Spontaneous regression of lumbar disc herniation

We present 3 cases of spontaneous regression of lumbar herniated disc. The disc regression correlated with clinical improvement documented by MRI studies. Although the phenomenon of spontaneous disappearance of decrease in size of herniated disc fragments is well known, the exact mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. We discuss 3 possible explanations for disc regression: retraction into the vertebral space, dehydration/shrinkage, and resorption due to inflammatory reaction

Neurosurgical gossypiboma radiologically mimicking a lumbar abscess

Lumbar discectomy is the most common operative technique at neurosurgery clinics around the world. The complications of lumbar disc operation include infections, dural tear, bleeding, vascular, and intestinal injuries. Infectious complications of lumbar disc surgery are superficial and profound tissue infections, meningitides, and epidural abscess. Although retained surgical sponges [gossypiboma] are well known intraoperative complications in other surgical branches, they have not been widely reported in neurosurgery. In this report, we present a case of retained surgical sponge at the operation site and discuss with the literature

Elevated intracranial pressure management

The treatment strategy for increased intracranial pressure [ICP] management includes decisions on head and body position, hypothermia, ventilation, anesthetics, osmotic drugs and surgical procedures. We can treat sudden increases in ICP using osmotic agents, some anesthetics and short episodes of mild hyperventilation. Propofol seems to be suitable for sedation of the increased ICP patients. Surgical decompression of the cranium seems to improve the outcome of the younger patients [below 50 years old], especially children