bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term Results after Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Patients with Cavernous Malformations
Authors: Hasegawa Toshinori , McInerney James , Kondziolka Douglas , Lee John Y.K. , Flickinger John C. , Lunsford L. Dade 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Stereotactic radiosurgery has been used for patients with high-risk cavernous malformations of the brain. We performed radiosurgery for patients with symptomatic, imaging-confirmed hemorrhages for which resection was believed to be associated with high risk. This study examines the long-term hemorrhage rate after radiosurgery.

METHODS
We reviewed data obtained before and after gamma knife radiosurgery on 82 patients treated between 1987 and 2000. Most patients had multiple hemorrhages from brainstem or diencephalic cavernous malformations. Follow-up data were examined to identify hemorrhages, and an overall hemorrhage rate was calculated.

RESULTS
Observation before treatment averaged 4.33 years (range, 0.17–18 yr) for a total of 354 patient-years. During this period, 202 hemorrhages were observed, for an annual hemorrhage rate of 33.9%, excluding the first hemorrhage. Temporal clustering of hemorrhages was not significant. After radiosurgery, patient follow-up averaged 5 years (range, 0.42–12.08 yr), for a total of 401 patient-years. During this period, 19 hemorrhages were identified, 17 in the first 2 years posttreatment and 2 after 2 years. The annual hemorrhage rate was 12.3% per year for the first 2 years after radiosurgery, followed by 0.76% per year from Years 2 to 12. Eleven patients had new neurological symptoms without hemorrhage after radiosurgery (13.4%). The symptoms were minor in six of these patients and temporary in five.

CONCLUSION
Radiosurgery confers a reduction in the risk of hemorrhage for high-risk cavernous malformations. Risk reduction, although in evidence during initial follow-up, is most pronounced after 2 years. Given the difficulty of identifying high-risk patients, treatment after one major hemorrhage should be considered in selected younger patients. Such a strategy warrants further investigation.
Delayed Surgical Resection Reduces Intraoperative Blood Loss for Embolized Meningiomas
Authors: Chun Jay Y. , McDermott Michael W. , Lamborn Kathleen R. , Wilson Charles B. , Higashida Randall , Berger Mitchel S. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Embolization before surgical resection of tumors has been demonstrated to reduce intraoperative blood loss, but the optimal time that should elapse between embolization and tumor resection has not been established. We evaluated whether immediate surgical resection (≤24 h) after embolization or delayed surgical resection (&gt;24 h) was more effective in minimizing intraoperative blood loss.

METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the records for 50 patients with meningiomas who underwent preoperative embolization between 1993 and 1999. We divided the patients into two groups, i.e., those who underwent surgical resection of their meningiomas ≤24 hours after embolization and those who underwent surgery more than 24 hours after embolization. The extent of embolization, intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, and length of the hospital stay were compared for the two groups. Postoperative pathological specimens were examined for assessment of the extent of vascularity and necrosis caused by embolization.

RESULTS
Intraoperative blood loss was greater for the immediate group than for the delayed group (29% with blood loss of &gt;1000 ml [median, 475 ml] versus 0% with blood loss of &gt;700 ml [median, 337.5 ml];P = 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to tumor volume, extent of embolization, degree of devascularization, necrosis, duration of surgery, or length of the hospital stay.

CONCLUSION
Contrary to previous studies that emphasized a need for tumor removal immediately after embolization, to prevent revascularization, surgical resection of meningiomas should be delayed more than 24 hours after embolization, because there is less intraoperative blood loss.
Trigeminal Nerve-Blood Vessel Relationship as Revealed by High-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Its Effect on Pain Relief after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Brisman Ronald , Khandji Alexander G. , Mooij Robertus B.M. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Blood vessel (BV) compression of the trigeminal nerve (Cranial Nerve [CN] V) is a common cause of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans obtained during gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in patients with TN may be used to analyze the BV-CN V relationship. Follow-up data from a large series of patients treated with GKRS for TN were used to provide information regarding the BV-CN V relationship and pain relief.

METHODS
T1-weighted, axial 1-mm-thick volume acquisition magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained through the area of CN V at its exit from the brainstem after injection of 15 ml of gadolinium. The BV-CN V relationship on the symptomatic side that was treated with GKRS was categorized into the following groups: Group 1 (no close relationship), Group 2 (BV close to CN V but not touching it), and Groups 3 and higher (BV-CN V contact).

RESULTS
A total of 181 symptomatic nerves were studied in 179 patients with TN who were treated with GKRS. In BV-CN V Groups 1, 2, and 3 and higher, respectively, were 43 sides (24%), 31 sides (17%), and 107 sides (59%). In 100 sides where there was no surgical procedure before GKRS, 50% or greater pain relief was more likely in those with BV-CN V contact (51 [88%] of 58 sides) than in those without BV-CN V (29 [69%] of 42 sides) (P = 0.024). BV-CN V contact was observed more often in men (55 [69%] of 80 sides) than in women (52 [52%] of 101 sides) (P = 0.023) and more often in patients who had unilateral TN (104 [62%] of 169 patients) rather than bilateral TN (2 [20%] of 10 patients) (P = 0.016).

CONCLUSION
In patients who have not undergone previous surgery for TN, BV-CN V contact revealed by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging may indicate a particularly favorable response to GKRS.
Long-term Hardware-related Complications of Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Oh Michael Y. , Abosch Aviva , Kim Seong H. , Lang Anthony E. , Lozano Andres M. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence of long-term hardware-related complications of deep brain stimulation (DBS).

METHODS
The study design is a retrospective chart review of a single-surgeon, single-institution experience with DBS in 84 consecutive cases from 1993 to 1999. Only patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were considered. Five patients were excluded because trial stimulation failed to achieve pain relief (n = 4) or because the procedure was aborted owing to hemorrhage (n = 1). Seventy-nine patients received 124 permanent DBS electrode implants.

RESULTS
The mean follow-up period was 33 months, and the cumulative follow-up time was 217 patient-years or 310 electrode-years. Overall, 20 patients (25.3%) had 26 hardware-related complications involving 23 (18.5%) of the electrodes. There were 4 lead fractures, 4 lead migrations, 3 short or open circuits, 12 erosions and/or infections, 2 foreign body reactions, and one cerebrospinal fluid leak. The hardware-related complication rate per electrode-year was 8.4%. The most common complications were related to the electrode connectors. A significant finding was a high number of complications involving erosions or infections, which occurred in 7 of 12 instances as a late complication (beyond 12 mo).

CONCLUSION
Long-term follow-up reveals that hardware-related complications occur in a significant number of patients. Factors that lead to such complications must be identified and addressed to maximize the important benefits of DBS therapy.
Transfer of the Medial Pectoral Nerve: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Samardzic Miroslav , Grujicic Danica , Rasulic Lukas , Bacetic Dragoljub 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Transfer of the medial pectoral nerve is one of the most controversial procedures used to reinnervate the paralyzed upper arm because of brachial plexus spinal nerve root avulsion or directly irreparable proximal lesions of spinal nerves. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of this type of nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous and axillary nerves.

METHODS
The 25 patients included in the study comprised 14 patients who had nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve and 11 who underwent nerve transfer to the axillary nerve. These patients’ functional recovery and the time course of their recovery were analyzed according to the type of transfer of one donor nerve or the donor nerve in combination with other donors.

RESULTS
Useful functional recovery was achieved in 85.7% of patients who had nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve and in 81.8% of patients who underwent nerve transfer to the axillary nerve. There was no significant difference in results with regard to the type of nerve transfer and which recipient nerves were involved. A strong trend toward better results after procedures involving the use of a donor nerve combined with other donors was observed, however.

CONCLUSION
Our surgical results suggest that the transfer of the medial pectoral nerve to the musculocutaneous nerve and also to the axillary nerve may be a reliable and effective procedure.
Complementary Use of Computed Tomographic Angiography in Treatment Planning for Posterior Fossa Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Carvi y Nievas Mario N. , Haas Eberhard , Höllerhage Hans-Georg , Drathen Christian 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to determine whether the complementary use of computed tomographic angiographic (CTA) assessments would provide additional benefits in the evaluation and treatment of ruptured vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms.

METHODS
In the past 4.5 years, 35 patients with an infratentorial dominant pattern of subarachnoid hemorrhage were complementarily examined with CTA scanning, after undergoing one or more three-dimensional rotational projection digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) studies. The results of these studies were interpreted by the treating neurosurgeon and an interventional radiologist, to examine the usefulness of the findings for the detection of aneurysms and to determine the grade of parent artery vascular filling and the optical definition of the aneurysm. This information provided additional benefits for case management.

RESULTS
Thirty-three aneurysms were detected. For 10 patients, no aneurysm was identified in repeated examinations with the two methods. We detected only 16 of the 25 ruptured aneurysms (64%) on the first DSA scans and, even with repeated examinations, 6 aneurysms were not clearly identified with this technique. CTA scanning revealed the ruptured aneurysms in 25 cases and demonstrated increased vascular filling and improved optical definition of the aneurysms, compared with DSA scanning, in 12 cases (48%). The information obtained from the CTA scans allowed the selection of five patients for endovascular treatment and facilitated the surgical procedures in five cases.

CONCLUSION
Complementary CTA examination of the vertebrobasilar complex provides a higher rate of aneurysm detection and improves the optical definition and anatomic projection of these aneurysms, compared with DSA scanning alone. This facilitates therapeutic decision-making (surgical versus endovascular procedures) and allows neurosurgeons to use more restricted surgical exposures.
Endoscopic Augmented Reality Navigation System for Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery to Treat Pituitary Tumors: Technical Note
Authors: Kawamata Takakazu , Iseki Hiroshi , Shibasaki Takao , Hori Tomokatsu 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Endoscopes have been commonly used in transsphenoidal surgery to treat pituitary tumors, to compensate for the narrow surgical field. Although many navigation systems have been introduced for neurosurgical procedures, there have been few reports of navigation systems for endoscopic operations. This report presents our recently developed, endoscopic, augmented reality (AR) navigation system.

METHODS
The technology is based on the principles of AR environment technology. The system consisted of a rigid endoscope with light-emitting diodes, an optical tracking system, and a controller. The operation of the optical tracking system was based on two sets of infrared light-emitting diodes, which measured the position and orientation of the endoscope relative to the patient's head. We used the system during endonasal transsphenoidal operations to treat pituitary tumors in 12 recent cases.

RESULTS
Anatomic, “real,” three-dimensional, virtual images of the tumor and nearby anatomic structures (including the internal carotid arteries, sphenoid sinuses, and optic nerves) were superimposed on real- time endoscopic live images. The system also indicated the positions and directions of the endoscope and the endoscopic beam in three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomographic planes. Furthermore, the colors of the wire-frame images of the tumor changed according to the distance between the tip of the endoscope and the tumor. These features were superior to those of conventional navigation systems, which are available only for operating microscopes.

CONCLUSION
The endoscopic AR navigation system allows surgeons to perform accurate, safe, endoscope-assisted operations to treat pituitary tumors; it is particularly useful for reoperations, in which midline landmarks may be absent. We consider the AR navigation system to be a promising tool for safe, minimally invasive, endonasal, transsphenoidal surgery to treat pituitary tumors.
Angioplasty for Intracranial Symptomatic Vertebrobasilar Ischemia
Authors: Gress Daryl R. , Smith Wade S. , Dowd Chris F. , Halbach Van V. , Finley Randall J. , Higashida Randall T. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Although anterior circulation disease has both medical and surgical treatment options, management of vertebrobasilar disease has predominantly had only medical options. Some patients remain symptomatic despite medical treatment, and angioplasty has been demonstrated to relieve critical stenoses. However, the relative safety and effectiveness of medical and surgical treatments is not clearly known. This report reviews the clinical characteristics, indications, and procedural risks of intracranial angioplasty in a series of patients with symptomatic posterior circulation ischemia.

METHODS
All patients undergoing angioplasty for critical intracranial vertebral or basilar artery stenosis at the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center between June 1986 and July 1999 were included in a retrospective record review. Clinical features and procedural complications were recorded.

RESULTS
Angioplasty was performed on 25 vessel lesions in 25 patients in whom medical therapy had failed. The patients ranged in age from 50 to 87 years. Of the 25 stenoses, 10 were intracranial vertebral, 9 vertebrobasilar junction, and 6 basilar in location. Angioplasty was effective in reducing the degree of stenosis by more than 40% in all 25 vessels. The overall risk of stroke or death was 28%, and the risk of disabling stroke or death was 16%.

CONCLUSION
Intracranial posterior circulation angioplasty is effective in the reduction of stenosis and can be performed with relative safety. Angioplasty can be considered as a treatment option in patients with recurrent ischemic symptoms despite medical therapy.
Spinal Epidural Abscesses: Clinical Manifestations, Prognostic Factors, and Outcomes
Authors: Soehle Martin , Wallenfang Thomas 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to evaluate the clinical manifestations and prognostic factors for outcomes among patients with nontuberculous spinal epidural abscesses.

METHODS
The records and magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomographic results for patients treated between 1994 and 2000 were retrospectively evaluated. Outcomes were assessed after 11 months, using scores ranging from 0 (dead) to 4 (no neurological deficits).

RESULTS
All 25 patients (mean age, 62 yr) underwent surgery and subsequently received antibiotics. Back/neck pain (72% of patients), leukocytosis (64%), fever (60%), and motor deficits (56%) were the most common symptoms at admission. Outcomes were assessed as poor for 40% of the patients and as good (no deficit or independently ambulatory) for 60%. Low leg muscle strength grades (r = 0.68, P &lt; 0.001) and high white blood cell (WBC) counts (r = −0.56, P = 0.006) at admission were significantly correlated with low outcome scores. From the time of admission until 14 days after surgery, the poor-outcome group exhibited significantly (P &lt; 0.005) higher WBC counts, compared with the good-outcome group. The same was true for C-reactive protein levels, with the exception that no differences between groups were observed until 8 days after surgery. Factors such as cervicothoracic abscess locations (P = 0.041), lower limb motor deficits (P = 0.005), complete paralysis (P = 0.005), and WBC counts of more than 14,000 cells/μl (P = 0.049) at admission were observed to be prognostic for poor outcomes.

CONCLUSION
Surgical decompression combined with antimicrobial therapy remains the recommended treatment. In addition to abscess locations and motor deficits, inflammatory markers such as WBC counts and C-reactive protein levels are prognostic for outcomes.
Facet Fusion in the Lumbosacral Spine: A 2-year Follow-up Study
Authors: Park Youn-Kwan , Kim Jong-Hyun , Oh Jae In , Kwon Taek-Hyun , Chung Hung-Seob , Lee Ki-Chan 
Published: July 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVEA clinical and radiological follow-up study was undertaken to assess the safety, efficacy, and complication rate associated with instrumented facet fusion of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine.METHODSThis study involved 99 patients with degenerative lumbar disorders who were treated surgically at the authors' neurosurgical department and followed for more than 2 years. Eighty-two patients underwent one-level fusion for the treatment of Grade I or II degenerative spondylolisthesis and accompanying spinal canal stenosis (44 patients) or recurrent disc herniation (38 patients). Seventeen patients underwent two-level fusion for the treatment of either double instances of the above indications (seven patients) or concurrent stenosis at the adjacent level (10 patients).RESULTSThere were no technique-related complications. The overall 2-year success rate of fusion was 96%; the success rates by fusion type were 99% in one-level fusions and 88% in two-level fusions. Degenerative spondylolisthesis had the highest success rate at 100%, whereas the success rate in patients who had not responded to previous discectomy was 93%. Patients with concurrent stenosis experienced the lowest success rate: 80%. Excellent or good clinical results were obtained for 85% of patients with one-level fusions and for 65% of patients with two-level fusions.CONCLUSIONInstrumented facet fusion alone is a simple, safe, and effective surgical option for the treatment of patients with single-level disorders, especially patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Comparison of the Mini-open versus Laparoscopic Approach for Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Kaiser Michael G. , Haid Regis W. , Subach Brian R. , Miller Jay S. , Smith C. Dan , Rodts Gerald E. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVEThe anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedure has become an accepted fusion technique for treating patients with degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine. Many consider laparoscopic ALIF to be the least invasive approach. A modification of the open laparotomy—the “mini-open” approach—is an attractive alternative. In this retrospective review, a comparison of these two ALIF approaches is presented.METHODSWe conducted a retrospective review of 98 patients who underwent ALIF procedures between 1996 and 2001 in which either a mini-open or a laparoscopic approach was used. Patient demographics, intraoperative parameters, length of hospitalization, and technique-related complications associated with the use of these two approaches were compared. The subset of patients who underwent L5–S1 ALIF procedures was analyzed separately. Statistical analysis was conducted with χ2 and Student's paired t tests.RESULTSBetween 1996 and 2001, a total of 98 patients underwent ALIF. A laparoscopic approach was used in 47 of these patients, and the mini-open technique was used in the other 51 patients. Operative preparation and procedure time were longer with the use of a laparoscopic approach, and significantly greater during L5–S1 ALIF procedures (P &lt; 0.05). A marginal but significant increase in length of stay was observed after mini-open ALIF procedures (P &lt; 0.05). The immediate postoperative complication rate was greater after mini-open ALIF procedures, 17.6 versus 4.3% (P &lt; 0.05); however, the rate of retrograde ejaculation was higher in the laparoscopic group, 45 versus 6% (P &lt; 0.05).CONCLUSIONBoth the laparoscopic and mini-open techniques are effective approaches to use when performing ALIF procedures. On the basis of the data obtained in this retrospective review, the laparoscopic approach does not seem to have a definitive advantage over the mini-open exposure, particularly in an L5–S1 ALIF procedure. In our opinion, the mini-open approach possesses a number of theoretical advantages; however, the individual surgeon's preference ultimately is likely to be the dictating factor.
Image-guided Endoscopic Transnasal Removal of Recurrent Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Lasio Giovanni , Ferroli Paolo , Felisati Giovanni , Broggi Giovanni 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To assess the role that neuronavigation plays in assisting endoscopic transsphenoidal reoperations for recurrent pituitary adenomas.

METHODS
During a 45-month period, 19 endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal reoperations were performed for recurrent pituitary adenomas. In 11 of 19 patients, the procedure was performed with the aid of an optically guided system. Clinical records were reviewed retrospectively, with attention to the following: comparison of baseline clinical data, the duration of surgery, and the postoperative course and complications of both image-guided and non-image-guided endoscopic reoperations. In addition, to test the reliability of the neuronavigation system, we made measurements of intraoperative accuracy in five additional transnasal endoscopic procedures in “virgin” noses and sphenoidal sinuses.

RESULTS
In both groups studied, we found no difference with regard to either morbidity or mortality, which were null. The mean setup time was 13 minutes shorter in non-image-guided procedures (P = 0.021), and the operative time was 36 minutes shorter in image-guided procedures (P = 0.038). No other statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. In all cases, we found that the system performed without malfunction. Continuous information regarding instrument location and trajectory was provided to the surgeon. Measurements of the intraoperative accuracy in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes indicated a mean intraoperatively verified system error of 1.6 ± 0.6 mm.

CONCLUSION
Neuronavigation can be applied during endonasal transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery and requires a minimal amount of time. It makes reoperation easier, faster, and probably safer.