Experimental Endoscopic Cordotomy in the Sheep Model.

AIM: Interventional pain therapies are usually based on destruction of the related pain-conducting pathways. Current procedures targeting pain have replaced conventional pain treatment modalities while being less invasive. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of the endoscopic percutaneous cordotomy process on the sheep cervical spinal cord. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven male sheep, Akkaraman® genus, were operated on in the study. The guide was introduced at C1 to C2 vertebrae. The interlaminar area was exposed by a dilator, the dura was identified, and then the working cannula was inserted into the subarachnoid space. The target point of cordotomy was defined by endoscopic visualization as the midpoint between the dentate ligament and ventral root entry zone. After determination of the target point, a carbon dioxide laser (CDL) probe was introduced through the cannula. Ablative lesioning was performed by CDL. Hindlimb withdrawal thresholds were measured using the "Sample Pain Scale". The lesion was demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological examination. RESULTS: Three sheep had ipsilateral hemiparesis and the response to firm pressure test was not performed on them. Among the remaining four sheep, the pain tolerance test showed that one sheep was at stage 0, two at stage 1, and the last one at stage 3. CONCLUSION: Cordotomy might be successfully performed with the endoscopic technique in the sheep model and this should encourage future studies regarding minimal invasive procedures for intractable pain.

Neuroprotective effects of tetracyclines on blunt head trauma: An experimental study on rats.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of primary damage caused by head trauma may be avoided with protective measures and techniques which is a public health concern. Experimental and clinical studies about treatment of head trauma were all centered to prevent secondary damage caused by physiopathological changes following primary injury. Neuroprotective features of tetracyclines were the focus of several experimental studies in the last decade. In the present study we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of tetracycline in an experimental model of blunt brain injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 8). Head trauma was not performed in control group (group 1, craniectomy only). In the second group, head trauma and craniectomy were performed. Intraperitoneal saline was used in addition to trauma and craniectomy for treatment in group 3 whereas intraperitoneal tetracycline and saline were used for treatment in group 4. RESULTS: When histological examinations performed by transmission electron microscopy were evaluated, injury at ultrastructural level was demonstrated to be less pronounced in tetracycline group with decreased lipid peroxidation levels. CONCLUSION: In accordance with these findings, we conclude that systemic tetracycline administration is effective in reduction of secondary brain damage and brain edema and thus it may be considered as a therapeutic option.

Extraventricular neurocytoma--report of a case.

Neurocytomas are typically located within the supratentorial ventricular system. Extraventricular neurocytoma is a rare brain tumour that poses diagnostic difficulty. We report a case of cerebral extraventricular neurocytoma. A 44-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of tonic-clonic seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a left frontoparietal mass lesion. The patient underwent surgical therapy, and a radical excision was performed. The histological appearance and immuno-histochemical findings of the tumour are consistent with an extraventricular neurocytoma with anaplastic features. An excellent prognosis can be expected if a gross total resection is achieved. Postoperatively, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used as adjuvant therapies.