A comparative analysis of neuroendoscopic foramen magnum decompression versus traditional open surgery for Chiari Malformation Type I.

PURPOSE: Chiari Malformation Type I (CM1) is characterized by the downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum. The standard surgical treatment for CM1 is foramen magnum decompression and atlas laminectomy (FMD-AL). However, there is a growing interest in exploring minimally invasive techniques, such as neuroendoscopically assisted FMD-AL, to optimize surgical outcomes. The aim is to present the results of the less invasive neuroendoscopic-assisted system application as an alternative to decompression surgery in patients with CM-1 with/without syringomyelia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 76 patients with CMI who underwent either neuroendoscopic-assisted FMD-AL (n = 23) or open surgery (n = 53). Preoperative and postoperative assessments were performed, including pain levels, functional assessment, outcome and serum creatinine kinase (CK) levels. Surgical parameters and radiological imaging were also evaluated and compared. RESULTS: Both surgical groups showed improvements in pain levels and increase in postoperative CK levels. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of postoperative JOA scores, VAS scores, CCOS, or syrinx resolution. However, the neuroendoscopic group had significantly lower CK levels, shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and shorter operation times compared to the open surgery group, indicating reduced muscle damage and potential benefits of the neuroendoscopic assisted approach. CONCLUSION: Both neuroendoscopy and open surgery groups can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes in patients with CM1. The neuroendoscopic assisted technique offers the advantage of reduced muscle damage and shorter hospital stays. The choice of surgical technique should be based on individual patient characteristics and preferences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 (Retrospective case-control study) according to using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) Table.

The influence of glioblastoma on patients' cognitive and demographic characteristics and psychological well-being of patients and caregivers: a single-centre retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma, the most aggressive primary brain tumour in adults, poses significant challenges for patients and their caregivers. This study investigates a range of clinical parameters, such as symptoms, tumour characteristics, presence of seizures, mental status, and depression/anxiety, in glioblastoma patients. The rapid deterioration of physical and cognitive functions experienced by patients can have profound effects on both patients and their relatives throughout the course of the disease. The objective of this study was to examine and compare psychological symptoms between glioblastoma patients and their relatives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 98 adult patients with glioblastoma who underwent pre- and postoperative cognitive assessments using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was also used to evaluate and compare psychological symptoms of patients and their relatives over time. Seizures were seen in 45.9% of patients, and the mean age of the patients was 60.1 ± 13.8 years. The patients were evaluated at various time intervals before and after surgery, and the data were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The study found that before surgery, the anxiety levels of caregivers were significantly higher than those of patients during all evaluation periods. Additionally, the depression scores of caregivers were significantly higher than those of patients only in the first month following the operation. There were no significant differences in depression scores between patients and caregivers in the other assessment intervals. The average cognitive level of patients, as assessed by the MMSE scale was 22.4 before the operation and 20.9 after the operation. CONCLUSION: Glioblastoma has a significant impact on the mental health and emotional well-being of both patients and their relatives. This study highlights the importance of providing early support to both patients and their relatives before surgery. The study's strength is that it focuses on an early time point, prior to surgery, where both patients and their relatives are already affected and may require additional support. The results of this study can help healthcare professionals to better understand the psychological impact of glioblastoma and provide more targeted support to patients and their caregivers.

A pediatric case of completely thrombosed giant cavernous carotid aneurysm with ipsilateral ICA occlusion mimicking an intra-axial cystic lesion: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: There have been a few cases where completely thrombosed cavernous carotid artery (CCA) aneurysms have resembled neoplasms based on neuroimaging data, but no reports have been documented in children. CASE REPORT: We describe an unusual pediatric case of a huge cavernous sinus mass mimicking a cystic neoplasm with peripheral rim enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where the surgery and subsequent histopathological investigation revealed that this mass was a completely thrombosed giant aneurysm of the CCA. The patient showed postoperatively no new neurological deficits and discharged a week later after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In this case report, we describe a pediatric case of a completely thrombosed giant CCA aneurysm with ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, which imitates an intra-axial cystic lesion on MRI.

Neuroendoscopy-Assisted Minimal Invasive Management of Chiari 1 Malformation.

Objective The aim this study is to present the results of the minimal invasive neuroendoscopic-assisted system application as an alternative to traditional surgery in patients with Chiari malformation type 1 (CM type 1) with/without syringomyelia. Design, Setting, and Participants In the study, data of 22 symptomatic patients were prospectively collected. Before and after the operation, patient characteristics, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics MRI, and outcome scales scores were recorded. Foramen magnum decompression and C1 total laminectomy were performed. The fibrous band at the craniocervical junction was opened and a durotomy was performed. In patients with a syrinx, the pre- and postoperative axial and sagittal lengths of the syrinx were measured and compared. Results The mean age of the patients was 32 ± 5 years. There were eight male patients. Ten patients had syrinx. The mean visual analog scale (VAS) score before and after surgery was 8 ± 1.06 and 2.18 ± 1.13, respectively. When evaluated according to the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale, there was improvement in 20 patients, while there was no change in 2 patients. Syrinx resolved completely in 3 of 10 (13.6%) patients with syringomyelia, and the syrinx volume decreased in 3 patients (13.6%). In 4 of 10 (18.1%) patients, there was no significant change in the syrinx volume. The average operation time was 105 minutes (80-150 minutes). The average blood loss was 40 mL (20-110 mL). Conclusion Although the study was limited due to the small number of patients with a short follow-up, endoscopic decompression was a safe and effective technique for surgery in CM type 1 patients.

Evaluation of Sexual Function in Patients with Lower Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Comparison of Pre- and Postoperative Status.

BACKGROUND: Neuroregulation of sexual functions requires coordination of parasympathetic, sympathetic, and somatosensory neuronal pathways. The nerves formed by the lower lumbar plexus provide the innervation of the urogenital organs. Lower lumbar disc hernias (LDHs) might impair the neuroregulation of sexual functions by compressing the neural structures. This prospective study aims to evaluate the effect of lower LDHs on libido and sexual dysfunctions. METHODS: A total of 61 sexually active patients diagnosed with single-level LDH who underwent unilateral microdiscectomy were included in the study. The patients' healthy sex partners were included in study as controls. The International Sexual Function Index-5 (IIEF-5) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used for sexual assessment of male and female participants, respectively. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. RESULTS: According to the FSFI scores, all 20 female patients had preoperative sexual dysfunction, which improved in 15 (75%) patients after surgery (p < 0.001). According to the IIEF-5 score for men, 38 of 41 male patients had preoperative sexual dysfunction, which improved in 26 (68.4%) patients postoperatively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The preoperative sexual dysfunctions of LDH patients improved significantly after the microdiscectomy.

The Evaluation of Low-Profile Surpass EvolveTM Flow Diverter for Endovascular Treatment of Distal Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience.

AIM: To report our experience with the 2.5-mm Surpass EvolveTM flow diverter (FD) in the treatment of distal small cerebral artery aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 41 patients with 52 aneurysms. Clinical and radiological records and procedural and follow-up outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The aneurysm morphology was saccular in 45 patients, dissecting in five patients, and fusiform in two patients. Fifty-two aneurysms were treated with 41 Surpass Evolve FDs. The mean diameters of the proximal and distal parent arteries were 2.56 and 2.17 mm, respectively. The mean duration of follow-up was 16.2 ± 6.6 (6-28) months. Four (10%) patients had acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. In the same session, two patients with two tandem aneurysms and one patient with four tandem aneurysms were treated using a single FD. Intraprocedural hemorrhage and femoral artery pseudoaneurysm occurred in two patients during the procedure. Digital subtraction angiography was performed on 38/41 (92%) patients with 47/52 (88%) having aneurysms. Complete occlusion (OKM D) was observed in 39/47 (82%) aneurysms, and near complete-complete occlusion (OKM C-D) was observed in 46/47 (98%) aneurysms. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of distal cerebral artery aneurysms with the 2.5-mm Surpass Evolve < sup > TM < /sup > FD provides a high rate of aneurysm occlusion with low periprocedural complications, even in ruptured and tandem aneurysms.

Management and Outcome of Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas That Have Caused a Hemorrhage in the Posterior Fossa : A Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term results of patients with dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF), which is a very rare cause of posterior fossa hemorrhage. METHODS: This study included 15 patients who underwent endovascular, surgical, combined, or Gamma Knife treatments between 2012 and 2020. Demographics and clinical features, angiographic features, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 40±17 years (range, 17-68), and 68% were men (11/15). Seven of the patients (46.6%) were in the age group of 50 years and older. While the mean Glasgow coma scale was 11.5±3.9 (range, 4-15), 46.3% presented with headache and 53.7% had stupor/coma. Four patients (26.6%) had only cerebellar hematoma and headache. All dAVFs had cortical venous drainage. In 11 patients (73.3%), the fistula was located in the tentorium and was the most common localization. Three patients (20%) had transverse and sigmoid sinus localizations, while one patient (6.7%) had dAVF located in the foramen magnum. Eighteen sessions were performed on the patients during endovascular treatment. Sixteen sessions (88.8%) were performed with the transarterial (TA) route, one session (5.5%) with the transvenous (TV) route, and one session (5.5%) with the TA+TV route. Surgery was performed in two patients (14.2%). One patient (7.1%) passed away. While there were nine patients (64.2%) with a Rankin score between 0 and 2, the total closure rate was 69.2% in the first year of control angiograms. CONCLUSION: In the differential diagnosis of posterior fossa hemorrhages, the differential diagnosis of dAVFs, which is a very rare entity, should be considered, even in the middle and elderly age groups, in patients presenting with good clinical status and pure hematoma. The treatment of such patients can be done safely and effectively in a multidisciplinary manner with a good understanding of pathological vascular anatomy and appropriate endovascular treatment approaches.

Isolated Cerebral Cyst Hydatid Removal with Dowling's Technique in a 6-Year-Old Pediatric Patient: Case Report.

Hydatid disease, caused by the Echinococcus parasite, is a worldwide zoonosis produced by the larval stage of the tapeworm. In urban living patients with cerebral abscesses, hydatid cysts should not be excluded from the differential diagnosis. We report an exceptional primary cerebral hydatid cyst in which imaging showed a large, round, contrast-enhancing lesion with a mass effect. The patient presented with a dull headache for over a year and progressively worsened left hemiparesis. The magnetic resonance imaging showed a huge intracranial mass, and the pathology was corrected with cyst hydatid. Surgery was performed via Dowling's technique, and the patient recovered without neurologic deficits. Echinococcosis should be considered a differential diagnosis for single or multiple cerebral abscesses, even in the absence of liver infections. The history of living in rural areas does not exclude cerebral hydatid cysts and Echinococcus .

An Illustrative Case of Bilateral Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Concomitant with Aneurysm of the Obstructed ICA Reconstituted via Collaterals: Emphasizing the Role of Rescue Collaterals in Decision-Making.

In patients with bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) obstruction, the basilar and ophthalmic arteries become the most critical arteries for brain perfusion, and the location of aneurysm formation may be associated with increased wall shear stress induced by compromised carotid circulation. Consideration of collateral routes may have an impact on therapeutic decisions for patients undergoing extracranial to intracranial (EC-IC) bypass and aneurysm surgery. We report a rare case of a young woman with bilateral ICA occlusion simultaneous with dissecting aneurysm of the obstructed ICA reconstituted via collaterals, emphasizing the functional value of collaterals and therapeutic strategy. We present a young woman with angiographic evidence of cerebrovascular early atherosclerotic disease. A young patient was found to have bilateral ICA occlusion and dissecting aneurysm of the obstructed ICA. A large fusiform aneurysm was clipped. Then, an anastomosis was performed from the left superficial temporal to the M3 segment of the middle cerebral artery. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged to rehabilitation with no residual sequelae. This case illustrates a rare case of bilateral ICA occlusions, presented with robust collaterals, and dissecting aneurysm of the obstructed ICA reconstituted via collaterals. We also demonstrate excellent surgical clipping of a challenging ICA aneurysm and cerebral bypass surgery.

Maternal Serum and Fetal Cord Blood Concentrations of Thiol/ Disulfide and Ischemia-Modified Albumin as Predictors of Neural Tube Defects.

AIM: To investigate the predictive role of thiol/ disulfide homeostasis and Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels for NTDs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 71 pregnant women (31 with NTD and 42 healthy controls) were enrolled in this study. This prospective case-control study included pregnant women with NTDs as the study group and randomly selected age-matched pregnant women with healthy fetuses as the control group. The two groups were compared on the basis of thiol/disulfide and IMA levels in the maternal and fetal samples. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, and calculated ratios was observed between the groups. However, maternal IMA values were significantly higher in the study group. The IMA was proven to be a predictor with a sensitivity of 77.4% and specificity of 100% for NTDs at a cut-off value of 1.32. CONCLUSION: The examination of the maternal levels of IMA may be useful in the detection of NTDs.

Craniovertebral junction aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The course of the vertebral artery and its relationship to the C0-1-2 structures render it particularly vulnerable to mechanical trauma. In the present study, we investigated the course of vertebral arteries along the craniovertebral junction (CJ) to cast light on the biomechanical aspects of aneurysm formation, focusing mainly on the relation of the vertebral artery injuries to the CJ bony landmarks. Herein, we report our experience with fourteen cases of craniovertebral junction vertebral artery (CJVA) aneurysms and their presentations, management, and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We extracted from 83 vertebral artery aneurysms only those 14 cases whose aneurysms were located at the C0-1-2. We reviewed all medical records, including operative reports and radiologic images. We divided the CJVA into 5 segments and then carefully reviewed the cases, largely focusing on the CJVA segments involved in the aneurysm. Angiographic outcomes were determined by angiography, which was scheduled at 3-6 months, 1, 2.5, and 5 years postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients with CJVA aneurysms were included in the present study. 35.7 % had cerebrovascular risk factors, while 23.5 % had other predisposing factors such as an AVM, an AVF, or a foramen magnum tumor. Predisposing factors in the form of neck trauma, both direct and indirect, were identified in 50 % of cases. The segmental distribution of aneurysms was as follows: three (21.4 %) at CJV 1, one (7.1 %) at CJV 2, four (28.6 %) at CJV 3, two (14.3 %) at CJV 4, and four (28.6 %) isolated to the CJV 5 segment. Of the 6 indirect traumatic aneurysms, 1 (16.7 %) was located at CJV 1, 4 (66.7 %) were located at CJV 3 and 1 (16.7 %) was located at CJV 5. The 1/1 direct traumatic aneurysm (100 %) from the penetrating injury was located at CJV 1. 100 % of cases with cerebrovascular risk factors, the affected vessels were on the dominant side. 42.9 % of cases presented symptoms of a vertebrobasilar stroke. All 14 aneurysms were managed only endovascularly. 85.8 % of patients we implemented flow diverters only. 57.1 % of follow-up cases were completely occluded angiographically, and 42.9 % of cases were near-completely or incompletely occluded at 1, 2.5, and 5-year follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: The current article is the first report of a series of vertebral artery aneurysms located in CJ. Herein, the association of vertebral artery aneurysm, hemodynamics, and trauma is well established. We clarified all segments of the CJVA and showed that the segmental distribution of CJVA aneurysms significantly differs between traumatic and spontaneous cases. We showed that treatment with flow diverters should be the mainstay of CJVA aneurysm treatment.

Posterior Cervical Discectomy via Keyhole Foraminotomy: A Case Series Comparing Microdiscectomy with Endoscope-Assisted Discectomy.

AIM: To report the clinical outcomes of microdiscectomy (MD) and endoscope assisted discectomy (EAD) techniques via the posterior approach in patients with cervical disc herniations (CDHs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data were obtained from retrospective review of the patient?s charts and the latest follow-up examination. RESULTS: A total of 83 cases with CDH who were treated by posterior cervical discectomy (PCD), between 2010 and 2019, were reviewed. MD was used in 42 patients (male: 20, female: 22) with a mean age of 51.1 years. In MD group, all patients had pain, and 26 of them had additional weakness. Visual analogue scale (VAS) neck score was 7.72, VAS arm score was 8.83; PROLO score was 7.41. EAD was used in 41 patients (male: 26, female: 15) with a mean age of 38.7 years. In EAD group, all patients had pain, and 20 of them had additional weakness. VAS neck and arm scores were 7.75, and 8.72, respectively; PROLO score was 7.44. Mean follow-up time was 24.7 months. The scores at the latest exam are as follows: in MD group, VAS score for neck was 2.32, for arm 1.11; PROLO score was 9.58; in EAD group, VAS score for neck was 2.18 and for arm 0.97; PROLO score was 9.66. Both surgical techniques were success with statically significance (p?0.05) according to the scores.The techniques were equally effective while postoperative VAS (p > 0.412) and PROLO (p > 0.980) scores were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both approaches are effective for selected patients with soft cervical disc herniation in which settled lateral location. Both techniques allow working with two handle, therefore facilitating the gentle manipulation that can obtain for avoiding hazardous effect to spinal cord and nerve root.

Accuracy of Axis Drill Guides in the Cases of Atlantoaxial Instabilities Associated With High-Riding Vertebral Arteries, Narrow Pedicles, and Complex Deformities: Comparison of 3 Fixation Methods.

OBJECTIVE: To contrast the accuracy of C2 navigation template-assisted versus freehand pedicle and/or pars screw fixation in high-risk cases where a high-riding vertebral artery (VA) or narrow pedicle and complex deformities were associated. METHODS: In our hospital, computed tomography (CT) data of 30 patients with pathology on C0-1-2, who had risk factors for VA injury, that were complex cervical deformities, atlantoaxial instabilities with narrow C2 pedicle and/or HRVA variations were retrospectively reviewed. Using computer-aided design software and desktop printer we printed 3 sets of high cervical models per case. We divided them into 3 groups using 3 different C2 screw fixation techniques: the freehand pars screw fixation group, the freehand pedicle screw fixation group, and the navigation template-assisted pedicle screw fixation group. After 180 screw placements were finished, the parts underwent a CT scan. Then the breach rates on postoperative scans were measured. RESULTS: Our results showed that the accurate placement rate is not noticeably different between navigation template-assisted and freehand pedicle screws, where the high-riding vertebral artery and narrow pedicles were associated, but was better in the navigational template group with complex deformities. Pars screws were found to be superior in terms of accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that navigational template-assisted pedicle screws are risky for high-risk individuals with abnormal anatomy, such as those with a high-riding vertebral artery, a narrow pedicle, and complex abnormalities, and alternative C2 pars screws may be a reliable option for such individuals.

The Experience of the Derivo® Embolisation Device in Intracranial Aneurysms.

AIM: To investigate the safety and efficacy of Derivo® embolisation device (DED), a new-generation flow diverter designed to treat cerebrovascular aneurysms, and its long-term clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 146 patients with 182 aneurysms were treated with DED. The mean age of the participants was 51.5 years; among them, 46 (31.5%) presented with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage. The mean aneurysm size was 8.3 mm, and 12 aneurysms were involved the vertebrobasilar system. Ophthalmic aneurysms account for most internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. RESULTS: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 12 patients was < 15. DED was associated with a mortality rate of 2.7% and permanent morbidity rate of 3.4%, and a complete aneurysm occlusion rate was achieved in 78.7% of cases after 7.02 months. CONCLUSION: The DED device is a new-generation flow diverter with excellent opening behaviour and navigational benefits. Our results indicated a safe aneurysm occlusion with optimum morbidity and mortality values despite the fact that almost one-third of the patients presented with subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Is IL-8 level an indicator of clinical and radiological status of traumatic brain injury?

BACKGROUND: Since understanding the fact that traumatic brain injury includes an inflammatory process, the number of studies of cytokines has increased. The objective of this study was to analyze and discuss the association of interleukin (IL)-8 level with the clinical and radiological status of patients with head trauma. METHODS: Patients who were admitted to our hospital due to head trauma were included in the study. Findings of clinical and laboratory examinations were analyzed. Data regarding patient age, gender, available clinical findings, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, trauma cause, brain tomography findings, and biochemical laboratory test results were recorded. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their GCS score: Group I: GCS ≥13, Group II: GCS = 9-12, and Group III: GCS = 3-8. RESULTS: A total of 23 (76.7%) patients were male and 7 (23.3%) were female. Overall, 17 (56.7%) patients were admitted due to a fall, 8 (26.7%) due to a traffic accident, and 5 (16.7%) due to assault. Each group comprised 10 patients. As the GCS score increased, the IL-8 level decreased. The mean IL-8 level was 1.2 pg/mL in Group I, 6.6 pg/mL in Group II, and 4.7 pg/mL in Group III; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.147). Moreover, the IL-8 level was significantly greater in patients who demonstrated an abnormal tomography finding (p=0.023). CONCLUSION: IL-8 may be a beneficial indicator for monitoring the clinical and radiological status of traumatic brain injury. Nonetheless, studies of larger cohorts in which IL-8 levels are measured at all stages of brain injury and follow-up of long-term prognosis are warranted.

Nitroglycerin challenge induces lateralized headache in nasociliarynerve-ligated rats: implications for chronic migraine.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Chronic migraine is a common debilitating disease with limited treatment options. We aimed to develop a novel model for chronic migraine by ligating the nasociliary nerve (NCL) and administering nitroglycerin (NTG) to exacerbate acute headache attacks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Exacerbation of the headache was induced by NTG (10 mg/kg, subcutaneously) administered to male Wistar rats (n = 36) 14 days following unilateral NCL. Cutaneous and cold allodynia was tested using Von Frey (VF) filaments and acetone, respectively. Elevated plus maze (EPM) results and c-fos immunoreactivity of TNC were investigated. RESULTS: NTG administration significantly decreased VF threshold values only in the nasociliary nerve (NCN) territory and the ipsilateral forepaw (P = 0.0001, P = 0.02). Cold allodynia developed in bilateral NCN territories (P = 0.013). The number/rate of entrance to open arms in the EPM was significantly decreased in NCN-ligated rats (P = 0.042, P = 0.035). Immunohistochemistry disclosed significantly increased c-fos-positive neurons in ipsilateral brainstem TNC compared to the contralateral side (brain stem LI ipsilateral 25.4 ± 4.7, contralateral 11.8 ± 1.9, P < 0.05) in chronic NCN-ligated rats exposed to acute NTG. CONCLUSION: The presented model provides a valid chronic migraine model relevant to humans, as NTG challenge in chronic NCL rats generated lateralized headache with cephalic and extracephalic allodynia, altered cold sensitivity, anxiety, and neuronal activation in the nociceptive laminae of brainstem trigeminal pain nuclei.

Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematomas: Analysis of Outcomes and Predictive Factors at a Single Center.

AIM: In the present study, we evaluated the association of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and amount of blood loss with mortality in patients presenting with traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was performed on 99 patients who were operated for traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) without any systemic association at a single center. Epidural hematoma was reported to be the most common additional pathology. Age, sex, mechanism of trauma, time interval between onset of trauma and admission to the emergency ward, associated problems, thickness of hematoma and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at the time of admission and on discharge were all studied. RESULTS: The GCS score was inversely proportional to the thickness of hematoma and interval between onset of trauma and surgery (p < 0.05). Although the mortality rate was reported to be high in traffic accidents, the rate was low in patients with head trauma only (p < 0.05). The mortality rate was high in patients with associated pathologies (p < 0.05). Lost patients were reported to be older patients with more extensive ASDH or those who presented earlier with a low GCS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ASDH is associated with high mortality. GCS score and the thickness of the ASDH are important predictors of mortality. Age, additional trauma, and interval between trauma and hospital admission are major predictive factors for mortality.

Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery: Experience of 80 Cases.

AIM: Surgical approaches to the pituitary have undergone numerous refinements over the last 100 years. The fully endoscopic transsphenoidal approach has gained widespread use all around the world. We report the results of a consecutive series of patients who underwent pituitary surgery using a pure endoscopic endonasal approach and the results of the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the hospital database of 80 consecutive pituitary adenomas that were resected with the purely endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal technique. RESULTS: The preoperative clinical condition of the patients, hormone profile, visual field, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings, and the Hardy-Vezina and Knosp scores were evaluated and revealed the importance of the parameters for surgery. Surgical technique, postoperative clinical condition of the patients, hormone profile, complications and follow-up period were reviewed. CONCUSION: Endonasal endoscopic pituitary surgery is a safe and effective surgical technique.

Vena Cava Filters are not Superior to Low Molecular Weight Heparin in Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis: A Study on Long-Term Immobilized Neurosurgical Patients.

AIM: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are the most frequent surgical problems and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Neurosurgical patients constitute a unique group where prophylaxis with anticoagulant and antiaggregant agents are relatively contraindicated due to the natural course of vascular problems such as aneurysms, hemorrhagic tumors or hematomas or increased vulnerability to complex spinal surgeries and trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 67 patients predicted to be immobilized for 2 or more months in this retrospective analysis. A vena cava filter was inserted between the first and seventh postoperative day in 40 patients in a prophylactic manner whereas 27 patients received low dose heparin for the same purpose. The patients were evaluated for symptomatic DVT or PE. RESULTS: Percutaneous insertion was performed for all filters without any complication. DVT occurred in two patients of the filter group and 1 patient of the heparin group. There was no PE recorded in any patient of either group. Patients were followed up for 22 months in the filter and 16 months in the heparin group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that prophylactic filter use in high risk neurosurgical patients is not beneficial and not superior to low-molecular-weight heparin use. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to prevent PE in patients with proven DVT who have no contraindication for anticoagulant drugs.

Use of Spongostan™ for Prevention of Cranial Subdural Adhesions Following Craniotomy in an Experimental Rabbit Model.

AIM: Spongostan™ is a sterile, water-insoluble, porcine gelatin absorbable sponge, which is widely used as a hemostatic material. The aim of this study is to test the anti-fibrotic capacity of Spongostan™, using a craniotomy model in an experimental rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen rabbits were divided into two groups: Each group consisted of 9 rabbits, duratomy plus Spongostan™ (group 1), and duratomy without Spongostan™ (group 2). Right parietal bone was removed via trephine and low speed drill and dura was opened. On the group 1 rabbits, an appropriate piece of Spongostan™ was meticulously placed under dural layer. On group 2 rabbits, same procedures were repeated without Spongostan™. Histological sections were taken from each group and evaluated for degree of fibrosis and collagen fibers. RESULTS: There was marked increase in number of fibroblasts and collagen fibers in group 2 rabbits, however most of the rabbits in Spongostan™ group demonstrate scarce histopathological findings for fibrosis. CONCLUSION: We conclude that an appropriately placed subdural Spongostan™ over cerebral tissue may prevent postoperative surgical adhesions after neurosurgical operations.