Microendoscopic Tailored Spine Decompression as a Less-Invasive, Stability-Preserving Surgical Option to Instrumented Correction in Complex Spine Deformities: A Preliminary Multicenter Experience.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a less-invasive posterior spine decompression in complex deformities. We studied the potential advantages of the microendoscopic approach, supplemented by the piezoelectric technique, to decompress both sides of the vertebral canal from a one-sided approach to preserve spine stability, ensuring adequate neural decompression. METHODS: A series of 32 patients who underwent a tailored stability-preserving microendoscopic decompression for lumbar spine degenerative disease was retrospectively analyzed. The patients underwent selective bilateral decompression via a monolateral approach, without the skeletonization of the opposite side. For omo- and the contralateral decompression, we used a microscopic endoscopy-assisted approach, with the assistance of piezosurgery, to work safely near the exposed dura mater. Piezoelectric osteotomy is extremely effective in bone removal while sparing soft tissues. RESULTS: In all patients, adequate decompression was achieved with a high rate of spine stability preservation. The approach was essential in minimizing the opening, therefore reducing the risk of spine instability. Piezoelectric osteotomy was useful to safely perform the undercutting of the base of the spinous process for better contralateral vision and decompression without damaging the exposed dura. In all patients, a various degree of neurologic improvement was observed, with no immediate spine decompensation. CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases, the tailored microendoscopic monolateral approach for bilateral spine decompression with the assistance of piezosurgery is adequate and safe and shows excellent results in terms of spine decompression and stability preservation.

Ipsilateral brain cavernoma under scleroderma plaque: a case report.

Scleroderma is a rare disease of unknown etiology, which is characterized by thickening and hardening of skin due to an increased collagen production. A 44-year-old female patient with a scleroderma on the scalp known by our department, also presented an ipsilateral brain lesion since 2015, which was showing growth without any clinical symptomatology and the patient wanted the lesion to be removed. This atypical lesion underneath the scleroderma shows that diagnosis can be missed without brain imaging and biopsy.

The High Cervical Anterolateral Retropharyngeal Approach.

The first high cervical anterolateral retropharyngeal (HCALR) approach was reported by Stevenson et al. for a clivus chordoma in 1966. Anterior approaches to the spine have often been developed in response to problems presented by tuberculous spondylitis. This approach is indicated in anterior high cervical spine cases such as tumour resection, abscess drainage, atlantoaxial subluxation; decompression and stabilization. To our knowledge, only 21 papers in the literature have mentioned this approach. Its main advantage over posterior approaches is easy positioning and minimal need for soft tissue dissection. The HCALR approach provides wide exposure (of the anterior upper cervical spine, lower clivus and brainstem region) and feasibility for instrumentation. The limited space in which important neurovascular and visceral structures course and overlap contributes to the complexity of the anatomy. Navigating this intricate anatomy is essential for the safety of this approach and has been a drawback for utilization of the retropharyngeal corridor. This approach is one of the safest and most effective methods available to access the craniocervical junction. The benefits clearly outweigh the risks and complications.

The Far Lateral Approach to the Craniovertebral Junction: An Update.

INTRODUCTION: Since 1972, when Hammon first described the far lateral approach (FLA) for treatment of vertebral artery aneurysms, it has undergone numerous modifications, including drilling of the occipital condyle, removal of the laminas of upper cervical vertebrae and so on. Also, the range of indications has increased exponentially. OBJECTIVE: In this paper we discuss state-of-the-art advances in the FLA, such as promising minimally invasive variants where an endoscope is used, and many others. METHODS: We reviewed all articles touching upon the FLA in the modern era (from the year 2000 onward) and selected those that presented a significant contribution to the development of the relevant approach. The database used was PubMed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We found several new caveats not mentioned in other reviews or book chapters. The FLA is an ever-changing field of battle where the common and ultimate goals are to minimize the risk of injuring the major vessel in the region-the vertebral artery-and to provide such an angle of attack upon the tumours in the anterior and anterolateral foramen magnum that it is feasible to ensure gross total resection. This paper is an update on the knowledge about this approach, which we feel is necessary.

Extreme Lateral Approach to the Craniovertebral Junction: An Update.

INTRODUCTION: The term 'extreme lateral approach' (ELA) was first introduced by Sen and Sekhar relatively recently (in 1990). Its definition varies and remains controversial, but it generally entails more aggressive bony removal than the far lateral approach (FLA). GOAL: In this paper we review the relevant literature and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. We propose methods to manage the complications resulting from the more invasive character of the ELA. Some modern trends regarding how to definitely distinguish the ELA from the FLA are also presented. METHODS: Using the PubMed database, literature was collected on the relevant topics and subsequently reviewed. All up-to-date tips and tricks were carefully gathered, and current morbidity and mortality rates were obtained, as well as further perspectives. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The morbidity associated with the ELA remains higher than that associated with the FLA, but the mortality nowadays is comparable. The ELA undoubtedly is a challenging procedure requiring deep insight into the relevant anatomy and its normal variants.

Insights into the Past and Future of Atlantoaxial Stabilization Techniques.

Over the past century, atlantoaxial stabilization techniques have improved considerably. To our knowledge there has been a scarcity of articles published that focus specifically on the history of atlantoaxial stabilization. Examining the history of instrumentation allows us to evaluate the impact of early influences on current modern stabilization techniques. It also provides inspiration to further develop the techniques and prevents repetition of mistakes. This paper reviews the evolution of C1-C2 instrumentation techniques over time and provides insights into the future of these practices.We did an extensive literature search in PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar, using the following search terms: 'medical history', 'atlantoaxial', 'C1/C2', 'stabilization', 'instrumentation', 'fusion', 'arthrodesis', 'grafting', 'neuroimaging', 'biomechanical testing', 'anatomical considerations' and 'future'.Many different entry zones have been tested, as well as different constructs, from initial attempts with use of silk threads to use of hooks and rod-wire techniques, and handling of bone grafts, which eventually led to the development of the advanced screw-rod constructs that are currently in use. Much of this evolution is attributable to advancements in neuroimaging, a wide range of new materials available and an improvement in biomechanical understanding in relation to anatomical structures.

Intracranial angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma with Hodgkin lymphoma

@#Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare soft tissue tumour of uncertain differentiation and low metastatic potential, which occurs predominantly in children and young adults. It occurs mostly within the extremities, trunk, head and neck. We report the case of a 32-year-old female that was operated in our hospital in 2016 and twice in 2017. The patient had headaches and neck pain initially in 2016. We discuss the radiographic and histologic features initially found and the findings that ultimately led to the diagnosis of AFH. The patient had a past history of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord following nitrous oxide anesthesia: A systematic review of cases.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to subacute combined degeneration (SCD). Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an anesthetic which oxidizes the cobalt ion of vitamin B12, interfering with its function as a coenzyme. In this study, we conduct a systematic review of reported cases of SCD following nitrous oxide anesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted, and information about patient characteristics, symptomatology, clinical work-up, and treatment was extracted from eligible articles. Univariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of poor neurological recovery following SCD. RESULTS: 32 studies, reporting 37 cases of nitrous oxide-induced SCD, were included through the screening process. These cases included 21 male patients and 16 female patients, with an average age of 50.4 years (SD 17.6). An etiology for subclinical B12 deficiency was determined in 30 reports; of these, 25 were due to vitamin malabsorption secondary to a gastrointestinal disorder. Duration of nitrous oxide exposure was described in 19 reports, and ranged from 30 min to 11 h. Univariate analysis failed to find an association between post-operative recovery and age (p = 0.60), sex (p = 0.46), positive MRI findings (p = 0.47), post-operative serum B12 (p = 1.00), post-operative hemoglobin (p = 0.18), type of surgery (p = 0.58), or post-operative high mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.13). CONCLUSION: In patients with postsurgical myelopathy, surgeons should evaluate B12 status and consider the possibility that nitrous oxide could cause a subclinical B12 deficiency to become overt, particularly in patients with malabsorptive GI comorbidities. Treatment with B12 in this population can result in significant improvement of neurological function.

Surgical approach for suprasellar hemangioblastomas preserving the pituitary stalk: Review of the literature and report of a further case.

Hemangioblastomas (HBLs) are challenging vascular tumours with rare suprasellar location Surgery is recommended in patients with visual impairment, endocrine disorders or hydrocephalus. Surgical removal of pituitary stalk HBLs is challenging due to their location and high vascularity. Our narrative review was guided by the question: "what is the more suitable surgical approach to excise a suprasellar HBL?". Pertinent English literature was scrutinized from database inception to October 2016. Eighteen articles matched our selection criteria. Among the surgically treated patients, 4 were treated through a trans-sphenoidal (TS) approach, 13 through a transcranial approach (2 of them after TS failure). Five other cases were treated with radiotherapy (adjuvant in 3 cases) and 9 patients were managed with simple observation and/or medical treatment. We add a case of complete suprasellar HBL resection through an orbito-zygomatic (OZ) craniotomy with extradural anterior clinoidectomy (EAC). To achieve satisfactory oncologic results with acceptable morbidity for symptomatic suprasellar HBLs, complete tumour removal with pituitary stalk sparing should be attempted through an OZ craniotomy with EAC that provides adequate exposure of the tumour, its vascular supply and the adjacent neural structures.

Practises and controversies in the management of asymptomatic aneurysms: Results of an international survey.

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic aneurysms that are increasingly discovered on cranial diagnostic imaging are a growing management dilemma. Large-scale studies have shown that in most instances, conservative management is appropriate for the majority of patients with aneurysms less than 7 mm in maximum diameter. It is unclear whether international practise mirrors practise in these large trials. OBJECTIVE: To determine how neurosurgeons around the world manage patients with asymptomatic aneurysms. METHODS: Electronic survey of 283 clinicians managing patients with aneurysms using a 55-item questionnaire detailing characteristics of their experience, their hospitals and their present and future practises and insights regarding the management of patients with intracerebral aneurysms. RESULTS: The 203 neurosurgeons (72%) who responded had a median of 17 years of practise with aneurysms and managed a median of 25 aneurysms annually. The majority of neurosurgeons endorsed treatment of all asymptomatic aneurysms regardless of size. Only four out of 10 neurosurgeons would manage patients with 4 mm anterior communicating artery or middle cerebral artery aneurysms non-surgically, whereas fewer than 2% would conservatively manage asymptomatic patients with 10 or 16 mm aneurysms. Neurosurgeons were split as to the recommended techniques for asymptomatic aneurysms of 10 or 16 mm with about half of them electing clipping and half coiling for ACoA and nearly three quarters favouring clipping for the MCA aneurysm. Although international differences exist between Europe, North America and the rest of the world, most state that their choice of treatment related to decisions around what option would provide the best neurological outcome and prevention of long-term bleeding. CONCLUSION: Despite large trials supporting the management of small asymptomatic aneurysms, most neurosurgeons internationally chooses to treat them with surgery or endovascular means. Since clinicians use a number of factors beyond the maximum diameter when considering treatment options, future trials should consider these factors in their design.

International differences in the management of intracranial aneurysms: implications for the education of the next generation of neurosurgeons.

BACKGROUND: The publication of the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial rapidly changed the management of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The present and perceived future trends of aneurysm management have significant implications for patients and how we educate future cerebrovascular specialists. OBJECTIVE: To determine present perceived competencies of final-year neurosurgical residents who have just finished their residencies and to relate those to what practitioners from a variety of continents expect of these persons. The goal is to provide a basis for further discussion regarding the design of further educational programs in neurosurgery. METHODS: A 55-item questionnaire with 33 questions related to competencies and expectations of competency from final-year residents who have just finished residency was completed by 229 neurosurgeons and neuro-radiologists (81 % response rate) of mixed seniority from 45 countries. We used bivariate and descriptive analyses to determine future trends and geographic differences in cerebral aneurysm management as well as the educational implications on the future. RESULTS: More North Americans than those from the rest of the world are of the opinion that graduating residents are presently competent to perform basic cerebrovascular procedures like evacuation of a hematoma and clipping a simple 7-mm middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Extremely few graduating neurosurgical residents anywhere are presently capable of performing endovascular techniques for even the most basic of aneurysms. Most of those surveyed also believe that endovascular and open surgical management of aneurysms should be a part of residency training for all residents (70.4 and 88.7 %, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings have implications for the design of neurosurgical curricula for residents as well as for certification examinations and procedures. Specialty and educational organizations and those responsible for the education of future clinicians who will care for patients with cerebrovascular problems should adjust educational objectives and implement curricula and learning experiences that will ensure that cerebrovascular specialists are capable of providing the best care possible to the patient with an aneurysm, whether that be open surgery or endovascular management. These findings mean that organizations around the world will need to make these adjustments to the education of future specialists.

Global differences in the present and future management of cerebral aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: The publication of the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial and the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms rapidly changed the management of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage in many countries. Future trends of aneurysm management will have significant implications for patients, health systems, and how we educate future cerebrovascular specialists internationally. METHODS: We describe past, present, and future trends in the management of patients with cerebral aneurysms. We recorded responses from 283 neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists in 46 countries. We explored similarities and differences in the availability and use of endovascular and open techniques of aneurysm treatment, imaging, and follow-up techniques, effectiveness and limitations of currently available techniques. RESULTS: More European respondents report that their hospitals perform coiling and fewer report that they perform stenting. The proportions of coiling to clipping vary greatly in all regions. Respondents predicted that flow-diversion treatment of aneurysms with the use of stenting will show large increases and that coiling will show a mild decrease in Europe and North America and an increase in the rest of the world. Respondents predicted that although clipping will remain essential, it will significantly decrease in use during the next 5 years all over the world. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences exist in the management of cerebral aneurysms internationally, but the trends indicate that endovascular means of treating aneurysms will continue to increase in popularity globally. This report illustrates changes, which have significant economic and educational implications, that need to be addressed by organized neurosurgery in conjunction with industry partners.