Craniotomy with Ridges: A Time and Cost-Efficient Technique for Unwavering Fixation of Bone Flap.

After advent of the power driven tools, the ease of surgeons and pace of surgery has been enhanced. Nowadays, most of the neurosurgeons are tend to use the motorized drills for elevating a bone flap to make a craniotomy. The bone cutting by the craniotome is wide and nonbeveled, which mandates the fixation of bone flap at closure, either by wiring, miniplates, or other fixation techniques. This not only lengthens the duration of surgery but also adds extra cost of miniplates to the patient. Here we are presenting a novel technique of elevating a bone flap where fixation at the end of surgery is not obligatory, without any risk of sinking of bone flap into the craniotomy defect.

Age estimation of living Indian individuals based on aspartic acid racemization from tooth biopsy specimen.

BACKGROUND: Age estimation in living individuals is imperative to amicably settle civil and criminal disputes. A biochemical method based on amino acid racemization was evaluated for age estimation of living Indian individuals. DESIGN: Caries-free maxillary/mandibular premolar teeth (n = 90) were collected from participants with age proof documents and divided into predefined nine age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentine biopsy from the labial aspect of the tooth crown was taken with an indigenously developed microtrephine. The samples were processed and subjected to gas chromatography. Dextrorotatory:levorotatory ratios were calculated, and a regression equation was formulated. RESULTS: Across all age groups, an error of 0 ± 4 years between protein racemization age and chronological age was observed. CONCLUSION: Aspartic acid racemization from dentine biopsy samples could be a viable and accurate technique for age estimation of living individuals who have attained a state of skeletal maturity.

Unilateral hydrocephalus: atypical presentation of intracranial tuberculoma.

A 43-year-old male presented with 3-month history of low-grade fever and headache. Radiological investigations revealed unilateral hydrocephalus. Unilateral obstruction of the foramen of Monro due to chronic tubercular ependymal inflammation was suspected and endoscopic septostomy was planned. Though ventriculo-peritoneal shunt is a simple method to treat hydrocephalus, complications related to this procedure are numerous. Neuroendoscopy is a safe method to treat hydrocephalus in selected cases, and also provides access to biopsy the lesion in question. An isolated tuberculoma obstructing the foramen of Monro was seen during endoscopy. Presentation and management of this unusual tuberculoma is reported along with a review of the pertinent literature.

The transparaspinal approach: A novel technique for one-step removal of dumb-bell-shaped spinal tumors.

Complex dumb-bell spinal tumors are challenging surgical lesions. Combined antero-posterior exposures have traditionally been used in their management. This combined exposure has the disadvantage of a two-stage operation with transthoracic or retroperitoneal dissection. With better understanding of biomechanics of spine and evolution of microsurgical technique, there has been resurgence of single stage surgeries, among which the transparaspinal exposure provides the simplest and the most direct route for resection of dumb-bell tumors. A 16-year-old male was admitted with history of back pain with radiation to left lower limb for 6 months, progressive weakness of both lower limbs for two months, and hesitancy of micturition for 1 month. A clinical diagnosis of cauda-conus lesion was made. Radiological investigations revealed a complex dumb-bell spinal tumor extending from lower part of L2-L4 vertebra, with large paraspinal extension through left L3 intervertebral foramina. Tumor was successfully removed in one step using a transparaspinal approach. We discuss technical details of this novel approach along with limitations and possible complications.

Intraoperative ventriculo-stomographic evaluation of endoscopic cerebrospinal fluid diversion and flow restoration procedures.

PURPOSE: This prospective study was designed for intra-operative demonstration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in ventricles and cisternal spaces before and after neuroendoscopic procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate site of obstruction of CSF flow and subsequent stomal or aqueductal patency after endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) or aqueductoplasty in patients with hydrocephalus of diverse aetiology. METHOD: Seventeen patients with hydrocephalus due to diverse aetiology underwent ETV (n = 15) and aqueductoplasty (n = 2) or cysto-ventrticulostomy (n = 1) or transaqueductal removal of neurocysticercus cyst (NCC) (n = 1). Intra-operatively, radio-opaque contrast agent (iohexol) instillation into the third ventricle was used for qualitative evaluation of obstruction and post-procedure CSF flow across the stoma into cisternal spaces. RESULT: 11 male and 6 female patients ranging from 3 to 50 years of age were included in the study. Post-procedure intra-operative ventriculo-stomography (IOVSG) showed free flow of dye across the endoscopic stoma (n = 13) or aqueduct (n = 2) into cisternal spaces. Diagnosis of fourth ventricular NCC was made in one patient with panventriculomegaly. In two patients of tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus, poor flow of contrast in the prepontine area and basal cisterns was seen on IOVSG. They were subjected to ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion in the same sitting. Cine MRI confirmed the patency of stoma or aqueduct in follow-up period in all patients with successful endoscopic procedure. CONCLUSION: IOVSG is a simple and safe technique that helps in confirming the adequacy of endoscopic procedure during surgery and thereby facilitates intra-operative decision about further management.

Central pontine myelinolysis in a pediatric head injury patient.

Central pontine myelinolysis occurs inconsistently as a complication of severe and prolonged hyponatremia, particularly when corrected too rapidly. It is a concentrated, frequently symmetric, noninflammatory demyelination within the central basis pontis. We describe a head injury patient who suffered this clinical entity as a consequence of rapidly corrected hyponatremia. Clinical manifestation and radiological findings are described along with a review of the pertinent literature.

Surgical outcome of tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus treated by endoscopic third ventriculostomy: prognostic factors and postoperative neuroimaging for functional assessment of ventriculostomy.

OBJECT: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is increasingly being used as an alternative treatment for post-tuberculous meningitis (TBM) hydrocephalus. The aim of this study was to affirm the role of ETV in patients with TBM hydrocephalus and also to study the usefulness of cine phase-contrast MR imaging (cine MR imaging) for functional assessment of the ETV stoma. An additional goal was to identify factors that influence the outcome of ETV, so as to define patients with TBM hydrocephalus in whom ETV is warranted. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with TBM hydrocephalus treated with ETV were evaluated clinically and with cine MR imaging postoperatively. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 15 months. The authors evaluated flow void changes in the floor of the third ventricle and analyzed parameters from the preoperative data, which they then used as a basis for comparison between endoscopically successful and endoscopically unsuccessful cases. RESULTS: The overall success rate of ETV in TBM hydrocephalus was 73.1% in this case series. Cine MR imaging showed a sensitivity of 94.73% and specificity of 71.42% for the functional assessment of third ventriculostomy in these patients, with the efficacy being maintained during follow-up. The outcome of ETV showed a statistically significant correlation with the stage of illness and presence of intraoperative cisternal exudates. Although duration of symptoms and duration of preoperative antituberculous therapy (ATT) appeared to influence the outcome, their correlation with outcome was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy should be considered as the first surgical option for CSF diversion (that is, before shunt surgery) in patients with TBM hydrocephalus. Cine MR imaging is a highly effective noninvasive tool for the postoperative functional assessment of stomata. Patients who presented with a history of longer duration and those who were administered preoperative ATT for a longer period had a better outcome of endoscopic treatment. Outcome was poorer in patients who presented with higher stages of illness and in those in whom cisternal exudates were observed intraoperatively.

Combined trans-sphenoidal and simultaneous trans-ventricular-endoscopic decompression of a giant pituitary adenoma: case report.

OBJECTIVE: This is the first report of the simultaneous combined use of trans-sphenoidal and trans-ventricular-endoscopic route for decompression of a giant pituitary adenoma. METHOD: A 38 year old man presented to us with symptoms of raised intracranial pressure along with visual and hypothalamic disturbances. The CT scan revealed destruction of the sella by a large (5 x 3.5 x 2.5 cm) well defined enhancing mass in the sella and suprasellar region extending laterally up to the cavernous sinuses and both carotid arteries and superiorly into the lumen of the 3rd ventricle producing obstructive hydrocephalus. On T2WI of the non-contrast MRI scan the mass was iso-intense to grey matter suggesting the possibility of a firm nature of the adenoma. The tumour was first approached by the standard trans-sphenoidal route and as predicted from the pre-operative MRI, the tumour was found to be firm and not amenable to suction. After decompression of the intra-sellar part of the tumour, the intracranial pressure was raised in an attempt to make the remainder of the tumour descend into the sella but without success. The suprasellar part of the tumour was then simultaneously addressed via a trans-ventricular-endoscopic route but the firm tumour did not yield to endoscopic instruments viz. biopsy forceps, angiographic catheter and electrosurgical probes. It was then gently pushed down towards the sella and decompressed piecemeal by using trans-sphenoidal instruments. The sellar cavity was reconstructed using fat, fascia lata graft and a piece of septal bone. RESULTS: Post-operatively, the patient showed a remarkable improvement of his symptoms of raised intracranial pressure, hypothalamic dysfunction and visual disturbances. Follow-up imaging at 2 months and 1 year, did not show any residual or recurrent tumour. CONCLUSIONS: This novel technique of the combined trans-sphenoidal and simultaneous trans-ventricular-endoscopic approach is a viable option for patients with giant fibrous pituitary adenoma when the tumour is not yielding to the trans-sphenoidal route alone.

Role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in patients with communicating hydrocephalus: an evaluation by MR ventriculography.

Post-tubercular meningitic hydrocephalus (TBMH) and post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is often considered a contraindication for endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), as it is mostly of communicating type in these cases. The aim of the present study was to define the role of ETV in patients with communicating hydrocephalus. Ten consecutive patients of TBMH, PTH and postneurocysticercus (NCC) hydrocephalus were formed the study group. Diagnosis of communicating hydrocephalus was made using magnetic resonance ventriculography (MRV). If contrast was seen coming out from the ventricular system into the basal cisterns, it was considered as communicating hydrocephalus. Patients with clinical and imaging evidence of raised intracranial pressure and failed medical treatment were taken up for ETV. All patients were studied by preoperative and postoperative MRV. Success of the procedure was assessed by the improvement in clinical and imaging parameters on postprocedure follow-up in all these cases. Technically successful ETV was performed in all 10 patients. Overall success rate of ETV in communicating hydrocephalus was 70% (n = 7). The shunt surgery was performed in the remaining three patients with ETV failure. One patient developed complication following postoperative MRV and was managed conservatively. We conclude that ETV is effective in post-TBM, post-traumatic communicating and post-NCC communicating hydrocephalus and should be considered as initial surgical option for cerebrospinal fluid diversion in these patients. MRV is a relatively safe technique to ascertain the patency of subarachnoid space as well as ETV stoma.

Relative cerebral blood volume is a measure of angiogenesis in brain tuberculoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to correlate the perfusion indices with magnetic resonance imaging-derived cellular and necrotic fraction of the tuberculoma and angiogenesis metrics on histopathology. METHODS: We performed dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in 13 excised brain tuberculoma patients. Microvascular density and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-expressing cells were quantified from the excised tuberculoma. The cellular and necrotic fractions of the tuberculomas were quantified on a postcontrast T1-weighted imaging. RESULTS: Relative cerebral blood volume of cellular portion significantly correlated with cellular fraction volume (r = 0.882, P < 0.001), microvascular density (r = 0.900, P < 0.001), and VEGF (r = 0.886, P < 0.001) of the 13 excised tuberculomas. Microvascular density also correlated significantly with VEGF (r = 0.919, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Relative cerebral blood volume is a measure of angiogenesis in the cellular fraction of the brain tuberculoma. This information may be of value in predicting the therapeutic response in future.

Endoscopic transaqueductal removal of fourth ventricular neurocysticercosis with an angiographic catheter.

OBJECTIVE: Fourth ventricular neurocysticercosis (FVNCC) usually presents with obstructive hydrocephalus. Available treatment options are medical, external cerebrospinal fluid diversion, microsurgical, or endoscopic removal alone or in combination. We present our experience of transaqueductal removal of FVNCC by angiographic catheter with endoscopic third ventriculostomy with a rigid endoscope. METHODS: Ten patients (five male and five female patients; age range, 12-45 yr; mean, 23.2 years) with FVNCC with obstructive hydrocephalus underwent endoscopic removal along with endoscopic third ventriculostomy in a single sitting, through a frontal precoronal burr hole. Diagnosis was established on imaging and confirmed on histology in all of the cases. The Gaab Universal Endoscope System along with 4-mm, 30-degree rigid telescopes was used to enter the third ventricle, and a cut length of angiographic catheter was negotiated through the aqueduct for removal of FVNCC. RESULTS: Removal of the cyst was performed in all cases. A 30-degree rigid telescope provided excellent image quality, with the ability to address intra-FVNCC through the dilated aqueduct with a curved-tip catheter. None of these patients required any further surgery. There were no significant operative or postoperative complications in any of the cases. All of the patients were asymptomatic, with an average follow-up of 18 months. CONCLUSION: Transaqueductal removal of an intra-fourth ventricular cyst along with endoscopic third ventriculostomy with a rigid endoscope and catheter is an effective treatment and obviates the need for posterior cranial fossa exploration.

Endoscopic transoral surgery for craniovertebral junction anomalies. Technical note.

Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies continue to be challenging for neurosurgeons because of the complex anatomy of this region. To date, microsurgical decompression via a transoral route is the standard treatment for anteriorly located compressive lesions of the cervicomedullary junction (CMJ). The results obtained by minimizing surgical trauma are fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and reduced overall psychological burden. Endoscopic surgery is becoming a leading modality in minimally invasive neurosurgical treatment. The authors performed surgery in 11 patients with irreducible osseous dislocations resulting from CVJ abnormality during a 2-year period. Anterior CMJ decompression was achieved in all patients by performing neuroendoscopically controlled transoral excision of bone and soft tissues. The surgical technique and results will be discussed. The use of the endoscope offers several advantages in cases requiring a transoral approach to the lower clivus and atlantoaxial region. The use of minimally invasive endoscopic techniques has the potential to reduce the need for a wider cranial base opening and to decrease postoperative complications.

The role of diffusion-weighted imaging in the differential diagnosis of intracranial cystic mass lesions: a report of 147 lesions.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of DWI in differentiating brain abscesses from other intracranial cystic lesions. METHODS: One hundred fifteen patients with 147 cystic lesions (mean age, 26.4 year) were prospectively studied with DWI on a 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging. Lesions appearing hyperintense on DWI with the ADC values of lower than 0.9 +/- 0.13 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s (mean +/- SD) were considered as brain abscess, whereas hypointense lesions on DWI with the ADC values 2.2 +/- 0.9 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s were categorized as nonabscess cystic lesions. RESULTS: Ninety-three of 97 brain abscess lesions were hyperintense on DWI, with significantly low (P = .0001) ADC value (0.87 +/- 0.05 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) (mean +/- SEM), compared with 48 nonabscess lesions (2.89 +/- 0.05 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s). Four of 97 brain abscess lesions in 65 patients were false negative, and 2 of 50 nonabscess lesions in 50 patients were false positive for the diagnosis of brain abscess. The ADC value of the tumor cysts (2.9 +/- 0.05 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) was significantly lower (P = .02) compared with benign cysts and neurocysticercosis (3.2 +/- 0.05 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) among nonabscess group. The sensitivity of DWI for the differentiation of brain abscesses from nonabscesses was 96%; specificity, 96%; positive predictive value, 98%; negative predictive value, 92%; and accuracy of the test, 96%. CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion-weighted imaging has high sensitivity and specificity for the differentiation of brain abscess from other nonabscess intracranial cystic lesions.

Aventriculi associated with holoprosencephaly.

We describe an 18-month-old male child presenting with delayed milestones. MRI revealed absent lateral and third ventricles associated with fusion of the posterior cerebral hemispheres.

Angiographic catheter: unique tool for neuroendoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendoscopic removal of intraventricular and juxtaventricular space-occupying lesions (SOL) requires long and thin instruments that can be maneuvered through the compromised working channels. Currently, various rigid and flexible forceps and scissors are being used for this purpose. We present our experience of using cut segment of angiographic catheters for removal of intraventricular and juxtaventricular SOL by neuroendoscopic surgery. METHOD: Seventy-one patients having intraventricular and juxtaventricular lesions were excised, decompressed, or biopsied by endoscopic method using angiographic catheters. Lesions were cystic, solid, or mixed cystic and solid. Cystic lesions were aspirated; solid tumors were biopsied, decompressed, or excised by sucking them using 5F to 8F angiographic catheters cut to the length of 30 to 35 cm. RESULT: Total excision, near total removal, and biopsy of the lesions could be achieved in 14, 19, and 38 patients, respectively; however, in 2 patients of thalamic tumor, the biopsied tissue was negative for tumor. Tumor consistency was the deciding factor for their removal by angiographic catheters; soft lesions were sucked easily, whereas only biopsy could be done in firm and nonsuckable lesions. Major bleeding in a case of craniopharyngioma was the complication managed by irrigation followed by external ventricular drain. CONCLUSION: Angiographic catheter is a simple and unique tool for neuroendoscopic surgery. It aids in endoscopic management of diverse intraventricular and juxtaventricular lesions.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy through the interfornicial space.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is the most common cranial endoscopic surgery being done worldwide for a variety of conditions resulting in hydrocephalus. We report ETV in a case of congenital hydrocephalus with deficient third ventricular roof and wide interfornicial space. A 6-month-old male child presented with gradual progressive head enlargement and signs of raised intracranial pressure. Computed tomography of the head showed aqueductal stenosis with enlargement of third and lateral ventricles. The patient was operated under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. A right coronal burr hole and free-hand entry were made into the right lateral ventricle. The anterior part of the septum and the third ventricular roof were deficient with a narrow Monro's foramen and the third ventricular floor was visible through the space between both fornices. ETV was done in standard fashion. Postoperatively the patient showed uneventful recovery clinicoradiologically. We review the literature and discuss the findings and technique of ETV in this rare entity.

Role of neuroendoscopy in the management of patients with tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus.

The role of neuroendoscopy in patients of tuberculous meningitis with hydrocephalus (TBMH) is not yet established. We present details of endoscopic morphology, and analyze outcome of Neuroendoscopy performed in 28 patients (15 males and 13 females, average age 23 years) of TBMH in last 2.5 years. Endoscopic procedures performed included endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) alone (n=19), ETV with monroplasty (n=2), and septostomy (n=2), ETV with decompression/biopsy of tuberculoma (n=2) and with abscess drainage (n=1). Outcome was assessed on the basis of clinico-radiological improvement, need for external shunt and complications. Outcome was satisfactory in 14 (50%), acceptable in five (18%) and unsatisfactory in nine (32%) patients. Overall, 19 (68%) patients benefited from endoscopic intervention. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (n=2) and per-operative bleeding (n=1) were the only complications encountered. Endoscopy appears to be helpful in a considerable number of patients with TBMH, and should be considered as the first surgical option for CSF diversion surgery in these patients. External shunt should be reserved for those who fail the endoscopic CSF diversion.