Systematic review of the utility and limits of 3D printing in spine surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study has been to demonstrate why additive printing allows to make complex surgical pathological processes that affect the spine more visible and understandable, increasing precision, safety and reliability of the surgical procedure. METHODS: A systematic review of the articles published in the last 10 years on 3D printing-assisted spinal surgery was carried out, in accordance with PRISMA 2020 declaration. Keywords "3D printing" and "spine surgery" were searched in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Google Scholar and Opengrey databases, which was completed with a manual search through the list of bibliographic references of the articles that were selected following the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: From the analysis of the 38 selected studies, it results that 3D printing is useful in surgical planning, medical teaching, doctor-patient relationship, design of navigation templates and spinal implants, and research, optimizing the surgical process by focusing on the patient, offering magnificent support during the surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The use of three-dimensional printing biomodels allows: making complex surgical pathological processes that affect the spine more visible and understandable; increase the accuracy, precision and safety of the surgical procedure, and open up the possibility of implementing personalized treatments, mainly in tumor surgery.

Patients awaiting surgery for neurosurgical diseases during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: a multicentre cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The large number of infected patients requiring mechanical ventilation has led to the postponement of scheduled neurosurgical procedures during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of this study were to investigate the factors that influence the decision to postpone scheduled neurosurgical procedures and to evaluate the effect of the restriction in scheduled surgery adopted to deal with the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain on the outcome of patients awaiting surgery. DESIGN: This was an observational retrospective study. SETTINGS: A tertiary-level multicentre study of neurosurgery activity between 1 March and 30 June 2020. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 680 patients awaiting any scheduled neurosurgical procedure were enrolled. 470 patients (69.1%) were awaiting surgery because of spine degenerative disease, 86 patients (12.6%) due to functional disorders, 58 patients (8.5%) due to brain or spine tumours, 25 patients (3.7%) due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders and 17 patients (2.5%) due to cerebrovascular disease. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was mortality due to any reason and any deterioration of the specific neurosurgical condition. Second, we analysed the rate of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: More than one-quarter of patients experienced clinical or radiological deterioration. The rate of worsening was higher among patients with functional (39.5%) or CSF disorders (40%). Two patients died (0.4%) during the waiting period, both because of a concurrent disease. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine independent covariates associated with maintaining the surgical indication. We found that community SARS-CoV-2 incidence (OR=1.011, p<0.001), degenerative spine (OR=0.296, p=0.027) and expedited indications (OR=6.095, p<0.001) were independent factors for being operated on during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Patients awaiting neurosurgery experienced significant collateral damage even when they were considered for scheduled procedures.

Intracranial arachnoid cysts and epilepsy in children: Should this be treated surgically? Our 29-year experience and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are relatively frequent lesions related to different neurological symptoms, being mostly incidentally diagnosed. This study aims to clarify whether AC surgery in epileptic patients is useful in their treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients registered in the database of the Neuropediatrics Section from May 1990 to August 2019 are analyzed retrospectively. Patients in whom the diagnosis of ACs and epilepsy coincide are studied. The location, size and number of ACs, neurological development, age at diagnosis, follow-up time, the performance of surgery on the cyst, evolution, anatomical relationship between brain electrical activity and location of AC, and type of epilepsy are analyzed. RESULTS: After analyzing the database, we found 1881 patients diagnosed with epilepsy, of which 25 had at least one intracranial AC. In 9 of the patients, cerebral or genetic pathologies were the cause of epilepsy. Of the other 16, only 2 patients showed that the type of epilepsy and the epileptogenic focus coincided with the location of the AC; one of them was surgically treated without success, and the other one remained asymptomatic without receiving medical or surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is necessary to design a prospective study to establish causality, the results of our research and the available literature suggest that there is no causal relationship between the presence of ACs and epilepsy. The study and treatment of these patients should be carried out in a multidisciplinary epilepsy surgery unit, without initially assuming that the AC is the cause of epilepsy.

Acute negative-pressure hydrocephalus: Management algorithm and value of early endoscopic ventriculostomy.

INTRODUCTION: Acute negative-pressure hydrocephalus is an uncommon, underrecognized patology with a high morbidity and mortality. We propose an algorithm to facilitate the management of these patients, promoting the early diagnosis and the use of endoscopic third ventriculostomy as initial therapeutic option. METHODS: We performed an observational retrospective study in which patients diagnosed with acute negative-pressure hydrocephalus were included. Patient age and symptoms, primary etiology of hydrocephalus, previous shunt, infection and surgical procedures, time from clinical deterioration to endoscopic procedure, definitive treatment and patient outcomes were recorded. Our management algortihm is exposed and justified. RESULTS: We identified five patients with diagnosis of acute negative-pressure hydrcephalus. In four of them the management algorithm was applied and early diagnosis and endoscopic ventriculostomy were performed. We observed complete succes of the endoscopic procedure in two patients (50%); the other two required permanent shunt, nevertheless resolution of the low-pressure state was achieved. One patient died after systemic infection (20%), 80% of the patients experienced good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The early identification of a negative-pressure hydrocephalic state is essential to reduce complications. Application of a specific management algortihm and early endoscopic third ventriculostomy could be advantageous to achieve better outcomes.

Myelopexy: A novel technique in posttraumatic syringomyelia.

Posttraumatic syringomyelia (PTS) is a well-reported phenomenon that usually takes place in the long-term course of patients following spinal cord injury. Different surgical procedures have been described: spinal cordectomy is usually a last option technique, but might be an excellent choice in patients with severe spinal cord injuries. We present a young patient with complete spinal cord injury after spine trauma, who developed posttraumatic syringomyelia with progressive motor deterioration twelve years after fixation. We performed a novel surgical technique (myelopexy) with excellent resolution of syringomyelia, sparing the negative implications of complete cord transection. Some artistic illustrations made by one of the corresponding authors are included, to better understanding of operative details.

Supracerebellar transtentorial approach for left parahippocampal cavernous malformation.

BACKGROUND: Lesions in the temporomesial region can be reached by various approaches: subtemporal, transsylvian, transcortical, interhemispheric parieto-occipital, or supracerebellar transtentorial (SCTT). The choice varies according to the characteristics of the lesion and neighboring structures. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this clinical case, it is presented a 56-year-old man with long-term evolution of drug-resistant epilepsy secondary to a cavernoma in the left parahippocampal gyrus. After assessing the lesion, it was decided a SCTT approach for its resection in a semi-sitting position, to avoid language disorders or visual damage. The surgery was uneventful and the patient did not present epileptic seizures during 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Performing a SCTT is safe and feasible option for resection of lesions located in the basal temporomesial region without causing damage to neighboring structures, especially those located in the middle and posterior two-thirds of temporal region.

Repair of internal carotid artery injury with aneurysm clip during endoscopic endonasal surgery: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: One of the most feared and dangerous scenarios that can appear during an endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is the iatrogenic injury of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Several methods, along with a variety of outcomes, have been described to deal with this complication. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the use of a Yasargil-type aneurysm clip to solve an ICA injury, preserving the artery's patency and having a long-term follow-up. The authors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of other vessel preservation techniques compared with clipping. OBSERVATIONS: A visually impaired 56-year-old woman was diagnosed with a giant nonfunctional pituitary tumor that invaded the sphenoidal sinus, anterior and posterior ethmoidal cells, and both cavernous sinuses, with suprasellar extension and optochiasmatic compression. The patient underwent EES, and during the final resection phase her left ICA was injured, with massive hemorrhage. LESSONS: ICA injury during endoscopic skull base surgery carries high mortality and morbidity; it is essential to maintain carotid flow when possible to avoid short-term and long-term consequences. There are several techniques depicted in the literature to deal with this situation. The authors report the use of a Yasargil mini-clip to deal with the injury for a positive outcome: primary hemostasis, vessel preservation, and no postoperative complications.

Usefulness of ipsilateral translaminar C2 screws insertion for cervical fixation in children with a low laminar profile: a technical note.

PURPOSE: The fusion of the upper cervical spine in children is demanding due to its reduced size, its anatomical complexity, or a severe pathology of the cranio-cervical junction. In some pediatric patients with today's more popular C1-C2 or, occipito-C2 techniques, it is impossible, or very risky to perform a short upper cervical fixation. METHODS: We present the utility and good results of ipsilateral laminar C2 screws insertion technique in two pediatric cases with low C2 laminar profile. Case 1: a 5-year-old child with a C1-C2 unstable subluxation, and a condylar assimilation of C1, where we performed an occipito-C2 fixation using an occipital plate and this modified translaminar C2 screw technique. Case 2: a 8-year-old Down syndrome boy who suffered an unstable subluxation of C1-C2 upon whom we performed a C1-C2 screw fixation using the same technique. RESULTS: Both cases have been followed up over a period of 7 and 2 years respectively, with good clinical results. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the technique and the feasibility of the ipsilateral insertion of translaminar C2 screws in children with low laminar profiles, as a good alternative to other techniques when the anatomy of the C2 does not permit its use or make them very risky.

Myelopexy: A novel technique in posttraumatic syringomyelia.

Posttraumatic syringomyelia (PTS) is a well-reported phenomenon that usually takes place in the long-term course of patients following spinal cord injury. Different surgical procedures have been described: spinal cordectomy is usually a last option technique, but might be an excellent choice in patients with severe spinal cord injuries. We present a young patient with complete spinal cord injury after spine trauma, who developed posttraumatic syringomyelia with progressive motor deterioration twelve years after fixation. We performed a novel surgical technique (myelopexy) with excellent resolution of syringomyelia, sparing the negative implications of complete cord transection. Some artistic illustrations made by one of the corresponding authors are included, to better understanding of operative details.

[The joint management of Geriatrics-Neurosurgery of patients older than 75 years reduces the average stay, morbidity, hospital readmissions and mortality per year]. / El manejo conjunto Geriatría-Neurocirugía de pacientes mayores de 75 años reduce la estancia media, la morbilidad, los reingresos hospitalarios y la mortalidad al año.

OBJECTIVE: Population ageing is a reality for which national health systems are not adapted. The World Health Organisation has already raised awareness about the implementation of specific measures, from undergraduate training to dedicated elderly care units, to tackle this situation. In this article, the aim is to analyse the potential benefits of geriatric monitoring on elderly neurosurgical patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive analysis was performed in this medical centre, comparing the information collected from elderly patients (over 75 years of age) admitted into the neurosurgical department during 2periods: June 2015 to February 2017, in which a shared geriatric monitoring was implemented, and between October 2013 and May 2015, equivalent period, in which only the geriatrician performed the evaluation of the patients' general condition, before referring them to other social-healthcare units. A number of factors were considered, including mean age, gender, the neurosurgical condition that led to admission, mean stay, infectious complications, acute confusional syndrome, admission into an intensive care unit, need for support from other medical departments, reoperations, mortality during hospitalisation, referral to social-health units, readmission within a month, and mortality within a year. RESULTS: A total of 173 patients on shared monitoring were compared to 189 patients from the previous period. Both groups had similar demographic characteristics. During the analysis, a significant reduction was observed in shared monitoring as regards, mean hospitalisation, infectious complications, admissions into an intensive care unit, the need for support from other medical departments, readmissions within a month, and mortality within a year. CONCLUSIONS: On patients of over 75 years of age, shared geriatric-neurosurgical monitoring reduces mean hospitalisation, morbidity, the need for support from other medical departments, early readmission, and mortality within a year. This strategy prioritises patient care, reduces costs, and rationalises resources.

Acute negative-pressure hydrocephalus: Management algorithm and value of early endoscopic ventriculostomy. / Hidrocefalia aguda a presión negativa: propuesta de manejo y valor de la ventriculostomía temprana.

INTRODUCTION: Acute negative-pressure hydrocephalus is an uncommon, underrecognized patology with a high morbidity and mortality. We propose an algorithm to facilitate the management of these patients, promoting the early diagnosis and the use of endoscopic third ventriculostomy as initial therapeutic option. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed an observational retrospective study in which patients diagnosed with acute negative-pressure hydrocephalus were included. Patient age and symptoms, primary etiology of hydrocephalus, previous shunt, infection and surgical procedures, time from clinical deterioration to endoscopic procedure, definitive treatment and patient outcomes were recorded. Our management algortihm is exposed and justified. RESULTS: We identified 5patients with diagnosis of acute negative-pressure hydrcephalus. In 4 of them the management algorithm was applied and early diagnosis and endoscopic ventriculostomy were performed. We observed complete succes of the endoscopic procedure in 2 patients (50%); the other 2required permanent shunt, nevertheless resolution of the low-pressure state was achieved. One patient died after systemic infection (20%), 80% of the patients experienced good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The early identification of a negative-pressure hydrocephalic state is essential to reduce complications. Application of a specific management algortihm and early endoscopic third ventriculostomy could be advantageous to achieve better outcomes.

Variability of Clinical and Angiographic Results Based on the Treatment Preference (Endovascular or Surgical) of Centers Participating in the Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Database of the Working Group of the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery.

OBJECTIVES: Since the introduction of endovascular treatment for cerebral aneurysms, hospitals in which subarachnoid hemorrhage is treated show different availability and/or preferences towards both treatment modalities. The main aim is to evaluate the clinical and angiographic results according to the hospital's treatment preferences applied. METHODS: This study was conducted based on use of the subarachnoid hemorrhage database of the Vascular Pathology Group of the Spanish Neurosurgery Society. Centers were classified into 3 subtypes according to an index in the relationship between endovascular and surgical treatment as: endovascular preference, high endovascular preference, and elevated surgical preference. The clinical results and angiographic results were evaluated among the 3 treatment strategies. RESULTS: From November 2004 to December 2017, 4282 subarachnoid hemorrhage patients were selected for the study: 630 (14.7%) patients from centers with surgical preference, 2766 (64.6%) from centers with endovascular preference, and 886 (20.7%) from centers with high endovascular preference. The surgical preference group obtained the best angiographic results associated with a greater complete exclusion (odds ratio: 1.359; 95% confidence interval: 1.025-1.801; P = 0.033). The surgical preference subgroup obtained the best outcome at discharge (65.45%), followed by the high endovascular preference group (61.5%) and the endovascular preference group (57.8%) (odds ratio: 1.359; 95% confidence interval: 1.025-1.801; P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, there is significant variability in aneurysm exclusion treatment in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Surgical centers offer better results for both surgical and endovascular patients. A multidisciplinary approach and the maintenance of an elevated quality of surgical competence could be responsible for these results.

[Intrasellar arachnoid cysts. Two case reports and literature review]. / Quistes aracnoideos intraselares. Presentación de 2casos y revisión bibliográfica.

Intrasellar arachnoid cysts are an uncommon pathology, with only a few cases reported in scientific literature. Their physiopathology is still unknown, with different hypothesis about their development. Differential diagnosis with other cystic sellar lesions is difficult. We report two cases of two intrasellar arachnoid cysts that were treated surgically using transsphenoidal approach and present a review of the literature.

[Pituitary pituicytoma]. / Pituicitoma hipofisario.

Pituicytomas are rare entities which develop in the neurohypophysis. They were included in the last World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Central Nervous System Tumours in 2007, but for many years they have been confused with other pituitary tumours. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman who was diagnosed of a tumour in the suprasellar region during an infertility study due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and slight hyperprolactinemia. A standard pterional approach was performed, achieving total tumour excision. After the surgery the patient suffered bitemporal hemianopsia, diabetes insipidus and panhypopituitarism, although she recovered from the latter 2 in a few weeks. We conducted a review of the most common clinical and radiological features of this entity, as well as the treatments proposed in the literature to treat this rare tumour.