Surgical treatment of secondary epilepsy after craniocerebral operation: A report of 25 cases / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the preoperative evaluation and operative indications for intractable secondary epilepsy after craniocerebral operation, and to summarize the experiences of second craniotomy for epileptogenic zone resection, so as to improve the treatment efficacy of epilepsy secondary to neurosurgery. Methods From Jan. 2005 to May 2012, a total of 25 patients with secondary epilepsy after craniocerebral operation were evaluated carefully by assessment of medical history and pre-operative video electroencephalography (VEEG) examination. Electroencephalography or implantation of subdural electrodes for localizing the epileptogenic zone was conducted in each patient during and after epileptic attack. The epileptogenic zone was confirmed by electroencephalography, MM and CT scanning before the second operation. The operation was performed along the original incision for complete exposure of the brain scar zone. After localization of the position and range of spike waves with cortical electrodes, the brain scar and epileptogenic focus were removed microscopically. After resection, re-examination was conducted with the cortical electrodes till brain wave rhythm became normal. Results No death or severe complication was found in the 25 patients. During a follow-up period of 6 months to 7 years, 18 patients were seizure free (Engel's class I), 5 patients were Engel's class II, and 2 patients were Engel's class III. No post-operative attack was found in 18 cases (72%), and 9 of them had their drugs withdrawn. Conclusion The medication effect of secondary epilepsy after craniocerebral operation is far from perfect, and second craniotomy could attain satisfactory results.