Neurosurgery residency and fellowship education in the United States: 2 decades of system development by the One Neurosurgery Summit organizations.

The purpose of this report is to chronicle a 2-decade period of educational innovation and improvement, as well as governance reform, across the specialty of neurological surgery. Neurological surgery educational and professional governance systems have evolved substantially over the past 2 decades with the goal of improving training outcomes, patient safety, and the quality of US neurosurgical care. Innovations during this period have included the following: creating a consensus national curriculum; standardizing the length and structure of neurosurgical training; introducing educational outcomes milestones and required case minimums; establishing national skills, safety, and professionalism courses; systematically accrediting subspecialty fellowships; expanding professional development for educators; promoting training in research; and coordinating policy and strategy through the cooperation of national stakeholder organizations. A series of education summits held between 2007 and 2009 restructured some aspects of neurosurgical residency training. Since 2010, ongoing meetings of the One Neurosurgery Summit have provided strategic coordination for specialty definition, neurosurgical education, public policy, and governance. The Summit now includes leadership representatives from the Society of Neurological Surgeons, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the American Board of Neurological Surgery, the Review Committee for Neurological Surgery of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the American Academy of Neurological Surgery, and the AANS/CNS Joint Washington Committee. Together, these organizations have increased the effectiveness and efficiency of the specialty of neurosurgery in advancing educational best practices, aligning policymaking, and coordinating strategic planning in order to meet the highest standards of professionalism and promote public health.

Factors Influencing the Management of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

Background Deciding how to manage an unruptured intracranial aneurysm can be difficult for patients and physicians due to controversies about management. The decision as to when and how to intervene may be variable depending on physicians' interpretation of available data regarding natural history and morbidity and mortality of interventions. Another significant factor in the decision process is the patients' conception of the risks of rupture and interventions and the psychological burden of harboring an unruptured intracranial aneurysm. Objective  To describe which factors are being considered when patients and their physicians decide how to manage unruptured intracranial aneurysms.  Materials & methods  In a retrospective chart review study, we identified patients seen for evaluation of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm. Data was collected regarding patient and aneurysm characteristics. The physician note pertaining to the management decision was reviewed for documented reasons for intervention. Results  Of 88 patients included, 36 (41%) decided to undergo open or endovascular surgery for at least one unruptured intracranial aneurysm. Multiple aneurysms were present in 14 (16%) patients. Younger patients and current smokers were more likely to undergo surgery, but gender and race did not affect management. Aneurysm size and location strongly influenced management. The most common documented reasons underlying the decision of whether to intervene were the risk of rupture, aneurysm size, and risks of the procedure. For 23 aneurysms (21%), there were no factors documented for the management decision.  Conclusion  The risk of rupture of unruptured intracranial aneurysms may be underestimated by currently available natural history data. Major factors weighed by physicians in management decisions include aneurysm size and location, the patient's age, and medical comorbidities along with the risk of procedural complications. Additional data is needed to define specific aneurysm characteristics and patient factors that influence rupture, in particular in small aneurysms. Physicians should carefully document their rationale along with the patient's perspective given the controversial nature of these management decisions.

Model-based simulation for early neurosurgical learners.

BACKGROUND: Restrictions on duty hours and shift length by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and public pressure to reduce complications and to improve outcomes in the clinical educational environment have enhanced interest in the use of procedural and surgical simulation to train neurosurgical residents. OBJECTIVE: To introduce simple, available, and, when possible, inexpensive model-based simulation for early learners into the initial stages of neurosurgical residency training. METHODS: Simulation for early-stage trainees in neurological surgery has taken advantage of model-based systems. The Society of Neurological Surgeons postgraduate year 1 courses have served as one paradigm for designing and using model-based simulators for procedural and surgical skill training as part of a purpose-designed overall curriculum. Ongoing surveys of resident and faculty course participants have supported iterative improvements in simulator models and curriculum from year to year. RESULTS: Simulation for basic neurosurgical and intensive care procedures has been undertaken through the use of available materials, surgical technology, and modifications of related existing model simulators. Simulation of common, standard surgical procedures for early learners may be broken into individual surgical skills and maneuvers to prepare trainees for safe practice of these component skills during live procedures under direct supervision appropriate to their training stage. CONCLUSION: Model-based simulation is particularly effective for early surgical learners as part of a coordinated curriculum. Almost 600 residents have used model-based simulation during the first 3 years of the Society of Neurological Surgeons boot camp courses, with ongoing modification and improvement of individual simulation models.

Fundamental skills for entering neurosurgery residents: report of a Pacific region "boot camp" pilot course, 2009.

BACKGROUND: Incorporation of the first postgraduate year of training into neurological surgery residencies in 2009 posed new challenges to neurosurgical educators. A "boot camp" course was held in August 2009 to introduce first year neurosurgical trainees to various fundamental cognitive and practical skills. OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of this course was evaluated by electronic survey of all trainees and faculty members. METHODS: Eighteen trainees entering 5 western neurosurgical residencies (in either the first or second postgraduate year) participated in a course taught by 10 faculty members at a single host institution (Oregon Health & Science University) for 2 days. All trainees completed an online survey evaluating the relevance and quality of each didactic and hands-on course component and answered additional questions about the goals and design of the course. Faculty members were also surveyed. RESULTS: All trainees thought the course met its goals, provided relevant and useful information and experience, and was likely to improve patient care. In particular, hands-on procedural and operative course components were highly valued. CONCLUSION: A fundamental skills boot camp course for first year neurosurgical trainees seems valuable.

Venous thromboembolism: deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in a neurosurgical population.

OBJECT: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a combination of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a major cause of morbidity and death in neurosurgical patients. This study evaluates 1) the risk of developing lower-extremity DVT following a neurosurgical procedure; 2) the timing of initiation of pharmacological DVT prophylaxis upon the occurrence of VTE; and 3) the relationship between DVT and PE as related to VTE prophylaxis in neurosurgical patients. METHODS: The records of all neurosurgical patients between January 2006 and December 2008 (2638 total) were reviewed for clinical documentation of VTE. As part of a quality improvement initiative, a subgroup of 1638 patients was studied during the implementation of pharmacological prophylaxis. A high-risk group of 555 neurosurgical patients in the intensive care unit underwent surveillance venous lower-extremity duplex ultrasonography studies twice weekly. All patients throughout the review received mechanical DVT prophylaxis. Pharmacological DVT prophylaxis, consisting of 5000 U of subcutaneous heparin twice daily (initially started within 48 hours of a neurosurgical procedure and subsequently within 24 hours of a procedure) was implemented in combination with mechanical prophylaxis. The DVT and PE rates were calculated for each group. RESULTS: In the surveillance group (555 patients), 84% of the DVTs occurred within 1 week and 92% within 2 weeks of a neurosurgical procedure. There was a linear correlation between the duration of surgery and DVT development. The use of subcutaneous heparin reduced the rate of DVT from 16% to 9% when medication was given at either 24 or 48 hours postoperatively, without any increase in hemorrhagic complications. In the overall group (2638 patients), there were 94 patients who exhibited clinical signs of a possible PE and therefore underwent spiral CT; 22 of these patients (0.8%) had radiological confirmation of PE. There was no correlation between the use of pharmacological prophylaxis at either time point and the occurrence of PE, despite a 43% reduction in the lower-extremity DVT rate with pharmacological intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of DVTs occurred within the first week after a neurosurgical procedure. There was a linear correlation between the duration of surgery and DVT occurrence. Use of early subcutaneous heparin (at either 24 or 48 hours) was associated with a 43% reduction of developing a lower-extremity DVT, without an increase in surgical site hemorrhage. There was no association of pharmacological prophylaxis with overall PE occurrence.

Neurosurgical mortality rates: what variables affect mortality within a single institution and within a national database?

OBJECT: Mortality rate is a common outcome measure used by patients, families, physicians, insurers, and health care policy makers to evaluate and measure the quality of health care. The mortality index is a heavily used metric to measure survival, and is a key indicator in hospital report cards and national rankings. The significance of this metric is belied by the literature, which fails to accurately detail the overall mortality rate within the neurosurgical population. Given that there is no gold standard that can be used as a baseline, it is difficult to make durable interinstitutional comparisons concerning performance. In Part I of this paper, the authors examined an academic neurosurgical program's mortality rate and the effect of certain variables on this rate. In Part II, they assumed a broader perspective, examining a group of institutions, the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) Clinical Database/Resource Manager, and identifying factors that may be responsible for variability in the mortality index between hospitals. METHODS: Over a 36-month period, the authors' neurosurgical service performed 3650 procedures. Monthly "mortality and morbidity" conference logs were reviewed to collect information on the number of deaths. Deaths were classified according to elective or nonelective admission status. Additionally, the authors reviewed the UHC Clinical Database/Resource Manager for information regarding mortality rates in various other neurosurgical programs. These data reflected a 12-month period. Comparisons of hospital mortality indices were based on the percentage of transferred patients (both emergency department [ED] and inpatient), whether a hospital was a designated Level 1 trauma center, whether a hospital was designated a certified stroke center, and also based on the number of Medicaid patients treated. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients met the criteria to be considered neurosurgery-related deaths at the authors' institution (1.7% of all cases): 9 elective admissions (15%), 3 nonelective direct admissions (5%), 24 transfer patients (39%), and 26 ED admissions (42%). Causes of death included trauma (40%), stroke (33%), tumor (14%), spinal disease (8%), and infection (6%). Evaluation of the UHC data revealed that a mortality index of >or= 1.00 was seen in the following hospital types: trauma centers, hospitals with 11-20% Medicaid patients, and those with > 50,000 ED admissions. A nonstatistically significant trend toward increasing mortality rates was seen in hospitals with a lower percentage of elective neurosurgical cases, in Level 1 trauma centers, and in hospitals that were not certified stroke centers. Significance was seen in comparisons of hospitals with the highest and lowest mortality index quartiles in the following groups: trauma centers, hospitals with > 10% Medicaid patients, and hospitals with a high number of ED visits. CONCLUSIONS: Many variables appear to impact the mortality rate within the neurosurgical population. The authors' observations have illuminated some of the reasons why: the data are elusive, documentation is variable, and the modes of statistical analysis are questionable. The first step in addressing this issue is to identify that there is a problem. The authors believe that this study has done so. Presently there is no definitive or reliable source for rating the quality of overall neurosurgical care, nor is there a good and complete source for understanding the quality of neurosurgical care in the US. It is important to view these results as the initial steps to a better understanding of patient outcomes, their measures, and their impact on neurosurgical practice.

The clinical significance and optimal timing of postoperative computed tomography following cranial surgery.

OBJECT: This study was conducted to evaluate the value of postoperative CT scans in determining the probability of return to the operating room (OR) and the optimal time to obtain such scans to determine the effects of surgery. METHODS: Between January and December 2006 (12 months), all postoperative head CT scans obtained for 3 individual surgeons were reviewed. Scans were divided into 3 groups, which were determined by the preference of each surgeon: Group A (early scans-scheduled between 0 and 7 hours); Group B (delayed scans-scheduled between 8 and 24 hours); and Group C (urgent scans-ordered because of a new neurological deficit). The initial scans were reviewed and analyzed in 2 different fashions. The first was to analyze the efficacy of the scans in predicting return to the OR. The second was to determine the optimal time for obtaining a scan. The second analysis was a review of serial postoperative scans for expected versus unexpected findings and changes in the acuity of these findings over time. RESULTS: In 251 (74%) of 338 cases, the patients had postoperative head CT scans within 24 hours of surgery. Analysis 1 determined the percent of patients returning to the OR for emergency treatment based on postoperative scans: Group A (early)-133 patients, with 0% returning to the OR; Group B (delayed)-108 patients, with 0% returning to the OR; and Group C (urgent)-10 patients, with 30% returning to the OR (p < 0.05). Analysis 2 determined the optimal timing of postoperative scans and changes in scan acuity: Group A (early scan) had an 11% incidence of change in acuity on subsequent scans. Group B (delayed scan) had a 3% incidence of change in acuity on follow-up scans (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Routine postoperative scans at 0-7 hours or at 8-24 hours are not predictive of return to the OR, whereas patients with a new neurological deficit in the postoperative period have a 30% chance of emergency reoperation based on CT scans. In addition, early postoperative scans (0-7 hours) fail to predict CT changes, which might evolve over time and may influence postoperative medical management.

Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula with late onset perimedullary venous hypertension after lumbar surgery: case report and discussion of the pathophysiology.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report and literature review. OBJECTIVE: Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas with secondary reflux into the perimedullary veins are rare. We report a patient who presented with delayed progressive congestive myelopathy after lumbar surgery. The pathophysiology and the anatomic basis for the responsible arteriovenous fistula are discussed. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Delayed neurological deterioration after spinal surgery is uncommon. Epidural fistulae uncommonly may become symptomatic from an epidural hematoma, mass effect from distended veins, and rarely from a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula. We report on a patient with delayed progressive congestive myelopathy after lumbar surgery, and discuss the pathophysiology and the anatomical basis for the causative fistula. METHODS: A 68-year-old man presented with progressive lower extremity weakness and sensory decrease, and loss of sphincter control 2 years after unilateral lumbar laminectomy and fusion for a disc herniation. MRI showed diffuse new cord edema and intradural perimedullary dilated vessels. Spinal angiography revealed an epidural arteriovenous fistula at the site of the previous laminectomy, with intradural perimedullary venous drainage. The fistula was successfully treated surgically and the patient experienced rapid and gradual neurologic improvement, being able to walk without a cane within 6 weeks of repair. RESULTS: There are few causes of delayed neurologic deterioration after lumbar spinal surgery. Epidural fistulas are uncommon and rarely symptomatic, and when they are, it is usually from an epidural hematoma or mass effect from distended epidural veins. Epidural may rarely result in spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas, the most common spontaneous spinal arteriovenous condition, causing a congestive myelopathy characterized by lower extremity spasticity, sensory changes, and loss of sphincter control. CONCLUSION: Delayed neurologic deterioration after spinal surgery is uncommon. Epidural arteriovenous fistulas with secondary intradural drainage, which are rare, should be considered.

Lies, damned lies, and statistics: a neurosurgical perspective on the international randomized trial of extracranial to intracranial arterial bypass surgery.

The abrupt occurrence of a devastating stroke has been referred to as "super death." It has long been realized that ischemic cerebral vascular disease may become symptomatic with a wide variety of clinical patterns. A robust circle of Willis has been recognized for its major protective function in many cases. When it became possible to actually create new collateral circulation to the brain by microsurgical techniques, significant enthusiasm arose. This enthusiasm was interrupted by the negative results of the international randomized trial. Further analysis of the trial raised serious questions regarding incomplete randomization by contributors to the study, and there remains uncertainty about important potential benefits for some individuals. Long-term follow-up of 3 patients having different and complex circumstances is described to emphasize this concern. After the creation of reliable collateral circulation to the brain, none has experienced new ischemic deficit during the subsequent follow-up of 27, 25, and 12 years, respectively.

Sporadic unilateral vestibular schwannoma in the pediatric population. Clinical article.

OBJECT: Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are rare in the pediatric population. Most often, these lesions manifest as a bilateral disease process in the setting of neurofibromatosis Type 2. Even in the absence of additional clinical diagnostic criteria, the presentation of a unilateral VS in a young patient may be a harbinger of future penetrance for this hereditary tumor syndrome. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of a cohort of 7 patients who presented with apparently sporadic, unilateral VSs. These patients had previously undergone surgery via translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, or combined approaches. Clinical outcomes were reviewed with emphasis on facial nerve function and follow-up for signs and symptoms of a heritable disorder. RESULTS: All patients underwent microsurgical resection in a multidisciplinary effort by the senior authors. The average tumor size was 4.57 cm, with an average duration of symptoms prior to definitive diagnosis of 31.2 months. The tumor size at the time of presentation followed a trend different from reports in adults, while the duration of symptoms did not. At a follow-up average of 6.3 years (range 1-12 years), 100% of patients demonstrated good facial function (House-Brackmann Grade I or II). No patient in this cohort demonstrated symptoms, objective signs, or genetic analysis indicating the presence of neurofibromatosis Type 2. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis and management of sporadic, unilateral VSs in children is complicated by clinical presentations and surgical challenges unique from their adult counterparts. Careful consideration should be given to a heritable genetic basis for sporadic unilateral VS in the pediatric population. Results of genetic testing do not preclude the necessity for long-term follow-up and systemic investigation. In patients who present with large tumors, preliminary experience leads the authors to suggest that a combined retrosigmoid-translabyrinthine approach offers the greatest opportunity for preservation of facial nerve function.

Hemicraniectomy and durotomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy with durotomy is a life-saving procedure for patients who have large middle cerebral artery or carotid terminus strokes at high risk for malignant cerebral edema. Although randomized clinical trial data are not yet available, there are several case series that attempt to address issues of patient selection and timing of the procedure in the context of survival and functional outcomes. Patients who have an increased number of medical comorbidities, especially older age, are less likely to benefit from the procedure, but patients who have even large dominant hemispheric infarctions may do relatively well in certain circumstances.

Thirty-year follow-up after extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery.

The conventional wisdom resulting from the international, multicenter, trial of extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery is that this procedure offers no benefit. Because of the complex and unique circumstances of some, clinical experience and judgment must sometimes overrule some statistical conclusions.

The preauricular subtemporal approach for transcranial petrous apex tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To review our series of 51 patients with transcranial petrous apex tumors who were surgically managed through a preauricular subtemporal approach. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of patient medical records. SETTING: Tertiary care academic medical center. PATIENTS: All patients with transcranial petrous apex tumors who were surgically treated between July 1988 and July 2005 with a preauricular subtemporal approach. INTERVENTION: The preauricular subtemporal approach with preservation of hearing was used in all 51 cases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The degree of tumor resection and long-term results. RESULTS: Total tumor resection was achieved in 45 patients, and tumor was left in the cavernous sinus in 6 cases. Magnetic resonance imaging surveillance revealed no recurrent tumor in 36 patients, stable residual disease in 5 cases, and regrowth of tumor in 10 individuals (mean follow-up, 8.8 yr). DISCUSSION: The postauricular infratemporal fossa approach allows adequate exposure to the petrous apex but with the expense of conductive hearing deficit. The preauricular subtemporal approach allows wide access for transcranial petrous apex tumors with preservation of hearing. Tumor control using this approach was achieved in 41 (80%) of 51 of the patients in this series.

Intratemporal Grafting of the Facial Nerve following Lateral Skull Base Tumor Resection.

UNLABELLED: Intratemporal skull base tumors may invade the facial nerve in the horizontal (tympanic) or descending (vertical) segments, while parotid malignancies typically infiltrate the facial nerve at the stylomastoid foramen. This article will describe our results following intratemporal facial nerve grafting in 44 patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 44 patients requiring intratemporal facial nerve repair following lateral skull base tumor resection at our tertiary care, academic medical center. RESULTS: Tumor histology included 17 parotid cancers, 13 temporal bone malignancies, 9 glomus tumors, 3 facial neuromas, and 2 endolymphatic sac tumors. The greater auricular nerve was used in 25 patients and the sural nerve was used in 19 cases. Forty patients were available for facial function assessment at 2 years. Using the House-Brackmann (H-B) recovery scale, the breakdown of patients by facial function was as follows: Grade I, 0 patients; Grade II, 4 patients; Grade III, 29 patients; Grade IV, 4 patients; Grade V, 3 patients; and Grade VI, 0 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Facial paralysis may occur from intrinsic or external lateral skull base invasion of the facial nerve. Intratemporal interposition grafting resulted in favorable facial function (H-B II or III) in 33 of the 40 (82.5%) patients at the 2-year assessment.

Facial paralysis associated with glomus jugulare tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To review the intraoperative findings and facial nerve management in nine patients who presented with facial paralysis associated with glomus jugulare tumors. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of patient medical records. SETTING: Tertiary care academic medical center. PATIENTS: All patients who presented with facial paralysis and a glomus jugulare tumor who underwent surgical resection of their tumors at our institution. INTERVENTION: A postauricular infratemporal fossa approach for tumor removal and greater auricular interposition neural repair. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Intraoperative facial nerve findings and long-term facial recovery. RESULTS: One hundred two patients underwent a postauricular infratemporal approach for resection of glomus jugulare tumor from July 1988 through July 2005. Nine of these patients presented with ipsilateral facial paralysis. The medial surface of the vertical segment was invaded by tumor in all nine cases. Facial recovery at 2 years was House-Brackmann Grade III in eight patients and Grade IV in one individual. Facial recovery did not significantly change after 2 years (mean follow-up of 7.4 years). DISCUSSION: Facial nerve invasion of the vertical segment occurred in 9 (9%) of 101 patients in our series. Facial nerve resection with interposition grafting resulted in House-Brackmann Grade III in eight (89%) of nine patients. Facial nerve dissection and preservation was not possible when preoperative facial paralysis was evident.

Intracranial schwannomas of the lower cranial nerves.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience in the diagnosis and management of 39 patients with lower cranial nerve schwannomas of the posterior fossa. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of patient medical records. SETTING: Tertiary care, academic medical center. PATIENTS: All patients with intracranial lower cranial nerve schwannomas treated surgically in our institution between July 1998 and July 2005. INTERVENTION: A retrosigmoid, transcondylar, or combined approach was used for tumor recurrence. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients underwent surgical resection, with complete tumor removal in 32, near-total resection in 5 patients, and subtotal tumor excision in 2 patients. Long-term (mean, 8.2 years) magnetic resonance imaging surveillance demonstrated recurrent tumor in 2 of 32 complete resections and slow regrowth in 2 of 7 patients with known residual disease. Only one of these four patients required reoperation. DISCUSSION: Intracranial schwannomas of the lower cranial nerves are relatively uncommon and may present with subtle or no clinical symptoms. Successful surgical resection with low risk of tumor recurrence can be achieved with the retrosigmoid or transcondylar approach. Morbidity, in this series, was primarily related to lower cranial nerve deficits.

Morphine/ondansetron PCA for postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting after skull base surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Patients who underwent skull base procedures have been noted to experience appreciable pain. This study examines pain after surgery and the effectiveness of patient controlled analgesia (PCA) with combination morphine ondansetron for analgesia and control of emesis. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A total of 120 skull base surgery patients were randomized to receive placebo, morphine, or morphine ondansetron. Demographic and intraoperative variables were recorded along with pain, nausea, vomiting, and rescue analgesics. Total PCA use, hospital stay, satisfaction, and cost were also compared. RESULTS: Demographically the groups were similar. Pain was elevated with placebo PCA, and this group averaged twice as many analgesic rescues. Total usage time was lower with placebo PCA. Morphine ondansetron PCA had the lowest pain score with highest satisfaction. Nausea and vomiting was similar but female patients had more vomiting regardless of PCA group. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The use of morphine PCA reduced pain and did not appreciably increase nausea or vomiting. The addition of ondansetron produced no real benefit and its PCA use cannot be justified. EBM RATING: A-1b.

Hemicraniectomy and durotomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction.

Decompressive surgery with hemicraniectomy and durotomy for malignant MCA infarction remains a salvage procedure but can be associated with reasonable clinical outcomes in highly selected patients. This selection of patients appropriate for intervention is of the utmost importance, but exact criteria remain to be defined; older age and increased numbers of associated medical comorbidities seem to define a group of patients who would not derive long term benefit, however. The determination as to whether or not surgery is equally beneficial for dominant or nondominant hemispheric infarction is hampered by lack of good comparative data, but selected case series suggest that some patients who have dominant hemispheric infarction achieve a reasonable degree of independence. Although a well-defined principle of stroke practice is that "time is brain," there are no clear data as to when intervention should be done, as there are some patients who have large MCA infarction and who may not progress to cerebral herniation. Clinicians managing the growing population of patient status post hemicraniectomy should also be aware of this process of the syndrome of the trephined and the potential for resolution that may prompt earlier cranial reconstruction. At present, the decision to proceed with this aggressive intervention of hemicraniectomy and durotomy for large ischemic infarction remains a case-by-case individualized approach, based on patient and family preferences and clinicians' subjective perspective as to patients' potential for clinical recovery.

Combined transtemporal access for large (>3 cm) meningiomas of the cerebellopontine angle.

OBJECTIVES: Large meningiomas of the cerebellopontine angle present a formidable surgical challenge due to tumor vascularity, neural attachment, and brain stem compression. The purpose of this paper is to present our use of the combined transtemporal approach in the surgical treatment of 29 large meningiomas. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-nine patients with large meningiomas of the CPA were surgically treated through a combined retrosigmoid-transpetrosal-transcochlear approach at our tertiary care academic medical center from July 1995 through July 2004. Data was collected from a retrospective medical records review. RESULTS: Total tumor removal was achieved in 19 of 29 (67%) of the patients and the facial nerve was anatomically preserved in 26 of 29 (89%) of the cases. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was seen in 3.5% of the patients and additional transient cranial nerve deficits were noted in 14% of the cases, but no significant neurologic sequelae occurred. Of the 10 patients with residual tumor, 6 have been stable without growth, 2 were treated with reoperation for regrowth of disease, and 2 were controlled with localized radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This combined lateral transtemporal approach provided wide exposure to the cerebellopontine angle and optimized the surgical extirpation of 29 large meningiomas presented in this series. EBM RATING: C-4.

Combined anterior and anterolateral approaches to the cranial base: complication analysis, avoidance, and management.

OBJECTIVE: During the past decade, applications of anterior and anterolateral cranial approaches for both benign and malignant pathologies have expanded in frequency and application. Complications associated with these procedures impact significantly on patient outcome. The primary aim of this study is to detail the strategies for complication management and avoidance developed from experience with 120 patients who underwent anterior and anterolateral cranial base procedures during the past 14 years. METHODS: Between July 1990 and February 2004, 62 male and 58 female patients underwent 120 combined (neurological surgery and otolaryngology joint participation) anterior and anterolateral cranial base procedures. Fifty-four percent had malignant pathology, and 46% had benign pathology. The approaches taken were transfacial (10%), extended subfrontal (33%), lateral craniofacial (23%), and anterior craniofacial (35%). Thirty-day morbidity and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty (17%) patients experienced at least one complication. Malignancy and reoperation, regardless of histology, appeared to affect the complication rate. A decline in complications occurred with experience, in part because of changes in management that reflected the complication experience (25% in Patients 0-31, 18% in Patients 32-70, 10% in Patients 71-120). Methodology is detailed for avoidance and management of retraction injury, infection, tension pneumocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid leak, pericranial flap failure, free flap sizing, dural banding, intracranial hypotension, and cerebrovascular events. Individual patient analysis, complications timing, and strategy for management are discussed. CONCLUSION: Improved patient outcomes for anterior and anterolateral cranial base surgery are, in part, directly related to the ability to avoid and manage associated complications. Experience, avoidance, and interdiction are key factors in complication management.