Dexamethasone treatment in chronic subdural haematoma.

INTRODUCTION: Neurosurgeons are familiar with chronic subdural haematoma (CSH), a well-known clinical entity, which is usually treated by some modality of trepanation. Despite the excellent outcomes obtained by surgery, complications may occur, some of which may be potentially severe or fatal. Furthermore, up to 25% recurrence rate is reported. The authors present a novel approach to the management of CSH based on the use of dexamethasone as the treatment of choice in the majority of cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of 122 CSH patients were retrospectively reviewed. At admission, symptomatic patients were classified according to the Markwalder Grading Score (MGS). Those scoring MGS 1-2 were assigned to the Dexamethasone protocol (4 mg every 8h, re-evaluation after 48-72 h, slow tapering), and those scoring MGS 3-4 were, in general, assigned to the Surgical protocol (single frontal twistdrill drainage to a closed system, without irrigation). Patients were followed in the Outpatient Office with neurological assessment and serial CT scans. RESULTS. Between March 2001 and May 2006, 122 consecutive CSH patients (69% male, median aged of 78, range 25-97) were treated. Seventy-three percent of the patients exhibited some kind of neurological defect (MGS 2-3-4). Asymptomatic patients (MGS 0) were left untreated. Initial treatment assignment was: 101 dexamethasone, 15 subdural drain, 4 craneotomy and 2 untreated. Twenty-two patients on dexamethasone ultimately required surgical drain (21.8%). Favourable outcome (MGS 0-1-2) was obtained in 96% and 93.9% of those treated with dexamethasone and surgical drain, respectively. Median hospital stay was 6 days (range 1- 41) for the dexamethasone group and the whole series, and 8 days (range 5-48) for the surgical group. Overall mortality rate was 0.8% and re-admissions related to the haematoma reached 14.7% (all maintained or improved their MGS). Medical complications occurred in 34 patients (27.8%), mainly mild hyperglycemic impairments. Median outpatient follow up was 25 weeks (range 8-90), and two patients were lost. DISCUSSION: The rationale for the use of dexamethasone in CSH lies in its anti-angiogenic properties over the subdural clot membrane, as it is derived from experimental studies and the very few clinical observations published. Surgical evacuation of CSH is known to achieve excellent results but no well-designed trials compare medical versus surgical therapies. The experience obtained from this series lets us formulate some clinical considerations: dexamethasone is a feasible treatment that positively compares to surgical drain (and avoided two thirds of operations); the natural history of CSH allows a 48-72 h dexamethasone trial without putting the patient at risk of irreversible deterioration; eliminates all morbidity related to surgery and recurrences; does not provoke significant morbidity itself; reduces hospital stay; does not preclude ulterior surgical procedures; it is well tolerated and understood by the patient and relatives and it probably reduces costs. The authors propose a protocol that does not intend to substitute surgery but to offer a safe and effective alternative. CONCLUSION: Data obtained from this large retrospective series suggests that dexamethasone is a feasible and safe option in the management of CSH. In the author's experience dexamethasone was able to cure or improve two thirds of the patients. This fact should be confirmed by others in the future. The true effectiveness of the therapy as compared to surgical treatment could be ideally tested in a prospective randomized trial.

Dexamethasone treatment in chronic subdural haematoma / Tratamiento con dexametasona del hematoma subdural crónico

Introduction: Neurosurgeons are familiar with chronic subdural haematoma (CSH), a well-known clinical entity, which is usually treated by some modality of trepanation. Despite the excellent outcomes obtained by surgery, complications may occur, some of which may be potentially severe or fatal. Furthermore, up to 25% recurrence rate is reported. The authors present a novel approach to the management of CSH based on the use of dexamethasone as the treatment of choice in the majority of cases. Patients and methods: Medical records of 122 CSH patients were retrospectively reviewed. At admission, symptomatic patients were classified according to the Markwalder Grading Score (MGS). Those scoring MGS 1-2 were assigned to the Dexamethasone protocol (4mg every 8h, re-evaluation after 48–72h, slow tapering), and those scoring MGS 3–4 were, in general, assigned to the Surgical protocol (single frontal twistdrill drainage to a closed system, without irrigation). Patients were followed in the Outpatient Office with neurological assessment and serial CT scans. Results: Between March 2001 and May 2006, 122 consecutive CSH patients (69% male, median aged of 78, range 25–97) were treated. Seventy-three percent of the patients exhibited some kind of neurological defect (MGS 2-3-4). Asymptomatic patients (MGS 0) were left untreated. Initial treatment assignment was: 101 dexamethasone, 15 subdural drain, 4 craneotomy and 2 untreated. Twenty-two patients on dexamethasone ultimately required surgical drain (21.8%). Favourable outcome (MGS 0-1-2) was obtained in 96% and 93.9% of those treated with dexamethasone and surgical drain, respectively. Median hospital stay was 6 days (range 1–41) for the dexamethasone group and the whole series, and 8 days (range 5–48) for the surgical group. Overall mortality rate was 0.8% and re-admissions related to the haematoma reached 14.7% (all maintained or improved their MGS). Medical complications occurred in 34 patients (27.8%), mainly mild hyperglycemic impairments. Median outpatient follow up was 25 weeks (range 8–90), and two patients were lost. Discussion: The rationale for the use of dexamethasone in CSH lies in its anti-angiogenic properties over the subdural clot membrane, as it is derived from experimental studies and the very few clinical observations published. Surgical evacuation of CSH is known to achieve excellent results but no well-designed trials compare medical versus surgical therapies. The experience obtained from this series lets us formulate some clinical considerations: dexamethasone is a feasible treatment that positively compares to surgical drain (and avoided two thirds of operations); the natural history of CSH allows a 48–72h dexamethasone trial without putting the patient at risk of irreversible deterioration; eliminates all morbidity related to surgery and recurrences; does not provoke significant morbidity itself; reduces hospital stay; does not preclude ulterior surgical procedures; it is well tolerated and understood by the patient and relatives and it probably reduces costs. The authors propose a protocol that does not intend to substitute surgery but to offer a safe and effective alternative. Conclusion: Data obtained from this large retrospective series suggests that dexamethasone is a feasible and safe option in the management of CSH. In the author's experience dexamethasone was able to cure or improve two thirds of the patients. This fact should be confirmed by others in the future. The true effectiveness of the therapy as compared to surgical treatment could be ideally tested in a prospective randomized trial (AU)

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Metastatic meningioma to the eleventh dorsal vertebral body: total en bloc spondylectomy. Case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: One in every thousand intracranial meningiomas metastatize extracranially. Lung and intraabdominal organs are most frequently affected. Only 7% involve vertebrae and just a dozen cases have been reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a total en bloc spondylectomy through a posterior approach for the treatment of an intraosseous metastatic meningioma to the eleventh dorsal vertebra. CASE REPORT: In March 1996, a 37 year-old male underwent surgical resection for a left occipital intraventricular benign meningioma (WHO I). He was reoperated in February 2002 due to local recurrence. By the end on 2003 he developed progressively invalidating dorsolumbar pain. MRI studies revealed a T11 intraosseous mass. In March 2004, a percutaneous biopsy and vertebroplasty were performed. The pathological specimen was identified as adenocarcinoma and he initiated chemotherapy. Advice from a second pathologist was seeked, who suggested the diagnosis of intraosseous meningioma. Workup studies failed to reveal any primary tumor. In May 2004 the patient was admitted to our department and a new transpedicular biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. In June 2004 he underwent T11 total en bloc spondylectomy (Tomita's procedure), fusion with bone and calcium substitute-filled stackable carbon-fiber cages, and T9 to L1 transpedicular screw fixation. No postoperative complications ocurred and he is, so far, free from primary and secondary disease. Definite pathology: benign meningioma (WHO I). DISCUSSION: Distant metastases from intracranial meningiomas are rare entities, arising from benign lesions in, at least, 60% of cases. Enam et al proposed a specific pathological score to differentiate benign, atypic and malignant meningiomas. Such score correlates with the chance of metastatizing: more than 40% in malignant meningiomas compared to 3.8% of brain tumors overall. The ability to metastatize seems to be linked to vascular or lifatic invasiveness. Metastases ocurr more frequently in angioblastic, papillary and meningothelial variants. Hematogenous (especially venous; Batson's perivertebral plexus), linfatic and cerebrospinal fluid are the main routes involved in the spreading of the tumor. Craniotomy itself may also play a role, for the majority of patients have been previously operated on repeatedly. The interval between the onset of the intracranial disease and the appearance of the metastasis varies from months to many years. The value of transpedicular biopsy is widely recognized (efficacy over 80%) and the suitability of the specimen for pathological examination improves when wide inner caliber trephines are used. In the case presented we applied the oncologic concept of vertebral en bloc resection. We believe this case represents a paradigmatic indication of this technique because it respects the concepts of radical resection and spinal stability, and offers an opportunity for the curation of the disease.

Metastatic meningioma to the eleventh dorsal vertebral body: total en bloc spondylectomy. Case report and review of the literature

Introducción. Las metástasis distantes de meningioma intracraneal ocurren en uno de cada milmeningiomas. La mayor parte afectan a pulmón u órganos intraabdominales. Sólo un 7% aparecen en vértebras. Se han publicado en torno a una docena de casos. Presentamos la primera descripción hasta la fecha de una vertebrectomía completa por vía posterior para tratar una metástasis intraósea de meningioma benigno en el cuerpo de T11.Caso clínico. Varón de 37 años de edad, intervenido en otro centro en Marzo de 1996 de meningioma benigno intraventricular occipital izquierdo de tipo transicional(OMS tipo I). Precisó reintervención por recidiva local en Febrero de 2002. A finales de 2003 comenzó con dolor dorso lumbar intenso y el estudio de RM espinal evidenció una masa intrósea en T11. En Marzo de 2004se realizó biopsia transpedicular y vertebroplastia acrílica. El resultado histológico fue de adenocarcinoma y el paciente comenzó a recibir quimioterapia. Una segunda opinión sobre las muestras histológicas sugirió el diagnóstico de meningioma. El estudio de extensión tumoral no evidenció otra neoplasia primaria. En Mayo de 2004 ingresó en nuestro servicio donde se repite la biopsia transpedicular que confirma el diagnóstico de meningioma. En Junio de 2004 se realizó vertebrectomíaT11 completa por vía posterior, según técnica de Tomita, artrodesis intersomática con cajas apilables de fibra de carbono rellenas de injerto óseo y sustituto cálcico, y fijación transpedicular T9 a L1. La evolución postoperatoria fue satisfactoria y, actualmente, se encuentra libre de enfermedad primaria y secundaria. Anatomía patológica definitiva: meningioma benigno(OMS I).Discusión. Las metástasis distantes de meningiomas intracraneales son entidades raras que en más del 60%de los casos provienen de meningiomas benignos. Enamy cols diseñaron una gradación según parámetros histológicos para diferenciar los meningiomas benignos e los atípicos y malignos. Dicha gradación correlaciona con la probabilidad de producir metástasis distantes: más del 40% en los meningiomas malignos frente a una media del 3.8% de todos los tumores cerebrales. La posibilidad de metastatizar parece relacionarse con la capacidad de invasividad vascular o linfática. Las metástasis son más frecuentes en las variantes angioblástica, papilar y meningotelial. Se describen tres vías de diseminación: hematógena (sobre todo venosa; plexo perivertebral de Batson) linfática y por LCR. La craneotomía podría ser otra vía de diseminación pues la mayoría de los pacientes han sido previamente multioperados del tumor craneal. El tiempo transcurrido entre el diagnóstico del meningioma intracraneal y la aparición de la metástasis vertebral puede variar entremeses y años. La rentabilidad diagnóstica de la biopsia transpedicular es mayor del 80% y mejora cuanto mayor es el diámetro interno de la trefina utilizada. En el caso descrito, aplicamos el concepto oncológico de resección en bloque de la vértebra afectada. Creemos que se trata de una indicación paradigmática de esta técnica pues respeta los conceptos de resección radical y estabilidad de la columna, y otorga una oportunidad de curación de la enfermedad

Introduction. One in every thousand intracranial meningiomas metastatize extracranially. Lung andintra abdominal organs are most frequently affected. Only 7% involve vertebrae and just a dozen cases have been reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a total en bloc spondylectomy through a posterior approach for the treatment of an intraosseous metastatic meningioma to the eleventh dorsal vertebra. Case report. In March 1996, a 37 year-old male underwent surgical resection for a left occipital intraventricular benign meningioma (WHO I). He wasreoperated in February 2002 due to local recurrence. By the end on 2003 he developed progressively invalidating dorso lumbar pain. MRI studies revealed a T11 intraosseous mass. In March 2004, a percutaneous biopsy and vertebroplasty were performed. The pathological specimen was identified as adenocarcinoma and he initiated chemotherapy. Advice from a second pathologist was seeked, who suggested the diagnosis of intraosseous meningioma. Workup studies failed to reveal any primary tumor. In May 2004 the patient was admitted to our department and a new transpedicular biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. In June 2004 he underwentT11 total en bloc spondylectomy (Tomita's procedure),fusion with bone and calcium substitute-filled stackable carbon-fiber cages, and T9 to L1 transpedicular screw fixation. No postoperative complications ocurred and he is, so far, free from primary and secondary disease. Definite pathology: benign meningioma (WHO I).Discussion. Distant metastases from intracranial meningioma’s are rare entities, arising from benign lesions in, at least, 60% of cases. En am et al proposed a specific pathological score to differentiate benign, atypic and malignant meningiomas. Such score correlates with the chance of metastatizing: more than 40%in malignant meningiomas compared to 3.8% of brain tumors overall. The ability to metastatize seems to be linked to vascular or lifatic invasiveness. Metastases ocurr more frequently in angioblastic, papillary and meningothelial variants. Hematogenous (especially venous; Batson's perivertebral plexus), linfatic and cerebrospinal fluid are the main routes involved in the spreading of the tumor. Craniotomy itself may also play a role, for the majority of patients have been previously operated on repeatedly. The interval between the onset of the intracranial disease and the appearance of the metastasis varies from months to many years. The value of transpedicular biopsy is widely recognized (efficacy over 80%) and the suitability of the specimen for pathological examination improves when wide inner caliber trephines are used. In the case presented we applied the oncologic concept of vertebral en bloc resection. We believe this case represents a paradigmatic indication of this technique because it respects the concepts of radical resection and spinal stability, and offers an opportunity for the curation of the disease

[Morbimortality in carotid endarterectomy]. / Morbimortalidad en la endarterectomía carotídea.

OBJECTIVE: To assess perioperative and long-term morbidity in patients diagnosed of carotid stenosis submitted to our Department for surgical endarterectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 97 endarterectomies performed by six neurosurgeons in 90 patients treated between January 1995 and December 2003. Ten patients were women. Average mean age was 69 years-old (range 38-86). Seven patients were treated bilaterally. Eighty-four stenosis were greater than 70%. Annual number of interventions per surgeon was 3 (range 0-10). The median follow-up was 121 days, (range 8-2106). RESULTS: Four patients died perioperatively and other 4 ones developed new neurologic deficits. The combined morbidity-mortality rate was 8.9% of the patients and 8.2% of the surgeries. Four patients needed reintervention, because of immediate postoperative new deficit (one) and surgical hematoma (three). Transient peripheral nerve palsy occurred in 8 patients and 21 medical complications were registered. In the long term, 7 patients died (6 because of cancer and 1 because of cardiopathy) and 5 presented neurologic events (3 ipsilateral and 2 in other locations). Last postoperative image control, performed on average after 52 days (0-2832), revealed 7 stenosis of the treated artery. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid endarterectomy can be safely performed in low-volume centers with acceptable results and reasonable morbidity and mortality rates when simple techniques are used. We consider crucial to evaluate self complications and results in order to improve them.

Morbimortalidad en la endarterectomía carotídea / Morbimortality in carotid endarterectomy

Objetivo. Evaluar las complicaciones perioperatorias y a largo plazo en pacientes tratados mediante endarterectomía por estenosis carotídea en nuestro Servicio. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de 97 endarterectomías realizadas por 6 neurocirujanos en 90 pacientes entre enero de 1995 y diciembre de 2003. Diez de los pacientes fueron mujeres. La mediana de edad fue 69 años (rango 38-86). Siete pacientes se intervinieron bilateralmente. Ochenta y cuatro estenosis fueron mayores del 70%. El número de cirugías anual por cirujano fue de 3 (rango 0-10). El seguimiento clínico fue de 121 días, (rango 8-2106). Resultados. Fallecieron 4 pacientes en el postoperatorio inmediato y otros 4 presentaron déficits neurológicos añadidos, con una morbimortalidad de 8'9% de los pacientes y 8'2% de las cirugías. Cuatro pacientes se reintervinieron, 1 por déficit neurológico inmediato y 3 por hematoma quirúrgico. Hubo afectación transitoria de nervio periférico en 8 pacientes y se registraron 21 complicaciones médicas asociadas. Posteriormente 7 pacientes fallecieron (6 por cáncer y 1 por cardiopatía) y 5 presentaron ictus (3 ipsilaterales y 2 de otra localización). En el último control postoperatorio por imagen, a los 52 (0-2832) días, se constataron 7 estenosis en la arteria operada. Conclusiones. La endarterectomía carotídea puede realizarse con razonable seguridad en centros con bajo volumen de pacientes, con métodos sencillos y con resultados aceptables. El conocimiento de los resultados reales obtenidos en cada centro es importante para mejorarlos

Objective. To assess perioperative and long-term morbidity in patients diagnosed of carotid stenosis submitted to our Department for surgical endarterectomy. Patients and methods. A retrospective study of 97 endarterectomies performed by six neurosurgeons in 90 patients treated between january 1995 and december 2003. Ten patients were women. Average mean age was 69 years-old (range 38-86). Seven patients were treated bilateraly. Eighty-four stenosis were greater than 70%. Annual number of interventions per surgeon was 3 (range 0-10). The median follow-up was 121 days, (range 8-2106). Results. Four patients died perioperatively and another 4 developed new neurologic deficits. The combined morbiditymortality rate was 8'9% of the patients and 8'2% of the surgeries. Four patients needed reintervention, because of immediate postoperative new deficit (one) and surgical hematoma (three). Transient peripheral nerve palsy occurred in 8 patients and 21 medical complications were registered. In the long term, 7 patients died (6 because of cancer and 1 because of cardiopathy) and 5 presented neurologic events (3 ipsilateral and 2 in other locations). Last postoperative image control, performed on average after 52 days (0-2832), revealed 7 estenosis of the treated artery. Conclusions. Carotid endarterectomy can be safely performed in low-volume centers with acceptable results and reasonable morbidity and mortality rates when simple techniques are used. We consider crucial to evaluate self complications and results in order to improve them

Papel de la cirugía en la enfermedad degenerativa espinal. Análisis de revisiones sistemáticas sobre tratamientos quirúrgicos y conservadores desde el punto de vista de la medicina basada en la evidencia / Role of surgery in spinal degenerative disease. Analysis of systematic reviews on surgical and conservative treatments from an evidence-based approach

Introducción. Alrededor del 70-80% de la población presentará dolor de espalda incapacitante algún momento en su vida como consecuencia de la Enfermedad Degenerativa Espinal (EDE). Los costes globales que genera la enfermedad se estiman en torno al 1-2% del PIB anualmente. Desde el punto de vista de la Medicina Basada en la Evidencia (MBE), se constata una llamativa discrepancia entre la enorme disponibilidad y creciente uso de técnicas quirúrgicas (en especial de fusión espinal) y la escasa evidencia científica que apoya su utilización. Material y métodos. Hemos revisado cuidadosamente todos los metaanálisis referentes a tratamientos de la EDE publicados hasta Diciembre de 2003 y hemos clasificado las recomendaciones terapéuticas en niveles de evidencia (fuerte, moderada, limitada o ausencia de evidencia), tanto para tratamientos quirúrgicos como conservadores, siguiendo las pautas de la MBE. Resultados. Identificamos 44 metaanálisis de interés (9 sobre cirugía lumbar, 3 sobre cirugía cervical y 32 sobre otros tratamientos). Desde el punto de vista quirúrgico, sólo alcanza nivel de evidencia fuerte la laminectomía precoz en síndrome de cola de caballo por extrusión discal; la superioridad de la discectomía simple o microdiscectomía frente a quimionucleolisis en prolapso discal y espondilosis; y la cirugía de fusión (en principio, no instrumentada) en espondilolistesis ístmica del adulto o degenerativa asociada a estenosis lumbar. En espondilosis cervical con radiculo y/o mielopatía cervical leve, la discectomía más fusión no supera a la discectomía simple y ésta es dudosamente superior a la historia natural de la enfermedad más allá de 24 meses. La utilización profiláctica de antibióticos en cirugía espinal es beneficiosa. No se demuestra beneficio de la cirugía en dolor discogénico. Ninguna terapia conservadora alcanza el nivel de evidencia fuerte. Los antidepresivos mejoran la percepción del dolor pero no la funcionalidad. Discusión. A pesar de que se ha doblado el porcentaje de cirugías de instrumentación lumbar en las últimas dos décadas y crece a un ritmo del 20% anual, no se ha demostrado de forma fehaciente una mejoría en los resultados clínicos ni siquiera en las tasas globales de artrodesis. Este llamativo incremento del uso de la cirugía en procesos diferentes a las deformidades espinales y espondilolistesis aisladas o acompañadas de estenosis del canal lumbar, quizá obedece a múltiples factores técnicos y clínico-epidemiológicos donde no podemos obviar la enorme trascendencia económica que subyace. Resulta crucial diferenciar qué subgrupos de pacientes con EDE se benefician claramente de la cirugía. Desde el punto de vista ético empieza a plantearse la necesidad de diseñar ensayos clínicos que incorporen placebos quirúrgicos, dada la escasa evidencia científica que apoya la cirugía espinal a día de hoy. La mayor parte de los tratamientos conservadores tienen una eficacia moderada o leve (casi siempre transitoria) y, probablemente, deban utilizarse en combinación. Conclusiones. La cirugía de la EDE se asienta sobre pilares inseguros habida cuenta de que la mayor parte de las técnicas que se indican no están avaladas por recomendaciones de primera clase en términos de MBE. Parece necesario consensuar, desde las organizaciones que estudian la columna degenerativa, guías de práctica clínica en lo referente al tratamiento integral y multidisciplinado de la EDE, a sabiendas que, hasta hoy, pocos tratamientos alteran de forma positiva y duradera la historia natural de la enfermedad

Introduction. The lifetime prevalence of invalidating back pain in general population caused by Spinal Degenerative Disease (SDD) is about 70-80%. Global costs related to this disease are enormous (1-2% gross domestic product). From an Evidence-based point of view, there is a striking discrepancy between the use of many available surgical techniques (especially for spinal fusion) and the lack of scientific support. Methods. The authors carefully reviewed all published metaanalysis on SDD therapies up to December 2003. Treatment recommendations were classified according to levels of evidence (strong, moderate, mild or lack of evidence) for both surgical and conservative measures. Results. Forty-four metaanalysis were selected (nine on lumbar surgery, three on cervical surgery and thirty-two on other therapies). Relating surgery, there is strong evidence favouring early laminectomy in cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar disc herniation; discectomy or microdiscectomy are superior to chemo-nucleolysis in lumbar prolapse and spondylosis; and fusion surgery (probably noninstrumented) in adult isthmic spondylolysthesis or degenerative spondylolysthesis with spinal stenosis. In cervical spondylosis and radiculomyelopathy, discectomy seems as efective as discectomy plus fusion, which does not seem to be better than untreated SDD beyond 24 months. Preoperative antibiotics seem to prevent infection in spinal surgery. No benefit of surgery is demonstrated in discogenic pain. None of conservative therapies are supported by strong evidence. Antidepressants improve pain perception but do not influence the functional status. Discussion. Although lumbar instrumented surgery has nearly doubled over two decades and the anual growth is about 20%, clinical results do not seem to have improved, not even global fusion rates. The increasing use of fusion surgery for cases other than spinal deformities, spondylolysthesis or spinal stenosis plus lysthesis may be related to multiple technical and clinical-epidemiological factors where huge financial and commercial interests must be considered. It is crucial to differenciate subsets of patients prone to beneft from surgery. It is discussed whether randomized trials incorporating sham operations are ethically justifiable, because of the lack of sould evidence for many spinal procedures. The efficacy of most conservative treatments is mild or moderate (mainly transient) and they should be probably used in combination. Conclusions. There is no strong evidence favouring most of surgical procedures for SDD from an evidence-based approach. It seems neccessary that scientific organizations studying SDD create clinical guidelines relating its multidisciplinary and integral management, recognizing that, up to now, few interventions positively modify in the long-term the natural history of the disease

[First steps in neuronavigation]. / Primeros pasos en neuronavegación.

INTRODUCTION: We try to evaluate the introduction of a neuronavigation system widely used in a neurosurgical department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyze the surgical procedures performed since the introduction of a neuronavigator in our hospital, the advantages and the problems related with its use. RESULTS: From 21/12/00 to 31/12/01, 64 cranial and 5 spinal procedures were performed in our centre with the aid of the BrainLAB neuronavigation system. They were 19.37% of the elective surgeries: 45.7% of cranial and 2.8% of spinal procedures. The accuracy of registration was 1.6 mm; the number of trials for registration was 2.8 on average, although in 3 cases it was not possible; there were disarrangements during 9 surgical procedures (two of them after the lesions were reached). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used in 54 instances, computerized tomography (CT) in 5, fluoroscopy (Rx) in 1, CT plus MRI in 8, CT plus Rx in 1. Since Z-Touch localization system and software was available, it was used exclusively, disregarding the use of external fiducials. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, neuronavigation needs extra time, but it helps in the election of the best position for the surgical approach, reduces the time required for scalp incision and craniotomy planning, and is useful for the opening of the dura and the corticectomy. As the operation proceeds, we found it less truhstworthy and necessary. The Z-touch system frees the imaging from the surgery. Its use in spinal operation is scarce and with limited results in our practice. We found the neuronavigation useful, and we employ it on a regular basis in every cranial procedure whenever it is possible.

Primeros pasos en neuronavegación / First steps in neuronavigation

Introducción: Se pretende evaluar la introducción de un sistema de neuronavegación de uso ampliamente extendido en el funcionamiento de un Servicio de Neurocirugía. Material y método: Se analizan las intervenciones realizadas desde la introducción de la neuronavegación en nuestro hospital, las ventajas de su uso y los problemas aparecidos. Resultados: Entre el 21/12/00 y el 31/12/01 se han realizado en nuestro centro 64 intervenciones craneales y 5 de raquis con la ayuda del sistema de neuronavegación BrainLAB. Suponen el 19'38 por ciento de las cirugías programadas: 45'7 por ciento de las craneales y 2'8 por ciento de las de raquis. La precisión de registro fue 1'6 mm; el número medio de intentos para realizar el registro fue de 2'8 aunque en 3 casos éste no se pudo llevar a cabo; hubo desajustes durante el procedimiento en 9 cirugías, (dos de ellas tras alcanzar la lesión). Se emplearon: resonancia magnética (RM) en 54, tomografía computarizada (TC) en 5, fiuoroscopia (Rx) en 1, TC y RM en 8, TC y Rx en 1. Desde que se dispuso del sistema localizador Z-touch y su software se han empleado exclusivamente, prescindiendo de los fiduciales externos. Discusión y conclusiones: En nuestra experiencia, la neuronavegación requiere tiempo extra, pero facilita la elección de la posición idónea para el abordaje, acelera la planificación de la incisión y craniotomía, y es útil para la apertura dural y corticectomía. A medida que el procedimiento avanza, nos parece menos fiable y necesario. El sistema con Z-touch independiza la toma de la imagen de la cirugía. Su empleo en la columna en nuestros pacientes es más escasa y con resultados más limitados hasta ahora. Encontramos a la neuronavegación útil, empleándola de manera rutinaria en los procedimientos craneales de cualquier tipo siempre que esto es posible (AU)