Theory-based implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol for cranial surgery.

OBJECTIVE: There is growing evidence for the use of enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) in cranial surgery. As they become widespread, successful implementation of these complex interventions will become a challenge for neurosurgical teams owing to the need for multidisciplinary engagement. Here, the authors describe the novel use of an implementation framework (normalization process theory [NPT]) to promote the incorporation of a cranial surgery ERP into routine neuro-oncology practice. METHODS: A baseline audit was conducted to determine the degree of implementation of the ERP into practice. The Normalization MeAsure Development (NoMAD) questionnaire was circulated among 6 groups of stakeholders (neurosurgeons, anesthetists, intensivists, recovery nurses, preoperative assessment nurses, and neurosurgery ward staff) to examine barriers to implementation. Based on these findings, a theory-guided implementation intervention was delivered. A repeat audit and NoMAD questionnaire were conducted to assess the impact of the intervention on the uptake of the ERP. RESULTS: The baseline audit (n = 24) demonstrated limited delivery of the ERP elements. The NoMAD questionnaire (n = 32) identified 4 subconstructs of the NPT as barriers to implementation: communal specification, contextual integration, skill set workability, and relational integration. These guided an implementation intervention that included the following: 1) teamwork-focused training; 2) ERP promotion; and 3) procedure simplification. The reaudit (n = 21) demonstrated significant increases in the delivery of 5 protocol elements: scalp block (12.5% of patients before intervention vs 76.2% of patients after intervention, p < 0.00001), recommended analgesia (25.0% vs 100.0%, p < 0.00001) and antiemetics (12.5% vs 100.0%, p < 0.00001), trial without catheter (13.6% vs 88.9%, p < 0.00001), and mobilization on the 1st postoperative day (45.5% vs 94.4%, p < 0.00001). There was a significant reduction in the mean hospital length of stay from 6.3 ± 3.4 to 4.2 ± 1.7 days (p = 0.022). Two months after implementation, a repeat NoMAD survey demonstrated significant improvement in communal specification. CONCLUSIONS: Here, the authors have demonstrated the successful implementation of a cranial surgery ERP by using a systematic theory-based approach.

Novel superficial temporal artery access route for middle meningeal artery embolization and treatment of chronic subdural hematoma.

We describe the use of direct superficial temporal artery puncture to access the left middle meningeal artery for embolization of a recurrent chronic subdural hematoma in a patient with a type A aortic dissection, involving the origin of the left common carotid artery which precluded conventional access from a radial or femoral approach.

Examination of deposits in cerebrospinal fluid shunt valves using scanning electron microscopy.

Obstruction remains the most common complication of cerebrospinal fluid shunts. The valve constitutes an important site of potential malfunction. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the extent and composition of debris depositions along the structural components of the shunt valve.We examined three explanted Medos programmable valves. The valves were stored and examined wet. They were cut open and disassembled. All specimens were studied under a scanning electron microscope (SEM; Quanta 200; FEI, Hillsboro, OR, USA) operating at different levels of accelerating voltage and 110 µA beam current. Valve areas analyzed included the ruby ball and collar, the flat spring with its pillar, and the staircase cam. The elemental composition, in areas with abnormal deposits, was subsequently determined by energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDS) using a Si (Li) detector (Sapphire; EDAX, Mahwah, NJ, USA) with a super ultrathin Be window.All explanted valves had varying degrees of deposits in all surveyed areas. The extent of the deposits was not related to the time since implantation. The effect of these deposits on proper functioning of the valve as well as their pathogenesis is difficult to establish.

Spontaneous knot formation in the peritoneal catheter: a rare cause of ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction is a relatively common problem encountered in shunted hydrocephalic patients and is attributed most frequently to mechanical obstruction of the ventricular catheter. We present the case of a rare cause of mechanical obstruction of the peritoneal catheter due to the spontaneous formation of a knot just underneath the abdominal wound. This occurred 1 year after shunt implantation and is thought to have been caused by a combination of plastic material memory and bowel peristaltic movements. This case brings for discussion the role of radiographic investigation of the shunt system in children who present with suspected shunt obstruction. Radiographic investigation is warranted in children who have unusual shunt arrangements (e.g., Y-connectors and multiple catheters) in order to exclude disconnections or those who develop shunt problems years after implantation, to exclude material fracture in the neck or migration of any kind. In shunt systems which have been implanted for shorter time periods, the need for radiographs is less apparent. Some surgeons proclaim that when clinical circumstances fall outside the realms of obvious possible proximal obstruction, radiographic evaluation of the shunt system should be considered.

Intracerebral microdialysis in children.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral microdialysis is a relatively new, minimally invasive technique that permits sampling and analyzing the chemical constituents of the extracellular fluid. Although mainly used as a research tool, it is also used in the neurointensive care, in combination with other monitoring methods, in patients with severe traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Its main clinical utility is the identification of markers of ischemia and cell damage with the ultimate goal of preventing any secondary insults to the brain by instituting early appropriate treatment measures. With few exceptions, all the available data on intracerebral microdialysis in humans comes from studies performed in adults. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to provide a brief review of the intracerebral microdialysis studies performed in children. CONCLUSION: Differences in trends of concentrations of structural and excitatory amino acids have been identified in children, in comparison to those observed in adults, the significance of which remains unknown at present.

Brucellosis of the spine affecting multiple non-contiguous levels.

Brucellosis is a systemic, endemic infection with spondylitis constituting a severe form of the disease, posing a risk of neurological sequelae. It most commonly affects the lumbar spine. This article presents a case of a patient with brucellar spondylodiscitis, affecting simultaneously the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, who had responded well to conservative management.

Neuropsychological sequelae and quality of life following treatment of posterior fossa ependymomas in children.

INTRODUCTION: Modern treatment of posterior fossa ependymomas in children has improved the overall survival, but as more children live longer, the neuropsychological problems that they endure as result of the disease and its treatment become more the focus of attention. MATERIAL: Early problems such as cerebellar mutism appear to be related to surgery and do not seem to be influenced in their incidence or outcome by the otherwise beneficial effect of oncological treatment. Indeed, the cause of cerebellar mutism is still elusive. While it was originally believed to be totally reversible, it is increasingly realized that it may be related to more complex delayed neuropsychological problems. Late problems such as the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome are increasingly being recognized. The deleterious effect of both surgery and radiotherapy that is commonly administered afterwards is now well appreciated. CONCLUSION: Careful neuropsychological assessment of these children and early intervention will maximize chances for recovery and improvement of academic functions and quality of life issues.