Aspects épidémiologiques et thérapeutiques des pathologies neurochirurgicales chez l'enfant de moins de 5 ans à Libreville (Gabon) de 2019 à 2021 / Epidemiology and management of neurosurgical diseases of children aged 5 years or less in Libreville (Gabon) from 2019 to 2021

Introduction. Les pathologies neurochirurgicales sont un ensemble d'affections qui touche le cerveau, la moelle épinière, et les paires crâniennes nécessitant une prise en charge médico-chirurgicale. Leur incidence en Afrique sub-saharienne et plus particulièrement au Gabon est mal connue. Objectif. Décrire les aspects épidémiologiques et évolutifs des pathologies neurochirurgicales chez l'enfant de moins 5 ans à Libreville. Patients et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective descriptive et analytique, multicentrique portant sur des patients de moins de 5ans pris en charge pour une affection neurochirurgicale de Janvier 2019 à Décembre 2021 à Libreville. Résultats. Sur 4811 enfants hospitalisés, 130 répondaient aux critères d'inclusion (prévalence : 2,7%). L'âge moyen était de 13,1 mois. Le sex-ratio était de 1,3. Les grossesses étaient mal suivies dans 72,2% des cas. Les pathologies neurochirurgicales malformatives représentaient 63,5%. L'hydrocéphalie était la plus observée dans 71,2%. Sur les 115 enfants, 71 ont bénéficié d'un traitement chirurgical, soit un taux de 61,7% et le taux de mortalité globale était de 6,1%. Dans le groupe des enfants présentant une malformation congénitale, 8,2% n'avaient pas été traités, le taux de mortalité était de 8,2%. Les complications à court termes étaient dominées par les infections. Conclusion. Les pathologies neurochirurgicales sont en fréquentes dans notre contexte. Une prise en charge immédiate reste de mise, nécessitant donc un plateau technique de pointe pour améliorer l'évolution à court terme voire à moyen et long terme de ces affections.

Introduction. Neurosurgical pathologies are a set of conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and cranial pairs requiring medical and surgical management. Their incidence in subSaharan Africa and more particularly in Gabon is poorly known. Objective. To describe the epidemiological and evolutionary aspects of neurosurgical pathologies in children under 5 years old in Libreville. Patients and methods. This is a retrospective descriptive and analytical, multicenter study of patients under 5 years of age treated for a neurosurgical condition from January 2019 to December 2021 in Libreville. Results. Of the 4811 hospitalized children, 130 met the inclusion criteria (prevalence of 2.7%) and 15 were excluded for incomplete records. The average age was 13.1 months. The age group of 28 days-1 year was the most observed. The sex ratio was 1.3. Pregnancies were poorly followed in 72.2% of cases. Malformative neurosurgical pathologies accounted for 63.5% of cases. Hydrocephalus was the most observed in 71.2%. Of the 115 children, 71 received surgical treatment, a rate of 61.7% and the overall mortality rate was 6.1%. In the group of children with congenital malformation, 8.2% had not been treated, the mortality rate was 8.2%. Short-term complications were dominated by infections. Conclusion. Neurosurgical pathologies are frequent in our context. Immediate care remains essential, therefore requiring a cutting-edge technical platform to improve the short-term or even medium- and long-term evolution of these conditions.

Intensive care unit deaths among neurosurgery patients in a tertiary hospital in South Western Nigeria

Neurosurgical patients are the most critical ICU admissions. While advancements in neurosurgical ICUs (NICU) have improved outcomes of care globally, ICU mortality remains a major clinical issue in developing nations. This study evaluates ICU mortalities of neurosurgical patients in a general ICU setting at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. Method: Case records of neurosurgery patients who died in the ICU of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, South-Western, Nigeria from June 2012 to May 2022 were reviewed. Simple descriptive statistics of data on demographics, clinical diagnoses, management and outcome were done. Results: Mortality rate was 38.9% (84 of 216 admissions). Males were 67(79.8%) and the mean age was 41.5years (Range: 2-85years). The average duration of ICU stay was 3.5days (Range: 30minutes-20days). Most patients had severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (62, 73.8%). This was followed by cerebrovascular diseases (12, 14.3%) and brain tumours (6, 7.1%). Two had brain abscess. One patient each had mixed subacute/chronic subdural haematoma and severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Of the 69 whose case files were found, 7(10.1%) had a diagnosis of brainstem death before eventual 'final' death after an average of 13.5 additional hours on mechanical life support. The identified secondary causes of death included raised ICP, sepsis, primary surgical haemorrhage, seizures, acute kidney injury, malignant hypertension, poor glycaemic control and aggressive blood pressure lowering. Only 1 patient had autopsy. Conclusion: Most ICU mortalities among neurosurgical patients were from severe TBI. The establishment of NICU is necessary to improve outcome of care of neurosurgical patients

Traitement chirurgical du Mal de Pott et de ses séquelles au Centre Hospitalier de l'Ordre de Malte Dakar / Surgical treatm ent of Pott's diseaseand its sequelae at the Hospital of the Order of Malta/Daka

Introduction. Evaluer les résultats du traitement chirurgical du Mal de Pott et de ses séquelles au Centre hospitalier de l'ordre de Malte de Dakar. Patients et méthodes. Nous présentons les résultats préliminaires d'une série consécutive de 23 patients (13 hommes et 10 femmes) d'âge moyen de 32,35 ans [6 ­70 ans] présentant des Maux de Pott ou de leurs séquelles nécessitant un traitement chirurgical. L'échelle d'incapacité d'Oswestry, l'échelle visuelle analogique et le score ASIA ont été utilisés pour l'évaluation clinique. Les radiographies pré opératoires, post opératoires et au recul ont été utilisés pour les résultats anatomiques. Tous ces patients ont été opérés selon trois stratégies opératoires sur une période de 67 mois (Avril 2014- Novembre 2019). Nous avons réalisé une laminectomie arthrodèse postérieure dans 52,2% ; une laminectomie plus OTP et arthrodèse postérieure dans 43,5% ; une discectomie et hémicorporectomie avec arthrodèse antérieure par plaque vissée de Roy Camille à l'étage cervical dans 4,3%. Résultats. La symptomatologie était dominée par la douleur rachidienne, la cyphose et les troubles neurologiques. La cyphose post opératoire était significativement améliorée (la moyenne passe de 48,52° en pré opératoire à 17,09° en post opératoire). On a obtenu 100% de fusion vertébrale. On note une nette amélioration de la douleur rachidienne (avec une baisse au recul de 55,44 points pour l'OID et de 5,66 pour l'EVA) ; 78,3% des patients étaient très satisfaits, 17,4% satisfaits et 4,3% mécontents. Conclusion. Le traitement chirurgical du Mal de Pott et de ses séquelles a fortement amélioré les rachis au Centre hospitalier de l'Ordre de Malte.

Introduction. To evaluate the results of the surgical treatment of Pott's disease and its sequelae at the Hospital Center of the Order of Malta in Dakar. Patients and methods. We present the preliminary results of a consecutive series of 23 patients (13 men and 10 women) with an average age of 32.35 years [6-70 years] presenting with Pott's disease or its sequelae requiring treatment. surgical treatment. Oswestry Disability Scale, Visual Analogue Scale and ASIA score were used for clinical assessment. Preoperative, postoperative and followup radiographs were used for anatomical results. All these patients were operated according to three operating strategies over a period of 67 months (April 2014- November 2019). We performed posterior laminectomy-arthrodesis in 52.2%; laminectomy plus OTP and posterior arthrodesis in 43.5%; discectomy and hemicorpectomy with anterior arthrodesis by Roy Camille screwed plate at the cervical level in 4.3%. Results. The symptomatology was dominated by spinal pain, kyphosis and neurological disorders. Postoperative kyphosis was significantly improved (the average goes from 48.52° preoperatively to 17.09° postoperatively). We got 100% spinal fusion. There is a clear improvement in spinal pain (with a drop at follow-up of 55.44 points for the OID and 5.66 for the EVA); 78.3% of patients were very satisfied, 17.4% satisfied and 4.3% dissatisfied. Conclusion. The surgical treatment of Pott's disease and its sequelae greatly improved the spines at the Hospital Center of the Order of Malta.

The application of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in selective dorsal neurotomy for primary premature ejaculation: a prospective single-center study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Selective dorsal neurotomy (SDN) is a surgical treatment for primary premature ejaculation (PE), but there is still no standard surgical procedure for selecting the branches of the dorsal penile nerves to be removed. We performed this study to explore the value of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) of the penile sensory-evoked potential (PSEP) for standard surgical procedures in SDN. One hundred and twenty primary PE patients undergoing SDN were selected as the PE group and 120 non-PE patients were selected as the normal group. The PSEP was monitored and compared between the two groups under both natural and general anesthesia (GA) states. In addition, patients in the PE group were randomly divided into the IONM group and the non-IONM group. During SDN surgery, PSEP parameters of the IONM group were recorded and analyzed. The differences in PE-related outcome measurements between the perioperative period and 3 months' postoperation were compared for the PE patients, and the differences in effectiveness and complications between the IONM group and the non-IONM group were compared. The results showed that the average latency of the PSEP in the PE group was shorter than that in the normal group under both natural and GA states (P < 0.001). Three months after surgery, the significant effective rates in the IONM and non-IONM groups were 63.6% and 34.0%, respectively (P < 0.01), and the difference in complications between the two groups was significant (P < 0.05). IONM might be useful in improving the short-term therapeutic effectiveness and reducing the complications of SDN.

An expandable chamber for safe brain retraction: new technologies in the field of transcranial endoscopic surgery / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Neurosurgery is a highly specialized field: it often involves surgical manipulation of noble structures and cerebral retraction is frequently necessary to reach deep-seated brain lesions. There are still no reliable methods preventing possible retraction complications. The objective of this study was to design work chambers well suited for transcranial endoscopic surgery while providing safe retraction of the surrounding brain tissue. The chamber is designed to be inserted close to the intracranial point of interest; once it is best placed it can be opened. This should guarantee an appreciable workspace similar to that of current neurosurgical procedures. The experimental aspect of this study involved the use of a force sensor to evaluate the pressures exerted on the brain tissue during the retraction phase. Following pterional craniotomy, pressure measurements were made during retraction with the use of a conventional metal spatula with different inclinations. Note that, although the force values necessary for retraction and exerted on the spatula by the neurosurgeon are the same, the local pressure exerted on the parenchyma at the edge of the spatula at different inclinations varied greatly. A new method of cerebral retraction using a chamber retractor (CR) has been designed to avoid any type of complication due to spatula edge overpressures and to maintain acceptable pressure values exerted on the parenchyma.

Application of ulnar nerve diameter changes examined by HRUS in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the value of high-resolution ultrasound the diagnosis and prognosis of cubital tunnel syndrome.@*METHODS@#From January 2018 to June 2019, 47 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were treated with ulnar nerve release and anterior subcutaneous transposition. There were 41 males and 6 females, aged from 27 to 73 years old. There were 31 cases on the right, 15 cases on the left, and 1 case on both sides. The diameter of ulnar nerve was measured by high-resolution ultrasound pre-and post-operatively, and measured directly during the operation. The recovery status of the patients was evaluated by the trial standard of ulnar nerve function assessment, and the satisfaction of the patients was assessed.@*RESULTS@#All the 47 cases were followed up for an average of 12 months and the incisions healed well. The diameter of ulnar nerve at the compression level was (0.16±0.04) cm pre-operatively, and the diameter of ulnar nerve was (0.23±0.04) cm post-operatively. The evaluation of ulnar nerve function:excellent in 16 cases, good in 18 cases and fair in 13 cases. Twelve months post-operatively, 28 patients were satisfied, 10 patients were general and 9 patients were dissatisfied.@*CONCLUSION@#The preoperative examination of ulnar nerve by high-resolution ultrasound is consistent with the intuitive measurement during operation, and the result of postoperative examination of ulnar nerve by high-resolution ultrasound is consistent with follow-up results. High-resolution ultrasound is an effective auxiliary method for the diagnosis and treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Neurosurgery in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review

Alcohol abuse has impacts on public health worldwide. Conservative treatment to achieve abstinence consists of detoxification combined with psychotherapy and the use of drugs, but it is estimated that only half of the individuals achieve long-term abstinence with the available treatments. In this sense, neurosurgery appears as a therapeutic proposal. The present study aimed to gather information about the circuitry related to alcohol use disorder (AUD), to describe possible surgical targets, and to establish whether a surgical approach could be a safe and effective treatment option. A systematic review of the literature was conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. The 14 selected articles analyze ablative operations, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and a new procedure in which the patient is first submitted to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to evaluate their response, and later an implant is surgically positioned on the evaluated target to obtain more lasting results. The most relevant outcomes were found when the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) were used as targets, demonstrating a large reduction in alcohol intake and even its cessation. However, important side effects were observed, such as psychotic symptoms, right frontal venous infarction, seizures after implantation in the ACC and a hypomanic period after DBS in the NAcc, which could be reversed. Due to the lack of studies involving the surgical treatment of AUD, more clinical trials are needed to compare targets, to assess surgical techniques, and to estimate the safety of these techniques.

Conciencia transoperatoria en personas operadas mediante craneotomía despierto / Intraoperative awareness in awake craniotomy patients

La craneotomía con paciente despierto (CPD) demanda un manejo multidisciplinario particular debido al componente de conciencia transoperatoria que aporta beneficios en la resección tumoral y preservación neurológica, pero también implica el manejo de los riesgos asociados a la necesidad de cooperación del paciente durante el procedimiento. En este trabajo se describen los beneficios y las complicaciones en pacientes operados bajo la modalidad de CPD. Además, se abordan los retos documentados tanto para el equipo profesional a cargo, como para los pacientes, los cuales tienen un rol activo durante la cirugía. En ese sentido, se exponen los criterios para la selección, preparación psicológica y neuropsicológica tanto previo como durante la cirugía. A su vez, se proponen las consideraciones para lograr un procedimiento exitoso y evitar las posibles secuelas psicológicas a largo plazo, como insumos para la protocolización de este tipo de procedimientos con base en nuestra experiencia.

Awake craniotomy (AC) requires a multidisciplinary management due to trans operative awareness, which benefits the tumor resection and neurologic preservation, but it also implies risks for the patient cooperation during the procedure. This article describes the benefits and complications in patients operated under AC. Besides, it approaches the documented challenges for both the professional team and patients, who have an active role during surgery. In this regard, the criteria for selection and psychological and neuropsychological preparation before and during surgery are set out. It suggests considerations to achieve a successful procedure and to avoid possible long- term psychological sequelae, as a resource for the protocol of this type of procedures based on our experience.

Gestion de la qualité des soins au service d'acceuil des urgences (SAU) de l'hôpital du Mali: enjeux et perspectives / Management of the quality of care at the emergency reception service (SAU) of the hospital of Mali : challenges et perspectives

Introduction : La Neurochirurgie au Mali reste une discipline relativement jeune par rapport aux autres spécialités chirurgicales. Le but de ce travail est de décrire le parcours des urgences neurochirurgicales admises au SAU de l'hôpital du Mali.Patient et méthodes : C'est une étude prospective transversale analytique qui s'est déroulée au SAU de l'hôpital du Mali sur une durée de 02 mois. Sont inclus dans cette étude, tous les patients admis au SAU et dont on a eu recours à un avis neurochirurgical. Nous avons recensé et analysé les données épidémiologiques, cliniques, paracliniques et thérapeutiques chez 82 patients. Résultats : Sur un total de 152 patients admis au SAU, il y'avait 82 cas pour lesquels un avis neurochirurgical a été demandé soit 53, 95 % des admissions. Parmi ces 82 patients, il y avait 50 cas de traumatismes crâniens, 20 cas de traumatismes du rachis, 08 cas d'accident vasculaire cérébral hémorragique (AVCH), 03 cas de suppurations intracrâniennes et 01 cas de tumeur cérébrale. Nous avons opéré 41 patients (50%) et mis en observation 32 patients (39,02%). Malgré nos efforts, 09 patients sont sortis contre avis médical ou par faute de moyens. Nous avons noté 03 cas de décès. Conclusion : La qualité des soins et l'accès aux soins sont très souvent considérés par les patients comme les éléments essentiels de la performance d'un système de santé. En tant que Etablissement Public Hospitalier (EPH) de niveau 3, il doit bénéficier d'un plateau technique adéquat et d'un personnel médical et paramédical suffisant afin d'assurer une prise en charge correcte des patients

Introduction : Neurosurgery in Mali remains a relatively young discipline compared to other surgical specialties.The aim of this study is to describe the course of neurosurgical emergencies in "Hôpital du Mali". Patients and methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional analytical study that took place at the emergency department of "hôpital du Mali" over a period of 02 months. Are included in this study, all the patients admitted in emergency for whom neurosurgical advice was sought. We identified and analyzed epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic data in 82 patients.Results: Out of a total of 152 patients admitted to our emergency unit, there were 82 cases for which a neurosurgical opinion was requested, ie 53.95% of admissions. Among these 82 patients, there were 50 cases of head trauma, 20 cases of spinal trauma, 08 cases of brain stroke, 03 cases of intracranial suppurations and 01 case of brain tumor. We operated on 41 patients (50%) and observed 32 patients (39.02%). Despite our efforts, 09 patients were released against medical advice or for lack of funds. We noted 03 cases of death. Conclusion: The quality of care and access to care are very often seen by patients as essential elements of the performance of a health system. As a level 3 public hospital, it must have an adequate technical platform and sufficient medical and paramedical staff to ensure correct patient care

A tropical tertiary neurosurgical center response to COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on neurosurgical practices

Background: COVID-19 pandemic may decrease the quantum of care for patients with neurosurgical conditions. Objectives: To determine outpatient clinic (OPC) patient load, neurosurgical procedures volume and disease spectrum following the institution of a new care protocol during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and compare with previous practice data in our institution. Methods: A monocentric retrospective analysis of all patients requiring neurosurgical care over a 2-year period. Results: There was a 42.4% reduction in OPC attendance and 41.8% reduction in surgical procedures in 2020 compared to 2019. There was >60 percent reduction in the volume of surgery that was done at the onset and peak of the pandemic, but this has normalized in November 2020 despite the resurgence of COVID-19, after the institution of a new care protocol. Neurotrauma procedures (29.6%) were the most common neurosurgical operation in 2020 while congenital malformation surgery (37.3%) was the most common procedure performed in 2019. Conclusions: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic initially led to significant decrease in quantum and spectra of patients who presented at the OPC and for neurosurgical procedures. Instituted local protocol and Teleclinics, if added to clinical care armamentarium, may help to improve on the low patient attendance during pandemics

La neuroendoscopia: una técnica revolucionaria en el campo de la neurocirugía / Neuroendoscopy: a revoluciotionary technique in neurosurgery

La neuroendoscopia es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo que se desarrolló a principios del siglo pasado y tiene importancia en el campo de la neurocirugía, representa un método innovador ya que aporta una amplia visualización de las estructuras anatómicas con mínimo traumatismo del tejido nervioso, contribuyendo al diagnóstico y tratamiento de diversas afecciones intra y extracerebral. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica con el propósito de identificar, analizar y describir algunas patologías neuroquirúrgicas que se han tratado bajo neuroendoscopia, así como los aportes más relevantes en cirugía pediátrica y de columna, con el fin de exponer el impacto que ha tenido esta técnica en el desarrollo de la cirugía moderna.

Neuroendoscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure that was developed at the beginning of the last century and plays an important role in neurosurgery. It is an innovative method since it enables a broad visualization of the anatomical structures with minimal damage to the nervous tissue, contributing to the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of intra and extracerebral conditions. A bibliographic search was carried out to identify, analyze and describe some neurological pathologies that have been treated using neuroendoscopic surgery. The most relevant contributions to pediatric and spine surgery are also outlined to show the impact that this technique has had in the progress of modern surgery.

Clinical Applications of Additive Manufacturing Models in Neurosurgery: a Systematic Review

Introduction Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies provide a practical and anatomical way to reproduce precise tailored-made models of the patients and of the diseases. Those models can allow surgical planning, besides training and surgical simulation in the treatment of neurosurgical diseases. Objective The aim of the present article is to review the scenario of the development of different types of available 3D printing technologies, the processes involved in the creation of biomodels, and the application of those advances in the neurosurgical field. Methods We searched for papers that addressed the clinical application of 3D printing in neurosurgery on the PubMed, Ebsco, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct databases. All papers related to the use of any additivemanufacturing technique were included in the present study. Results Studies involving 3D printing in neurosurgery are concentrated on threemain areas: (1) creation of anatomical tailored-made models for planning and training; (2) development of devices and materials for the treatment of neurosurgical diseases, and (3) biological implants for tissues engineering. Biomodels are extremely useful in several branches of neurosurgery, and their use in spinal, cerebrovascular, endovascular, neuro-oncological, neuropediatric, and functional surgeries can be highlighted. Conclusions Three-dimensional printing technologies are an exclusive way for direct replication of specific pathologies of the patient. It can identify the anatomical variation and provide a way for rapid construction of training models, allowing the medical resident and the experienced neurosurgeon to practice the surgical steps before the operation.

Microsurgical Resection of Glioblastoma in a Patient Infected with Covid-19: A Case Report

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected a large number of patients in all countries, overwhelming healthcare systems worldwide. In this scenario, surgical procedures became restricted, causing unacceptable delays in the treatment of certain pathologies, such as glioblastoma. Regarding this tumor with high morbidity and mortality, early surgical treatment is essential to increase the survival and quality of life of these patients. Association between COVID-19 and neurosurgical procedures is quite scarce in the literature, with a few reported cases. In the present study, we present a rare case of a patient undergoing surgical resection of glioblastoma with COVID-19.

Tumores de tronco encefálico: reflexión moral sobre la conducta quirúrgica / Brainstem tumors: moral reflection on surgery management / Tumores do tronco encefálico: reflexão moral sobre conduta cirúrgica

Resumen Los tumores de tronco encefálico representan alrededor del 10% al 20% de los tumores del sistema nervioso central en niños. El glioma intrínseco difuso es el más frecuente (80% de los casos) de este grupo de tumores, que se caracterizan por la mala evolución y una sobrevida corta. El diagnóstico se puede hacer por resonancia magnética (con espectroscopía) o por biopsia estereotáxica, un método controvertido, que permite el estudio inmunohistoquímico y molecular del tumor. La reflexión moral se focaliza en la indicación de biopsia para pacientes vulnerables y con mal pronóstico. Se analiza la cirugía desde el punto de vista ético, con base en el mejor interés del niño y en la actitud altruista del paciente y su familia.

Abstract Brainstem tumors represent about 10% to 20% of central nervous system tumors in children. Diffuse intrinsic glioma is the most frequent (80% of cases) in this group of tumors, characterized by poor prognosis and short survival. Diagnosis can be made by magnetic resonance (with spectroscopy) or by stereotactic biopsy, a controversial method that allows immunohistochemical and molecular study of the tumor. Moral reflection focuses on the indication of biopsy for vulnerable patients with a poor prognosis. Surgery is analyzed from an ethical point of view based on the best interests of the child and altruistic attitude of patient and family.

Resumo Os tumores de tronco encefálico representam cerca de 10% a 20% dos tumores do sistema nervoso central em crianças. O glioma intrínseco difuso é o mais frequente (80% dos casos) desse grupo de tumores, caracterizados pela má evolução e por uma curta sobrevida. O diagnóstico pode ser feito por ressonância magnética (com espectroscopia) ou por biópsia estereotáxica, um método controverso, que permite o estudo imunohistoquímico e molecular do tumor. A reflexão moral se concentra na indicação de biópsia para pacientes vulneráveis e com mau prognóstico. A cirurgia é analisada do ponto de vista ético com base no melhor interesse da criança e na atitude altruísta do paciente e da família.

Utility of Intraoperative Ultrasound in Neurosurgery

Objective The purpose of the present study is to demonstrate the usefulness of intraoperative ultrasound guidance as a technique for the assessment, in real time, of tumor resection and as a navigation aid during intra-axial brain lesion removal on patients admitted in the Neurosurgical Department at the Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela, in 2018. Methods A total of 10 patients were enrolled, each with intra-axial brain lesions with no previous neurosurgical procedures and a mean age of 49 years old, ranging from 29 to 59 years old. Results A male predominance was observed with 7 cases (70%) over 3 female cases (30%). Six patients had lesions in the dominant hemisphere. The frontal lobe was the most commonly affected,with 5 cases, followed by the parietal lobe,with 4 cases. After craniotomy, ultrasound evaluation was performed previously to dural opening, during tumor resection and after tumor removal. The mean tumor size in axial, coronal and sagittal views was 3.72 cm, 3.08 cm and 3.00 cm, respectively, previously to dural opening with intraoperative ultrasound. The average tumor depth was 1.73 cm from the cerebral cortex. The location and removal duration from the beginning of the approach (ultrasound usage time) was 83.60 minutes, and the average surgery duration was 201 minutes. Navigation with intraoperative ultrasound served to resect intra-axial tumors more precisely and safely. There was no postoperative complication associated with the surgery in this series of cases. Conclusions Intraoperative ultrasound guidance for intra-axial subcortical tumor resection is a technique that serves as a surgical and anatomical orientation tool.

Impresión 3D para planificación de abordaje neuroquirúrgico - Experiencia en el Nordeste Argentino / 3D printing for neurosurgical approach planning - Experience in Northeast Argentina

Introducción: El entrenamiento y la cuidadosa planificación preoperatoria son importantes para el éxito de cualquier procedimiento neuroquirúrgico. Un modelo 3D de una lesión en base de cráneo ha probado ser de especial utilidad en evidenciar la disposición espacial específica del tumor, y sus relaciones, agregando factores que optimizan la planificación quirúrgica. Objetivos: Emular la práctica de Impresión 3D en nuestro medio y analizar su utilidad para la planificación quirúrgica. Presentación del caso: Paciente femenino de 41 años que concurre a la consulta por trastornos endócrinos, campimétricos y cefalea. Al examen paciente estaba lúcida, con pupilas intermedias hipo reactivas, hemianopsia bitemporal, movilizando 4 miembros sin déficit. En RM de cerebro se observa lesión espacio ocupante selar-supraselar con aspecto multilobulado, que invade cisterna interpeduncular y desplaza estructuras del tercer ventrículo. Intervención: La paciente fue sometida a cirugía resectiva por abordaje subfrontal, logrando resección macroscópica completa. Evolucionando posteriormente con GOS 5. Conclusión: La realización de modelos en impresión 3D provee importantes perspectivas para el abordaje a la lesión y constituyen una importante herramienta de bajo costo para neurocirujanos en formación. Destacamos la importancia de la interdisciplinariedad para el arribo a resultados favorables.

Introduction: Effective surgical training and careful preoperative planning are important for success in neurosurgical procedures. As a 3D printed skull base lesion model shows the specific spatial arrangement of a tumor, and its anatomical relations, we believe it could play an important role in surgical planning. Objectives: Emulate the practice of 3D Printing in our environment and analyze its usefulness for surgical planning. Case presentation: 41-year-old female patient who attends the consultation for endocrine, visual field disorders and headache. On examination, the patient was lucid, with hypo reactive intermediate pupils, bitemporal hemianopia, mobilizing 4 extremities without deficit. In MRI of the brain, a selar-suprasellar space-occupying lesion with a multilobed appearance is observed, which invades the interpeduncular cistern and displaces structures of the third ventricle. Intervention: The patient underwent resective surgery through a subfrontal approach, achieving complete macroscopic resection. Evolving later with GOS 5 Conclusion: 3D printing models provide to us important of perspectives for the approach to the lesion and constitute an important low-cost tool for neurosurgeons in training. We highlight the importance of interdisciplinarity for the arrival of favorable results.

¿Anestesia halogenada o anestesia total endovenosa en neurocirugía? / Volatile or total intravenous anesthesia for neurosurgery?

Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol/remifentanil appears in the literatura as a good option for neurosurgical patients who have increased intracranial pressure (ICP),risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), need for neuromonitoring, and in those with impaired brain self-regulation. On the other hand, in patients with normal neurological status, normal ICP, a technique with volatile (halogenated) agents plus an opiiid can be used. This review describes two anesthetic techniques available for use in neurosurgery, highlighting the neurophysiological changes, advantages and disadvantages of each technique. MATERIAL AND METHOD: PubMed search engine was used for bibliographic search. DISCUSSION: The search for an ideal anesthetic in neurosurgery is still a matter of debate. There are numerous investigations aimed at finding an optimal agent that ensure the coupling between cerebral flow (CBF) and metabolism, keeping self-regulation intact without increasing the CBF and intracerebral pressure (ICP). CONCLUSIONS: Both anesthetic techniques, TIVA and volatile agents (halogenated), can be used in neurosurgical procedures and should provide neuroprotection, brain relaxation and a rapid awakening.

La anestesia total endovenosa (TIVA) con propofol/remifentanilo aparece en la literatura como una buena opción para pacientes neuroquirúrgicos que tienen aumento de la presión intracraneana (PIC), riesgo de náuseas y vómitos posoperatorios (NVPO), necesidad de neuromonitoreo, y en aquellos con alteración de la autorregulación cerebral. Por otra parte, en pacientes con estado neurológico normal, PIC normal puede usarse una técnica con agentes volátiles (halogenados) más un opioide. Esta revisión describe dos técnicas anestésicas disponibles para su uso en neurocirugía, destaca los cambios neurofisiológicos, ventajas y desventajas de cada técnica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Para búsqueda bibliográfica se usó buscador PubMed. DISCUSIÓN: La búsqueda de un anestésico ideal en neurocirugía sigue siendo tema de debate. Existen numerosas investigaciones destinadas a buscar un agente óptimo que asegure el acoplamiento entre flujo sanguíneo cerebral (FSC) y metabolismo, manteniendo la autorregulación intacta sin aumentar el FSC y presión intracerebral (PIC). CONCLUSIONES: Ambas técnicas anestésicas, TIVA y agentes volátiles (halogenados), pueden ser usadas en procedimientos neuroquirúrgicos y deben brindar neuroprotección, relajación cerebral y un despertar rápido.

Clinical applications of neurolinguistics in neurosurgery / 医学前沿

The protection of language function is one of the major challenges of brain surgery. Over the past century, neurosurgeons have attempted to seek the optimal strategy for the preoperative and intraoperative identification of language-related brain regions. Neurosurgeons have investigated the neural mechanism of language, developed neurolinguistics theory, and provided unique evidence to further understand the neural basis of language functions by using intraoperative cortical and subcortical electrical stimulation. With the emergence of modern neuroscience techniques and dramatic advances in language models over the last 25 years, novel language mapping methods have been applied in the neurosurgical practice to help neurosurgeons protect the brain and reduce morbidity. The rapid advancements in brain-computer interface have provided the perfect platform for the combination of neurosurgery and neurolinguistics. In this review, the history of neurolinguistics models, advancements in modern technology, role of neurosurgery in language mapping, and modern language mapping methods (including noninvasive neuroimaging techniques and invasive cortical electroencephalogram) are presented.