Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Surgery Versus Craniotomy for Hypertensive Putamen Hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neuroendoscopy for treating hypertensive putamen hemorrhage (HPH), compared with traditional craniotomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 81 consecutive patients with HPH treated with neuroendoscopy (n=36) or craniotomy (n=45) in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University between January 2015 and December 2017. We compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes, excluded 14 patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria. Patient characteristics in emergency room were recorded. In addition, hospitalization days, total cost during hospitalization, operative time, blood loss, evacuation rate, rebreeding, intracranial infection, pulmonary infection, epilepsy, hemorrhage of digestive tract, venous thrombus, hypoproteinemia, aphasia, oculomotor paralysis, mortality, Modified Rankin Scale score 6 months after surgery, and Glasgow Outcome Scale score 6 months after surgery were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Comparative analysis of preoperative patient data revealed no notable disparities. Neuroendoscopic surgery afford distinct benefits including reduced operative time, minimal patient blood loss, and enhanced efficacy in hematoma evacuation. However, the incidence of postoperative complications such as rebleeding, intracranial infections, pulmonary infections, postoperative epilepsy, hemorrhage of digestive tract, venous thrombus, hypoproteinemia, aphasia, and oculomotor paralysis did not significantly differ. In contrast, endoscopic techniques, relative to conventional craniotomy for hematoma evacuation, are characterized by less invasive incisions, a marked decrease in the duration of hospitalization, and a substantial reduction in associated healthcare costs. Furthermore, endoscopic techniques contribute to superior long-term recuperative outcomes in patients, without altering mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to the conventional method of craniotomy, the utilization of neuroendoscopy in the treatment of hypertensive putamen hemorrhage (HPH) may offer a more efficacious, minimally invasive, and cost-effective approach. This alternative approach has the potential to decrease the length of hospital stays and improve long-term neurologic outcomes, without altering mortality rates.

Long insular artery damage might be a key sign for predicting functional prognosis of putaminal hemorrhage / El daño de la arteria insular larga podría ser un signo clave para predecir el pronóstico funcional de la hemorragia putaminal

Objective Although the putamen is the most common area of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, previous reports about the effects of surgery are limited. We sometimes experience a poor prognosis in patients in whom there is no damage to the internal capsule, but with injury in the long insular artery (LIA) region. The purpose of this study was to confirm the relationship between LIA damage and patient prognosis following surgery for putaminal hemorrhage. Methods We retrospectively collected data of 287 surgical cases who presented with putaminal hemorrhage between January 2004 and March 2022. Among them, we chose patients without initial damage to the posterior limb of the internal capsule, and divided these patients into two groups, those without (Group A) and with (Group B) final damage in the LIA region. We compared positivity rates of final manual muscle test (MMT) scores≥3 and related factors. Results Sixty-three of the 287 patients were included in this study. Of them, 11 cases in Group A were positive for MMT scores≥3 (68.8%) and 9 cases (19.1%) in Group B had MMT scores≥3 seven days after surgery. Group A thus had a significantly higher rate of MMT scores≥3 than group B (p=0.00). Conclusion In patients without initial damage to the internal capsule, LIA injury might be a key sign for predicting the functional prognosis of putaminal hemorrhage (AU)

Objetivo Aunque el putamen es la zona más común de la hemorragia intracerebral espontánea, los informes previos sobre los efectos de la cirugía son limitados. En ocasiones se observa un mal pronóstico en los pacientes en los que no hay daño en la cápsula interna, pero sí en la región de la arteria insular larga (AIL). El propósito de este estudio fue confirmar la relación entre el daño de la AIL y el pronóstico de los pacientes tras la cirugía de la hemorragia putaminal. Métodos Se recogieron retrospectivamente los datos de 287 casos quirúrgicos que se presentaron con hemorragia putaminal entre enero de 2004 y marzo de 2022. Entre ellos, elegimos a los pacientes sin daño inicial en la extremidad posterior de la cápsula interna, y dividimos a estos pacientes en 2 grupos, los que no tenían (grupo A) y los que tenían (grupo B) daño final en la región AIL. Se compararon las tasas de positividad de las puntuaciones finales de la prueba muscular manual (TMM)≥3 y los factores relacionados. Resultados Sesenta y tres de los 287 pacientes fueron incluidos en este estudio. De ellos, 11 casos del grupo A tuvieron puntuaciones de MMT≥3 positivas (68,8%) y 9 casos (19,1%) del grupo B tuvieron puntuaciones de MMT≥3, 7 días después de la cirugía. Así pues, el grupo A tuvo una tasa significativamente mayor de puntuaciones MMT≥3 que el grupo B (p=0,00). Conclusión En los pacientes sin daño inicial en la cápsula interna, la lesión del AIL podría ser un signo clave para predecir el pronóstico funcional de la hemorragia putaminal (AU)

Musician developed right putaminal hemorrhage but conserved absolute pitch ability -Case report.

Absolute pitch (AP) is known as the ability to recognize and label the pitch chroma of a given tone without external reference. The neural mechanism and its asymmetry of AP musicians remain unclear. We herein report a 41-year-old AP musician who developed a right putaminal hemorrhage. On a postoperative day 5, a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery image revealed the rest of the hematoma and edematous lesion at the right white matter between the Heschl's gyrus and other cortices. Diffusion tensor tractography with the region of interest at the Heschl's gyrus was performed. In the left hemisphere, the anterior part of the arcuate fiber and middle longitudinal fasciculus were observed. However, these connections were absent in the right hemisphere, but her AP ability was maintained. Our case suggested that the fibers from the right Heschl's gyrus to the right frontal lobe via the right ventral stream is not associated with AP.

Endoscopic Surgery Without Decompressive Craniectomy in Large Putaminal Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Assessment of Efficacy and Safety.

BACKGROUND: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is performed conventionally for large putaminal intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, DC causes local skull defect and leads to post-surgical cranioplasty. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of an endoscopic procedure to treat large putaminal ICH without DC. METHODS: This retrospective study included 112 large putaminal ICH patients who underwent hematoma evacuations with either an endoscopic procedure (group A) or with DC (group B) between January 2009 and June 2017. The efficacy was evaluated by mean modified Rankin Scale (mRS) three months after surgery. Safety was evaluated by mortality rate and postoperative complications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The study included 49 patients in group A and 63 in group B. The mRS scores in both groups were similar after 3 months' follow-up (p = 0.709). There was no difference in the mortality rate between the two groups (p = 0.538). The rate of complications was lower in group A than that in group B (p = 0.024). Smaller preoperative midline shift (p = 0.008) and absent intraventricular extension (p = 0.044) have contributed significantly to better outcomes. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic hematoma evacuation without DC is safe and effective for patients with large putaminal ICH and deserves further investigation, preferably in a randomized controlled setting.

Different surgical interventions for patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracranial hemorrhage: A network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to explore the efficacy and safety of different surgical interventions in patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracranial hemorrhage (SSICH) and determine which intervention is most suitable for such patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Medline, OVID, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The quality of the included studies was assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using the software Stata 13.0 and RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: Endoscopic surgery (ES), minimally invasive surgery combined with urokinase (MIS + UK), minimally invasive surgery combined with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (MIS + rt-PA), and craniotomy were associated with higher survival rates and a lower risk of intracranial rebleeding than standard medical care (SMC) in patients with SSICH, especially in younger patients with few comorbidities. The order from highest to lowest survival rate was ES, MIS + UK, MIS + rt-PA, craniotomy, and SMC. The order from lowest to highest intracranial rebleeding risk was ES, MIS + UK, craniotomy, MIS + rt-PA, and SMC. Additionally, compared with SMC, all four surgical interventions (ES, MIS + rt-PA, MIS + UK, and craniotomy) improved the prognosis and reduced the proportion of patients with serious disability. The order from most to least favorable prognosis was MIS + rt-PA, ES, MIS + UK, craniotomy, and SMC. The order from highest to lowest proportion of patients with serious disability was ES, MIS + rt-PA, MIS + UK, craniotomy, and SMC. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the efficacy and safety of different surgical interventions (ES, MIS + UK, MIS + rt-PA, craniotomy) were superior to those of SMC in the patients with SSICH, especially in younger patients with few comorbidities. Among them, ES was the most reasonable and effective intervention. ES was found not only to improve the survival rate and prognosis but also to have the lowest risk of intracranial rebleeding and the lowest proportion of patients with serious disability.

Flexible Endoscopic Aspiration for Intraventricular Casting Hematoma.

BACKGROUND: Conventionally, patients suffering a massive intraventricular hemorrhage have undergone external ventricular drainage. However, long-term or repeated drainage increases the risk of complications due to infections or shunt dependency. Neuroendoscopic surgery may offer some advantages over more conventional procedures. METHODS: Thirteen patients suffering intraventricular hematoma associated with intracerebral hemorrhage, treated in our hospital between April 2011 and March 2014, were reviewed retrospectively. Casting hematomas in the ventricles were manually aspirated using a flexible endoscope. The timing of the operation, period of post-endoscopic ventricular drainage, additional internal shunt surgery, 3-month post-surgical outcome, and critical complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Two patients (treated during our earliest use of endoscope) who underwent surgery on the 7th and 16th day post-onset required subsequent cerebrospinal shunt surgery. In contrast, of the 11 patients who underwent endoscopic surgery on the day of onset, only 1 patient required an additional, third ventriculostomy due to a secondary obstruction of the aqueduct by adhesive fibrous membranes. After 3 months, all six patients with mRS scores of 2-3 satisfied all the following criteria: initial Glasgow Coma Scale scores higher than 8, flexible endoscopic surgeries performed on the day of onset, and period of ventricular drainage of less than 4 days. CONCLUSIONS: Early surgical intervention using a flexible endoscope and short period of post-surgical drainage can be highly effective for patients suffering from casting intraventricular hematomas associated with intracerebral hemorrhage. The advantages of this treatment may be a less invasive procedure, ICP control in the acute phase, breaking away from ventricular drainage in the early stage, and prevention of hydrocephalus or intracranial infectious complications in the long term.

Difference of injury of the corticospinal tract according to surgical or conservative treatment in patients with putaminal hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated difference of injury of the corticospinal tract (CST) according to surgical or conservative treatment in patients with putaminal hemorrhage (PH), using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). METHODS: Forty-six patients with PH (hematoma volume on the brain CT: 20-40 ml) were recruited. Patients were classified as the surgical treatment group and the conservative treatment group. The hematoma volume on the initial brain CT (median 2 hours after onset; range 1-14 hours) and volumes of the hematoma, the total lesion and the peri-hematomal edema volume on the follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (median 23.5 days after onset; range 12-46 days) were estimated. Diffusion tensor imaging was performed and we defined the injury of the CST in terms of the configuration or abnormal DTT parameters. RESULTS: In the conservative treatment group, the total lesion volume on the brain MRI was increased compared with the hematoma volume on the initial brain CT (p < 0.05). On brain MRI, the hematoma volume, peri-hematomal edema volume, and total lesion volume were larger in the conservative treatment group than in the surgical treatment group (p < 0.05). Twelve patients (60%) in the surgical treatment group and 24 patients (92%) in the conservative treatment group had injury of the CST. CONCLUSION: Injury of the CST was less prevalent in the surgical treatment group than in the conservative treatment group in patients with PH. Therefore, it appears that surgical treatment could be helpful in prevention of injury of the CST in patients with PH.

A minimally invasive anterior skull base approach for evacuation of a basal ganglia hemorrhage.

We describe the technical nuances of a minimally invasive anterior skull base approach for microsurgical evacuation of a large basal ganglia hematoma through an endoport. Patients who suffer from large spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) of the basal ganglia have a very poor prognosis. However, the benefit of surgery for the management of ICH is controversial. The development of endoport technology has allowed for minimally invasive access to subcortical lesions, and may offer unique advantages over conventional surgical techniques due to less disruption of the overlying cortex and white matter fiber tracts. A 77-year-old man presented with a hypertensive ICH of the right putamen, measuring 9 cm in maximal diameter and 168 cm(3) in volume. We planned an endoport trajectory through the long axis of the hematoma using frameless stereotactic neuronavigation. In order to access the optimal cortical entry point at the lateral aspect of the basal frontal lobe, a miniature modified orbitozygomatic skull base craniotomy was performed through an incision along the superior border of the right eyebrow. Using the BrainPath endoport system (NICO, Indianapolis, IN, USA), the putaminal hematoma was successfully evacuated, resulting in an 87% postoperative reduction in ICH volume. Thus, we show that, in appropriately selected cases, endoport-assisted microsurgery is safe and effective for the evacuation of large ICH. Furthermore, minimally invasive anterior skull base approaches can be employed to expand the therapeutic potential of endoport-assisted approaches to include subcortical lesions, such as hematomas of the basal ganglia.

Real-time ultrasound-guided endoscopic surgery for putaminal hemorrhage.

OBJECT: Endoscopic surgery plays a significant role in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage. However, the residual hematoma cannot be measured intraoperatively from the endoscopic view, and it is difficult to determine the precise location of the endoscope within the hematoma cavity. The authors attempted to develop real-time ultrasound-guided endoscopic surgery using a bur-hole-type probe. METHODS: From November 2012 to March 2014, patients with hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage who underwent endoscopic hematoma removal were enrolled in this study. Real-time ultrasound guidance was performed with a bur-hole-type probe that was advanced via a second bur hole, which was placed in the temporal region. Ultrasound was used to guide insertion of the endoscope sheath as well as to provide information regarding the location of the hematoma during surgical evacuation. Finally, the cavity was irrigated with artificial cerebrospinal fluid and was observed as a low-echoic space, which facilitated detection of residual hematoma. RESULTS: Ten patients with putaminal hemorrhage>30 cm3 were included in this study. Their mean age (±SD) was 60.9±8.6 years, and the mean preoperative hematoma volume was 65.2±37.1 cm3. The mean percentage of hematoma that was evacuated was 96%±3%. None of the patients exhibited rebleeding after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This navigation method was effective in demonstrating both the real-time location of the endoscope and real-time viewing of the residual hematoma. Use of ultrasound guidance minimized the occurrence of brain injury due to hematoma evacuation.

Long-term Functional Recovery and Quality of Life after Surgical Treatment of Putaminal Hemorrhages.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the long-term functional recovery and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients after surgically treated putaminal hemorrhages. Surgery for putaminal hemorrhages remains a controversial issue. Although numerous reports describe conflictive results regarding short-term outcome of surgically treated patients, very little is known about their long-term recovery and their HRQOL. METHODS: In this monocentric, retrospective study we analyzed mortality, long-term functional outcome, activity of daily life status, and HRQOL undergoing craniotomy for hematoma evacuation between December 2004 and January 2011. RESULTS: Forty-nine consecutive patients were identified with 8 (16.3%) patients dying during acute care. Forty-one patients surviving acute phase were transferred to neurologic rehabilitation hospitals. One patient was lost to follow-up. Median follow-up was 52.9 (17-101) months. At follow-up, 24 of 40 (60%) patients still were alive with 16 of 40 (40%) patients living with major disability (modified Rankin Scale [mRS], 4 or 5). Seven patients (17.5%) showed a mRS lesser than or equal to 3 with only 3 (7.5%) of those living functionally independent (mRS, 0-2). HRQOL in survivors was reduced with a median DEMQOL/DEMQOL (a patient/caregiver reported outcome measure designed to assess health-related quality of life of people with dementia) proxy score of 92 and 93, respectively. All patients showed severe impairment in activities of daily life. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first long-term follow-up analysis for patients with surgically treated putaminal hemorrhages. Survivors show only marginal recovery despite intensive neurologic rehabilitation; most remain dependent with a reduced HRQOL and significantly impaired activities of daily life status.

Distal transsylvian-traninsular approach for the putaminal hypertensive hemorrhages: surgical experience and technical note.

BACKGROUND: Up to now, no systemic studies about the surgical approaches and microsurgical techniques of distal transsylvian-transinsular approach to putaminal hypertensive intracranial hemorrhages (PHHs) were reported. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 68 consecutive patients with PHH who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of the affiliated Bayi Brain Hospital, the Military General Hospital of Beijing PLA, from May 2009 to December 2011. RESULTS: By using transsylvian-transinsular approach, near-complete (>90%) evacuation was achieved in 51 cases (75%). Glasgow Coma Scale scores were significantly improved at discharge compared with admission scores (P < 0.001). The overall survival rate at 6 months was 95.6% (65/68), including 60.3% (41/68) with good function (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] score, 4-5), 19.1% (13/68) with disability (GOS score, 3), and 16.2% (11/68) in a vegetative state (GOS score, 2). The mortality rate (GOS score, 1) was 4.4% (3/68). CONCLUSIONS: Transsylvian-transinsular approach is effective and minimally invasive for PHH. The opening of sylvian fissure toward the pars opercularis behind the level of anterior ascending rami could provide a more suitable angle to hematoma and the ability to treat the responsible vessels.

Benefits of a frame-based stereotactic surgical planning system for the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral haematomas.

OBJECTIVE: Frame-based stereotactic surgical planning systems (SSPSs) have been used for deep brain stimulation and radioneurosurgery. Here, we evaluated the feasibility, safety and efficacy of using a SSPS to aid spontaneous intracerebral haematoma (ICH) treatment. METHODS: Patients with moderate spontaneous putamen haematomas were randomized into two groups: treatment (group A) and control (group B). In group B, the catheter for evacuating haematomas was inserted into a target point, located at the centre of the haematoma, using conventional frame-based stereotactics; urokinase thrombolysis was subsequently delivered through the catheter. In group A, this procedure was assisted by a SSPS, which designed both the target point and trajectory in the haematoma through virtual reality. Duration of evacuating haematomas and number of urokinase injections was compared between groups. RESULTS: In total, 65 patients were recruited: in group A (n = 30), the duration of evacuating haematomas (35.27 ± 9.17 h) was shorter than in group B (n = 35; 67.77 ± 13.82 h). There were fewer urokinase injections in group A (3.63 ± 1.16) than in group B (6.40 ± 1.29). CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility, efficacy and safety of spontaneous ICH treatment were optimized by the use of a frame-based SSPS.

Treatment of huge hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage by surgery and cerebrospinal fluid drainage.

OBJECTIVE: There is limited information available regarding the treatment of huge hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage (HPH). This study aimed to evaluate our experience of 33 patients with huge HPH who were treated by open surgery (decompressive craniectomy and hematoma evacuation) and external cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 33 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital with huge HPH (≥ 60 cm(3)). All patients were treated by decompressive craniectomy, hematoma evacuation, and CSF drainage. Data collected included age, gender, blood pressure at admission, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) location, ICH volume, degree of midline shift, presence/absence of basal cistern obliteration at admission and before surgery, and presence/absence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Outcome was assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale score at 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: The median GCS score was 5.0 at admission, and improved to 8.0 at 1 week after surgery. The median ICH volume was 95 cm(3) before surgery and 4 cm(3) after surgery. IVH was observed in 93.9% of patients. The overall survival rate to discharge was 75.6% (25/33), including 15.1% (4/33) with good function, 36.4% (12/33) with disability, and 24.3% (8/33) in a vegetative state. The mortality rate was 24.3% (8/33). Patients with right-sided ICH had better outcomes than those with left-sided ICH. No patients with GCS score ≤ 6 and ICH volume ≥ 90cm(3) at admission achieved good postoperative function. Operative time was significantly shorter with hematoma evacuation via the transcortical approach than via the transsylvian approach (3.41 ± 0.75 h vs. 4.14 ± 0.59 h, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in the rates of mortality or survival with good function between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of huge HPH by decompressive craniectomy, hematoma evacuation, and CSF drainage is life-saving. Patients with GCS score 7-8, ICH volume 60-90 cm(3), and right-sided ICH may achieve good recovery. The transcortical approach appears to be more effective than the transsylvian approach for rapid decompression of the edematous brain.

Transtentorial herniation in patients with hypertensive putaminal haemorrhage is predictive of elevated intracranial pressure following haematoma removal.

We investigated surgical outcomes of haematoma evacuation in patients with hypertensive putaminal haemorrhage, with emphasis on the development of postoperative refractory intracranial hypertension. Twenty-two consecutive patients with hypertensive putaminal haemorrhage underwent microsurgical clot removal without decompressive craniectomy. Medical histories, radiographic findings, and surgical notes were reviewed. Twenty patients survived to discharge. Twelve patients with preoperative transtentorial herniation, demonstrating a greater haematoma volume and lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, had significantly elevated postoperative intracranial pressure. Five of these patients developed refractory intracranial hypertension (42%), and two of these patients died. Conversely, none of the 10 patients without preoperative transtentorial herniation experienced refractory intracranial hypertension, and they had a better outcome at discharge. The preoperative presence of clinical transtentorial herniation may predict the development of postoperative refractory intracranial hypertension, which may require decompressive craniectomy.

Effects of transsylvian-transinsular approach to hypertensive putaminal hematoma operation and electroacupuncture on motor recovery.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, a comparison of motor recovery on hypertensive putaminal hematoma (HPH) with 30 mL or more has been made between conventional treatment and decompressive craniectomy (DC) combined with electroacupuncture (EA). This study aims to examine whether transsylvian-transinsular approach (TTA) to HPH evacuation, DC, and EA have additional value to post-cerebral hemorrhage motor rehabilitation. METHODS: One hundred twenty patients with HPH of 30-mL volume or greater, who were admitted within 6 hours after ictus, were included in this study. Of the 120 patients, 80 were operated on for hematoma evacuation DC through TTA. The postoperative patients were divided into combined therapy group (CTG) and operation with exercises group (OEG). Combined therapy group (n = 40) was treated with EA, functional exercises from 1 to 3 days after hematoma evacuation DC through TTA, twice each day, and OEG (n = 40) accepted only the same operation and functional exercises. Another 40 patients were classified as functional exercises group to be treated conservatively and with functional exercises only after their relatives declined authorization for surgery and EA. The habilitation effects were assessed by blinded assessors at weeks 0 and 8. Outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer assessment, Barthel Index, and Functional Independence Measure. RESULTS: The statistical difference on the motor recovery was considerable (P < 0.05) between CTG and OEG. Significant differences were observed between CTG and physical therapy group (P < 0.01), and we also found statistical difference (P < 0.05) between OEG and functional exercises group. Surgically treated patients received significantly better motor recovery than did the conservatively treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical treatment via TTA of HPH and postoperative EA at an early stage result in improved outcome of motor recovery. Transsylvian-transinsular approach for HPH operation and postoperative EA at an early stage are advocated.

Freehand technique for putaminal hemorrhage--technical note.

We designed a new endoscopic surgical procedure for putaminal hemorrhage (freehand technique) and evaluated its effectiveness and safety in patients with putaminal hemorrhage. Computed tomography (CT) data sets from 40 healthy patients were used. The CT data were transformed into three-dimensional images using AZE VirtualPlace(TM) Plus. The nasion and external auditory foramen were the intraoperative reference points. The median point from medial of the globus pallidus to the insula was the target point. The location of the burr hole point was 80-125 mm above and 27.5 mm lateral to the nasion, and the direction was parallel to the midline and a line drawn from the burr hole to the ipsilateral external auditory foramen. This point was used for 15 patients with putaminal hemorrhage. In all cases, only one puncture was required, and there were no complications. The median surgical time was 91.7 minutes, and the median hematoma removal rate was 95.9%. No recurrent bleeding or operative complications occurred. The freehand technique is a simple and safe technique for patients with putaminal hemorrhage. We believe that this technique of endoscopic hematoma evacuation may provide a less-invasive method for treating patients with putaminal hemorrhage.

Endoscopic evacuation of hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage guided by the 3D reconstructed CT scan: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: The minimally invasive procedure is the trend in nowadays neurosurgical techniques. We designed a new targeting method using three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed CT images combining neuroendoscope for hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage (HPH). METHODS: Eleven consecutive unconscious patients with a significant volume of HPH were treated with neuroendoscope via a selected frontal or temporal trephination. All the CT images were operated and reconstructed by an independent neuroradiologist for measuring the selected frontal or temporal entry point, depth of penetrating path, and surgical trajectory on the basis of the plane formed by bilateral orbitomeatal lines. The nasion and the external auditory meatus were the reference points for the selected frontal and temporal trephinations respectively. All the surgical trajectories were designed as perpendicular to the underground for minimizing the possibility of human errors after aseptic surgical draping. The intra-operatively sonography was routinely used after trephination for confirmation of the planned surgical path and early detection of possible enlarged hematoma. RESULTS: Ten of the 11 patients regained consciousness postoperatively without complications. All the patients had an accurate trajectory of penetrating path and the average hematoma evacuation rate was 82% (83% for frontal approach and 81% for temporal approach). CONCLUSION: Use of the 3D reconstructed CT imaging technique combining neuroendoscope may add as a minimally invasive, economic, and timesaving way for targeting HPH. It also serves as a reliable and useful alternative for hospitals without stereotactic or navigating modalities. However, further prospective studies were needed to clarify its efficacy and safety compared to conventional surgeries.

Treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage through keyhole transsylvian approach.

The present study investigated the therapeutic effects and indications of keyhole transsylvian approach (KTA) in the treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH). Clinical data of 65 cases of HICH were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were treated by open surgical evacuation either through KTA (KTA group) or through conventional craniotomy approach (CCA group). The operative time, intraoperative bleeding quantity, the length of hospitalization, mortality, and favorable outcome were compared between the 2 groups. Compared with the CCA group, the KTA group had smaller bleeding quantity and shorter length of hospitalization. Favorable outcome at 3 months after admission was higher in the KTA group than that in the CCA group. The present study suggests that treatment of HICH through KTA is a practical and effective surgical procedure.