Applications of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols for unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms in tertiary-level healthcare institutions: a national study.

OBJECTIVE: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are standardized perioperative care that reduce patients' stress response during hospitalization and improve hospitalization time, complication rates, costs, and readmission rates. This study aimed to investigate the application rate of protocols for elective craniotomy in the surgery of unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms (AnCAs) at tertiary-level healthcare (TLH) institutions in Türkiye and its effect on the outcomes of the patients. METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to all Turkish TLH institutions (n = 127) between May and June 2023. The number of institutions participating in the survey was 38 (30%). The institutions were subdivided according to three main factors: institution type (university hospital [UH] vs training and research hospital [TRH]), annual case volume (low [≤ 20 aneurysms] vs high [> 20 aneurysms]), and institution accreditation status (accredited vs nonaccredited). RESULTS: Overall, 55.3% (n = 21) of the institutions participating in the study were UHs. The rates of those that were accredited and had a high case volume were 55.3% (n = 21) and 31.6% (n = 12), respectively. It was determined that the accredited clinics applied preoperative protocols at a higher rate (p = 0.050), and the length of stay in the postoperative period was shorter in the clinics that used the intraoperative protocols (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The length of stay in the postoperative period is lower in TLH institutions in Türkiye that highly implement intraoperative protocols. Furthermore, this is the first study in the literature evaluating protocols for elective craniotomy in unruptured AnCAs.

Flow diverter stent treatment for unruptured supraclinoid segment internal carotid artery aneurysms: a Turkish multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the relatively high success of surgical clipping of supraclinoid segment aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA), flow diverter (FD) stent therapy is becoming increasingly used for these aneurysms. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of FD placement for unruptured ICA supraclinoid segment aneurysms at 6 different centers with different experience levels in Türkiye. METHODS: In this retrospective, multicenter study, the authors reviewed the demographic information, aneurysm shape/dimensions (neck, aspect ratio, dome/neck ratio, and maximum diameter), preoperative antiplatelet regimen, FD stent brand, perioperative complications, intervention time, clinical (modified Rankin Scale) and radiological (O'Kelly-Marotta [OKM] grading scale) outcomes, and follow-up time of 54 patients. RESULTS: A total of 55 interventions for 61 aneurysms (58 supraclinoid ICA aneurysms) were performed in the 54 patients included in the study. The female/male ratio in this population was 44/10, and the mean age was 53.5 ± 13.6 (range 21-82) years. The most common form and location of the aneurysms were saccular 91.4% (53/58) and ophthalmic segment 69% (40/58), respectively. The preferred antiplatelet regimen was acetylsalicylic acid plus ticagrelor 50% (27/54). The overall complication rate was 25.5% (14/55), and the mean follow-up time was 25.76 ± 17.88 months. The successful radiological outcome (OKM grade C or D) rate at the 6-month follow-up was 92.6%. No perioperative complications led to any permanent or transient neurological deficit. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this first multicenter study evaluating FD stent use for unruptured ICA supraclinoid segment aneurysms showed that FD stent treatment is a feasible method for replacing clipping and coil embolization with manageable complications and a high success rate.

Subdural Hematoma Evacuation via Rigid Endoscopy System: A Cadaveric Study.

ABSTRACT: The utilization of endoscope-assisted surgery is becoming a more common modality for the surgical treatment of subdural collections. Considering the inflexible construction of the rigid endoscope, it's not clear where to perform the optimal craniotomy. Twenty four craniotomies (3 cm diameter) were performed in 8 hemicrania. The craniotomies were placed 1 cm front and behind the coronal suture and to the point where the parietal bone was the most convex. The craniotomies in the anterior (C1) and posterior (C2) of the coronal suture were in the mid pupillary line, while the posterior craniotomy (C3) was just lateral to the midpupillary line. At first, subdural distances measured, and then the distances from the craniotomy to the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral directions in which endoscope could reach the farthest without the damage to the parenchyma were measured. The subdural distance was significantly deeper in C3 than C1 (P = 0.001); however, there was no difference between C3 and C2 (P = 0.312). The distance that could be reached with C3 was higher than C1 in anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial directions (P ≤0.001, 0.037, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). The distance that could be reached with C3 was higher than C2 in anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial directions (P < 0.001, 0.02, 0.01 and <0.001, respectively). In subdural hematomas, especially that covers all surface of the hemisphere, the most suitable craniotomy is the posteriorly placed craniotomy to reach the most extended projection in anteroposterior line of the hematoma.

Academic performance after neurosurgery residency training in Turkey: a national survey.

OBJECTIVE: Neurosurgery training programs aim to train specialists. In addition, they are expected to equip the residents with necessary knowledge and skills for academic development. This study aims to gain insights into academic productivity after neurosurgeons graduated from residency training in Turkey. METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to all Turkish Neurosurgical Society members (n = 1662 neurosurgeons) between September and November 2019. The number of participants was 289 (17.4%). Participants were divided into subgroups based on three main factors: training institution type (university hospital [UH] vs training and research hospital [TRH]), training institution annual case volume (low [< 1000 or inadequate cranial/spinal case numbers] vs high [> 1000 and adequate cranial/spinal case numbers]), and training program accreditation status (accredited vs nonaccredited). RESULTS: The majority of the participants (64.7%) graduated from the UHs. Those trained at UHs (vs TRHs) and high- (vs low-) volume centers had their dissertations more frequently published in Science Citation Index/Science Citation Index-Expanded journals, gave more oral presentations after residency, had higher h-indices, had higher rates of reviewership for academic journals, and had greater participation in projects with grant support. In addition, graduates of accredited programs reported more PhD degrees than those of nonaccredited programs. CONCLUSIONS: Neurosurgeons trained in higher-case-volume, accredited programs, mostly in the UHs, performed better in terms of scientific activities and productivity in Turkey. Strong research emphasis and supportive measures should be instituted to increase academic performance during and after residency training.

Endoscopic removal of a suprasellar dermoid cyst in a pediatric patient: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Dermoid cysts (DCs) are unusual benign congenital intracranial tumors that typicallyarise in the midline and form as a result of abnormal sequestration of ectodermal cells during neural tubeformation. In all age groups, endoscopic approaches are preferable for the removal of sellar lesions. A 6-year-old girl with recurrent meningitis underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery forsellar DC. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of a suprasellar DC in a pediatric patient that was removed endoscopically.

Relationship between individual payload weight and spondylolysis incidence in Turkish land forces.

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lumbar spondylolysis and payload weight between different combat units of Turkish land forces (TLF).METHODThe authors reviewed clinical and radiological data of the military personnel with low-back pain (LBP) admitted to their clinic between July 2017 and July 2018. Age, BMI, average payload weight, and military service unit were recorded. CT scans were evaluated for pars interarticularis fractures and spondylolisthesis, whereas MRI studies were evaluated for spondylolisthesis, Modic-type endplate changes, or signal loss on T2-weighted images compatible with disc degeneration.RESULTFollowing exclusion, a total of 642 all-male military personnel were included. Of these personnel, 122 were commandos, 435 were infantry, and 85 were serving in the artillery units. Bilateral pars interarticularis fracture was noted in 42 commandos (34.42%) and 2 infantrymen (0.45%). There was no spondylolysis in the artillery units. There was no multiple-level spondylolysis and the most common level of spondylolysis was L5. Commandos had a significantly higher incidence of spondylolysis and more average payload weight (p < 0.001). Twelve patients (27.2%) with spondylolysis had accompanying MRI pathologies at the same level, whereas 32 patients (72.7%) had no accompanying MRI pathologies.CONCLUSIONSIncreased payload weight in military personnel is associated with spondylolysis, and commandos in the TLF have significantly heavier payloads, which causes an increased rate of spondylolysis compared to other units. Additionally, spondylolysis without adjacent-level changes on MRI could be undiagnosed. LBP in active military personnel who have a history of carrying heavy payloads should be evaluated extensively with both MRI and CT scans.

Does CPAP treatment lead to gastroesophageal reflux in patients with moderate and severe OSA?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) leads to upper respiratory tract obstruction, causing increased abdominal-gastric pressure and decreased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and thus gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is known to be an effective method for OSA treatment, but its effect on GER is still controversial. There are a very few studies investigating CPAP and GER relationship and performed based on pre- and post-treatment objective parameters of GER in patients with OSA. The study investigated the effect of CPAP treatment in patients with moderate and severe OSA without GER complaints on pre- and post-treatment objective GER parameters. The study included 25 patients with respiratory disturbance indices >15 without reflux symptoms who had undergone polysomnography at sleep laboratory. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), waist, and neck circumference of the patients were documented. DeMeester score, LES pressure, and polysomnography parameters were evaluated pre- and post-CPAP. The results were statistically evaluated, and p value <0.05 is considered significant. Out of 25 patients, 21 were male (84 %) and mean age was 49.2 ± 8.6 (range 31-66). At the pre-CPAP phase, mean sphincter pressure was 22.2 ± 1.2 (range 8-73), and mean DeMeester score was 18 ± 15.5 (range 0.2-57). At the post-CPAP, mean sphincter pressure was 22.9 ± 1.6 (range 9-95), and mean DeMeester score was 16.3 ± 14.8 (range 0.2-55). No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found comparing pre-CPAP and post-CPAP measurements. Objective criteria show that CPAP treatment does not cause reflux in patients with OSA. Unlike studies reported in the literature, this conclusion has been reached by pre- and post-CPAP assessments.

Does Every Necrotizing Granulomatous Inflammation Identified by NSCLC Resection Material Require Treatment?

BACKGROUND Lung cancer and tuberculosis (TB) are two major public health problems. They can coexist or appear sequentially. In patients with TB, lung cancer risk is increased. However, vice versa is not crystal clear. In this study, we aimed to determine the development of TB in patients with resectabled non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a 2-year postoperative follow-up period. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study at three university hospitals. Patients who had NSCLC surgery between 2009 and 2013 were included and patient records were reviewed for the presence of necrotizing granulomatous inflammation (NGI) in resected specimens. Demographic properties, tumor type, stage, location, type of surgery, tuberculosis history, and thorax CT findings were recorded. We searched for the development of tuberculosis within a 2-year period after surgery. RESULTS A total of 1027 patient cases were reviewed, of which 48 patients had NGI. The median age was 63 years. The most common type of cancer was squamous carcinoma; and lobectomy was the preferred operation (70.8%). Cancer involvement most commonly included the right lung (61.8%) and upper lobes (47,9%). Only 11 patients had anti-TB treatment postoperatively, which was based on radiological findings. Prior tuberculosis or anti-TB history, type, stage or localization of cancer, and adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy were not found to be related to TB treatment. None of the study population had TB during the two-year follow-up period. Treatment decisions appeared mostly related to physician experience. There was no difference in the risk of developing TB between patients with or without treatment. This finding may change the management of our patients. CONCLUSIONS Every NGI discovered in NSCLC resected material does not always require anti-TB treatment.

Cardiac Findings of Pulmonary Thromboembolism by Autopsy: A Review of 48 Cases.

BACKGROUND To identify the overall effects of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) on the heart, we evaluated the heart findings and clinical characteristics of deceased patients diagnosed with PTE. MATERIAL AND METHODS PTEs were classified into 2 categories: fatal and contributory. Cases with a history of cardiopulmonary disease or a finding of significant disease at autopsy, including valvular heart disease and coronary artery obstruction >50%, were excluded from the cardiac evaluation. We defined an LV wall ≥1.2 cm thick and an RV wall ≥0.8 cm thick as abnormal. RESULTS Forty-eight cases were included to the study (21 males and 27 females). The mean age was 41.42 ± 16.5 years. Of the 48 cases, 5 were excluded due to cardiopulmonary diseases for determining heart findings. The thicknesses of the LV and RV walls were not measured in some patients. In the 43 cases, cardiac hypertrophy was detected in 28 patients (65.1%). The mean heart weight was 387 ± 83.5 g. The mean thickness of the left ventricle (LV) wall was 1.40 ± 0.41 cm in 40 cases, and the mean thickness of the RV wall was 0.41 ± 0.135 cm in 41 cases. The LV walls of 35 (87.5%) cases and the RV walls of 2 cases met criteria for abnormal wall thickness. There were histopathological findings of heart in 24/43 cases (56%); these findings were necrosis, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS The RV is affected by massive pulmonary embolism; however, the LV may also play a role in the pathogenesis of PTE.

Role of daytime polysomnography in the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) depends on nocturnal polysomnography (nPSG), but waiting time for the test is long. Although, performing PSG in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) at daytime (dPSG) was questioned, role and methods are not clear. The aim of the study was to assess the role of dPSG in the diagnosis of SAS, and the correlation between nPSG and dPSG. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty eight subjects, who were referred to our sleep laboratory with EDS were included to a cross-over study. Half of the patients underwent nPSG after dPSG, vice versa. Seven subjects excluded due to lack of participation. The rest (n= 41) had nPSG and dPSG. PSG recordings and analysis were performed according to AASM 2007 guideline. Results were analyzed for sleep efficiency, respiratory disturbance index (RDI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), SAS severity and correlation between dPSG and nPSG. RESULTS: Total 41 subjects were analyzed. All patients had diagnosis of SAS. Sleep efficiency was higher at nPSG (86%), however also enough at dPSG (80%). Sleep stages of dPSG and nPSG were similar except stage 3 sleep, which was longer at nPSG. Undergoing dPSG or nPSG first did not correlate with sleep efficiency, respiratory disturbance (RDI) index, oxygen desaturation index (ODI) or severity of SAS. Despite BMI, neck circumference was closely related with RDI, ODI and severity. CONCLUSION: Daytime PSG, when performed appropriately, is an effective tool for diagnosing sleep disorders in patients with EDS. dPSG may decrease the amount of times that patients must wait to undergo PSG.

A Novel Perspective to Gamma-Knife Radiosurgery for Solitary Meningiomas: Adaptability of Fast Imaging Employing Steady-State Acquisition/Constructive Interference in Steady-State Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

AIM: To compare T1-weighted contrast-enhanced (T1+C) with fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences to protect healthy brain tissue during meningioma treatment with Gamma-Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: After reviewing the data of 54 patients with solitary meningioma who underwent GKRS between January 2020 and June 2022, demographic characteristics were noted, tumor volumes on T1+C and FIESTA MRI sequences were measured, and sequences were compared. The patients were then divided into two groups according to the presence of invasion to intracranial venous sinuses (groups 1 and 2, respectively). SPSS 11.5 software was used for data analysis, with the level of significance set at 0.05. RESULTS: While no significant age and tumor size differences were observed between groups 1 and 2, sinus invasion was significantly higher among males. Tumor volumes measured in both groups were significantly smaller on FIESTA sequences than on T1+C sequences. CONCLUSION: The T1+C sequence has been the primary imaging method because of meningiomas' high contrast enhancement feature. However, the T1+C sequence during GKRS planning is an effective imaging method in treating meningiomas; FIESTA sequences can more precisely delineate the tumor border. In this study, we consider that using the FIESTA/CISS sequence MRI for planning meningioma therapy with Gamma-Knife can reduce target volume and prevent irradiation of healthy brain tissue.

The connectivity-based parcellation of the angular gyrus: fiber dissection and MR tractography study.

The angular gyrus (AG) wraps the posterior end of the superior temporal sulcus (STS), so it is considered a continuation of the superior temporal gyrus (STG)/ middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and forms the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) with the supramarginal gyrus (SMG). The AG was functionally divided in the literature, but there is no fiber dissection study in this context. This study divided AG into superior (sAG) and inferior (iAG) parts by focusing on STS. Red, blue silicone-injected eight and four non-silicone-injected human cadaveric cerebrums were dissected via the Klingler method focusing on the AG. White matter (WM) tracts identified during dissection were then reconstructed on the Human Connectome Project 1065 individual template for validation. According to this study, superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) II and middle longitudinal fasciculus (MdLF) are associated with sAG; the anterior commissure (AC), optic radiation (OR) with iAG; the arcuate fasciculus (AF), inferior frontooccipital fasciculus (IFOF), and tapetum (Tp) with both parts. In cortical parcellation of AG based on STS, sAG and iAG were associated with different fiber tracts. Although it has been shown in previous studies that there are functionally different subunits with AG parcellation, here, for the first time, other functions of the subunits have been revealed with cadaveric dissection and tractography images.

Endovascular occlusion of giant serpentine aneurysm: A case report and literature review.

Giant serpentine aneurysms (GSAs) are a rare subgroup of intracranial aneurysms. Separate inflow and outflow flow due to intraluminal thrombosis is the most distinguishing feature of GSAs. In treating these lesions, surgical clipping and ligation were the main treatments in the past, but bypass for revascularisation and endovascular therapies (EVTs) for deconstructive purposes are more prominent today. A 51-years-old male patient presented with headache and mild right hemiparesis. He had a GSA arising from the left fetal type posterior cerebral artery (fPCA) that was out of follow-up for six years. Radiological images revealed midline shifting and mesencephalon compression. We performed endovascular parent artery coil occlusion. The symptoms of the patient improved at the first-month follow-up. Even if there is a mass effect in GSAs, deconstructive EVT is a safe and feasible method for managing these lesions.

Is It Possible to Get Better Results in Bone Fusion in Laminoplasty Surgery for Lumbar Stenosis? A Novel Autologous Bone Graft Insertion Technique.

AIM: To define a novel autologous bone graft insertion technique, and to evaluate its effects on bone fusion in patients with lumbar stenosis who underwent laminoplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients and 142 vertebrae that underwent autologous bone graft insertion technique between 2009 and 2018 were analysed retrospectively. Demographic data, comorbidities, and perioperative findings of patients were recorded. The midline anteroposterior (AP) diameter was measured at the bone graft insertion levels, and fusion formation was evaluated with computed tomography (CT) and dynamic X-Ray images. Pain scores were assessed preoperatively with the visual analogue scale (VAS) for both legs and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for overall life quality. Scores were re-evaluated on 1 < sup > st < /sup > day, at 3 < sup > rd < /sup > , and 12 < sup > th < /sup > months, postoperatively. RESULTS: Degenerative spinal stenosis was present in 56 patients who underwent autologous bone graft insertion technique. It was found that the diameter of the spinal canal increased by 37% in CT measurements. In postoperative radiological followups, fusion developed in 49 (87.5%) patients. There was a statistically significant decrease in both VAS and ODI scores in the postoperative period when compared to the preoperative evaluations. CONCLUSION: Bone graft insertion technique supports posterior fusion and protects against dural injuries during revision surgery by creating a barrier over the dura. The prevention of epidural fibrosis formation reduces the symptoms of the postlaminectomy syndrome. The fact that this technique does not require fixation material. Therefore, it reduces expenditure and eliminates the risk of complications related to synthetic materials.

The effectiveness of gamma knife radiosurgery for the management of residual high-grade gliomas: A single institutional study.

High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are presently managed via surgical resection, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and chemotherapy. Although Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is currently used to manage HGGs, it has not been considered standard care. This paper aims to compare the contribution of GKRS to clinical outcomes in patients in which gross total resection (GTR) cannot be achieved. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 99 patients with HGG (World Health Organization (WHO) grade III and IV) from two groups: group 1 consisted of 68 patients for which only EBRT was administered, and group 2 consisted of 31 patients for which EBRT and GKRS were administered. Patient demographic data, the extent of resection, IDH mutation, radiation dosage, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and follow-up time were recorded and compared across groups. The grade III/IV tumor ratio was 10/58 and 10/21 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In group 2, PFS and OS were higher than in group 1 (P = 0.030 and 0.021). The mean follow-up time was 15.02 ± 11.8 (3-52) and 18.9 ± 98.6 (7-43) months in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In addition to the standard management of HGGs in patients without GTR, boost GKRS during the early postoperative period is beneficial for increasing PFS and OS.

Effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: an esophageal impedance-pHmetry study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is an increasing interest for a link between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). There is no study in the literature which examines the relationship between OSAS and esophageal functions in adults with impedance. We first evaluated the role of reflux in OSAS with simultaneous polysomnography and impedance-pHmetry and then investigated whether the effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment changes in these parameters. METHODOLOGY: Twenty two OSAS patients who had applied to sleep laboratory between September 2007 and May 2008 were consecutively enrolled to the study. Twenty four hours esophageal impedance study was performed during polysomnographic recording. At least 50% of all apneas in patients must proceed with a reflux event in 2 minute intervals in order to be considered reflux related apnea patient. RESULTS: Pathologic reflux episodes were determined in 20 patients (8 were weakly acidic, 12 were acidic). Reflux dependent apnea was found in 6 patients. There was endoscopically esophagitis in all reflux related apnea patients. There was a negative correlation between initial mean SaO2 and gas reflux events at night (p=0.004, r =-0.588) and mixed reflux events at night (p=0.02, r=0.493). There was a statistically significant regression of AHI (apnea hypopnea index) after 3-months PPI treatment (p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Reflux may trigger apnea in some of the OSAS patients. Therefore, each OSAS patient must be inquired about esophageal and extraesophageal symptoms of reflux.

Microsurgical and Tractographic Anatomical Study of Transtemporal-Transchoroidal Fissure Approaches to the Ambient Cistern.

BACKGROUND: Approaching ambient cistern lesions is still a challenge because of deep location and related white matter tracts (WMTs) and neural structures. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the white matter anatomy in the course of 3 types of transtemporal-transchoroidal fissure approaches (TTcFA) to ambient cistern by using fiber dissection technique with translumination and magnetic resonance imaging fiber tractography. METHODS: Eight formalin-fixed cerebral hemispheres were dissected on surgical corridor from the temporal cortex to the ambient cistern by using Klingler's method. The trans-middle temporal gyrus, trans-inferior temporal sulcus (TITS), and trans-inferior temporal gyrus (TITG) approaches were evaluated. WMTs that were identified during dissection were then reconstructed on the Human Connectome Project 1021 individual template for validation. RESULTS: The trans-middle gyrus approach interrupted the U fibers, arcuate fasciculus (AF), the ventral segment of inferior frontoocipital fasciculus (IFOF), the temporal extensions of the anterior commissure (AC) posterior crura, the tapetum (Tp) fibers, and the anterior loop of the optic radiation (OR). The TITS approach interrupted U fibers, inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), IFOF, and OR. The TITG approach interrupted the U fibers, ILF, and OR. The middle longitudinal fasciculus, ILF, and uncinate fasciculus (UF) were not interrupted in the trans-middle gyrus approach and the AF, UF, AC, and Tp fibers were not interrupted in the TITS/gyrus approaches. CONCLUSION: Surgical planning of the ambient cistern lesions requires detailed knowledge about WMTs. Fiber dissection and tractography techniques improve the orientation during surgery and may help decrease surgical complications.

Is Placing Prophylactic Dural Tenting Sutures a Dogma?

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated if and when dural tenting sutures are necessary during craniotomy. METHODS: Results from 437 patients 18-91 years of age (average, 43.5 years) who underwent supratentorial craniotomy between 2014 and 2019 were evaluated. The patients were categorized into 1 of 3 groups: patients who had at least 3 prophylactic dural tenting sutures placed before opening of the dura (group 1); patients who had at least 3 dural tenting sutures placed after surgery was completed, during closure (group 2); or patients who had no dural tenting sutures (group 3 [control]). All such sutures in groups 1 and 2 were placed in the circumference of the craniotomy and dural junction. No central dural tenting sutures were placed in any of the patients. RESULTS: Among the 437 patients, 344 underwent surgery for the first time and 93 were undergoing a second surgery. Cranial computed tomography imaging was performed for each patient 1 hour, 3 days, and 1 month after surgery. In group 1, 3 patients had a cerebral cortex contusion and 2 patients had acute subdural hematoma after the sutures were placed. In groups 2 and 3, none of the patients had a cerebral cortex contusion or acute subdural hematoma. Fewer complications were observed when dural tenting sutures were placed during postsurgical closure. CONCLUSIONS: Placing dural tenting sutures is an important technique for ensuring hemostasis. However, when not needed, they seem to cause inadvertent complications. As our results suggest, knowing when and where to use them is equally important.

Experience of Fully Awake Craniotomy for Supratentorial Lesions: A Single Institution Study.

AIM: To report and to discuss our experience of awake craniotomy for the treatment of supratentorial lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included patients who underwent awake craniotomy for supratentorial tumors between 2007 and 2018. A bipolar stimulation probe was used for patients with eloquent area lesions. The demographic features, presenting symptoms, comorbidities, localization, histopathology, pre- and postoperative Karnofsky performance status, mean operation length, mean length of hospital stay, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: We included 250 patients (age, 53.5 ± 15.3 years; range, 15?90 years; 105 females and 145 males) mostly with metastasis (46%). The tumor resection rate was 90 ± 3.6%. Of 30 patients (12%) who experienced an increase in weakness, 26 experienced improvements within three days, and the remainder had permanent symptoms. Intraoperative and postoperative seizures occurred in three (1.2%) and seven (2.8%) patients, respectively, which were controlled by antiepileptic drugs. Dysphasia occurred intraoperatively in seven patients (2.8%) but improved in a month. The mean follow-up duration was 31.8 ± 11.9 months (range, 7?70 months). No mortality was seen during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Awake procedures are a good option in supratentorial lesions to avoid the complications of general anesthesia for patients in poor medical condition. To obtain maximal tumor resection and to maintain better quality of life, neurosurgeons should opt for awake craniotomy when necessary.