Labyrinthectomy and Vestibular Neurectomy for Intractable Vertiginous Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Labyrinthectomy and vestibular neurectomy are considered the surgical procedures with the highest possibility of controlling medically untreatable incapacitating vertigo. Ironically, after 100 years of the introduction of both transmastoid labyrinthectomy and vestibular neurectomy, the choice of which procedure to use rests primarily on the evaluation of the hearing and of the surgical morbidity. Objective To review surgical labyrinthectomy and vestibular neurectomy for the treatment of incapacitating vestibular disorders. Data Sources PubMed, MD consult and Ovid-SP databases. Data Synthesis In this review we describe and compare surgical labyrinthectomy and vestibular neurectomy. A contrast between surgical and chemical labyrinthectomy is also examined. Proper candidate selection, success in vertigo control and complication rates are discussed on the basis of a literature review. Conclusions Vestibular nerve section and labyrinthectomy achieve high and comparable rates of vertigo control. Even though vestibular neurectomy is considered a hearing sparing surgery, since it is an intradural procedure, it carries a greater risk of complications than transmastoid labyrinthectomy. Furthermore, since many patients whose hearing is preserved with vestibular nerve section may ultimately lose that hearing, the long-term value of hearing preservation is not well established. Although the combination of both procedures, in the form of a translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section, is themost certain way to ablate vestibular function for patients with no useful hearing and disabling vertigo, some advocate for transmastoid labyrinthectomy alone, considering that avoiding opening the subarachnoid space minimizes the possible intracranial complications. Chemical labyrinthectomy may be considered a safer alternative, but the risks of hearing loss when hearing preservation is desired are also high.

Neonatal brachial plexus palsy: a permanent challenge / Paralisia do plexo braquial neonatal: um desafio permanente

Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) has an incidence of 1.5 cases per 1000 live births and it has not declined despite recent advances in obstetrics. Most patients will recover spontaneously, but some will remain severely handicapped. Rehabilitation is important in most cases and brachial plexus surgery can improve the functional outcome of selected patients. This review highlights the current management of infants with NBPP, including conservative and operative approaches.

A paralisia neonatal do plexo braquial (PNPB) tem uma incidência de 1,5 casos por 1000 nascidos vivos e não tem diminuído a despeito dos recentes avanços em obstetrícia. A maioria dos pacientes recupera-se espontaneamente, mas alguns permanecerão com sequelas graves. A reabilitação é importante na maioria dos casos e a cirurgia do plexo braquial pode melhorar o resultado funcional em pacientes selecionados. Esta revisão destaca o manejo atual de lactentes com PNPB, incluindo as terapêuticas conservadora e cirúrgica.

Traumatic injuries of peripheral nerves: a review with emphasis on surgical indication / Lesoes traumaticas de nervos perifericos: uma revisao com enfase na indicacao cirurgica

Traumatic peripheral nerve injury is a dramatic condition present in many of the injuries to the upper and lower extremities. An understanding of its physiopathology and selection of a suitable time for surgery are necessary for proper treatment of this challenging disorder. This article reviews the physiopathology of traumatic peripheral nerve injury, considers the most used classification, and discusses the main aspects of surgical timing and treatment of such a condition.

Traumatismos dos nervos periféricos resultam em lesões incapacitantes e estão presentes em muitas das lesões dos membros. A compreensão da fisiopatologia dessas lesões e a seleção do momento operatório mais adequado são imprescindíveis para que o tratamento seja adequado. Neste artigo revisamos a fisiopatologia das lesões traumáticas dos nervos periféricos, apresentamos a classificação mais utilizada dessas lesões e discutimos os principais aspectos relacionados ao momento da cirurgia e às formas de reparo cirúrgico.

Comparison of the effect of intervention embolization and operation in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms / 中国基层医药

Objective To compare of intervention embolization and operation in the treatment of brain aneurysms.Methods 60 cerebral aneurysm patients using random number table method were divided into two groups each 30 cases,group A given intervention embolization;group B given surgical operation treatment.They were followed for 3months,the bleed Glasgow results score,matrix metalloproteinases 2(MMP-2) level change and the length of time were recorded.Results After treatment,A group total effective rate was 73.4％,postoperative treatment to bleed again rate was 10.0％ (3/30),B group was 76.7％,6.7％ (2/30),two groups had no statistically significant differences (x2 =0.09,0.22,all P ＞ 0.05 ) before treatment M MP-2 level between ;The two groups was statistically significant ( t =1.21,P ＞ 0.05 ) ;Two groups after surgical treatment 3 d MMP-2 levels were ( 20.1 ± 8.7 ) μg/L,( 35.7 ±8.9 ) μg/L respectively,which was statistically significant ( t =3.33,P ＜ 0.05 ).A group of hospitalization time (8.6 ±1.5 ) d,group B ( 13.2 ± 1.3 ) d,the difference between two groups was statistically significant ( t =3.18,P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusion For brain aneurysm patients,the intervention embolization had no obvious difference in curative effect with operation,but could reduce the time in hospital and significantly reduced MMP-2 level.

The importance of the preoperative clinical parameters and the intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring in brachial plexus surgery / A importância dos parâmetros clínicos pré-operatórios e da monitoração eletrofisiológica intra-operatória para a cirurgia do plexo braquial

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to demonstrate the impact of some preoperative clinical parameters on the functional outcome of patients sustaining brachial plexus injuries, and to trace some commentaries about the use of intraoperative monitoring techniques. METHOD: A retrospective study one hundred cases of brachial plexus surgery. The analysis regarding postoperative outcomes was performed by comparing the average of the final result of the surgery for each studied cohort. RESULTS: Direct electrical stimulation was used in all patients, EMG in 59 percent, SEPs in 37 percent and evoked NAPs in 19 percent of the cases. Patients in whom the motor function of the hand was totally or partially preserved before surgery, and those in whom surgery was delayed less than 6 months demonstrated significant (p<0.05) better outcomes. CONCLUSION: The preoperative parameters associated to favorable outcomes in reconstruction of the brachial plexus are a good post-traumatic status of the hand and a short interval between injury and surgery.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar o impacto de alguns parâmetros clínicos pré-operatórios sobre o prognóstico de pacientes com lesões traumáticas do plexo braquial e tecer comentários a respeito da monitorização eletrofisiológica intraoperatória. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de cem cirurgias de plexo braquial, incluindo apenas os casos que atingiram um tempo de seguimento em que poderia se assumir que o resultado final da cirurgia foi obtido. RESULTADOS: Pacientes apresentando função motora da mão normal ou parcialmente preservada após o trauma, além daqueles nos quais o intervalo entre trauma e cirurgia foi menor do que de seis meses, apresentaram os melhores resultados (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Os parâmetros clínicos mais fortemente associados à obtenção de melhores resultados cirúrgicos são o estado neurológico pré-operatório da mão e um curto intervalo entre o trauma e a cirurgia. A estimulação elétrica simples é um método útil em casos de lesões associadas à tração; EMG e NAP são úteis para lesões infraclaviculares de nervos longos.

Distal anterior interosseous nerve transfer to the deep ulnar nerve and end-to-side suture of the superficial ulnar nerve to the third common palmar digital nerve for treatment of high ulnar nerve injuries: experience in five cases / Transferência do nervo interósseo anterior distal para o ramo profundo do nervo ulnar e sutura término-lateral do nervo ulnar superficial ao terceiro nervo digital comum para tratamento de lesões altas do nervo ulnar: experiência em cinco casos

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the results of a double nerve transfer at the level of the hand for recovery of the motor and sensory function of the hand in cases of high ulnar nerve injuries. METHOD: Five patients underwent a transfer of the distal branch of the anterior interosseous nerve to the deep ulnar nerve, and an end-to-side suture of the superficial ulnar nerve to the third common palmar digital nerve. RESULTS: Two patients recovered strength M3 and three cases were graded as M4; recovery of protective sensation (S3+ in three patients and S4 in two) was observed in the fourth and fifth fingers, and at the hypothenar region. The monofilament test showed values of 3.61 or less in all cases and the two-point discrimination test demonstrated values of 7 mm in three cases and 5 mm in two. CONCLUSION: This technique of double nerve transfer is effective for motor and sensory recovery of the distal ulnar-innervated side of the hand.

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar os resultados obtidos com uma dupla transferência nervosa ao nível da mão para tratamento de lesões do nervo ulnar localizadas acima do cotovelo. MÉTODO: Cinco pacientes foram submetidos à transferência do nervo interósseo anterior para o ramo profundo do nervo ulnar, associado à sutura término-lateral do nervo ulnar superficial ao terceiro nervo digital comum. RESULTADOS: Dois pacientes recuperaram força M3 e os outros três casos foram graduados como M4. Recuperação de sensibilidade protetora (S3+ em três pacientes e S4 em dois) foi observada nos quarto e quinto dedos, além da região hipotenar. O teste de monofilamentos demonstrou valores iguais ou menores do que 3,61 em todos os casos e o teste de discriminação de dois pontos apresentou valores de 7 mm em três casos e 5 mm em dois. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica de dupla transferência nervosa é eficaz como modalidade de tratamento para lesões altas do nervo ulnar.

Resultados da reabilitação cirúrgica da face paralisada / Results in surgical rehabilitation for facial palsy

Objetivo: Descrever os resultados da reabilitação cirúrgica de uma série de casos com lesão de nervo facial, avaliados durante um período de cinco anos no Hospital de Reabilitação SARAH-Brasília. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de série de casos admitidos no período de 2001 a 2006, avaliando-se os resultados da reabilitação cirúrgica conforme a escala de House Brackmann (HB), em 29 (10%) pacientes, sendo 16 (55%) homens e 13 (45%) mulheres. Os procedimentos realizados foram microneurorrafia término-terminal em 2 (7%) pacientes, hipoglossofacial em 4 (14%), transposição do músculo temporal em 7 (24%), cantoplastia em 12 (41%) e procedimentos complementares em 4 (14%). O tempo de seguimento pósoperatório foi, em média, de 3 anos. Resultados: Todos os casos evoluíram com a recuperação em no mínimo um grau na escala de HB. Conclusão: Todos os pacientes apresentaram melhorafuncional com a reabilitação cirúrgica e esta pode ser considerada um importante componentena reabilitação da face paralisada.

Objectives: To describe results in surgical rehabilitation in a series of cases with facial nerve injury, evaluated over a five year period at Hospital de Reabilitação SARAH. Methods: Retrospective study of a series of cases admitted during the years 2001 at 2006 period, with assessment of the surgical rehabilitation using the House Brackmann scale in 29 (10%), 16(55%) and 13 (45%) female, were submitted to surgical rehabilitation. The following surgical procedures adopted are direct nerve suturing in 2 (7%), end-to-end neurorraphy, facialhypoglossalin 4 (14%), temporal muscle transposition in 7 (24%), canthoplasty in 12 (41%) and complementary procedures in 4 (14%) cases. The follow up was three years in average.Results: The improvement in all case was at least one degree in HB score. Conclusion: All patients evolved with a functional improvement with a surgical rehabilitation and can be considered a highly relevant for the paralyzed face rehabilitation.

Radial optic neurotomy for central retinal vein occlusion / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of radial optic neurotomy (RON) for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods The clinical data of 12 patients (12 eyes) with CRVO who had undergone RON were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were examined by visual acuity and fundus examination, photography, fundus fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The visual acuities of all of the 12 eyes with severe hemorrhage and retinal edema were less than 0.1. A microvitreoretinal blade or CRVO knife was penetrate into the nasal side of the optic disk, and the incision reached the cribriform plate and even the back, and then dissected at the nasal side of the cribriform plate. The postoperative follow-up period lasted 2 to 15 months with the mean of 6.5 months, and the visual acuity, the condition of visual field and ocular fundus of the eyes undergone the surgery were observed. Results In 12 eyes undergone RON successfully, the visual acuity after the surgery improved more or less in 9 (75%), and more than or up to 0.1 in 6. The results of the examinations showed that the retinal edema and hemorrhage disappeared gradually, varicosity mitigated, retinal serous detachment mitigated or disappeared, and macular cystoid edema faded; macular fovea recovered in 3 eyes, optic nerve had a hemorrhage during the operation in 3 eyes, and the dissected part of optic nerve became atrophic afterward in 4. Conclusions RON performed at the edge of the nasal side of the optic disc is safe and effective, which may improve the visual acuity of the eyes with CRVO and mitigate retinal hemorrhage and edema.

Histopathological study after radial optic neurotomy in pigs′ eyes in vivo / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To explore the histopathological changes of the pigs′ eyes in vivo after radial optic neurotomy (RON), and provide the experimental foundation for the safety of RON. Methods A total of 12 healthy miniature pigs were used in the experiment, in whom 8 were executed at the 1~st , 3~rd , 7~th , and 48~th day respectively after underwent RON in both eyes, and 4 were executed at the 120~th day after underwent RON unilaterally (the other eye was as the control in 2 and underwent single vitrectomy in 2). All the enucleated eyes were cut in sections routinely and embeded in paraffin. The sections were stained by HE, Masson trichrome staining or Luxol fast blue staining and the different sections of optic nerve were observed by light microscope. Results No damages of the major vessel wall were found and the cerebral pia mater of orbital optic nerves kept integrated. At the 1~st day after the operation, the incisions came into being and local hemorrhages infiltrated into the circumambience and backside. The vacuole-like change induced by the demyelination of optic nerve fiber located at the incisions. At the 3~rd day, the vacuole-like changes widened. At the 7~th day, the fibroblasts aggregated at the incision, with hyperplastic neuroglia cells and dispersed pigmented granules. Lymphocytes and monocytes were the major infiltrated inflammatory cells. At the 48~th day, collagen filled in the incisions and aggregated neuroglia cells of the rear optic nerves behind the incision were found, which showed weak staining with obvious boundary which was somewhat beyond the midline of optic nerves. At the 120~th day, localized atrophy of optic nerve occurred under the incision. No abnormal pathological findings were found in the normal eyes and the eyes undergo vitrectomy. Conclusions Localized atrophy of optic nerves comes into being after the normal pig eyes in vivo underwent RON. The surgery is safe to some extent.