ABSTRACT
Epilepsy surgery is a well-established treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy, with awake craniotomy being used in certain cases to remove epileptogenic foci while preserving crucial brain functions. We are presenting the first reported case from Pakistan of a 19-year-old woman who underwent awake epilepsy surgery to treat cortical dysplasia. She had a history of generalized tonic-clonic seizures since her childhood and was referred to our clinic due to an increase in seizure frequency. EEG and MRI identified the epileptogenic focus in the right parieto-temporal region. The patient underwent a neuro-navigation guided awake craniotomy and an excision of the epileptogenic focus in the right parieto-temporal region. The procedure was carried out using a scalp block and dexmedetomidine for conscious sedation, enabling the patient to remain awake throughout the surgery. Intraoperative mapping and electrocorticography were used for complex multidisciplinary care. Post-resection corticography showed no spikes along the resected margins. The patient was discharged without any complications and remained free of symptoms a year after the surgery. Awake epilepsy surgery is a viable option for removing epileptogenic foci while preserving vital cognitive functions. However, it is seldom used in low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan. The successful outcome of this case underscores the need for greater awareness and availability of epilepsy surgery in resource-limited settings. Cost-effective measures, such as using small subdural strips for intraoperative localization, can be implemented.
ABSTRACT
Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type II) has the highest reported prevalence of difficult tracheal intubation among the seven known types of mucopolysaccharidoses. Despite improved difficult airway guidelines and equipment, conventional approaches may fail in some cases. A 10-year-old child with Hunter syndrome, was scheduled for multiple dental extractions. On the first visit, failed intubation was declared as per Difficult Airway Society guidelines in the surgical day-care suite of our institute and the procedure was postponed. The case was then planned to be handled in the main operating room with additional preparation and input from the paediatric otolaryngologist for possible tracheostomy, paediatric intensive care for postoperative need for ventilation, and difficult airway resource faculty for an unconventional approach-videolaryngoscope combined with fibreoptic bronchoscope-which resulted in safe administration of anaesthesia. This case illustrates the importance of meticulous planning in the management of previously failed airway.
