The "state of the art" of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring: An Italian neurosurgical survey.

Introduction: Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IOM) is widely used in neurosurgery but specific guidelines are lacking. Therefore, we can assume differences in IOM application between Neurosurgical centers. Research question: The section of Functional Neurosurgery of the Italian Society of Neurosurgery realized a survey aiming to obtain general data on the current practice of IOM in Italy. Materials and methods: A 22-item questionnaire was designed focusing on: volume procedures, indications, awake surgery, experience, organization and equipe. The questionnaire has been sent to Italian Neurosurgery centers. Results: A total of 54 centers completed the survey. The annual volume of surgeries range from 300 to 2000, and IOM is used in 10-20% of the procedures. In 46% of the cases is a neurologist or a neurophysiologist who performs IOM. For supra-tentorial pathology, almost all perform MEPs (94%) SSEPs (89%), direct cortical stimulation (85%). All centers perform IOM in spinal surgery and 95% in posterior fossa surgery. Among the 50% that perform peripheral nerve surgery, all use IOM. Awake surgery is performed by 70% of centers. The neurosurgeon is the only responsible for IOM in 35% of centers. In 83% of cases IOM implementation is adequate to the request. Discussion and conclusions: The Italian Neurosurgical centers perform IOM with high level of specialization, but differences exist in organization, techniques, and expertise. Our survey provides a snapshot of the state of the art in Italy and it could be a starting point to implement a consensus on the practice of IOM.

Analysis of prognostic factors and the role of epilepsy in neurosurgical patients with brain metastases.

Background: Brain metastases (BMs) represent the most frequent brain tumors in adults. The identification of key prognostic factors is essential for choosing the therapeutic strategy tailored to each patient. Epilepsy can precede several months of other clinical presentations of BMs. This work aimed to study the impact of epilepsy and other prognostic factors on BMs patients' survival. Methods: This retrospective study included 51 patients diagnosed with BMs and who underwent neurosurgery between 2010 and 2021. The impact of BM features and patient's clinical characteristics on the overall survival (OS) was analyzed through uni- and multivariate analysis. Results: The average OS was 25.98 months and differed according to the histology of the primary tumor. The primary tumor localization and the presence of extracranial metastases had a statistically significant impact on the OS, and patients with single BM showed a superior OS to those with multifocal lesions. The localization of BMs in the temporal lobe correlated with the highest OS. The OS was significantly higher in patients who presented seizures in their clinical onset and in those who had better post-surgical Karnofsky performance status, no post-surgical complications, and who underwent post-surgical treatment. Conclusion: Our study has highlighted prognostically favorable patient and tumor factors. Among those, a clinical onset with epileptic seizures can help identify brain metastasis hitherto silent. This could lead to immediate diagnostic-therapeutic interventions with more aggressive therapies after appropriate multidisciplinary evaluation.

Selective Vestibular Neurectomy through the Presigmoid Retrolabyrinthine Approach in the Treatment of Meniere's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Meniere's disease (MD) is a disabling disease, especially in patients who are refractory to medical therapy. Moreover, selective vestibular neurectomy (VN), in these selected cases, can be considered a surgical alternative which preserves hearing function and facial nerve. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 23 patients with MD diagnosis and history of failed extradural endolymphatic sac surgery (ELSS) who underwent combined micro-endoscopic selective VN, between January 2019 and August 2023, via a presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach. All patients were stratified according to clinical features, assessing preoperative and postoperative hearing levels and quality of life. RESULTS: At the maximum present follow-up of 2 years, this procedure is characterized by a low rate of complications and about 90% vertigo control after surgery. No definitive facial palsy or hearing loss was described in this series. One patient required reintervention for a CSF fistula. Statistically significant (p = 0.001) difference was found between the preoperative and the postoperative performance in terms of physical, functional, and emotive scales assessed via the DHI questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Selective VN via a presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach is a safe procedure for intractable vertigo associated with MD, when residual hearing function still exists. The use of the endoscope and intraoperative neuromonitoring guaranteed a precise result, saving the cochlear fibers and facial nerve. The approach for VN is a familiar procedure to the otolaryngologist, as is lateral skull base anatomy to the neurosurgeon; therefore, the best results are obtained with multidisciplinary teamwork.

Microendoscopic Tailored Spine Decompression as a Less-Invasive, Stability-Preserving Surgical Option to Instrumented Correction in Complex Spine Deformities: A Preliminary Multicenter Experience.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a less-invasive posterior spine decompression in complex deformities. We studied the potential advantages of the microendoscopic approach, supplemented by the piezoelectric technique, to decompress both sides of the vertebral canal from a one-sided approach to preserve spine stability, ensuring adequate neural decompression. METHODS: A series of 32 patients who underwent a tailored stability-preserving microendoscopic decompression for lumbar spine degenerative disease was retrospectively analyzed. The patients underwent selective bilateral decompression via a monolateral approach, without the skeletonization of the opposite side. For omo- and the contralateral decompression, we used a microscopic endoscopy-assisted approach, with the assistance of piezosurgery, to work safely near the exposed dura mater. Piezoelectric osteotomy is extremely effective in bone removal while sparing soft tissues. RESULTS: In all patients, adequate decompression was achieved with a high rate of spine stability preservation. The approach was essential in minimizing the opening, therefore reducing the risk of spine instability. Piezoelectric osteotomy was useful to safely perform the undercutting of the base of the spinous process for better contralateral vision and decompression without damaging the exposed dura. In all patients, a various degree of neurologic improvement was observed, with no immediate spine decompensation. CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases, the tailored microendoscopic monolateral approach for bilateral spine decompression with the assistance of piezosurgery is adequate and safe and shows excellent results in terms of spine decompression and stability preservation.

The Prognostic Role of Volumetric MRI Evaluation in the Surgical Treatment of Glioblastoma.

Background: Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain neoplasm in adults, with a poor prognosis despite a constant effort to improve patient survival. Some neuroradiological volumetric parameters seem to play a predictive role in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the volumetric areas of contrast-enhancing tumors and perineoplastic edema on the survival of patients treated for glioblastoma. Methods: A series of 87 patients who underwent surgery was retrospectively analyzed; OS and PFS were considered the end points of the study. For each patient, a multidisciplinary revision was conducted in collaboration with the Neuroradiology and Neuro-Oncology Board. Manual and semiautomatic measurements were adopted to perform the radiological evaluation, and the following quantitative parameters were retrospectively analyzed: contrast enhancement preoperative tumor volume (CE-PTV), contrast enhancement postoperative tumor volume (CE-RTV), edema/infiltration preoperative volume (T2/FLAIR-PV), edema/infiltration postoperative volume (T2/FLAIR-RV), necrosis volume inside the tumor (NV), and total tumor volume including necrosis (TV). Results: The median OS value was 9 months, and the median PFS value was 4 months; the mean values were 12.3 and 6.9 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the OS-related factors were adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (p < 0.0001), CE-PTV < 15 cm3 (p = 0.03), surgical resection > 95% (p = 0.004), and the presence of a "pseudocapsulated" radiological morphology (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Maximal safe resection is one of the most relevant predictive factors for patient survival. Semiautomatic preoperative MRI evaluation could play a key role in prognostically categorizing these tumors.

Costotransversectomy in the Surgical Treatment of Mediolateral Thoracic Disk Herniations: Long-Term Results and Recent Minimally Invasive Technical Adjuncts.

Thoracic herniated disks are relatively rare. They account for approximately 2% of all intervertebral herniated disks in large series. Traditional surgery via laminectomy has frequently yielded disappointing results, although the recent literature reports that anterior calcified thoracic herniation was successfully treated with this approach. This issue has encouraged a search for alternatives, such as anterolateral, lateral, and posterolateral approaches to the thoracic spine. From January 2009 to December 2019, we selected 66 patients harboring a symptomatic median-paramedian herniated disk at the level of the thoracic spine, treated at the authors' institutions. The present experience would give further support to the use of costotrasversectomy, along with its "mini-invasive" modifications, as a suitable and safe approach for thoracic disk disease. Although we must admit that endoscopy is likely to become the gold standard of surgical method in the future and that the anterior approach with mini-toracotomy without rib removal will become popular, the future scenario could certainly reserve an important place for the approach we have used in the surgical management of this challenging spinal pathology, mainly because of the approach's versatility and short learning curve.

Ruptured proximal pontine artery aneurysm and association with cerebellopontine angle cistern arterial venous malformation fed by the same artery: A surgical challenge.

Background: The coexistence of hyper-inflow aneurysms and cerebellopontine angle cistern (CPAc) arterial venous malformations (AVMs) have been rarely reported and most commonly associated with high risk of bleeding. Case Descriptions: We present two cases of CPAc AVMs admitted for acute subarachnoid hemorrhage from rupture of a parent right pontine artery aneurysm. Admission history, neurology at presentation, pre/post-operative imaging, approach selection, and results are thoroughly reviewed and presented. The acute origin angle of the vessel from the basilar artery made both malformations unsuitable for endovascular treatment. The surgical strategy was differently tailored in the two patients, respectively, using a Le Fort I/transclival and a Kawase approach. The aneurysm was clipped in the first case, and the AVM was excised in the second one, as required by the anatomical context. Aneurysm exclusion and AVM size reduction were obtained in the first case, while complete AVM removal and later aneurysm disappearance were obtained in the second one. A high-flow cerebrospinal fluid leak in the first case was successfully treated by an endoscopic approach. Both patients experienced a satisfactory neurological outcome in the follow-up. Conclusion: Pontine artery aneurysms, especially when associated with CPAc AVMs, represent a surgical challenge, due to their rarity and anatomical peculiarity, which typically requires complex operative approaches. Multimodal preoperative imaging, appropriate timing, and accurate target selection, together with versatile strategies, are the keys to a successful treatment.

Skip hemilaminectomy for the treatment of holospinal epidural abscess: A single-center experience.

Background: Holospinal epidural abscesses (HEAs) are rare with potentially devastating consequences. Urgent bony decompression and abscess evacuation with long-term antibiotic therapy are typically the treatment of choice. Methods: We reviewed cases of holospinal HEAs operated on between 2009 and 2018. Variables studied included preoperative laboratories, CT/MR studies plus clinical and radiographic follow-up for between 34 and 60 postoperative months. Results: We utilized skip hemilaminectomies to minimize the risks of segmental instability. Targeted antibiotic therapy was also started immediately and maintained for 6 postoperative weeks. MR/CT studies documented full radiographic and neurological recovery between 6 and 12-months later. Conclusion: HEAs may be treated utilizing multilevel skip hemilaminectomies to help maintain spinal stability while offering adequate abscess decompression/resolution.

Timing of cranial reconstruction after cranioplasty infections: are we ready for a re-thinking? A comparative analysis of delayed versus immediate cranioplasty after debridement in a series of 48 patients.

The optimal management of cranioplasty infections remains a matter of debate. Most authors have suggested that the infected bone/implant removal is mandatory, combined with prolonged antibiotic therapy before reconstruction. However, failures can occur, even with 12-18-month intervals between the surgeries. Longer wait times before cranial reconstruction increase the risks of socioeconomic burdens and further complications, as observed in decompressed patients hosting shunts. In our department, we treated 48 cranioplasty infections over a period of 8 years, divided into two groups. For Group A (n = 26), the treatment consisted of cranioplasty removal and debridement, followed by a delayed reconstruction. Group B (n = 22) received 2 weeks of broad-spectrum antibiotics, followed by an "aggressive" field debridement and immediate cranioplasty. All patients received a minimum of 8 weeks of post-operative antibiotic therapy and were scheduled for clinic-radiological follow-ups for at least 36 months. Significant differences were observed between Groups A and B with respect to the number of failures (respectively 7 versus 1), the global operative time (significantly longer for Group B), germ identification (respectively 7 versus 13), and the overall length of hospital stay (on average, 61.04 days in Group A versus 47.41 days in Group B). Three shunted patients in Group A developed sinking flap syndrome. Shunt resetting allowed symptom control until cranioplasty in one subject, whereas two did not improve, even after reconstruction. In selected patients, an aggressive field debridement, followed by the immediate replacement of an infected cranioplasty, may represent a safe and valuable option.

Sinking flap syndrome revisited: the who, when and why.

The sinking flap syndrome (SFS) is one of the complications of decompressive craniectomy (DC). Although frequently presenting with aspecific symptoms, that may be underestimated, it can lead to severe and progressive neurological deterioration and, if left untreated, even to death. We report our experience in a consecutive series of 43 patients diagnosed with SFS and propose a classification based on the possible etiopathogenetic mechanisms. In 10 years' time, 43 patients presenting with severely introflexed decompressive skin flaps plus radiological and clinical evidence of SFS were identified. We analysed potential factors involved in SFS development (demographics, time from decompression to deterioration, type, size and cause leading to DC, timing of cranioplasty, CSF dynamics disturbances, clinical presentation). Based on the collected data, we elaborated a classification system identifying 3 main SFS subtypes: (1) primary or atrophic, (2) secondary or hydrocephalic and (3) mixed. Very large DC, extensive brain damage, medial craniectomy border distance from the midline < 2 cm, re-surgery for craniectomy widening and CSF circulation derangements were found to be statistically associated with SFS. Cranioplasty led to permanent neurological improvement in 37 cases. In our series, SFS incidence was 16%, significantly larger than what is reported in the literature. Its management was more complex in patients affected by CSF circulation disturbances (especially when needing the removal of a contralateral infected cranioplasty or a resorbed bone flap). Although cranioplasty was always the winning solution, its appropriate timing was strategical and, if needed, we performed it even in an emergency, to ensure patient's improvement.

Characteristics of treatment and outcome in elderly patients with brain glioblastoma: a retrospective analysis of case series.

Treatment modalities affecting quality of life and survival in elderly brain glioblastoma patients are not well defined. A single-institution data were analyzed during a 3-year period to disclose prognostic difference in management related to age. Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), overall survival (OS), and adjuvant therapy were evaluated. The case group comprised of elderly patients (>75 years), while the control group included those of younger age (<65 years). The investigated variables were correlated between the groups. Twenty elderly patients and a corresponding number of younger ones were analyzed. Preoperative KPS >70 indicated longer overall survival. Statistically significant correlation was recorded in both the control (p=0.036) and case (p=0.0053) groups. Lower postoperative KPS was significantly correlated with shorter OS in elderly patients (p=0.023). The correlation between the extent of tumor resection and OS was statistically significant in younger patients only (p=0.04). Overall survival was significantly shorter in elderly patients regardless of the extent of tumor resection (p=0.0057). Adjuvant therapy was significantly associated with longer OS in both the case (p=0.032) and control (p=0.013) groups. Elderly population is a more endangered group of surgical brain glioblastoma patients having lower quality of life and shorter overall survival. The management protocol should be personalized for each individual case in this age group of patients to reduce postoperative complications and grant a satisfactory quality of life.

Ultra-early surgery in complete cervical spinal cord injury improves neurological recovery: A single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated how the neurological outcome in patients operated on cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) was positively influenced by ultra-early surgery (UES). METHODS: Between 2010 and 2017, 81 patients with traumatic cervical SCI were assigned to the UES group (<12 h after injury; UES) and ES group (surgery between 12 and 48 h after injury; ES). Additional variables evaluated for the two groups included; age, sex, comorbidities charlson comorbidity index (CCI), level of trauma, type of fracture, preoperative and ASIA scores, pre- and post-operative neuroradiological examinations, surgical approaches, and complications. RESULTS: Forty-seven of 81 (58.02%) patients exhibited improved neurological function 12 months postoperatively; better outcomes were observed in the UES (29 of 40 [72.5%]) versus ES groups (18 of 41 [43.9%]) (P = 0,009). For the 26 patients with complete cervical SCI (ASIA A), ultra-early surgical decompression was associated with significantly greater neurological improvement versus ES (61.53% vs. 7.69%; P = 0.003). Further, more neurological improvement correlated with the younger age, better ASIA grade at admission, and ultra-early surgical timing (< 12 h) both in the univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.037, P = 0.017, and P = 0.005, respectively), while CCI was correlated with improvement only in the univariate analysis (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Ultra-early surgical timing in SCI patients appeared to be the most important factor determining the extent of postoperative neurological improvement, particularly regarding motor function recovery.

Rare case of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion complication in a patient with Zenker's diverticulum.

We present a case of Zenker's diverticulum in a 45-year-old woman, occurred as complication after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for a cervical spine injury. The oesophageal complication occurred 12 months after vertebral cervical surgery and presenting symptoms were fever, dysphagia and neck pain with evidence of retropharyngeal infection. We performed a posterior cervical stabilisation C3-D1 by screws and rods and a second anterior left cervical approach with anterior plate removing and oesophageal wall break repairing with a sternohyoid muscle patch. Despite pharyngo-oesophageal diverticulum may be a complication of anterior cervical surgery (traction diverticulum), in case of an already present true Zenker's diverticulum, delayed complication may occur without cervical hardware pull-out.

Relationship between the location of the ventricular catheter tip and the ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction.

OBJECTIVE: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the most common neurosurgical procedure to treat obstructive and communicating hydrocephalus, but failures are frequent. The most common causes of shunt failure are malpositioning and obstruction of the ventricular catheter by debris or blood clothes. The knowledge of the relationship between ventricular catheter tip position, etiology of hydrocephalus and patient's age with shunt malfunction may be useful to avoid shunt failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyze 89 adult patients affected by obstructive and communicating hydrocephalus operated with Ventriculoperitoneal shunt at our Institute. Patients with evident abdominal shunt malfunction were excluded from this study. Statistical analysis was performed in the group of patients with intracranial catheter malfunction in order to correlate shunt malfunction with the position of the catheter tip in brain ventricles, etiology of hydrocephalus and patient's age. RESULTS: Shunt revision was performed in 26 patients out of 89 and cranial catheter malfunction was documented in 11 patients out of 26. Tip position in Monro foramen, lateral ventricles and third ventricle ("good position") had a lower rate of surgical shunt revision compared to septum pellucidum and wall of lateral ventricle ("bad position") p value = 0,049. No statistical significant association was observed between shunt malfunction and etiology of the hydrocephalus or patient's age. CONCLUSIONS: Ventricular catheter tip position is one the most important factor for shunt function.

Risk factors for post-traumatic hydrocephalus following decompressive craniectomy.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is one of the main complications of decompressive craniectomy (DC) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Then, the recognition of risk factors and subsequent prompt diagnosis and treatment of PTH can improve the outcome of these patients. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with the development of PTH requiring surgical treatment in patients undergoing DC for TBI. METHODS: In this study, we collected the data of 190 patients (149 males and 41 females), who underwent DC for TBI in our Center. Then we analyzed the type of surgical treatment for all patients affected by PTH and the risk factors associated with the development of PTH. RESULTS: Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) developed in 37 patients out of 130 alive 30 days after DC (28.4%). The development of PTH required ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in 34 patients out of 37 (91.9%), while, in the remaining 3 patients, cerebrospinal fluid hydrodynamic (CSF) disturbances resolved after urgent cranioplasty and temporary external lumbar drain. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of interhemispheric hygroma (p < 0.001) and delayed cranioplasty (3 months after DC) (p < 0.001) was significantly associated with the need for a VPS or other surgical procedure for PTH. Finally, among the 130 patients alive after 30 days from DC, PTH was associated with unfavorable outcome as measured by the 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale score (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that delayed cranial reconstruction was associated with an increasing rate of PTH after DC. The presence of an interhemispheric hygroma was an independent predictive radiological sign of PTH in decompressed patients for severe TBI.

Decompressive Craniectomy for Traumatic Brain Injury: The Role of Cranioplasty and Hydrocephalus on Outcome.

OBJECTIVE: After severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) associated with uncontrollable high intracranial pressure (ICP), today the main challenge for neurosurgeons remains to identify who may obtain benefit from decompressive craniectomy (DC) and which factors after DC influence the prognosis of these patients. The aim of this paper was to identify the pre- and postoperative determinants of outcome after DC. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients undergoing DC for sTBI from 2003 to 2011. The 6-month outcome, assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), was dichotomized into favorable (GOS scores 4 and 5) and unfavorable (GOS scores 1-3) outcome. Predictors of outcome were identified by uni- and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: There were 190 patients who underwent DC for sTBI in this study. Sixty patients (31.6%) died within 30 days after DC. Independent prognostic factors for survival after 30 days were Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission greater than 5 (P = 0.002) and bilateral pupil reactivity (P < 0.0001). Thirty days after DC, 67 patients (51.5%) out of 130 had unfavorable outcome (GOS scores 1-3) and 63 patients (49.5%) presented favorable outcome (GOS scores 4 and 5). The independent preoperative prognostic factors for poor outcome were age over 65 years (P < 0.0001) and bilateral absence of pupil reactivity (P = 0.0165). After DC, onset of postoperative hydrocephalus and delayed cranioplasty (3 months after DC) was associated with unfavorable outcome at multivariate analysis (P = 0.002 and P < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the development of hydrocephalus after DC for sTBI and delayed cranial reconstruction were associated with unfavorable outcome.

A Case of Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumor of the Pineal Region: Risks and Advantages of Biopsy by Endoscopic Approach.

A 21-year-old male was admitted to our department with headache and drowsiness. CT scan and MRI revealed acute obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a pineal region mass. The serum and CSF levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) were 215 IU/L and 447 IU/L, respectively, while levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were normal. A germ cell tumor (GCT) was suspected, and the patient underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with biopsy. After four days from surgery, the tumor bled with mass expansion and ETV stoma occlusion; thus, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was positioned. After ten months, the tumor metastasized to the thorax and abdomen with progression of intracerebral tumor mass. Despite the aggressive nature of this tumor, ETV remains a valid approach for a pineal region mass, but in case of GCT, the risk of bleeding should be taken into account, during and after the surgical procedure.

The Incidence of Adjacent Segment Degeneration after the Use of a Versatile Dynamic Hybrid Stabilization Device in Lumbar Stenosis: Results of a 5-8-Year Follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study with long-term follow-up. PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term incidence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) and clinical outcomes in a consecutive series of patients who underwent spinal decompression associated with dynamic or hybrid stabilization with a Flex+TM stabilization system (SpineVision, Antony, France) for lumbar spinal stenosis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The incidence of ASD and clinical outcomes following dynamic or hybrid stabilization with the Flex+TM system used for lumbar spinal stenosis have not been well investigated. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with lumbar stenosis and probable post-decompressive spinal instability underwent decompressive laminectomy followed by spinal stabilization using the Flex+TM stabilization system. The indication for a mono-level dynamic stabilization was a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrating evidence of severe disc disease associated with severe spinal stenosis. The hybrid stabilization (rigid-dynamic) system was used for multilevel laminectomies with associated initial degenerative scoliosis, first-grade spondylolisthesis, or rostral pathology. RESULTS: The improvement in Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores at follow-up were statistically significant (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively). At the 5-8-year follow-up, clinical examination, MRI, and X-ray findings showed an ASD complication with pain and disability in one of 21 patients. The clinical outcomes were similar in patients treated with dynamic or hybrid fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with laminectomy and Flex+TM stabilization presented a satisfactory clinical outcome after 5-8 years of follow-up, and ASD incidence in our series was 4.76% (one patient out of 21). We are aware that this is a small series, but our long-term follow-up may be sufficient to contribute to the expanding body of literature on the development of symptomatic ASD associated with dynamic or hybrid fixation.

Prognostic Factors in Glioblastoma: Is There a Role for Epilepsy?

The prognostic relevance of epilepsy at glioblastoma (GBMs) onset is still under debate. In this study, we analyzed the value of epilepsy and other prognostic factors on GBMs survival. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, radiological, surgical and histological data in 139 GBMs. Seizures were the presenting symptoms in 50 patients out of 139 (35.9%). 123 patients (88%) were treated with craniotomy and tumor resection while 16 (12%) with biopsy. The median overall survival was 9.9 months from surgery. At univariable Cox regression, the factors that significantly improved survival were age less than 65 years (P = 0.0015), focal without impairment of consciousness seizures at presentation (P = 0.043), complete surgical resection (P < 0.001), pre-operative Karnofsky performance status (KPS) > 70 (P = 0.015), frontal location (P < 0.001), radiotherapy (XRT) plus concomitant and adjuvant TMZ (P < 0.001). A multivariable Cox regression showed that the complete surgical resection (P < 0.0001), age less than 65 years (P = 0.008), frontal location (P = 0.0001) and XRT adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) (P < 0.0001) were independent factors on longer survival. In our series epilepsy at presentation is not an independent prognostic factor for longer survival in GBM patients. Only in the subgroup of patients with focal seizures without impairment of consciousness, epilepsy was associated with an increased significant overall survival at univariate analysis (P = 0.043). Main independent factors for relatively favorable GBMs outcome are complete tumor resection plus combined XRT-TMZ, frontal location and patient age below 65 years old.