Role of Pericardial Patch in Neurosurgery: Institutional Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Dural closure is an important part of neurosurgery, failure which may lead to wound infection, pseudomeningoceles, meningitis, severe morbidity to a patient, and even mortality. In cases where primary dura closure is not possible, a bovine pericardial patch is a good alternative with the benefits of suturability and the ability to provide watertight closure, hence preventing Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leak. The present study demonstrates the use of the bovine pericardial patch in both cranial and spinal disorders for dural closure as well as for transposition technique in microvascular decompression. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to understand the advantages and feasibility of a bovine pericardial patch in various neurosurgical procedures. MATERIAL METHODS: Fifty-one patients were analyzed prospectively and followed up in which glutaraldehyde-free bovine pericardial patch was used in various cranial and spinal disorders. RESULTS: The most common indications where a bovine pericardial patch was used, in decreasing order of frequency, were meningioma excision surgery (47%), followed by Chiari malformation operated for foramen magnum decompression (17.6%), meningomyelocele (7.8%), spinal dural defects (7.8%), trigeminal neuralgia (5.8%), traumatic decompression with lax duraplasty (4%), glioma (4%), encephalocele (4%), and skull base defects (2%). Two patients had complications, one with CSF leak and the other had superficial wound infection, which were managed appropriately. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a bovine pericardial patch as a dural substitute in various cranial and spinal disorders is feasible with good outcomes, and it can be considered an ideal dural substitute.

Extra-Axial Third Ventriculostomy Through Lamina Terminalis with Multiple Cisternostomies - Rescue Surgery for Patients with Failed Shunt Surgeries and Hydrocephalus.

Background and Aim: Contemporary management of hydrocephalus involves various modes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion, including shunt surgery and endoscopic ventriculostomy. However, there are times when either of these procedures have either failed or are not feasible. Highly invasive procedures aimed at internal CSF have been described previously, which, with the aid of modern microsurgical techniques, can be attempted in cases with very limited options. Our aim was to study the utility of extra-axial third ventriculostomy via lamina terminalis fenestration with multiple cisternostomies in the treatment of failed hydrocephalus. Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients with hydrocephalus were operated for extra-axial trans-lamina terminalis third ventriculostomy with multiple cisternostomies from January 2017 to January 2019. A minimally invasive supraorbital craniotomy was performed with subfrontal fenestration of the lamina terminalis and trans-lamina terminalis fenestration of the floor of the third ventricle with multiple cisternostomies including the optico-carotid cistern and opening of the Liliequist membrane. Results: Tuberculous meningitis was the most common etiology in the series, and multiple shunt procedures and incompatible CSF profiles were the most common reasons that necessitated this alternate rescue procedure. At a mean follow-up of 6 months, no patient required a revision shunt surgery. There was one death due to cardiac failure with anasarca, unrelated to the procedure. Conclusions: Extra-axial trans-lamina terminalis ventriculostomy with cisternostomies can safely be performed using minimally invasive micro-neurosurgical techniques, adding to the armamentarium of neurosurgeons in the management of complex cases of hydrocephalus.

Solitary Dorsal Intramedullary Schwanomma ­ A Rare Lesion

Intramedullary schwanommas are rare, and most cases are reported in cervical region. Less than 20 dorsal intramedullary schwanommas have been reported till date in literature. This is due to their cell of origin, the Schwann cell, which is not normally found within the parenchyma of the brain and spinal cord; therefore it is not surprising that these lesions are rare. We report a rare solitary dorsal intramedullary schwanomma in a young adult patient who presented with paraplegia.

Collision Tumors: A Rare Case Report.

The presence of collision tumors without any evidence of phacomatoses, genetic syndromes, or any history of previous radiation to the brain is extremely rare. We report a case with two diverse primaries, a tentorial meningioma and a colloid cyst found in the same patient occurring in the absence of these conditions. To the best of our knowledge, a single case of a colloid cyst and meningioma found together in the same patient has been reported till date. In such cases, the surgical dilemma as to which tumor to operate first has been addressed in our case report.

Intraoperative Ultrasound an Economical Tool for Neurosurgeons: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, the use of intraoperative image guidance in neurosurgery has gradually gained in importance. Apart from some sophisticated and very expensive techniques, intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) is a simple and economical technique that allows the surgeon to localize deep-seated lesions under a real-time ultrasonic image display without dissection. The purpose of this study was to present our own preliminary experiences in various (n=1250) neurosurgical procedures carried out at our tertiary care centre in a developing country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Prospective study was carried out in our department of neurosurgery at Grant Medical College and Sir J J Group of hospitals from January 2010 to May 2019. IOUS was used during various elective neurosurgical procedures done during this period as given in table no below. A total of 1250 patients, 850 supratentorial lesion, 290 infratentorial lesion and 110 spinal lesion, were included in this study. All studies were performed using an ultrasound machine with variable 3.5~7.5 MHz sector transducers. The echogenicity and pathomorphology between IOUS and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) of various disease entities were compared. RESULTS: Intracranial structures could be well demonstrated by ultrasound once the skull was opened. Most of the intracranial lesions were hyperechoic, except those with a cystic component. IOUS was more sensitive in demonstrating non-enhanced solid lesions and lesions with a cystic component than was preoperative CT/MRI. The border between the tumor and healthy brain was better delineated on IOUS in all cases aiding in tumor resection. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution real-time IOUS is a convenient and user-friendly method for identifying, localizing, and characterizing the pathological focus during an operation. Such information is very important and can enhance surgical results.

Management Strategies of Cranial Encephaloceles: A Neurosurgical Challenge.

BACKGROUND: Encephalocele is defined as herniation of cranial contents beyond the normal confines of the skull through a defect in the calvarium either along the midline or at the base of skull. These anomalies should be repaired in the first few months of life to prevent neurological deficits and facial disfigurement. The aim of the surgery is water tight dural closure at the level of internal defect, closure of skull defect, and reconstruction of external bony deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four cases of encephalocoeles were studied in our hospital over a 6-year period from 2010 to 2016. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain were performed to delineate the bony defect and associated anomalies. Reconstruction of the bony defect was done using autologous calvarial bone graft, Osteopore polycaprolactone (PCL) bone scaffold filler and titanium mesh. RESULTS: In our study, 54 patients (34 boys and 20 girls) whose age varied between 2 months and 14 years were evaluated. Frontoethmoidal (44.5%) and occipital encephaloceles (25.9%) were the most frequently seen varieties. Repair of the dural defect either primarily or using pericranium was done in all cases. Closure of the bony defect was done using autologous calvarial bone graft in 12 (22.22%) patients. Titanium mesh was used in eight and Osteopore PCL bone scaffold filler in four children. Cranioplasty was not done in remaining thirty children because of the small bone defect. Overall, 80% had no postoperative problem and were discharged between 7 and 10 days of surgery. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was the most frequent postoperative complication, noted in five patients. Re-exploration with repair was done in one and remaining four were managed conservatively. Overall, cosmetic results were acceptably good, with parents judging the cosmetic outcome as good to excellent in 70%, satisfactory in 18%, and poor in 3% at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that encephaloceles are associated with complex deformities and pose a technical challenge to the neurosurgeon. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to manage these cases. MRI brain and three dimensional CT aids in evaluating the deformity better and surgical correction should be performed as soon as possible to prevent a further neurological deficit. Repair of dural defect and reconstruction of the skull defect results in a good long-term outcome. We present our experience on 54 cases of cranial encephaloceles managed surgically over a period of only 6 years which is one of the largest series reported from Asia.

Lateral Semi-sitting Position: A Novel Method of Patient's Head Positioning in Suboccipital Retrosigmoid Approaches.

BACKGROUND: The most common methods of positioning patients for suboccipital approaches are the lateral, lateral oblique, sitting, semisitting, supine with the head turn, and park bench. The literature on the positioning of patients for these approaches does not mention the use of lateral semisitting position. This position allows utilization of the benefits of both semisitting and lateral position without causing any additional morbidity to the patient. AIMS: The aim of the present study is to highlight the advantages of the lateral semisitting position while operating various cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and posterior fossa lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The position involved placing the patient in a lateral position with torso flexed to 45° and head tilted toward opposite shoulder by 20°. The most common approach taken was retrosigmoid suboccipital craniotomy. RESULTS: The advantages of lateral semisitting position were early decompression of cisterna magna, and the surgical field remained relatively clear, due to gravity-assisted drainage of blood and irrigating fluid. We could perform all the surgeries without the use of any retractors. The position allowed better delineation of surrounding structures resulting in achieving correct dissection plane and also permitted early caudal to cranial dissection of tumor capsule, thereby increasing chances of facial nerve preservation. Importantly, there is less engorgement of the cerebellum as the venous outflow is promoted. We have not experienced any increased rate of complications, such as venous air embolism, tension pneumocephalus with this lateral semisitting position. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral semisitting position is a relatively safe modification, which combines the benefits of semisitting and lateral position, and avoids the disadvantages of sitting position in operating CPA tumors. This position can provide quick and better exposure of the CPA without any significant complications.

Large Intradiploic Growing Skull Fracture of the Posterior Fossa with Syringomyelia.

Growing skull fracture (GSF), also known as leptomeningeal cyst, is a rare but significant complication of pediatric head injury. It is mainly seen in infancy and childhood. GSFs of the posterior fossa are uncommon, and intradiploic location in the posterior fossa is extremely rare. Only a few cases of pediatric GSF of the posterior fossa and intradiploic location have been reported in the literature. We report a case of a 15-year-old boy who had large intradiploic GSF of the posterior fossa, associated with cervical syringomyelia. The lesion developed progressively over a period of 5 years following a documented occipital linear fracture. This case of a GSF developing from a known occipital linear fracture demonstrates that a GSF may reach a considerable size, and although uncommon, intradiploic development and occipital localization of a GSF are possible. Syringomyelia associated with posterior fossa GSF is very unusual which makes this case even more unique.

The Department of Neurosurgery, Grant Medical College and Sir J.J Group of Hospitals, Mumbai.

The Department of Neurosurgery was founded in the Grant Medical College, Mumbai, in the year 1958, and is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The history of Neurosurgery in this Institute is synonymous with the history of Neurosurgery in the state as this was one of the first government medical colleges to start a Neurosurgery Department within the state. The students after undergoing their rigorous training in the department, went on to establish advanced neurosurgical centers throughout Maharasthra and in several other parts of the country. The patients opt for this institution to get a standard of care that may be comparable with the highest standards prevalent, and the students achieve their goal of getting excellent education in Neurosurgery at par with the best institutes of the world. The department has, therefore, over the years, established its place in the country as a premier training facility and an epitome of medical excellence. This article traces the illustrious history of the Department of Neurosurgery, Grant Medical College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, and also of the eminent faculty members and residents, who helped in advancing the standards of Neurosurgery in the region as well as the rest of India.

Unravelling Hitherto Unreported Masses Camouflaged as Pituitary Macro Adenomas.

BACKGROUND: Lesions of the pituitary gland and the juxtasellar region are quite frequently encountered in daily practise of a neurologist/neurosurgeon. While the differentials of sellar masses are quite large and form an extensive list and the management protocol varies in each case, the onus of properly categorizing and diagnosing the pituitary mass often falls on the reporting radiologist. We hereby present two such unusual masses in the sellar-suprasellar region which were masquerading as pituitary macro adenomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two cases of sellar-suprasellar masses which were preoperatively diagnosed as pituitary macro-adenomas on radiological imaging proved out to be pituitary natural killer cell lymphoma and lepromatous abscess. RESULTS: The first one is a rare case of pituitary abscess seen in a lepromatous patient which is not yet reported in the literature. The second case is of primary pituitary natural killer cell lymphoma which is almost entirely unknown, with only two such cases being reported worldwide till date. CONCLUSION: It is important to realize that all enhancing pituitary lesions are not macro adenomas and it is necessary to have a high index of suspicion in such cases. The clinical implications of such an error and steps that can be taken to prevent misinterpretations of unusual sellar masses camouflaging as pituitary macro adenomas have been briefly outlined.

Effect of Mannitol Irrigation on Brain Edema in a Live Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Mannitol has been used intravenously for decreasing cerebral edema since decades. The study was performed to evaluate the effect of its irrigation on edema in live rats. Edema was induced by artificial brain injury. We hereby present our results on the same using live rats and confirm its beneficial effect on reducing edema when used as irrigation. AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of mannitol irrigation in reducing cerebral edema in rat brain after induction of artificial trauma and to compare the results with standard normal saline irrigation using randomized controlled study. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was a prospective randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 fully grown Albino Wistar rats were subjected to artificial trauma after a burr hole and divided randomly into two groups of ten rats each. One group was subjected to mannitol irrigation after durotomy and the other was subjected to normal saline. Tissue biopsy was sent at the end of 1 h to check for the status of edema and was classified into three grades. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Comparison of proportions test. RESULTS: Mannitol irrigation produced a statistically significant difference (P = 0.022) in the grade of edema at the end of 1 h as compared to normal saline. CONCLUSIONS: Mannitol irrigation can be used during neurosurgical procedures instead of normal saline to reduce postoperative brain edema.

Tectal Tuberculoma: An Unusual Cause of Parinaud's Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Parinaud's Syndrome is an inability to move the eyes upwards which is caused by damage to the tectal plate of midbrain. Commonest causes implicated are the Pineal tumors in children, Multiple Sclerosis in adults and stroke in elderly patients. We present a rare case of Tectal plate tuberculoma leading to Parinaud's Syndrome. DISCUSSION: Parinaud's syndrome is caused by damage to the tectal plate or posterior commissure of midbrain. Our patient presented with upward gaze paresis and was diagnosed to have tuberculoma involving the midbrain region. He was managed conservatively and responded to the treatment. CONCLUSION: Tectal plate tuberculoma though a rare possibility, warrants proper diagnostic workup in order to prevent unnecessary brainstem surgery.

Silent Migration of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt per Anus in a Child: Management and Review of Literature.

The aim of this paper is to report a case of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt tube coming out through the anus in a 6-year-old boy, who had undergone shunt revision surgery for the malfunctioning of the peritoneal end 6 months back. Among the complications of VP shunt surgery, such unusual migration of peritoneal end of the VP shunt is very rare. The possible factors responsible for this complication, in our case, were abdominal adhesions and thin bowel wall in the children. Although this complication has been previously reported, it remains an exceedingly rare case. Risk factors and possible mechanisms of migration are discussed.

Mature Cystic Teratoma of Dorsal Spinal Cord in Adult: An Unusual Lesion.

Teratomas are a type of multipotential cell tumor that contain a mixture of multiple germinal layers formed by normal organogenesis and reproductive tissues the incidence of intracranial teratomas is low, approximately 0.5-2.2% of all intracranial tumors. The occurrence of teratomas in the spine is extremely rare. Except for in the sacrococcygeal region, teratomas constitute <0.5% of all intraspinal tumors. According to the literature this is only 8th case of dorsal spinal mature cystic teratoma reported till date.

Pediatric Isolated Cortical (Ectopic) Anaplastic Ependymoma.

Ependymomas are tumors derived from ependymal cells lining the ventricles or from the central canal of the spinal cord. It usually arises in the ventricles with extra ventricular extension. Less than 15 cases of purely cortical ependymomas are reported. We report a rare case of purely cortical anaplastic ependymoma in a pediatric patient, which is rarely reported.

Recurrent intraventricular meningioma with malignant transformation.

Benign meningioma undergoing a malignant transformation (to a chondrosarcoma) in intraventricular location is very rare and this is first case report to best of our knowledge. Herein, we report a rare case of malignant transformation of a benign intraventricular meningioma with relevant literature.

Primary pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma of the spinal cord: A case report and review of literature.

Primary pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) of the spinal cord is a rare slow growing tumor. To our knowledge, only five such cases have been reported in the literature till date. We report the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features of a spinal PXA in a 23-year-old female previously operated 5 years back for a spinal tumor, presented with weakness in lower limbs, sphincter incontinence and low back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging scan with contrast reveals an intramedullary lesion in the spinal cord from D8-D10 level. The patient was operated with reexploration of the previous incision, and gross total excision was achieved. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of PXA. Clinical and radiological follow-up is required to detect early recurrence. Adjunct radiotherapy or and chemotherapy should be considered only when there is postoperative residual or recurrence, however there are no definite guidelines in view of the rarity of this condition.

Intra-axial chondroblastoma: A bony tumor in the cerebral hemisphere - A case report and review of literature.

This case highlights a rare possibility of occurrence of chondroblastoma, a bony tumor, at an uncommon location. Extraosseous, soft tissue location of this bony tumor is rare and more so for intracranial intra-axial location. We report a case of an intra-axial frontal lobe lesion, histologically proven to be an extraosseous chondroblastoma. A 23-year-old male presented with a history of headache and vomiting of 1 month duration. Imaging was suggestive of left frontal lobe intra-axial calcified lesion suggestive of oligodendroglioma. Patient was operated upon by left frontal craniotomy with complete excision of the lesion. The patient recovered well postoperatively. Left sixth nerve paresis improved and ataxia decreased. Intra-axial chondroblastomas are extremely rare tumors. Differential diagnosis should be kept in mind, especially in cases of calcified lesions. Complete excision should be the aim to achieve cure.