Beric and Sterio, are present at every operation to interpret the recording. In most instances only 1 or 2 trajectories are required to fine tune lesion placement. In addition to microelectrode recording, test stimulation is performed to ensure that vital structures will not be inadvertently damaged. The operation typically takes 2-3 hours from the time of the incision to the placement of the last stitch. Including the time required to put on the stereotactic headframe, obtain the MRI, and perform the computer planning, the procedure takes 4-5 hours.
Patients receive an MRI immediately after the lesion is made to ensure no hemorrhage has occured.
They spend the first night in an observation unit and are typically discharged on the second post-operative day. Employing these strict selection criteria and careful operative planning prior to making the lesion, the NYU team has enjoyed great success with extremely few complications. Of the 100 patients operated, only one patient has suffered a stroke due to hemorrhage. No patient has suffered partial loss of a visual field. Worsened speech has only been observed in four patients, all of whom had bilateral pallidotomies.