Tag: Dissection

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Spinal Anterior Dural Dissection: Moving From Differential to Unifying Diagnosis

Neurosurgery 95:207–214, 2024

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collections extending longitudinally at the anterior aspect of the spinal dura have been reported in association with various conditions and under multiple names. The aim of this study was to report cases associated with brachial amyotrophy (BA) and examine its relationship with other clinical variants.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients who presented with a motor deficit of the upper limbs and an anterior interdural CSF collection on spinal MRI. We performed a systematic review of the literature to include cases revealed by BA.

RESULTS: Seven patients presenting with BA and a confirmed dural dissection on spinal MRI were included. All patients were male with a slowly progressing history of asymmetrical and proximal motor deficit of the upper limbs. Chronic denervation affecting mostly C5 and C6 roots was found on electroneuromyography. Spinal MRI demonstrated an anterior CSF collection dissecting the interdural space and exerting a traction on cervical motor roots. Dynamic computed tomography myelogram localized the dural defect every time it was performed (4/7 cases), and surgical closure was possible for 3 patients, leading to resolution of the collection. Literature review yielded 18 other published cases of spinal dural dissections revealed by BA, including 4 in association with spontaneous intracranial hypotension and 4 others in association with superficial siderosis.

CONCLUSION: We propose a unifying diagnosis termed “spinal anterior dural dissection” (SADD) to encompass spinal dural CSF collections revealed by BA (SADD-BA), spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SADD-SIH), or superficial siderosis (SADD-SS).

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Taming the exoscope: a one‑year prospective laboratory training study

Acta Neurochirurgica (2023) 165:2037–2044

Digital 3D exoscopes have been recently introduced as an alternative to a surgical microscope in microneurosurgery. We designed a laboratory training program to facilitate and measure the transition from microscope to exoscope. Our aim was to observe the effect of a one-year active training on microsurgical skills with the exoscope by repeating a standardized test task at several time points during the training program.

Methods Two board-certified neurosurgeons with no previous exoscope experience performed the same test tasks in February, July, and November during a 12-month period. In between the test tasks, both participants worked with the exoscope in the laboratory and assisted during clinical surgeries on daily basis. Each of the test segments consisted of repeating the same task 10 times during one week. Altogether, 60 test tasks were performed, 30 each. The test task consisted of dissecting and harvesting the ulnar and radial arteries of the second segment of a chicken wing using an exoscope (Aesculap AEOS). Each dissection was recorded on video and analyzed by two independent evaluators. We measured the time required to complete the task as well as several metrics for evaluating the manual skills of the dissection and handling of the exoscope system.

Result There was a clear reduction in dissection time between the first and the last session, mean 34 min (SD 5.96) vs. 26 min (SD 8.69), respectively. At the end of the training, both neurosurgeons used the exoscope more efficiently utilizing more available options of the device. There was correlation between the dissection time and several of the factors we used for evaluating the work flow: staying in focus, zoom control, reduction of unnecessary movements or repetitive manual motions, manipulation technique of the vessel under dissection, handling of the instruments, and using them for multiple dissection purposes (stretching, cutting, and splitting).

Conclusion Continuous, dedicated long-term training program is effective for microsurgical skill development when switching from a microscope to an exoscope. With practice, the micromotor movements become more efficient and the use of microinstruments more versatile.

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Surgical techniques for the dissection of encased perforators in giant clinoidal meningiomas

Encased perforators in giant clinoidal meningiomas

Acta Neurochir (2013) 155:1409–1412

Surgical treatment of giant clinoidal meningiomas remains a challenging task for neurosurgeons. Here, we present details of the surgical techniques for the dissection of encased perforators.

Methods The dissection of encased perforators is summarized as follows: (1) split the tumor above the encased arteries and perforators; (2) find the entrance and exit points of the perforators, and estimate the running course of the perforators within the tumor; (3) dissect and expose the perforators along the estimated line.

Conclusions The surgical techniques described in this article will aid in achieving maximum tumor resection while preserving encased perforators.

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Non-saccular aneurysms of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery trunk causing subarachnoid hemorrhage: acute surgical treatments and review of literature

Neurosurg Rev (2010) 33:205–216. DOI 10.1007/s10143-009-0234-0

Non-saccular aneurysms (NSAs) of the internal carotid artery trunk include blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) and dissecting aneurysms (DAs), which are susceptible to disastrous intra- and postoperative bleeding. This study was conducted to clarify the clinical features of NSAs and the results of early bypass and trapping. Nineteen ruptured NSAs were identified in 937 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The principal treatment was to trap the aneurysm following bypass surgery as soon as possible after SAH onset. Angiography revealed nine BBAs and ten DAs. Eight patients (four BBA and four DA) were treated in the chronic stage because of delayed arrival (n=3) or lack of aneurysm on initial angiography (n=3), or other reasons (n=2). The remaining 11 patients underwent early surgery using trapping after bypass, except for one BBA-type (clipped). During surgery, corresponding intraoperative findings were confirmed for each aneurysm type. There were six preoperative reruptures; five were determinant of patient outcome. In 14 patients without preoperative rerupture influencing outcome, 11 patients were independent at discharge and three patients dependent due to surgical complication. There was one case of minor intraoperative bleeding; no postoperative rerupture occurred. There was no delayed vasospasm-related deficit, although temporary symptomatic spasm occurred in three patients. Early bypass and trapping appeared to be an acceptable treatment strategy for these NSAs eliminating intra- and postoperative bleeding and not increasing a chance of delayed vasospasm.

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