[Keyhole Craniotomy and Closure for Trigeminal Neuralgia and Facial Spasms].

Facial spasms and trigeminal neuralgia are functional diseases, which have alternative treatment options. The working space for each pathology can be obtained by a routine approach to the caudal and rostral sides of the cerebellum and can be provided through a small craniotomy, because CSF drainage provides sufficient space for manipulation. However, it is necessary to expose fully the structures that define the operative field, such as the margins of the venous sinuses. Familiarity with the muscular anatomy required for exposure is also important.

Incidence of Metachronous Remnant Gastric Cancer after Proximal Gastrectomy with the Double-flap Technique (rD-FLAP-rGC Study): A Multicenter, Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Although proximal gastrectomy (PG) with the double-flap technique (DFT) is a function-preserving surgery that prevents esophagogastric reflux, there is a risk of developing metachronous remnant gastric cancer (MRGC). Moreover, details of MRGC and appropriate postoperative follow-up after PG with DFT are unclear. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 471 patients who underwent PG with DFT for cancer in a preceding, multicenter, retrospective study (rD-FLAP Study). We investigated the incidence of MRGC, frequency of follow-up endoscopy, and eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. RESULTS: MRGC was diagnosed in 42 (8.9%) of the 471 patients, and 56 lesions of MRGC were observed. The cumulative 5- and 10-year incidence rates were 5.7 and 11.4%, respectively. There was no clinicopathological difference at the time of primary PG between patients with and without MRGC. Curative resection for MRGC was performed for 49 (88%) lesions. All patients with a 1-year, follow-up, endoscopy interval were diagnosed with early-stage MRGC, and none of them died due to MRGC. Overall and disease-specific survival rates did not significantly differ between patients with and without MRGC. The incidence rate of MRGC in the eradicated group after PG was 10.8% and that in the uneradicated group was 19.6%, which was significantly higher than that in patients without H. pylori infection at primary PG (7.6%) (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate of MRGC after PG with DFT was 8.9%. Early detection of MRGC with annual endoscopy provides survival benefits. Eradicating H. pylori infection can reduce the incidence of MRGC.

Fluctuating patency of atherosclerotic cervical internal carotid artery treated by carotid endarterectomy successfully: a case report.

Spontaneous recanalization of an atherosclerotic internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion has been previously reported as a rare phenomenon, but spontaneous re-occlusion shortly after recanalization under antiplatelet therapy has not been documented yet. A 63-year-old man presented with impaired consciousness and left-sided hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed new infarction in the right middle cerebral artery territory because of right cervical internal carotid artery occlusion, which became spontaneously patent on computed tomography angiography on the sixth day of admission. So carotid endarterectomy was planned. However, the ICA was recurrently occluded on the preoperative magnetic resonance angiogram three weeks later on admission, which condition was also confirmed during the subsequent surgery. In patients with severe ICA stenosis, patency may dynamically change even under antiplatelet therapy.

Temporo-parietal muscle pedicle flap for reconstruction of the anterior skull base after resection of recurrent olfactory groove meningioma: a technical note.

Reconstruction becomes the main issue in surgery for tumours penetrating the anterior skull base because it faces the nasal cavity. Vascularized flaps are desirable for preventing infection, but in re-opening surgery, tissue availability is limited. We report a case of recurrent olfactory groove meningioma in which the anterior skull base defect was reconstructed using a temporo-parietal muscle (TPM) pedicle flap. A 65-year-old woman presented with recurrent olfactory groove meningioma penetrating the anterior skull base. Because the frontal pericranium had been used in the initial surgery, the temporal fascia was harvested with a TPM pedicle flap from behind the initial bicoronal incision. After removal of the tumour, the pedicle flap reached the sphenoid planum easily and was sutured to the surrounding structures. The fascia lata was sutured as an inlay. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed. In re-opening surgery, a TPM pedicle flap can be an option for reconstruction of the anterior skull base.

Reconstruction of the temporal line for sinking skin flap syndrome using split rib grafts: a technical note.

Sinking skin flap syndrome (SSFS), also known as syndrome of the trephined, is one of the complications of decompressive craniectomy. The definitive treatment for the condition is cranioplasty, but there are cases where that is not an option. We report a seventy-seven-year-old male patient with disturbance of consciousness after removal of infected bone flap and debridement. The skin showed marked depression and SSFS was diagnosed. The scalp had contracted due to infection and debridement so as to need skin grafting. Cranioplasty with a full-size bone flap was not an option. Reconstruction of the temporal line with autologous rib graft was performed. The patient became alert after the operation.

How I do it: re-do surgery for recurrent trigeminal neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: When trigeminal neuralgia recurs after microvascular decompression surgery, re-operation may be indicated if trigeminal nerve compression remains. However, surgery for recurrent trigeminal neuralgia is more difficult because of adhesions between the prosthesis, such as the Teflon sling, and the surrounding structures, including the blood vessels, in addition to common post-open surgery adhesions. METHOD: A case of a patient with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia is presented. CONCLUSION: Preoperative evaluation of the compression of the trigeminal nerve is important. The pre-existing prosthesis does not necessarily need to be removed entirely.

How I do it: minimizing muscle damage in microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm.

BACKGROUND: Key hole surgery was recruited for MVD surgery since the maneuver is through the small space between the cerebellum and temporal/occipital bone. However, even small wounds can cause severe postoperative pain if there is significant tissue damage. Attention has been given to the size of the craniotomy rather than to the skin incision or soft tissues such as muscles. METHOD: Suboccipital muscle dissection focusing on splitting the splenius capitis muscle was presented. The dura was reapproximated without additional dissection to harvest a fascia graft. CONCLUSION: Muscle injury should be minimized to alleviate postoperative pain.

Occipital artery-anterior cerebral artery bypass with posterior auricular artery-middle cerebral artery bypass for stenosis of the internal carotid artery bifurcation.

Superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass, and STA-anterior cerebral artery (ACA) bypass, are options for direct revascularisation of anterior circulation. However, some patients don't have a suitable STA to use as a donor, so an alternative procedure must be performed. A 59-year-old, right-handed man presented with dysphasia and right-sided hemiparesis due to a transient ischaemic attack. Imaging studies revealed severe stenosis of the left internal carotid artery bifurcation. Iodoamphetamine single photon emission computed tomography demonstrated reduced cerebrovascular reserve capacity in the left hemisphere. The patient was started on antiplatelet therapy, but the ischaemic attacks persisted after one month. Thus, revascularisation of the ACA and MCA territories was considered. Digital subtraction angiography revealed prominence in the left occipital artery (OA) and posterior auricular artery (PAA), while the left STA was hypoplastic, terminating at the squamous suture level. Therefore, anastomoses were performed between both the OA and ACA and the PAA and MCA. Revascularisation was successful, and the ischaemic attacks disappeared. OA-ACA bypass, together with PAA-MCA bypass, may be effective for wide cerebral revascularisation when the STA is not available.

Safety and clinical outcomes of urgent superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass-a single-institution retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) with/without endovascular treatment is sometimes not ideally effective for the treatment of acute hemodynamic stroke due to atherosclerotic major artery steno-occlusive disease, and some patients show fluctuation in or progression of symptoms despite intensive medical therapy. Urgent superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass has been reported to be effective in patients with progressing stroke. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of urgent STA-MCA bypass performed at a single institution for progressing stroke due to hemodynamic compromise caused by atherosclerosis. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and operative records. Neurological outcomes were assessed with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) with consideration of patient age: more than 2 points on the mRS was regarded as a poor outcome in patients under 80 years old, and more than 3 points was considered a poor outcome in those over 80 years old. The risk factors contributing to poor outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2017, 35 patients underwent urgent STA-MCA bypass for progressing stroke. The average patient age was 70.4 years (range 49-96 years). The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 5.1 (range 0-24 points) on admission and 7.8 before surgery. After 3 months, 25 patients showed good outcomes. The preoperative NIHSS score contributed to a poor outcome (odds ratio 1.65 (95% confidence interval 1.12-2.90)). CONCLUSIONS: Urgent STA-MCA bypass is a treatment option for patients with progressing stroke. The operation should be performed while the NIHSS score is low.

Safety of urgent STA-MCA anastomosis after intravenous rt-PA treatment: a report of five cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) with/without endovascular treatment is not as effective in atherosclerotic steno-occlusive acute ischemic stroke. Urgent superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis is effective to some extent in progressing stroke, but the safety of STA-MCA anastomosis soon after rt-PA therapy is unknown. Our aim was to clarify the safety of STA-MCA anastomosis within 24 h after intravenous rt-PA. METHOD: From 2005 to 2015, rt-PA was administered to 225 patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke according to the Japanese Stroke Guidelines, in our institution. Five patients underwent urgent STA-MCA anastomosis after rt-PA administration with or without endovascular recanalization. Clinical time course, surgical complications, and patients' prognosis were investigated. RESULTS: The average of patient age was 65.4 years (range 49-77 years); three patients had internal carotid artery occlusion, and two patients had middle cerebral artery occlusion. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 12.4 (range 6-17 points) and operation occurred 10.6 h (range 5.3-23.6 h) after intravenous rt-PA administration. Hemostasis was achieved during standard STA-MCA anastomosis, and there were no hemorrhagic complications. CONCLUSIONS: In our consecutive cases, urgent STA-MCA anastomosis after at least 5.3 h after intravenous rt-PA was performed safely without hemorrhagic complications.

Signal reduction of donor artery on MRI after superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECT: Microsurgical anastomosis from the superficial temporal artery (STA) to the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a treatment option for appropriately selected patients with cranial atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease (CASD). However, the long-term efficacy and patency of the donor artery remain unclear. We reviewed the signal intensity of the donor artery on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) after STA-MCA anastomosis in patients with CASD and clarified the incidence of and risk factors for reduction in postoperative signal of STA. METHODS: From April 2007 to March 2015, 155 STA-MCA anastomosis operations for CASD were performed at our institute. The postoperative imaging findings of 112 patients with available follow-up data for more than 3 months were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 24 months, the signal of the donor artery on MRA became weaker than that on MRA performed immediately after surgery in 30 (27%) patients. The rates of signal reduction at 1 and 2 years after surgery were 18 and 25%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that a high STA bifurcation (p = 0.015; odds ratio, 7.14) and the presence of chronic kidney disease (p = 0.011; odds ratio, 5.59) were independent risk factors for postoperative signal reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the signal intensity of the donor artery of an established STA-MCA bypass decreases in many cases. Both the loose entrance of the STA to the dura and systemic atherosclerosis are related to postoperative vessel remodeling.

Direct clipping of large basilar trunk aneurysm.

A large basilar trunk aneurysm was incidentally found in a 77-year-old woman in examination for headache. Though it was asymptomatic, high signal intensity was noticed in the brainstem around the aneurysm on FLAIR image of MRI. As she was otherwise healthy, surgical clipping was performed through anterior temporal approach. The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/0soWM8meCW8 .

Clip reconstruction of giant vertebral artery aneurysm after failed flow reduction therapy.

Flow reduction therapy is sometimes utilized for difficult aneurysms, but it does not always work. A 42-year-old man presented with headache, dizziness, and slight gait disturbance due to left thrombosed giant vertebral aneurysm. Clip ligation of the VA after the PICA origin was performed for flow reduction based on the CFD analysis. Two months later, the aneurysm showed minor hemorrhage and hydrocephalus, and thrombectomy and clip reconstruction of the VA was performed. He returned to work with slight ipsilateral facial palsy (House & Brackmann grade 2). The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/-AUVk6nxefQ.

Visualization of declamping procedure during carotid endarterectomy by ICG videoangiography.

BACKGROUND: ICG videoangiography (ICG-VAG) is widely used in neurovascular surgery. In carotid artery disease, it has been used to assess the extent of the plaque and to confirm the removal of the plaque and patency of the artery. We introduce a novel usage of the ICG-VAG to confirm the patency of the external carotid artery (ECA) and superior thyroid artery (STA), which should work as a drainage system of possible debris in the lumen. METHOD: Consecutive 27 patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis were employed. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was done in the usual fashion. After suturing the arteriotomy, ICG was injected intravenously before reperfusion. Before declamping procedure, ICG-VAG mode was started. As the declamping procedure went on, the assistant judged whether the STA and the ECA were patent by watching the ICG flow on the monitor. After confirming the patency of the ECA-CCA system, the ICA was reperfused. RESULT: The back flow from the STA was not confirmed in two cases. The back flow from the ECA was confirmed in all 27 cases. In four cases, the ICG-VAG showed air bubbles in the lumen; these bubbles were washed away to the ECA or STA. CONCLUSION: Using ICG-VAG during the reperfusion procedure of CEA, the patency of the ECA and the STA can be confirmed. It may contribute to reduce embolic complication during reperfusion procedure.

Modified extradural selective anterior clinoidectomy leaving the optic canal unopened for internal carotid aneurysms: A technical note.

Background: Anterior clinoidectomy is an established procedure used to decompress the optic nerve, mobilize the internal carotid artery (ICA), or enlarge the retrocarotid space. However, its use carries the risk of optic nerve injury. In certain surgeries, such as those for internal carotid aneurysms, propose modification to the anterior clinoidectomy for enlarging the retrocarotid space, especially in operations for ICA aneurysms. Methods: After the anterior clinoid process (ACP) is sufficiently exposed, the internal cancellous bone or pneumatization can be removed through a small window created at its lateral edge to reveal the compact bone of the optic canal. Since the compact bone of the inferior surface facing the ICA is absent or very thin, the ACP can be removed by drilling through the anchoring compact bone with the optic canal in direct sight. Results: In 10 consecutive internal carotid aneurysm cases, the ACP was successfully removed without opening of the optic canal to enlarge the retrocarotid space. Conclusions: Anterior clinoidectomy can be performed to enlarge the retrocarotid space without opening the optic canal from outside the dura.

Middle cerebral artery atherosclerotic stenosis mimicking a cerebral aneurysm: pitfall in preoperative evaluation of cerebral aneurysms.

We report a case of an aneurysm-like finding of MCA with severe atherosclerosis on standard radiological evaluation, which led us to plan surgical clipping. In particular, patients, whose modalities usually performed for preoperative assessment of cerebral aneurysms, such as DSA, 3D CTA and MRA, are insufficient.

Urgent superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass shortly after intravenous rt-PA.

Whether to provide surgical intervention within 24 hours of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment is a subject of controversy. In this study, we report a case in which neurological deterioration was prevented by urgent bypass surgery performed shortly after rt-PA treatment.

Primary midbrain germinoma relapse-free for 5 years: A case report.

Background: The biology and clinical course of intracranial germinomas differ as per their location of occurrence. Germinoma of the primary midbrain is particularly rare, and its clinical features, treatment strategies, and long-term prognosis remain uncertain. Case Description: A 39-year-old man who had been diagnosed with midbrain germinoma by open biopsy through the occipital transtentorial approach had undergone chemoradiotherapy and achieved 5 years with no recurrence. Conclusion: Germinomas should be considered as a differential diagnosis for adolescents and young adult men with mesencephalic tumors, and reliable sampling followed by chemoradiotherapy must be performed.