How I do it: operative nuances of the Encephalo-Duro-Mio-Synangiosis (EDMS) technique for pediatric moyamoya disease and syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Moyamoya disease, a progressive occlusive arteriopathy mainly affecting the supraclinoid internal carotid artery, leads to abnormal "Moyamoya vessels" and ischemic events in children due to decreased cerebral blood flow. Surgery, especially indirect revascularization, is suggested for pediatric Moyamoya cases. METHOD: We present the Encephalo-Duro-Mio-Synangiosis (EDMS) technique, illustrated with figures and videos, based on 14 years' experience performing 71 surgeries by the senior author (SGJ) and the Moyamoya Interdisciplinary Workteam at "Prof. Dr. J. P. Garrahan" Pediatric Hospital. CONCLUSION: EDMS is a simple and effective treatment for Moyamoya disease, enhancing procedure precision and safety, reducing associated risks, complications, and improving clinical outcomes.

Factores de riesgo asociados a la persistencia de hidrocefalia posterior a la resección de tumores de fosa posterior / Risk factors associated with hydrocephalus persistence after posterior fossa tumors resection

Introducción. Las neoplasias de fosa posterior son los tumores de sistema nervioso central más frecuentes en la población pediátrica y una causa frecuente de hidrocefalia. El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar los factores de riesgo asociados a hidrocefalia luego de las cirugías de resección de tumores de fosa posterior en una población pediátrica. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes pediátricos operados de tumores de fosa posterior en un único hospital. Se analizaron potenciales factores de riesgo pre y post quirúrgicos. Se consideró como variable respuesta la necesidad de derivación definitiva para tratar la hidrocefalia a los 6 meses de la resección tumoral. Resultados. En el análisis univariado se detectaron múltiples factores de riesgo significativos. Sin embargo, solamente 3 se mantuvieron en el modelo multivariado: grado de resección (Subtotal: OR 7.86; Parcial: OR 20.42), infección postoperatoria (OR 17.31) y ausencia de flujo de salida postoperatorio en IV ventrículo (OR 4.29). Éste modelo presentó una buena capacidad predictiva (AUC: 0.80, Sensibilidad 80.5%, Especificidad 76.3%). Conclusión. La realización de tercer ventriculostomía endoscópica preoperatoria no redujo la incidencia de hidrocefalia postoperatoria. El grado de resección tumoral, la presencia de infección postoperatoria y la obstrucción de salida del IV ventrículo fueron los factores de riesgo más importantes para el requerimiento de sistema derivativo definitivo luego de la resección de un tumor de fosa posterior. Ésto podría influir en la toma de decisiones respecto al tratamiento en este grupo de pacientes pediátricos

Background. Posterior fossa tumors are the most frequent central nervous system neoplasms in the pediatric population and a frequent cause of hydrocephalus. The objective of this study is to analyze the risk factors associated with hydrocephalus after posterior fossa tumors resection in a pediatric population. Methods. A retrospective observational study was conducted on pediatric patients who underwent posterior fossa tumor resection in a single hospital. Potential pre- and post-operative risk factors were analyzed. The need for definitive shunt placement to treat hydrocephalus at 6 months after tumor resection was considered as the outcome variable. Results. Univariate analysis identified multiple significant risk factors. However, only 3 factors remained in the multivariate model: extent of resection (subtotal: OR 7.86; partial: OR 20.42), postoperative infection (OR 17.31), and absence of postoperative outflow of the fourth ventricle (OR 4.29). This model showed good predictive capacity (AUC: 0.80, Sensitivity 80.5%, Specificity 76.3%). Conclusion. Preoperative endoscopic third ventriculostomy did not reduce the incidence of postoperative hydrocephalus. The extent of tumor resection, presence of postoperative infection, and obstruction of fourth ventricle outflow were the most important risk factors for the requirement of a definitive shunt system after posterior fossa tumor resection. This could influence treatment decisions in this group of pediatric patients

Neurosurgical simulation models developed in Latin America and the Caribbean: a scoping review.

Simulation training is an educational tool that provides technical and cognitive proficiency in a risk-free environment. Several models have recently been presented in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). However, many of them were presented in non-indexed literature and not included in international reviews. This scoping review aims to describe the simulation models developed in LAC for neurosurgery training. Specifically, it focuses on assessing the models developed in LAC, the simulated neurosurgical procedures, the model's manufacturing costs, and the translational outcomes. Simulation models developed in LAC were considered, with no language or time restriction. Cadaveric, ex vivo, animal, synthetic, and virtual/augmented reality models were included for cranial and spinal procedures. We conducted a review according to the PRISMA-ScR, including international and regional reports from indexed and non-indexed literature. Two independent reviewers screened articles. Conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer using Covidence software. We collected data regarding the country of origin, recreated procedure, type of model, model validity, and manufacturing costs. Upon screening 917 studies, 69 models were developed in LAC. Most of them were developed in Brazil (49.28%). The most common procedures were related to general neurosurgery (20.29%), spine (17.39%), and ventricular neuroendoscopy and cerebrovascular (15.94% both). Synthetic models were the most frequent ones (38.98%). The manufacturing cost ranged from 4.00 to 2005.00 US Dollars. To our knowledge, this is the first scoping review about simulation models in LAC, setting the basis for future research studies. It depicts an increasing number of simulation models in the region, allowing a wide range of neurosurgical training in a resource-limited setting.

A Low-Cost Simulation Model for Endoscopic-Assisted Sagittal Craniosynostosis Repair.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to introduce a low-cost simulation model for endoscopic-assisted sagittal craniosynostosis repair in which bleedings can be simulated and to present the initial experience using the model as a learning tool. METHODS: A 3-dimensional synthetic skull was printed using polylactic acid. The brain, dura mater, sagittal sinus, and skin were constructed using low-cost materials. The simulation was performed at Garrahan Pediatric Hospital's simulation center employing a rigid endoscope (Pes Pilot HD 0° 4 mm). RESULTS: A low-cost simulation model for sagittal craniosynostosis was built in order to recreate the steps needed to perform a strip craniectomy with lateral extensions. The initial estimated cost is 10 U.S. dollars, and subsequent uses cost approximately 2 U.S. dollars. Four training sessions were performed, and a reduction in surgical time was recorded from 125 to 80 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: We introduce a low-cost simulation model for scaphocephaly endoscopic-assisted surgery in which bleeding can be reproduced. The initial experience shows the possibility of using the model as a learning tool.

Sagitectomía Endoscópica: Planeamiento Quirúrgico con Modelos de Simulación de Bajo Costo / Endoscopic Sagitectomy: Surgical Planning with Low-Cost Simulation Models

Objetivos: El objetivo es presentar un caso de sagitectomía asistida por endoscopía y su planificación y entrenamiento prequirúrgico con modelos de simulación de bajo costo. Métodos: Se procesó una tomografía de un paciente con escafocefalia, a partir de la cual se realizó una impresión 3D de un cráneo sin huesos parietales. Se completó el modelo de simulación con materiales de bajo costo para simular los tejidos blandos y hueso. Se realizó el entrenamiento con un endoscopio de 30º. Luego del entrenamiento, se realizó una cirugía en un paciente de 2 meses de edad que presentaba una escafocefalia. Resultados: Se creó un modelo de simulación de bajo costo (aproximadamente 20 US$) para el entrenamiento de sagitectomía asistida por endoscopía. Se realizó la cirugía en un paciente, sin complicaciones quirúrgicas ni posoperatorias. Conclusión: El entrenamiento con simuladores de bajo costo permite planificar una sagitectomía asistida por endoscopía, disminuyendo los errores y los tiempos de la curva de aprendizaje.

Factores pronósticos en el traumatismo craneoencefálico grave en pediatría / Prognostic factors in severe head injury in pediatrics

Objetivos: Analizar y establecer una asociación entre las características del Traumatismo Craneoencefálico (TEC) grave en pediatría (edad, etiología, características clínicas, lesiones intracraneales y cirugía) y los resultados a largo plazo. Material y Método: Revisión de los pacientes con TEC grave ingresados al Hospital Garrahan desde enero 2013 hasta enero 2019. Se analizaron las características al ingreso y el tratamiento instaurado. Se utilizó la escala Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) para evaluar los resultados a 12 meses. Se realizó un análisis estadístico mediante las pruebas de Chi2 y Fisher. Se consideró como significativo a un valor de p menor a 0.05. Resultados: Se registraron 54 pacientes con TEC grave y seguimiento posterior de 12 meses. La mediana de edad fue de 6 años (3-12). La mayoría fue de sexo masculino 62.96% (34). La etiología más frecuente fue la caída de altura (42.59%) mientras que la lesión intracraneal que más se observó fue el hematoma extradural (25.93%). Los factores que se asociaron a mal pronóstico fueron las lesiones no accidentales (100% vs 0%; p=0.02), la midriasis bilateral (100% vs 0%; p= 0.001) y el hematoma subdural (70% vs 30%; p= 0.002). Los factores asociados a buen pronóstico fueron las caídas de altura (54.84% vs 45.16%; p=0.01) y un examen oftalmológico normal al ingreso (90% vs 10%; p=0.006). Conclusión: Los factores que se asociaron a mal pronóstico fueron el trauma no accidental, la midriasis y el hematoma subdural agudo. Por otro lado, las caídas y el examen oftalmológico normal se asociaron a mejor pronóstico.

Objective: To analyze and establish an association between the characteristics of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in pediatric patients (age, etiology, clinical characteristics, intracranial injuries and surgery) and long-term results. Material and Method: Review of patients with severe TBI admitted to Garrahan Pediatric Hospital from January 2013 to January 2019. The characteristics of admission and treatment instituted were analyzed. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was used to evaluate results at 12 months. A statistical analysis was performed using Chi2 and Fisher tests. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 54 patients with severe TBI and subsequent follow-up of 12 month were reported. The median age was 6 years (3-12). Most were male 62.96% (34). The most common etiology was height falls (42.59%) while the most observed intracranial lesion was extradural hematoma (25.93%). Non-accidental injuries (100% vs 0%; p=0.02), bilateral mydriasis (100% vs 0%; p=0.001) and subdural hematoma (70% vs 30%; p=0.002) were associated with poor prognosis. Height drops (54.84% vs 45.16%; p=0.01) and a normal ophthalmological examination at income (90% vs 10%; p=0.006) were associated with good prognosis. Conclusion: Non-accidental trauma, mydriasis and acute subdural hematoma were associated with poor prognosis, whereas falls and normal eye exam were associated with better prognosis

Low-Cost Stereotactic Brain Biopsy Simulation Model.

OBJECTIVE: Simulation training improves technical skills in a safe environment. Stereotactic techniques are widely used in neurosurgery for different kinds of procedures. The objective of the study was to describe a combined cadaveric and synthetic low-cost stereotactic simulation model and its validation by neurosurgeons. METHODS: The brain was made using self-supporting gel with solid and cystic lesions. We used imaging scans to calculate x, y, and z target coordinates. A standard frame needle biopsy was performed. We calculated the number of mistakes and time needed to accomplish the task, and we evaluated the frame assembly and biopsy performance. Wilcoxon signed rank was used to analyzed the data; we considered a P value <0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: The median initial number of mistakes was 32 (interquartile range [IQR]: 27.5-37) and after repeated training and feedback the final median number was 3.5 (IQR: 2-6) (P < 0.001). The median time needed to finish the exercises before training was 1020.5 seconds (IQR: 908-1125.5) and after using the model the final median time was 479 seconds (IQR: 423-503) (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We presented a stereotactic simulation model with immediate haptic feedback. The model can be easily handmade in any neurosurgical laboratory. This model allows neurosurgeons in training to acquire and improve stereotactic techniques, reducing the number of surgical mistakes and time needed to finish the task.