Temporary Neurological Deficits Research Articles

Mild hypothermic circulatory arrest with selective cerebral perfusion in open arch surgery.

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate whether the use of mild hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) with selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) in open arch procedure provides comparable perioperative results to moderate HCA for patients with dissected or degenerative arch pathologies.MethodsBetween January 2017 and September 2020, a total of 88 consecutive patients (mean age 47±11 years, 71 males) underwent open arch repair under a single surgeon at our institution with mild or moderate systemic hypothermia assisted by unilateral or bilateral SCP. Patients were divided into groups according to the nasopharyngeal temperature at the beginning of HCA: a moderate HCA group (n=47, 53.4%) and a mild HCA group (n=41, 46.6%). The postoperative mortality, morbidity, and visceral organ functions between these groups were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsCompared to the moderate HCA group, the mild HCA group had a significantly higher core temperature (nasopharynx: 24.4±0.8 vs. 28.5±2, P<0.001; bladder 25.9±0.9 vs. 30±1.2, P<0.001), and the incidence of major adverse events (MAE) in this group was markedly lower (21.3% vs. 4.9%, P=0.031). No differences were identified between the two groups refer to in-hospital mortality, permanent neurological deficit (PND), temporary neurological deficit (TND), and paraplegia (8.5% vs. 2.4%, P=0.366; 8.5% vs. 0, P=0.120; 6.4% vs. 7.3%, P=1.0; 4.3% vs. 2.4%, P=1.0, respectively). In the moderate HCA group, 6 patients (12.8%) developed acute renal failure needing replacement therapy, which did not occur in the mild HCA group (P=0.028). The duration of ventilator support and intensive care unit stay was shorter in the mild HCA group, as well as a decreased volume of drainage during the first 24 h and reduced platelet transfusion.ConclusionsThe preliminary results of the mild HCA group with SCP applied in open arch repair, mainly in total arch replacement (TAR) and stented elephant trunk (SET) implantation for aortic dissection, were satisfactory. Furthermore, comparable inferior outcomes were obtained with mild HCA compared with that of the conventional moderate HCA strategy. These encouraging surgical and postoperative results favor this more aggressive hypothermia strategy in open arch repair.

Lessons learnt from 101 hemispheric pediatric epilepsy surgeries part ii: pitfalls and complications

To evaluate the spectrum of pitfalls and complications after hemisherotomy basing on a retrospective study of a large consecutive pediatric cohort of patients from a single institution.One hundred and one patients (med. age - 43 months) with refractory seizures underwent hemispherotomy. Developmental pathology was the anatomical substrate of disorder in 42 patients. The infantile post-stroke scarring and gliosis was the origin of epilepsy in the majority of 43 cases with acquired etiology. The progressive pathology (RE, S-W and TS) was the etiology in the rest of children (16 cases). The lateral periinsular technique was used to isolate the sick hemisphere in 55 patients; the vertical parasagittal approach was employed in 46 cases. Median perioperative blood loss constituted 10.5 ml/kg, but was markedly larger in kids with hemimegaly (52.8 ml/kg); 57 patients needed hemotransfusion during surgery. Median length of stay in ICU was 14.7 hours, and the length of stay in the hospital until discharge - 6.5 days. Eight patients underwent second-look surgery to complete sectioning of undercut commissural fibers. FU is known in 91 patients (med. length - 1.5 years).Major surgical complications with serious hemorrhage and/or surgery induced life-threatening events developed in 7 patients (one of them has died on the 5th day post-surgery for the causes of brain edema and uncontrolled hyponatremia). Various early and late infectious complications were noted in 4 cases. Ten patients experienced new not anticipated but temporary neurological deficit. Nine patients needed shunting for the causes of hydrocephalus within several first months post-hemispherotomy. Early seizure onset was associated with probability of all complications in general (p=0.02), and developmental etiology - with intraoperative bleeding and hemorrhagic complications (p=0.03).Children with developmental etiology, particularly those with hemimegalencephaly, are most challengeable in terms of perioperative hemorrhage and serious complications. Patients with relapse or persisting seizures should be evaluated for the possibility of incomplete hemispheric isolation and have good chances to become SF by re-doing hemispherotomy.Провести анализ ошибок и осложнений после гемисферотомии на основе многочисленной и последовательной серии из одного учреждения.Оперирован 101 ребенок. У 42 пациентов причиной приступов были врожденные пороки развития мозга, у 43 — приобретенная патология (у большинства — перинатальный инсульт), у остальных — прогрессирующие состояния (энцефалит Rasmussen, болезнь Sturge—Weber, туберозный склероз). Медиана возраста на момент операции — 43 мес. В 55 случаях произведена латеральная периинсулярная деафферентация, в 46 — вертикальная парасагиттальная дисконнекция. Интраоперационная кровопотеря (в среднем) — 10,5 мл на 1 кг массы тела (у детей с гемигемисфермегалией — 52,8 мл на 1 кг массы тела); гемотрансфузия по ходу операции выполнена 57 детям. Время пребывания в отделении реанимации и интенсивной терапии — в среднем 14,7 ч, среднее количество койко-дней — 6,5. Катамнез с медианой продолжительности 1,5 года известен у 91 ребенка.Хирургические осложнения с тяжелым и угрожающим кровотечением отмечены у 7 детей (1 из них погиб на 5-е сутки из-за отека мозга и неуправляемой гипонатриемии); ликворея, менингит, а в отдаленном периоде и остеомиелит — у 4 детей; гидроцефалия, при которой потребовалось шунтирование, выявлена у 9 детей. Не ожидавшийся новый и большей частью преходящий неврологический дефицит отмечен у 10 больных, неполная дисконнекция — у 8 (все 8 успешно прооперированы повторно). Ранний дебют эпилепсии оказался статистически значимо ассоциированным с осложнениями в целом (p=0,02), а пороки развития — и с вероятностью серьезного кровотечения во время операции (p=0,03).Большинство неудач следует ожидать у детей с пороками развития, в особенности при гемимегалэнцефалии. Стойкий новый невынужденный неврологический дефицит — сравнительно редкое осложнение, а незавершенность деафферентации пораженного полушария — нечастая, но реально встречающаяся ошибка, которую можно и нужно обязательно исправить с высокими шансами на прекращение приступов.

Angel or devil? Speech disorder after dexamethasone injection for sore throat

Introduction: The use of a single-dose of intramuscular (IM) dexamethasone in emergency department (ED) is a commonly employed practice. Along with its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, dexamethasone use has considerable adverse effects and complications that affect almost all body systems. This paper describes a middle-aged patient receiving IM injection of the agent followed by a serious temporary neurological deficit. Case report: A 48-year-old male patient presented to the ED due to cough, sore throat, fever, and malaise lasting for three days. In the medical history, the patient did not reveal any chronic illness, allergies or regular drug use. After complete evaluation, an IM injection of dexamethasone (8 mg vial) was administered to the patient as a treatment in the green (low acuity) area of the ED. While the neurological examination of the patient was completely normal on admission; dysarthria, bilateral dysmetria, and truncal ataxia ensued within 15 minutes after the IM injection. No pathological findings were detected in the laboratory and radiological work up. The signs and symptoms subsided and returned to normal within three-hour follow-up. Conclusion: Acute neurological complications, although very rare, can follow IM steroid injections. Patients receiving IM dexamethasone need to be observed for a while even if they are asymptomatic. Causal relationships need to be highlighted with well-designed prospective studies.

Changes in Surgical Treatment for Pediatric Moyamoya Disease

Pediatric patients with moyamoya disease frequently exhibit extensive cerebral infarction at the time of initial presentation and even in the early postoperative period. Cerebral infarctions are more frequent in younger patients. Surgical revascularization is the treatment of choice for patients with moyamoya disease. We modified surgical strategies for patients with moyamoya disease to reduce the incidence of postoperative cerebral infarction. Between January 2004 and December 2015, 46 patients (74 hemispheres) with moyamoya disease, aged ＜18 years, were surgically treated at our hospital. Surgical strategy entailed indirect bypass by encephalo-galeo-myo-duro-synangiosis (EGMDS) (3 hemispheres) for the first era, EGMDS and superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) single anastomosis (67 hemispheres) for the second era, and EGMDS and double STA-MCA anastomosis (4 hemispheres) for the third era. A review of clinical findings and radiological data showed that surgical treatment is effective for patients with moyamoya disease. Direct bypass can reduce the incidence of postoperative cerebral infarction, especially in younger patients. Postoperative cerebral infarctions were observed in 8 patients, all of whom were aged ＜6 years. Of these, 5 infarctions occurred in the ipsilateral hemisphere (6.8%) and 3 in the contralateral hemisphere (4.0%). Postoperative temporary neurological deficit due to hyperperfusion that had completely resolved by the time of discharge was seen in 9 hemispheres. Considering these results, direct bypass can induce immediate improvements in cerebral circulation that are suitable for patients with rapidly progressive moyamoya disease. However, direct bypass is not completely safe for pediatric patients with moyamoya disease because of the resulting changes in postoperative cerebral hemodynamics. To prevent such complications, we recently performed STA-MCA double bypass as an initial treatment for patients with a high risk of cerebral infarction that can increase cerebral perfusion in areas supplied by both the upper and lower trunks of the middle cerebral artery in a balanced manner. The outcome of this strategy was favorable.

Revision Strategies for Harrington Rod Instrumentation: Radiographic Outcomes and Complications.

Study Design:Retrospective case series.Objective:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes following revision surgery following Harrington rod instrumentation.Methods:Patients who underwent revision surgery with a minimum of 1-year follow-up for flatback syndrome following Harrington rod instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were identified from a multicenter dataset. Baseline demographics and intraoperative information were obtained. Preoperative, initial postoperative, and most recent spinopelvic parameters were compared. Postoperative complications and reoperations were subsequently evaluated.Results:A total of 41 patients met the inclusion criteria with an average follow-up of 27.7 months. Overall, 14 patients (34.1%) underwent a combined anterior-posterior fusion, and 27 (65.9%) underwent an osteotomy for correction. Preoperatively, the most common lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) was at L3 and L4 (61%), whereas 85% had a LIV to the pelvis after revision. The mean preoperative pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis mismatch and C7 sagittal vertical axis were 23.7° and 89.6 mm. This was corrected to 8.1° and 28.9 mm and maintained to 9.04° and 34.4 mm at latest follow-up. Complications included deep wound infection (12.2%), durotomy (14.6%), implant related failures (14.6%), and temporary neurologic deficits (22.0%). Eight patients underwent further revision surgery at an average of 7.4 months after initial revision.Conclusions:There are multiple surgical techniques to address symptomatic flatback syndrome in patients with previous Harrington rod instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. At an average of 27.7 months follow-up, pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis mismatch and C7 sagittal vertical axis can be successfully corrected and maintained. However, complication and reoperation rates remain high.

Different hypothermic and cerebral perfusion strategies in extended arch replacement for acute type a aortic dissection: a retrospective comparative study

BackgroundThe optimal hypothermic level in total arch replacement with stented elephant trunk implantation for acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD) has not been established, and the superiority of unilateral or bilateral cerebral perfusion remains a controversial issue. Therefore, we evaluated the application of moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) with a core temperature of 29 °C and bilateral selective antegrade cerebral perfusion in aTAAD treated by total arch replacement with stented elephant trunk implantation.MethodsFrom July 2019 to January 2020, 25 aTAAD patients underwent total arch replacement with stented elephant trunk implantation via MHCA (29 °C) and bilateral selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (modified group). Thirty-six patients treated by the same procedure with MHCA (25 °C) and unilateral selective antegrade cerebral perfusion during this period were selected as controls.ResultsThere were no differences between the two groups of patients in terms of age, sex, incidence of hypertension, malperfusion, and pericardial effusion, although the incidence of cardiac tamponade was higher in the modified group (control 2.8%, modified 20%; P = 0.038). The lowest mean circulatory arrest temperature was 24.6 ± 0.9 °C in the control group, and 29 ± 0.8 °C in the modified group (P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 4.9% (3/61) for the entire cohort (control 8.3%, modified 0; P = 0.262). The incidence of permanent neurologic deficit was 4.9% (control 8.3%, modified 0; P = 0.262). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of temporary neurological deficit, renal failure, and paraplegia between groups. The rate of major adverse events in the modified group was lower (30.6% vs. 4%, P = 0.019). A shorter duration of ventilation and ICU stay was identified in the modified group, as well as a reduced volume of drainage within the first 48 h and red blood cell transfusion.ConclusionsThe early results of MHCA (29 °C) and bilateral selective antegrade cerebral perfusion applied in total arch replacement with stented elephant trunk implantation for aTAAD were acceptable, providing similar inferior cerebral and visceral protection compared with that of the conventional strategy. A higher core temperature may account for the shorter duration of ventilation and ICU stay, as well as a reduced volume of drainage and red blood cell transfusion.

Outcomes in single-level posterior cervical spine surgeries performed in the sitting and prone positions.

The sitting or semisitting position in neurosurgery allows for several technical advantages, including improved visualization of the surgical field. However, it has also been associated with an increased risk of venous air embolisms and positioning-related complications that limit its commonplace adoption. The authors report a large, single-center series of cervical spine procedures performed with patients in the sitting or prone position in order to assess the perceived risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with the sitting position. Noninstrumented, single-level posterior cervical spine procedures performed with patients in the sitting/semisitting or prone position from 2000 to 2016 at a single institution were reviewed. Institutional abstraction tools (DataMart and Chart Plus) were used to collect data from the medical records. The two positions were compared with regard to preoperative factors, intraoperative variables, and postoperative outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted for 30-day readmission, 30-day return to the operating room, and complication rates. A total of 750 patients (sitting, n = 480; prone, n = 270) were analyzed. The median age was 53 years for those who underwent surgery in the prone position and 50 years for those who underwent surgery in the sitting position (IQRs 45-62 years and 43-60 years, respectively), and 35% of the patients were female. Sitting cases were associated with significantly longer anesthetic times (221 minutes [range 199-252 minutes] vs 205 minutes [range 179-254 minutes]) and operative times (126 minutes [range 101-163 minutes] vs 149 minutes [120-181 minutes]). Cardiorespiratory events in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) were comparable between the two groups, with the exception of episodes of apnea (2.6% vs 0.6%, p = 0.041) and hypoventilation (4.4% vs 0.8%, p < 0.003), which were more frequent in the prone-position cohort. On multivariable analysis, the effect of the sitting versus the prone position was not significant for 30-day readmission (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.34-1.71, p = 0.52) or reoperation (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.31-1.60, p = 0.40). The sitting position was associated with lower odds of developing any complication (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16-0.62, p < 0.001). Based on the intraoperative and postoperative complications chosen in this study, the sitting position confers a similar safety profile to the prone position. This can be explained by a more anatomic positioning accounting for reduced temporary neurological deficits and reduced PACU-associated hypoventilation noted in this series. Nevertheless, the findings may also reflect institutional familiarity, experience, and mastery of this position type, and outcomes may not reflect practices in general.

Is routine intraoperative neuromonitoring necessary in growing rod lengthening procedures? A retrospective, observational study.

To investigate whether intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) may be avoided in growing rod lengthening procedures in early onset scoliosis (EOS). A total of 636 primary growing rod surgeries and lengthening procedures were performed in 112 patients with EOS. Traditional growing rods (TGR) or magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) were implanted and subsequent lengthening procedures were done at stipulated intervals. Combined multi-modality IONM was used in all index surgeries-but was only used in lengthening procedures in patients with existing spinal cord abnormality or a history of neurosurgical procedure for the same, patients with prior history of a neuromonitoring alert in their index surgery and when lengthening was accompanied by an implant exchange/revision. All the remaining growing rod lengthening procedures were carried out without IONM. Hospital records and operation notes were retrospectively reviewed with focus on details of neurological events/complications. In 112 primary growing rod applications (TGR = 96, MCGR = 16) and 524 lengthening procedures (TGR = 444, MCGR = 80), intraoperative neuromonitoring 'alerts' were encountered in 6/112 index surgeries and temporary postoperative neurological deficits were seen in 2/112 index surgeries. No intraoperative neuromonitoring event or postoperative neurological complication was encountered in 524 lengthening procedures-irrespective of whether they were carried out along with implant exchange, or in patients with spinal cord abnormality or prior neuromonitoring event during index surgery. While IONM should be used in primary growing rod application surgeries, its use may be avoided in lengthening and implant exchange procedures in a resource-limited setting. Level 3.

Preoperative Embolization in Carotid Body Tumor Surgery—Benefit or Risk?

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare head and neck paragangliomas with an incidence of 0.03% of all tumors. Risk of malignant transformation is 5% to 10%. Preoperative transarterial embolization can facilitate resection of the highly vascularized tumors, yet the benefit of this procedure has not yet been demonstrated clearly. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of preoperative transarterial embolization with focus on patient safety and on selection criteria for individual treatment decisions. All consecutive patients operated on for CBTs from 1988 to 2018 were analyzed. After prospective collection in a dedicated database, data were analyzed retrospectively. Diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. After approval by the university ethics committee and informed consent, genetic testing for mutations of the gene encoding succinate dehydrogenase was initiated routinely in 2006. Preoperative embolization was performed by experienced interventional radiologists using microcatheter techniques. A total of 80 patients underwent resection of 91 CBTs (57 women, 23 men; age, 24-86 years; mean age, 55.7 ± 16.4 years ). In four patients, a tumor recurrence or lymph node infiltration was diagnosed (malignant CBT). Genetic testing detected succinate dehydrogenase mutations in 47% (28/57 patients). Tumor diameter was 1.1 to 7.2 cm. Fourteen patients with a mean tumor diameter of 4.6 cm (range, 2.0-6.2 cm) underwent preoperative embolization after interdisciplinary discussion. In one patient (75-year-old man), embolization could not be completed because of development of a temporary neurologic deficit during the procedure (ipsilateral transitory ischemic attack). No other adverse effects due to embolization were observed. Surgery was performed 24 to 48 hours after intervention. Intraoperative blood loss and operating times did not differ significantly between patients with or without preoperative embolization. However, the subjective impression of the operating surgeons was that tumor resection was facilitated by embolization. Preoperative embolization in CBTs is a safe and effective preoperative strategy in large carotid paragangliomas, rarely leading to neurologic complications. Criteria for optimized selection of patients to develop individualized preoperative strategies and clear recommendations on candidates for embolization have yet to be identified. Because of the rarity of the tumor, a randomized trial is difficult to organize.

Result of awake surgery for pediatric eloquent brain area tumors: single-center experience.

About half of brain tumors are located in supratentorial regions and 20% of them in eloquent brain cortex areas. The use of fMRI and intraoperative neuromonitoring allows safe surgery of these areas. Carrying out awake brain surgery (ABS) operations provides additional opportunities for direct-function monitoring. In pediatric practice, this method has not been used widely yet. We present the retrospective analysis of the results of pre-operative examination and surgical treatment of 12 patients with glial tumors located in eloquent cortex areas. Two patients had ABS operations twice. Intraoperative neuromonitoring was used in all the cases. Twelve patients in total underwent fourteen ABS operations. According to histology results, patients with low-grade tumors prevailed, 11 (91.7%) out of 12. Seven (58.3%) patients had the tumor located in the projection of speech cortex area, four (33.3%) patients in the motor cortex area, and one (8.4%) patient in the visual cortex area. The youngest male was 8 years old. Temporary neurological deficit was diagnosed in three (25%) cases. The tumor was removed completely in 66.7% (eight) cases. Three patients were operated upon twice, two of whom had ABS operations twice. The awake phase of the surgery lasted from 30 to 110 min, 61.2 min on average. Our experience has shown sufficient safety of pediatric ABS operations. The achieved functional result and radicality of tumor removal prove that further application and development of this method for children with eloquent brain area tumors (EBATs) is reasonable.

Subtemporal Transtentorial Approach in Mesencephalic and Perimesencephalic Lesions in Children-A Series of 20 Patients.

Midbrain and surrounding areas are among the most difficult regions to surgically approach in neurosurgery. The subtemporal approach is a well-known neurosurgical approach that is rarely described in children. To assess the feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages of subtemporal approach in children. A total of 20 pediatric patients with intra-axial tumors involving the lateral midbrain or superior cerebellar peduncle or with extra-axial tumors in the middle incisural space/Meckel cave underwent subtemporal transtentorial approaches with the aim to remove (16 cases) or biopsy (4 cases) their lesions. These cases were retrospectively reviewed and the surgical approach described. Total resection was achieved in 11 patients. In the 4 patients who underwent biopsies, a diagnosis was obtained. A total of 5 patients presented non-neoplastic lesions (dermoid tumors or cavernomas). A total of 9 patients harbored low-grade tumors and 6 high-grade tumors. Patients with low-grade tumors and non-neoplastic lesions are all alive with no evidence of disease or stable residue. Four patients affected by high grade tumors died. No patient suffered permanent neurological deficits related to the surgical approach. Three patients presented temporary neurological deficits following the procedure: one case of strabismus, one case of aphasia and hemiparesis, secondary to delayed, transient thrombosis of the Labbé vein, and 1 case of trigeminal neuralgia. The subtemporal approach represents a feasible approach for mesencephalic and perimesencephalic lesions in children. It provides an ample and direct access, with excellent outcomes and acceptable postoperative morbidity.

"Aorta-clamp" technique for surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection-5 min circulatory arrest at 30 °C.

Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), which causes perioperative complications, is the foundation of surgical treatment for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD). To extensively replace the dissected aorta and avoid the negative impacts of HCA, we developed an "aorta-clamp" technique and examined its efficacy in repairing AAAD. From November 2014 to August 2016, we recruited 59 consecutive patients (51.3±10.9 years) with AAAD into this study. We performed total arch replacement combined with an elephant trunk implantation using the "aorta-clamp" technique under a 30 °C HCA with continual bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion. The average HCA time was 4.9±1.0 min. Twenty-three patients had increased serum creatinine (sCr) before surgery, suggesting an AAAD-associated acute kidney injury (AKI). The sCr level returned to normal in five patients after operation and in 15 before discharge. Six patients (10.2%) with preoperative AKI required postoperative dialysis, and two of these patients (3.4%) died of multiple organ failure. Two patients (3.4%) required re-exploration due to bleeding. One patient (1.7%) exhibited temporary neurologic deficits. There were no late deaths. Computed tomography (CT) examination confirmed the patency of the anastomotic sites and thrombus obliteration of the residual false lumen. Using the "aorta-clamp" technique with continual bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion, total arch replacement combined with an elephant trunk implantation can be performed under five minutes of mild (30 °C) HCA. Our data suggest that this technique for the surgical repair of AAAD is a safe, feasible and effective surgical approach with satisfactory early outcomes.

Introducing Fluorescence Guided Surgery into Neuro-Oncology Practice and Getting It Right First Time

Abstract Introduction Fluorescence Guided Surgery (FGS) using 5-ALA is recommended for patients undergoing resection of suspected high grade glioma and this type of surgery is increasingly being used in more units throughout the UK. We report on our experience of introducing 5-ALA guided surgery for suspected HGG in a regional neurosciences unit. Methods Consecutive series of the first 24 patients in our unit to receive 5-ALA guided surgery for suspected HGG from June 2017 to October 2018. Data was prospectively collected. Results 5-ALA fluorescence guided surgery was used for a range of histologically confirmed WHO grade III-IV gliomas. All but 1 tumour (GBM) fluoresced with 5-ALA, with strong fluorescence in recurrent GBM and anaplastic foci of grade 3 tumours. EOR varied according to the eloquence of the lesion with 70% of cases achieving gross total resection. 40% of cases used awake mapping or intraoperative neurophysiology. 5 patients (20.8%) had temporary neurological deficits which resolved in all cases. Individual surgeon learning curves resulted in 2 styles of practice- complete FGS with fluorescence used throughout the case, and intermittent use of fluorescence as an adjunct often at the end of debulking under white light. Conclusions Adopting 5-ALA use comes with specific challenges in terms of service organisation, learning curves and complication avoidance. Our experience is that it is useful both to improve EOR and as an adjunct to identify tumour tissue in eloquent region tumours with monitoring of function. This is possible through a day admission pathway in line with GIRFT.

Operculoinsular cortectomy for refractory epilepsy. Part 2: Is it safe?

Operculoinsular cortectomy (also termed operculoinsulectomy) is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic option for perisylvian refractory epilepsy. However, most neurosurgeons are reluctant to perform the technique because of previously experienced or feared neurological complications. The goal of this study was to quantify the incidence of basic neurological complications (loss of primary nonneuropsychological functions) associated with operculoinsular cortectomies for refractory epilepsy, and to identify factors predicting these complications. Clinical, imaging, and surgical data of all patients investigated and surgically treated by our team for refractory epilepsy requiring an operculoinsular cortectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with tumors and encephalitis were excluded. Logistic regression analysis was used for uni- and multivariate statistical analyses. Forty-four operculoinsular cortectomies were performed in 43 patients. Although postoperative neurological deficits were frequent (54.5% of procedures), only 3 procedures were associated with a permanent significant neurological deficit. Out of the 3 permanent deficits, only 1 (2.3%; a sensorimotor hemisyndrome) was related to the technique of operculoinsular cortectomy (injury to a middle cerebral artery branch), while the other 2 (arm hypoesthesia and hemianopia) were attributed to cortical resection beyond the operculoinsular area. With multivariate analysis, a postoperative neurological deficit was associated with preoperative insular hypometabolism on PET scan. Postoperative motor deficit (29.6% of procedures) was correlated with fewer years of neurosurgical experience and frontal operculectomies, but not with corona radiata ischemic lesions. Ischemic lesions in the posterior two-thirds of the corona radiata (40.9% of procedures) were associated with parietal operculectomies, but not with posterior insulectomies. Operculoinsular cortectomy for refractory epilepsy is a relatively safe therapeutic option but temporary neurological deficits after surgery are frequent. This study highlights the role of frontal/parietal opercula resections in postoperative complications. Corona radiata ischemic lesions are not clearly related to motor deficits. There were no obvious permanent neurological consequences of losing a part of an epileptic insula, including on the dominant side for language. A low complication rate can be achieved if the following conditions are met: 1) microsurgical technique is applied to spare cortical branches of the middle cerebral artery; 2) the resection of an opercula is done only if the opercula is part of the epileptic focus; and 3) the neurosurgeon involved has proper training and experience.

Bilateral or unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion during surgery for acute type A dissection

ObjectiveThe study objective was to investigate outcomes associated with the application of bilateral or unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion during surgery for acute type A dissection. MethodsPatients who underwent surgery for type A dissection with the application of antegrade cerebral perfusion between 2009 and 2017 at the Division of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna were analyzed retrospectively (bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion: n = 91, 49.5%; unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion: n = 93, 50.5%). The primary outcome variable was overall survival. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients requiring antegrade cerebral perfusion durations of 50 minutes or more and less than 50 minutes. Secondary outcome variables were 30-day mortality, adverse outcome, permanent and temporary neurologic deficits, renal replacement therapy, prolonged ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay. ResultsMultivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated no significant association of bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion with overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-1.14, P = .126). Propensity score modeling using the method of inverse probability of treatment weighting confirmed this result (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-1.60, P = .428). Bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion was associated with significantly improved overall survival in patients requiring antegrade cerebral perfusion durations of 50 minutes or more (P = .017). The bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion and unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion groups showed comparable rates of secondary outcome variables. ConclusionsIn the present study, bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion and unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion are associated with comparable outcomes after surgery for type A dissection. Subgroup analyses suggest that bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion is associated with superior overall survival in patients requiring antegrade cerebral perfusion durations of 50 minutes or more. An adequately powered prospective randomized controlled trial is required to validate these results.

Aortic Arch Replacement With a Trifurcated Graft

The critical consideration in approaching aortic arch surgery is how best to protect the brain while providing surgical access to the cerebral vessels. Between 1999 and 2016, 285 patients underwent aortic arch replacement using the trifurcated graft technique, with 7.4% mortality (hospital/30 day). Neurologic outcomes included 5.1% temporary neurologic deficits, 3.9% permanent neurologic deficits and no spinal cord injury. The trifurcated graft technique addresses the two most important aspects of cerebral protection: minimizing cerebral ischemia and preventing cerebral embolization of air and atheromatous debris. In practice, the technique has proven to be technically straightforward and versatile, in that it is readily adapted to a variety of arch anomalies and pathologies.

Innominate artery cannulation in aortic surgery: A systematic review.

The innominate artery is considered an alternative site for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass in surgical procedures involving the thoracic aorta. This systematic review examines the use of innominate artery cannulation in aortic surgery. A systematic literature search was undertaken among the four major databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Ovid) to identify all studies that utilized innominate artery cannulation for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass and providing cerebral perfusion in thoracic aortic surgery. The data were reviewed up to September 2018. Acute type A aortic dissection contributed to 36% (n = 818) of the total 2,290 patients. 31.5% (n = 719) underwent surgery on the aortic root only; 54.5% (n = 1246) had ascending and hemi-arch replacement, while 11.5% had total aortic arch replacement and 2.5% had a frozen elephant trunk inserted. Postoperative stroke rate was 1.25% (n = 28), temporary neurological deficit was 4.8% (n = 111). All-cause 30-day mortality rate was 2.7% (n = 61). Innominate artery cannulation is a safe technique in patients who undergo thoracic aortic surgery. It can be utilized, in selected cases, as a reliable route for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass and maintaining cerebral perfusion.

Therapeutic effect of burr-hole operation combined with dural inversion and temporalis-periosteal synangiosis for ischemic moyamoya disease of adults

Objective: To explore the therapeutic effect of burr-hole operation combined with dural inversion and temporalis-periosteal synangiosis for ischemic moyamoya disease of adults. Methods: The burr-hole operation combined with dural inversion and temporalis-periosteal synangiosis was performed on 21 adults with ischemic moyamoya disease since January 2013 in the second hospital of Shandong university.All of the patients were followed up for 3 months to 3 years.Digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) reexamination was performed and the cerebral MR perfusion imaging (PWI) was used to observe the perfusion of cerebral ischemic area before and after operation quantificationally, and the KPS scores before and after the surgery were analysed by the statistics.The clinical symptoms of the 21 patients gradually improved after the operation, there was statistical significance by paired t test of the KPS scores (P<0.001). Results: 19 patients were reexamined by DSA and PWI.The DSA results revealed there was apparent neovascularization in 65 burr-holes of total 72 holes , mainly came from the middle meningeal artery and superficial artery, and there was neovascularization in 33 burr-holes of total 35 holes whose arachnoid was completed, there was no statistical significance by χ(2) test (P>0.05). The revascularization of the ischemic cerebral tissue was obtained through the PWI.The postoperative complications included 1 case of subdural hematoma, 3 cases of postoperative temporary neurological deficits. Conclusion: The burr-hole operation combined with dural inversion and temporalis-periosteal synangiosis was effective, the MR perfusion imaging could assessment the effect exactly, there was no significant difference of neovascularization whether or not opening the arachnoid.

Neuro-protection in open arch surgery.

Although antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) is the predominant method of protecting the brain in patients undergoing total arch replacement, both deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and ACP provide excellent and comparable clinical outcomes with regard to mortality, stroke, and temporary neurological deficit rates.

Adjunct retrograde cerebral perfusion provides superior outcomes compared with hypothermic circulatory arrest alone: A meta-analysis

ObjectiveRetrograde cerebral perfusion is becoming less frequently used as a method of neuroprotection during aortic surgery. The present meta-analysis aims to compare outcomes after arch surgery with hypothermic circulatory arrest versus hypothermic circulatory arrest + retrograde cerebral perfusion. MethodsElectronic searches were performed using 7 databases from their inception to September 2016. Relevant comparative studies that included patient groups who underwent aortic arch surgery using hypothermic circulatory arrest with continuous retrograde cerebral perfusion or hypothermic circulatory arrest alone were identified, and data were extracted by 2 independent researchers. Data were aggregated using a random-effects model per predefined clinical end points. ResultsTwenty-eight comparative studies were identified, with 2705 hypothermic circulatory arrest cases and 2817 hypothermic circulatory arrest + retrograde cerebral perfusion cases. No significant differences were seen between both groups in terms of age, gender, proportion of dissections and aneurysms, and hemiarch/total arch repair. The hypothermic circulatory arrest + retrograde cerebral perfusion group had slightly longer cardiopulmonary bypass time and lower body arrest time. Mortality was significantly increased for the hypothermic circulatory arrest cohort compared with the hypothermic circulatory arrest + retrograde cerebral perfusion cohort (odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-2.63; P = .007; I2 = 54%), but not on pooling of adjusted estimates. Stroke was also increased for the hypothermic circulatory arrest cohort (odds ratio, 1.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.10; P = .02; I2 = 29%). No difference in temporary neurologic deficit was identified (P = .66). Meta-regression found the treatment effect for mortality and stroke to be less pronounced in more contemporary series. ConclusionsThese results suggest that the addition of retrograde cerebral perfusion during aortic arch surgery may provide better outcomes than using hypothermic circulatory arrest alone, although significant confounders exist. Further robust studies are required to confirm the utility of retrograde cerebral perfusion in arch surgery.