Comparison of telemedicine with in-person care for follow-up after elective neurosurgery: results of a cost-effectiveness analysis of 1200 patients using patient-perceived utility scores.

OBJECTIVE The utility of telemedicine (TM) in neurosurgery is underexplored, with most of the studies relating to teletrauma or telestroke programs. In this study, the authors evaluate the cost-effectiveness of TM consultations for follow-up care of a large population of patients who underwent neurosurgical procedures. METHODS A decision-analytical model was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of TM for elective post-neurosurgical care patients from a predominantly nonurban cohort in West Bengal, India. The model compared TM care via a nodal center in West Bengal to routine, in-person, per-episode care at the provider site in Bangalore, India. Cost and effectiveness data relating to 1200 patients were collected for a 52-month period. The effectiveness of TM care was calculated using efficiency in terms of the percentage of successful TM consultations, as well as patient-perceived utility values for overall experience of the type of health care access that they received. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) analysis was done using the 4-quadrant charting of the cost-effectiveness plane. One-way sensitivity and tornado analyses were performed to identify thresholds where the care strategy would change. RESULTS The overall utility for the 3 TM scenarios was found to be higher (89%) than for the utility of routine care (80%). TM was found to be more cost-effective (Indian rupee [INR] 2630 per patient) compared to routine care (INR 6848 per patient). The TM strategy "dominates" that of routine care by being more effective and less expensive (ICER value of -39,400 INR/unit of effectiveness). Sensitivity analysis revealed that cost-effectiveness of TM was most sensitive to changes in the number of TM patients, utility and success rate of TM, and travel distance to the TM center. CONCLUSIONS TM care dominates the in-person care strategy by providing more effective and less expensive follow-up care for a remote post-neurosurgical care population in India. In the authors' setting, this benefit of TM is sustainable even if half the TM consultations turn out to be unsuccessful. The viability of TM as a cost-effective care protocol is attributed to a combination of factors, like an adequate patient volume utilizing TM, patient utility, success rate of TM, and the patient travel distance.

Microsurgical anatomy of the anterior cerebral artery in Indian cadavers.

BACKGROUND: The microanatomy features of cerebral arteries may be variable and may be different in different ethnic groups. AIM: To study the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) anatomy in North-West Indian cadavers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microanatomy features of the ACA were studied in 15 formalin fixed human cadaveric brains under microscope. The outer diameter, length, and number of perforating branches with respective anomalies were measured for each of the following vessels: ACA (proximal A1 segment to distal A2 segment), anterior communicating artery (ACoA), Recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH), and callosomarginal artery and photographed for documentation. RESULTS: The mean length and external diameter of right and left A1 segment was 12.09 mm and 12.0 mm and 2.32 mm and 2.36 mm respectively. Narrowing, duplication, and median ACA were seen in 6.6%, 3.3% and 6.6% of the vessels respectively. Complex ACoA type was seen in 40% cadavers. RAH originated at an average point of 0.2 mm distal to ACoA, but in one cadaver it arose 5 mm proximal to ACoA. Double RAH was found in 26.6%. The course of RAH in relation to A1 was superiorly in 60%, in anteriorly 30% and posteriorly in 10% of cadavers. The orbitofrontal artery (OFA) and frontopolar artery (FPA) arose from A2 in 83.3% to 40% respectively. The mean distance of OFA and FPA from ACoA was 4.17 mm and 8.5 mm respectively. After giving rise to central, callosal and cortical branches, pericallosal artery terminated near the splenium of the corpus callosum or on the precuneus as the inferomedial parietal artery. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the microvascular anatomy is indispensable and it is mandatory to be aware of the possible variations in the anomalies to minimize morbidity.

Management of Frontal Bone Fracture in a Tertiary Neurosurgical Care Center-A Retrospective Study.

Objective We present our experience in the management of frontal bone fractures using the previously described radiologic classification of frontal bone fractures. Methodology A retrospective study was conducted, which reviewed the medical records and computed tomographic (CT) scan images of patients with frontal bone fracture from January 2016 to February 2019. Patients with complete medical records and a follow-up of minimum 1 year were included in the study. Demographic details, mechanism of injury, associated intracranial injuries, maxillofacial fractures, management, and complications were analyzed. CT scan images were used to classify the frontal bone fractures using the novel classification given by Garg et al (2014). The indications for surgical treatment were inner table frontal sinus fracture with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, intracranial hematoma with significant mass effect requiring surgical evacuation, and outer table comminuted fracture that is either causing nasofrontal duct obstruction or for cosmetic purpose. Results A total of 55 patients were included in the study. Road traffic accidents as the commonest cause of frontal bone fractures. The most common fracture pattern was type 1 followed by type 5 and depth B followed by depth A. Four patients presented with CSF rhinorrhea. CSF rhinorrhea was more frequent with fracture extension to the skull base (depth B, C, D), which was statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Conclusion Frontal bone fracture management has to be tailor-made for each patient based on the extent of the fracture, presence of CSF leak, and associated intracranial and maxillofacial injuries.

Occipital Interhemispheric Transtentorial Approach for Tumors of Posterior Third Ventricular Region: Review of Surgical Results.

Background: Controversies exist regarding the ideal surgical approach for tumors in posterior third ventricular region (PTV). Objective: To evaluate the results of occipital interhemispheric transtentorial (OITT) approach for tumors in PTV. Materials And Methods: Thirty-three patients underwent surgery via OITT approach for PTV tumors at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences during the study period of 5 years (June 2011-May 2016). Ideal trajectory for OITT approach was determined by neuronavigation. Endoscope was used for removing any residual lesion at the blind spots. Results: Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed in all the patients revealed gross total or near-total (>95%) excision of tumor in 31 patients (93.9%). Preoperative neurological deficits improved either completely or significantly following excision of the tumor in 73.3% (11/15) of the patients. Outcome was good (modified Rankin scale ≤2) at discharge in 93.9% (31/33) and at a final follow-up of 3 months or more in 96.8% (30/31) of the patients. None of the patients died during the postoperative period. Complications included upgaze palsy (transient- 6.1% [2/33], persisting- 3% [1/33]), visual field defects (transient- 3% [1/33], persisting- 3% [1/33]), transient third nerve paresis (1/33-3%), transient hemiparesis (1/33-3%), operative site hematoma (1/33-3%), small posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory infarct (1/33-3%), and small venous infarct (1/33-3%). At least one follow-up MRI could be performed in 23 patients. Final follow-up MRI revealed no recurrence or increase in the size of the residual lesion compared to postoperative images in 20 patients (20/23-87%) and large recurrence in 3 patients (3/23-13%) with high-grade lesions. Conclusion: Gross total/near-total excision can be performed in majority of the PTV tumors through OITT approach with minimal morbidity and mortality.

Bilateral Posterior Nasoseptal Flap - Double Breasting Technique.

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION: The success of endoscopic skull base surgery is largely based on the effective repair of the skull base defect. A pedicled nasoseptal flap (NSF), described by Hadad-Bassagateguy is the workhorse of contemporary endoscopic skull base repair. We describe a modification in the technique, "double breasting technique," using the bilateral posterior NSF for skull base repair. OBJECTIVE: In this video article, we describe the technique of harvesting bilateral posterior nasal septal flaps and overlaying the flaps in a double breasting technique to cover the skull base defect. The posterior NSF can be used to cover medium to large skull base defects effectively. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A 40-year-old female patient presented with headache and decreased vision for 2 months. MRI with gadolinium showed a sellar suprasellar lesion with chiasmal compression. Visual field charting showed bitemporal hemianopia. She underwent endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery (binostril approach) and complete excision of tumor. Intraoperatively, there was evidence of arachnoid breach with high flow cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Sella was repaired with fat, fascia, fibrin glue, and overlaid with the bilateral posterior NSF in a double breasting technique, as described in the video. RESULTS: The skull base repair was successful, with no CSF leak postoperatively.

Contemporary management of scalp cirsoid aneurysm: A dual-trained neurosurgeon's perspective.

OBJECTIVE: Scalp cirsoid aneurysms are subcutaneous arteriovenous fistulae fed by branches of the external carotid artery. They present with progressive scalp swelling and cosmetic deformities in addition to neuro-vascular symptoms. We evaluate the treatment and outcome of this rare vascular lesion with surgery and adjunctive endovascular embolisation performed by a dual-trained neurosurgeon. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 6 cases operated over a 16 year-period was performed which comprised of clinical data, radiology including angiography and pre-operative embolisation, surgical approaches, outcomes and complications. RESULTS: 6 patients with ages ranging between 26 and 51 years were operated in the study period. All the patients underwent surgical excision of the lesion, of which 2 had undergone pre-operative embolisation of the feeders. There was no recurrence in the follow-up period (Mean 4.7 years) following total excision of the lesions. One patient had post-operative wound dehiscence and another had migration of embolic material to lungs. CONCLUSION: Surgery is the predominant treatment method for scalp cirsoid aneurysms. Various adjunctive endovascular procedures can be performed pre-operatively to minimise operative blood loss.Though lower recurrence is seen with surgery for the scalp AV fistula, embolisation performed in select cases can achieve curative results with appropriate techniques.

Surgical Management of Spinal Tuberculosis - A Retrospective Observational Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Karnataka.

CONTEXT: Tuberculosis (TB) is a common infectious disorder in developing countries. A significant load of patients with extrapulmonary TB are diagnosed in our institute, mostly involving the spine. AIM: We aimed to present our experience in the surgical management of spinal TB. SETTING AND DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients (year 2016-2018) who underwent surgical management with minimum of 1-year follow-up (17 patients lost during follow-up) were graded as per the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading system for neurological deficits. All were surgically treated with laminectomy and epidural abscess drainage/transpedicular debridement of granulation with/without spinal stabilization. Thoracic and lumbar cases were managed by posterior approach; among them, 12 patients who had no significant cord compression and good ASIA grade with facet involvement (requiring fusion) underwent minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation. Cervical cases were managed mostly by anterior approach. All patients received Anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) post operatively as per protocol postoperatively, following which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spine was done. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 18.0 (SPSS Inc. Released in 2009. PASW Statistics for Windows, version 18.0. Chicago, IL, USA: SPSS Inc.). The continuous variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics using mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: The average age was 42.5 years. The most common location was thoracic (28 patients), followed by lumbar (20 patients), cervical (16 patients), and thoracolumbar (6 patients). Twenty patients had epidural abscess with cord compression. All patients who presented within 4 weeks of onset of symptoms showed a statistically significant improvement postsurgery. Sixteen patients with epidural abscess had good neurological recovery immediately after surgery (ASIA B to ASIA D/E). Four patients with epidural abscess with late presentation remained ASIA A after surgery. All patients had good fusion rates (follow-up X-ray) at 1 year. After ATT course completion, all patients had complete eradication of disease (MRI spine). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment for spinal TB, if performed early (within 4 weeks) with good decompression, results in satisfactory clinical outcome with early improvement in the neurological deficits. Posterior approach to the spine with decompression and fixation gives good results, and minimally invasive procedures further help lessen muscle dissection, less pain, and early mobilization.

Microsurgical Anatomy of Middle Cerebral Artery in Northwest Indian Population: A Cadaveric Brain Dissection Study.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical anatomy of the Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) of the Northwest Indian population has not been described to date. A study of cadaveric brains will add to the existing knowledge of brain vessels. OBJECTIVE: To study and compare the microsurgical anatomy of MCA in Northwest Indian Population with that of the available literature. METHODS AND MATERIAL: 15 Formalin Fixed Cadaveric brains, that is 30 vessels from its origin from Internal Cerebral Artery to M5 segment with respect to diameter, length and branching pattern were studied under high magnification (operating microscope) and the data compared with literature. RESULTS: The main trunk of MCA was 16±3 mm long with no significant differences between both sides. Its outer diameter was 3±0.1 mm. Among the early branches 58% were destined to the temporal lobe. Distance between the origin of the early branch from MCA origin was 4±2mm on the right side and 4.5±2.5 mm on the left side. The most consistent perforating branch group was the intermediate group. The pattern of branching of the main trunk was bifurcation (73%), single trunk (10%) and trifurcation (10%). Within the bifurcation group, inferior trunk dominance was seen in 50%. Amongst the cortical branches diameter of the angular artery was largest and the temporo-polar was smallest. No significant difference in the data as compared to literature. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of anatomy of MCA and its variations are important for neurosurgical residents' training and neurosurgeons dealing with MCA aneurysm management or bypass surgeries.

Microsurgery for Spetzler-Martin Grade I-III Arteriovenous Malformations: Analysis of Surgical Results and Correlation of Lawton-Young Supplementary Grade and Supplemented Spetzler-Martin Score with Functional Outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of microsurgery for Spetzler-Martin (SM) grade I-III AVMs and evaluate the correlation of the Lawton-Young (LY) supplementary grade, supplemented Spetzler-Martin (SM-Supp/combined) score with the functional outcome. METHODS: A total of 42 patients with SM grade I-III AVMs who had undergone surgery at our institute during a 3-year period (June 2013 to May 2016) were included in the present study. RESULTS: All 42 patients had undergone primary surgery without previous embolization. Three patients (7.1%) had died due to surgical site hematoma in the postoperative period. One patient was lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up period for the remaining patients was 27 ± 14 months (range, 12-62 months). At the final follow-up examination of ≥12 months (FFU), 92.7% of the patients had a good outcome (modified Rankin scale [mRS] score ≤1), with an improved or unchanged mRS score in 87.8%. An AVM size >3 cm, diffuse AVM, SM grade III, and SM-Supp score >5 were associated with worsened mRS score at discharge and FFU. Higher LY grade (IV and V), eloquent AVM location, deep venous drainage, age >40 years, and unruptured presentation were not associated with worsened mRS score at both discharge and FFU. Of the 20 ARUBA-eligible patients, 19 (95%) had good outcomes. Postoperative angiograms for 39 patients revealed complete excision of the AVM in 37 (94.9%) and a residual AVM in 2 (5.1%). CONCLUSIONS: High cure rates and excellent clinical outcomes can be expected with microsurgery for most patients with SM grade I-III AVMs. An AVM size >3 cm, diffuse AVM nidus, SM grade III, and SM-Supp score >5 are associated with postoperative worsening of functional scores in patients with SM grade I-III AVMs.

Unusual Radiological Presentation of Intracranial Dermoid Cyst: A Case Series.

Intracranial dermoids are rare congenital lesions of the brain that account for < 1% of all intracranial tumors. Even though they are rare, typical computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features along with location allow radiological diagnosis in the majority of patients. Radiologically, dermoid cysts typically appear as nonenhancing low-density masses on CT scan and are hyperintense on T1-weighted (T1-W) MRI sequences with variable signal on T2-W sequences. We describe two cases of dermoid with unusual imaging appearance with the presence of mural nodule in both the cases. The recognition of atypical radiological features can avoid diagnostic pitfalls and is clinically relevant for overall surgical management.

Can Transcranial Color Doppler Spectral Signatures be a Novel Biomarker for Monitoring Cerebrovascular Autoregulation and Intracranial Pressure? A Speculative Synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Trans Cranial Colour Doppler (TCCD) has been extensively used in various neurological and neurosurgical conditions causing severe raise in the intracranial pressure (ICP). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Our study explores the sequential evolution of TCCD flow pattern by correlating with pupillary reactivity, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), and imaging. Our cohort consisted of thirty patients with ten patients in each subgroup admitted to the neuro-Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for various neurological and neurosurgical causes. Middle cerebral artery was insonated through the transtemporal window at the time of admission to NICU. Doppler waveform and parameters such as peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, systolic by diastolic ratio, pulsatility index, and resistivity index were recorded. The clinical variables for evaluating the degree of raised ICP were the GCS and pupil size. Other systemic parameters such as mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate were also considered and these results were further correlated with TCCD findings. The groups were divided into three groups based on GCS, pupillary reactivity, and imaging. Imaging was done to indicate the etiology for ICP changes and also to look for signs of raised ICP. RESULTS: Ten distinct types of waveform patterns were noted, and these waveforms correlated with various physiological parameters suggestive of raised ICP. CONCLUSION: The sequential evolution of distinct patterns of Doppler waveform with increasing degree of raise in ICP has been described and can act as a quick screening tool in NICU and helps stratify patients for treatment and prognostication.