Bilateral fronto-orbito-zygomatic craniotomy--a combined extended frontal and orbitozygomatic approach. (49/730)

In extensive skull base lesions involving the spheno-ethmoido-clival region and extending into both the cavernous sinuses and infratemporal regions, a combination of approaches is usually required, either in the same operation or at a second stage. The bilateral fronto-orbito-zygomatic craniotomy described in this report is a combination of an extended frontal approach and fronto-orbito-zygomatic craniotomy. This gives a wide exposure of the spheno-ethmoido-clival regions of both the cavernous sinuses and both the infratemporal regions. The exposure is thus greatly improved with minimal frontal lobe retraction. The single bone piece can be speedily replaced obviating the need for a complicated reconstruction technique and gives a superior cosmetic result. The operative technique is described in detail.  (+info)

Direct clipping of a large basilar trunk aneurysm via the posterior petrosal (extended retrolabyrinthine presigmoid) approach--case report. (50/730)

A 53-year-old female presented with an unruptured, large basilar trunk aneurysm manifesting only as headache with no neurological deficits, including absence of cranial nerve dysfunction. Cerebral angiography disclosed a large aneurysm with a wide neck arising from the midbasilar artery. We treated the aneurysm surgically via the posterior petrosal approach. Five angled clips were applied sequentially to the aneurysm and the basilar artery was successfully reconstructed. Electrophysiological monitoring was continued during the operation and showed no changes. Following the operation, the patient suffered from transient right abducens nerve palsy, which persisted for 3 months. Postoperative angiography showed that the aneurysm was obliterated, and the patency of the basilar artery was preserved.  (+info)

Organized chronic subdural hematoma requiring craniotomy--five case reports. (51/730)

Two child and three elderly patients underwent craniotomy for organized and/or partially calcified chronic subdural hematomas (CSHs). The characteristic feature of magnetic resonance imaging was a heterogeneous web-like structure in the hematoma cavity. Both children had undergone one side subduroperitoneal shunt for bilateral CSHs when infants. As a result, the opposite hematoma cavities persisted and developed into calcified CSHs after a couple of years. All three elderly patients with senile brain atrophy showed various systemic complications such as cerebral infarction, diabetes mellitus, leg ulceration, cirrhosis, and bleeding tendency. Craniotomy for removal of the hematoma and calcification achieved good results in all patients. Subdural space created by shunt, craniotomy, or brain atrophy and persisting for a certain period, and additional various brain damage such as microcirculatory disorder, meningitis, encephalitis, or premature delivery may be important in generating calcified or organized CSH.  (+info)

Kissing mirror image anterior communicating artery aneurysms--case report. (52/730)

A 45-year-old male presented with an extremely rare case of symmetrical kissing aneurysms located at the both ends of the anterior communicating artery. Angiography and three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) angiography clearly showed the relationship of the kissing aneurysms. The aneurysms were clipped through the right pterional approach. Temporary clipping of the anterior cerebral arteries for 5 minutes was required to gain enough operative space. The patient was discharged without neurological deficits. 3D-CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, or rotatory digital subtraction angiography may be useful for detecting kissing aneurysms, but the most important issue is awareness of this unusual condition.  (+info)

Serum immunoglobulins after surgical operation. (53/730)

We measured immunoglobulins in the sera of 33 patients on days 1, 3, 6, 10, and 17 and three to four weeks after surgical operations (mostly hysterectomy or appendectomy) or (six patients) after spinal injury. In the absence of infection or blood transfusion, IgG usually decreased slightly and transiently after hysterectomy or appendectomy, as did IgA or IgM after hysterectomy. IgD concentrations showed no consistent changes, but in one patient after hysterectomy and with minimal infection IgD concentration decreased sharply, which contrasted with significant and early increases in IgG, IgA, and IgM. IgD concentration was not correlated with type of operation, presence of infection, or changes in the other immunoglobulins. IgE concentrations either die not change or, in some patients, increased or decreased initially, after operation. We conclude that immunoglobulin concentrations in serum are subject to multiple, unpredictable influences after trauma.  (+info)

In vivo histological changes occurring in hydroxyapatite cranial reconstruction--case report. (54/730)

Histological changes were observed in a hydroxyapatite plate and hydroxyapatite granules used to repair a craniotomy defect and removed after 2 years and 9 months of use. The hydroxyapatite plates and granules had completely fused to the cranium, with new bone formation on the dural side extending in a three-dimensional matrix along the pores with the Haversian system in the center. New bone formation was less extensive under the artificial dura than under normal dura. This finding suggests that the dura has the ability to promote bone formation. A new vessel was found along the interconnecting pores. The interconnecting pores allow osteoconduction in the hydroxyapatite plate, so new bone formation can progress. Hydroxyapatite has osteoconduction properties and is biocompatible, so gains strength in vivo through new bone formation, and is the ideal material for artificial bones. Factors important to achieving good bone formation after cranial reconstruction surgery include presence of the dura, and pore size approximate to the Haversian system (100-500 microns) and interconnecting pores in the hydroxyapatite plate.  (+info)

Extradural approach to the lateral sellar compartment. (55/730)

This paper describes an extradural approach to the lateral sellar compartment (LSC, cavernous sinus), which represents a refinement of the original work performed on this topic by Parkinson, Dolenc, and Hakuba, and other enthusiastic neurosurgeons. This detailed description of the extradural approach is based on the dissection of 30 cadaver specimens and surgical experience of 110 LSC lesions. The extradural approach is based on the developmental anatomy of the LSC, and provides: (1) complete exposure of the entire LSC; (2) excellent control of the intracavernous carotid artery; (3) easier identification and less injury of the cranial nerves; (4) reduced brain damage with limited extradural retraction; (5) preserving the Sylvian vein and the sphenoparietal sinus; (6) minimal intradural blood spillage; (7) shorter operative time; (8) physiological reconstruction of the lateral wall to prevent CSF leakage; and (9) access to the contralateral LSC. As the LSC is an extradural space, the extradural approach may be safely employed to access lesions involving the LSC.  (+info)

Cerebral abscess with astrocytoma. (56/730)

A child with a right parieto-occipital astrocytoma, caped by a large acute pyogenic abscess with flimsy capsule, detected at emergency craniotomy, is presented. Patient succumbed to the disease three hours following surgery.  (+info)