We enrolled 150 patients with moderate to severe TBI who underwent primary DC. They were divided into two groups based on the 6-month postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended scores (1-4, unfavorable; 5-8, favorable). Radiographic parameters, including hemorrhage type, location, presence of skull fracture, midline shifting, hemispheric diameter, effacement of cisterns, parenchymal hypodensity, and craniectomy size, were reviewed. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify the prognostic factors of clinical outcome and 6-month mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.032-1.151; p = 0.002), postoperative low density (OR = 12.58; 95% CI 1.247-126.829; p = 0.032), and postoperative effacement of the ambient cistern (OR = 14.52; 95% CI 2.234-94.351; p = 0.005) and the crural cistern (OR = 4.90; 95% CI 1.359-17.678; p = 0.015) were associated with unfavorable outcomes. Postoperative effacement of the crural cistern was the strongest predictor of 6-month mortality (OR = 8.93; 95% CI 2.747-29.054; p = 0.000). Hemispheric hypodensity and effacement of the crural and ambient cisterns on postoperative CT after primary DC seems to associate with poor outcome in patients with TBI.

The microsurgical treatment for primary hypertensive brainstem hemorrhage: Experience with 52 patients

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effect of minimal invasive microsurgery in treating primary hypertensive brainstem hemorrhage (PHBH). Methods52 patients of PHBH (≥3.5 ml) who have taken the minimal invasive microsurgery with neuronavigation guidance were included between Jan. 2011 and Dec. 2018. The volume/location/type of hematoma, preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and hemorrhagic dilatation of the fourth ventricle were analyzed during the follow-up period ranged from 3 to 57 months. ResultsAmong all the patients, 18 achieved complete hematoma evacuation (≥95%), 31 achieved subtotal evacuation (≥90%), 3 achieved premodinantly evacuation (>75%). No rebleeding during or after surgery within 24 h were found. 45 patients survived after 3 months, the mean preoperative hematoma volume decreased from 7.1 ± 2.6 ml–0.9 ml (p < 0.05), 19 patients got GOS Grade V/Ⅳ. It is shown the volume less than 10 ml always led to better outcome while massive and bilateral hematoma were related with poor prognosis. ConclusionThe microsurgical hematoma evacuation under neuronavigation assistance is a rapid, effective, and safe technique for the removal of PHBH, especially for the volume less than 10 ml.

Application of a Grading System in the Treatment of Frontal Lobe Contusion in High-Altitude Regions

With the development of frontal contusion, patients may rapidly deteriorate or even die. Experience in the treatment of frontal contusion in high-altitude regions is limited; thus, we explore a grading system for the treatment of frontal lobe contusion. A total of 446 patients with frontal contusions in a high-altitude regions were reviewed retrospectively. We combined the patients' computed tomography scans of the head and clinical features for grading. The score determined the treatment and whether the bone flap was removed. If the patient's condition deteriorated, and the score was greater than 1, the patient was treated surgically. At the same time, the risk factors of deterioration were analyzed. Finally, the Glasgow Outcome Scale of conservative treatment and surgical treatment groups was analyzed. Among the 446 patients, 254 were conservatively treated, and 28 worsened and underwent surgical treatment. In total, 122 patients received an operation. Logistic regression analysis indicated that scattered hematoma, anterior angle of the ventricle, and hemoglobin concentration were risk factors. The postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale of conservative treatment and surgical treatment groups was analyzed; the good healing rate of the conservative treatment group was 91.12%, the good healing rate of the retain-bone flap surgical group was 75%, and the good healing rate of the remove-bone flap surgical group was 63.33%. The failure rates of the groups were 9.38% and 7.78%, respectively. This grading system could guide frontal contusion treatment, which could help patients to achieve a good healing rate and reduce the failure rate.

Preoperative Volumetric Assessment Matched with High-Field Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Stereotactic Evacuation of Brain Abscesses

Stereotactic evacuation is currently accepted as a minimally invasive surgical procedure for the management of brain abscesses. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (Io-MRI) is well established in neuro-oncology but its role has not been completely outlined for brain abscess surgery. The objective of this work is to analyze radiologic, clinical, and laboratory results in a cohort of patients with brain abscesses treated with an original protocol in which the minimally invasiveness of a stereotactic technique is matched with preoperative volumetric evaluation and Io-MRI. For each of the 12 patients included in this cohort, the following data were recorded: age, sex, location, presentation, grade of evacuation, duration of follow-up, mean preoperative and postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale score, functional outcome, number of abscess loculations, number of Io-MRI, duration of antibiotic therapy, preoperative and postoperative laboratory findings, pathogen strains and possible recurrences. The operative time was in 10/12 patients under 90 minutes. A total of 8/12 patients needed no more than 30 days of antibiotics; 9/12 patients had minor or no sequelae and returned to normal activities; only 1 recurrence of brain abscess was recorded in the sample. Only 1 death was recorded in the sample. Although this work is intended to present preliminary results of an original protocol for the management of brain abscess, the role of a precise preoperative volumetric evaluation matched with Io-MRI in the treatment of this disease seems of great benefit, as in surgical neuro-oncology.

Early pressure dressing for the prevention of subdural effusion secondary to decompressive craniectomy in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

This study was performed to investigate the effect of early pressure dressing on the prevention of postoperative subdural effusion secondary to decompressive craniectomy (DC) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI). Patients with STBI who had undergone DC for refractory increased intracranial pressure between January 2008 and December 2011 (n = 169) were randomly divided into early pressure dressing (n = 82) and control (n = 87) groups. Early pressure dressing with an elastic bandage or general wrapping (control treatment) was applied 7 to 10 days after DC. Patients' age, sex, preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale score, incidence rate of subdural effusion, hospitalization time, and postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale score were compared between groups. Intracranial pressure was measured immediately before and on the day after pressure dressing. No significant difference in age, sex, preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale score, or postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale score was observed between groups (P > 0.05). Subdural effusion incidence rates were significantly lower in the early pressure dressing group than those in the control group (χ² = 5.449, P = 0.021), and a larger proportion of patients in the early pressure dressing group was hospitalized for 30 days or less (χ² = 5.245, P = 0.027). Early pressure dressing 7 to 10 days after DC, which is a noninvasive, simple procedure, reduced the incidence rate of subdural effusion and shortened hospitalization time after DC for STBI.

Supracerebellar transtentorial approach—resection of the tentorium instead of an opening—to provide broad exposure of the mediobasal temporal lobe: anatomical aspects and surgical applications

The aim of this study was to describe the surgical anatomy of the mediobasal aspect of the temporal lobe and the supracerebellar transtentorial (SCTT) approach performed not with an opening, but with the resection of the tentorium, as an alternative route for the neurosurgical management of vascular and tumoral lesions arising from this region. Cadaveric specimens were used to illustrate the surgical anatomy of the mediobasal region of the temporal lobe. Demographic aspects, characteristics of lesions, clinical presentation, surgical results, follow-up findings, and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed for patients referred to receive the SCTT approach with tentorial resection. Ten patients (83%) were female and 2 (17%) were male. Their ages ranged from 6 to 59 years (mean 34.5 ± 15.8 years). All lesions (3 posterior cerebral artery aneurysms, 3 arteriovenous malformations, 3 cavernous malformations, and 3 tumors) were completely excluded or resected. After a mean follow-up period of 143 months (range 10-240 months), the mean postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 4.9. Knowledge of the surgical anatomy provides improvement for microsurgical approaches. The evolution from a small opening to a resection of the tentorium absolutely changed the exposure of the mediobasal aspect of the temporal lobe. The SCTT approach with tentorial resection is an excellent alternative route to the posterior part of mediobasal aspect of the temporal lobe, and it was enough to achieve the best neurosurgical management of tumoral and vascular lesions located in this area.

Retrospective Analysis of Hinge Technique for Head Trauma or Stroke

Hinge technique is a new method for cerebral decompression that allows the bone flap to move outward in response to brain swelling and essentially allows reconstruction of the cranial vault as a minor procedure under local anesthesia. This retrospective study assessed outcomes following the use of this new decompressive technique. During an approximately 7-year period (June 2004 to March 2011), 58 patients who had suffered head trauma or stroke underwent cerebral decompression using the hinge technique or conventional decompressive craniectomy. Patients were assessed with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), and the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Twenty-one patients (16 males, 5 females; age range, 21-78 yrs; mean age, 57.4 ± 15.5 yrs) underwent cerebral decompression using the hinge technique, and 37 patients (18 males, 19 females; age range, 5-83 yrs; mean age, 54.1 ± 20.9 yrs) underwent conventional decompressive craniectomy. There was no significant difference in preoperative GCS or postoperative GOS or mRS between the two groups. Six patients in the decompressive craniectomy group and none of the patients in the hinge technique group developed bone flap infection (p = 0.02). The bone flap was removed in two cases in the hinge technique group due to low cerebral perfusion pressure as well as elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). The hinge technique with ICP monitoring was effective and safe for management for head trauma or stroke and was not associated with bone flap infection.

The Craniocaudal Extension of Posterolateral Approaches and Their Combination

The aim of this study was to describe quantitatively the properties of the posterolateral approaches and their combination. Six silicone-injected cadaveric heads were dissected bilaterally. Quantitative data were generated with the Optotrak 3020 system (Northern Digital, Waterloo, Canada) and Surgiscope (Elekta Instruments, Inc., Atlanta, GA), including key anatomic points on the skull base and brainstem. All parameters were measured after the basic retrosigmoid craniectomy and then after combination with a basic far-lateral extension. The clinical results of 20 patients who underwent a combined retrosigmoid and far-lateral approach were reviewed. The change in accessibility to the lower clivus was greatest after the far-lateral extension (mean change, 43.62 +/- 10.98 mm2; P = .001). Accessibility to the constant landmarks, Meckel's cave, internal auditory meatus, and jugular foramen did not change significantly between the 2 approaches (P > .05). The greatest change in accessibility to soft tissue between the 2 approaches was to the lower brainstem (mean change, 33.88 +/- 5.25 mm2; P = .0001). Total removal was achieved in 75% of the cases. The average postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale score of patients who underwent the combined retrosigmoid and far-lateral approach improved significantly, compared with the preoperative scores. The combination of the far-lateral and simple retrosigmoid approaches significantly increases the petroclival working area and access to the cranial nerves. However, risk of injury to neurovascular structures and time needed to extend the craniotomy must be weighed against the increased working area and angles of attack.

Efficacy and Safety of Key Hole Craniotomy for the Evacuation of Spontaneous Cerebellar Hemorrhage

The efficacy and safety of cerebellar hemorrhage evacuation by key hole craniotomy and the importance of thorough evacuation and irrigation of the hematoma in the fourth ventricle to resolve obstructive hydrocephalus were assessed in 23 patients with spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage (SCH) greater than 3 cm or with brainstem compression and hydrocephalus. A 5-cm elongated S-shaped scalp incision was made, and a 3-cm key hole craniotomy was performed over a cerebellar convexity area. The hematoma was immediately evacuated through a small corticotomy. The hematoma in the fourth ventricle was gently removed through the hematoma cavity, followed by thorough saline irrigation to release obstructive hydrocephalus. Patients classified retrospectively into favorable and poor outcome groups using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores of 4-5 vs. 1-3 showed significant differences with respect to the preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale, hematoma size and volume, and brainstem compression. Only 2 of the 23 patients required ventricular drainage and no postoperative complications were recorded. Patients treated by experienced and inexperienced surgeons showed no significant differences in the hematoma evacuation rate, postoperative GOS, and interval from skin incision to start of hematoma evacuation. Our simplified method of key hole craniotomy to treat SCH was less invasive but easy to perform, as even inexperienced neurosurgeons could obtain good surgical results. Thorough cleaning of the fourth ventricle minimized the necessity for ventricular drainage.

Intracranial aneurysms presenting with mass effect over the anterior optic pathways: neurosurgical management and outcomes

Intracranial aneurysms may grow closer to anterior optic pathways, causing mass effect over these anatomical structures, including visual deficit. The authors retrospectively reviewed a series of aneurysms in patients presenting with visual field deficit caused by mass effect, to analyze the aneurysm's characteristics, the neurosurgical management of these aneurysms, as well as their clinical, visual, and radiological outcomes. The authors reviewed the medical charts, neuroimaging examination results, and surgical videos of 15 patients presenting with visual symptoms caused by an aneurysm's mass effect over the anterior optic pathways. These patients were treated at the Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery Associates, Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, Brazil. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the variables related to partial or total recovery of the visual symptoms. All patients underwent microsurgical clip placement and emptying of their aneurysms. After a mean follow-up of 38.5 months, the mean postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 4.33, and the visual outcomes were as follows: 1 patient (6.6%) unchanged, 7 (46.6%) improved, and 7 (46.6%) experienced complete recovery from visual deficits. The variables that influenced the visual outcomes were the size of the aneurysm (p = 0.039), duration of the visual symptoms (p = 0.002), aneurysm wall calcification (p = 0.010), and intraluminal thrombosis (p = 0.007). Postoperative examination using digital subtraction angiography showed complete aneurysm occlusion in 14 (93.3%) of the 15 patients. Intracranial aneurysms causing mass effect over the anterior optic pathways usually present with complex features. The best treatment option must include not only the aneurysm occlusion but also relief of the mass effect. Microsurgical clip placement with reduction of aneurysmal mass effect achieved improvement in visual ability or recovery from visual impairment, as well as total aneurysm occlusion, in 93.3% of the study group. Therefore, this option is well supported as the first choice of treatment for intracranial aneurysms presenting with mass effect over the anterior visual pathways.

NEUROSURGICAL TREATMENT FOR ANEURYSM REMNANTS OR RECURRENCES AFTER COIL OCCLUSION

Neurosurgical management of residual aneurysms (RA) after coiling remains a challenging issue. We present a consecutive series of 21 patients who underwent microsurgical treatment of a previously coiled aneurysm. We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 21 patients who underwent operations for an RA after coiling between 1997 and 2007. Postcoiling follow-up imaging included brain magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography. The decision for surgical treatment was made when an RA was significant and unsuitable for re-embolization. Data related to the RA and to the surgical technique were analyzed. Postoperative outcome was evaluated with the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Twenty aneurysms were initially ruptured. Twelve had undergone complete coil occlusion, whereas 6 had a residual neck, 2 had a residual lobule, and 1 had a residual sac. The aneurysms were in the anterior circulation in 18 cases and in the posterior circulation in 3 cases. Twenty RAs were excluded with the apposition of 1 clip beneath the coils, 2 required a temporary occlusion, 2 required extraction of the coils, and 1 presented with an operative rupture. All aneurysms, except 2 that had their residual neck wrapped, were completely occluded. The postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale score was unchanged in 90% of patients, and 2 patients sustained a moderate disability. Microsurgical treatment of RA after endovascular treatment is effective, provided that patients are selected appropriately. The surgical treatment of recanalized aneurysms after coiling is challenging but can result in a good outcome with low morbidity and no mortality.

Glasgow Coma Scale on admission is correlated with postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale in chronic subdural hematoma

Objective To evaluate the correlation between admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Methods 128 consecutive patients (107 men and 21 women) with CSDH were studied and the correlation between GCS on admission and postoperative GOS was determined. Results GCS and GOS were correlated with a Spearman rank correlation coefficient of 0.557 ( p < 0.01). Conclusion GCS and GOS are well-correlated in CSDH.