Dynamic Workflow Proposal for Continuous Frameless Electromagnetic Neuronavigation in Rigid Neuroendoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Ventriculoscopic neuronavigation has been described in several papers. However, there are different ventriculoscopes and navigation systems. Due to these different combinations, it is difficult to find detailed neuronavigation protocols. We describe, step-by-step, a simple method to navigate both the trajectory until reaching the ventricular system, as well as the intraventricular work. METHODS: We use a rigid ventriculoscope (LOTTA, KarlStorz) with an EM-stylet (S8-StealthSystem, Medtronic). The protocol is based on a modified or 3D-printed trocar for navigating the extraventricular step and on a modified pediatric nasogastric tube for the intraventricular navigation. RESULTS: This protocol can be set-up in less than 10 minutes. The extraventricular part is navigated by introducing the EM-stylet inside the modified or 3D-printed trocar. Intraventricular navigation is done by combining a modified pediatric nasogastric tube with the EM-stylet inside the endoscope's working channel. The most critical point is to obtain a blunt-bloodless ventriculostomy while achieving perfect alignment of all targeted structures via pure straight trajectories. CONCLUSIONS: This protocol is easy-to-set-up, avoids head rigid-fixation and bulky optical-based attachments to the ventriculoscope, and allows continuous navigation of both parts of the surgery. Since we have implemented this protocol, we have noticed a significant enhancement in both simple and complex ventriculoscopic procedures because the surgery is dramatically simplified.

Transcortical transcatheter ultrasound-assisted technique for deep-seated brain tumors. Technical note.

PURPOSE: Surgery of deep-seated brain tumors can be challenging. Several methods have been described to facilitate transcortical approaches, including ultrasound-assisted resection. Ultrasound-guided placement of a standard ventricular catheter is a widely reported technique and has been used to approach these lesions via the transcortical route. We describe how we usually perform this useful technique to assist and enhance the transcortical resection of some deep-seated brain tumors. METHODS: Standard electromagnetic frameless navigation (S8 Neuronavigation System, Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA) was employed to focus the craniotomy and to plan the trajectory of the ventricular catheter. After dural opening, an ultrasound device (Arietta 850, Hitachi-Aloka Medical, Tokyo, Japan) was used for intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) assessment. A ventricular catheter was placed from the cortex to the lateral wall of the tumor under direct real-time IOUS visualization to guide the further transcortical dissection. RESULTS: Transcortical transcatheter ultrasound-assisted technique involved minimal time and infrastructure requirements. There were no major technical difficulties during its use, providing confidence and improving subcortical white matter dissection by guiding the route to the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Recent improvement of IOUS image-quality devices offers several attractive options for real-time navigation. The combination of conventional neuronavigation systems with real-time IOUS assessment during the intradural step provides a higher degree of control by improving the execution of the surgery. We hope this description may be a useful tool for some selected cases and contribute to the further enhancement and improvement of this widely used technique.

Dorsum Sellae as Key Landmark in ETV With Disminished Prepontine Cistern: Technical Note and Case Series.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One of the key aspects in the surgical technique of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is the perforation of the floor of the third ventricle because of the high risk of injuring vital structures located in that region. According to the standard technique, this perforation should be performed in the midline halfway between mammillary bodies and the infundibular recess to avoid damage to the structures. This can be performed without excessive complications when the diameter of the prepontine cistern is wide. However, in situations where the diameter is reduced (defined in the literature as having a prepontine interval [PPI] ≤1 mm), the probability of complications increases exponentially.In this article, we propose using dorsum sellae as a key point to safely perform ETV in patients with a decreased PPI, guiding the trajectory and its marking using neuronavigation. METHODS: A review was conducted on the latest 100 ETV procedures performed by our team in the past 5 years. The measurement of the PPI was conducted using archived preoperative MRI imaging studies, specifically between the dorsum sellae and the basilar artery. In cases where the PPI was ≤1 mm and, therefore, the use of the dorsum sellae was applied as a reference point, the technical results and procedural functions were documented. RESULTS: In the cohort, 7 patients with a PPI ≤1 mm were identified. In all 7 cases, fenestration of the tuber cinereum was successfully performed without causing vascular damage or associated complications. ETV was successful in 6 patients, with only one experiencing ETV failure necessitating the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. CONCLUSION: The utilization of the dorsum sellae as a reference point to perform ETV in reduced PPI constitutes a safe alternative to the classical technique.

Content reporting and effectiveness of therapeutic exercise in the management of massive rotator cuff tears: A systematic review with 490 patients.

Background: Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCT) account for a substantial fraction of tears above the age of 60 years. However, there are no clear criteria for prescription parameters within therapeutic exercise treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and characteristics of therapeutic exercise treatments in patients with MRCT. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, SciELO, Scopus and EMBASE from inception to August 2022. Studies were included if they evaluated the effects of exercise on patients with MRCT. The risk of bias was evaluated and the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) was also used. A narrative synthesis without meta-analysis was performed. Results: One randomized controlled trial, two non-randomized studies, six non-controlled studies, one case series and four retrospective studies were included. They ranged from serious to moderate risk of bias. The CERT reflected a poor description of the exercise programmes. Studies showed a pattern of improvements in most patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) surpassing the MCID, and active elevation range of motion. Conclusions: There is limited evidence that exercise and co-interventions are effective in the management of some patients with MRCT, based on a systematic review without meta-analysis. Future research should improve content reporting. Level of evidence: IV.

Endoscopic extended transforaminal approach (medial subchoroid) as an alternative to the classical transchoroidal approach: Technical note.

The extended transforaminal endoscopic approaches allows visualization and manipulation of the middle and posterior third of the III ventricle. In selected cases where the venous anatomy is favorable, the medial subchoroidal approach can be performed as an alternative to the classic transchoroidal approach (via trans-taenia fornicis) with increased protection over the fornix and without the need to sacrifice the septal vein. We present a 14-year-old male with history of Neurofibromatosis type 1 referred for two weeks of clinical evolution with headache, dizziness, gait instability and appearance of a right VI nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed obstructive tri-ventricular hydrocephalus due to stenosis of the aqueduct of Sylvius with suspicion of an underlying tumor. An endoscopic surgical procedure was performed through a single approach with III cisternostomy and resection of the tissue that produced the stenosis. The anatomopathological diagnosis showed reactive glial tissue with no signs of malignancy. In conclusion, the medial subchoroidal approach is a plausible alternative in the endoscopic approach to the III ventricle structures in a safe and comfortable manner.

Feasibility of extended transforaminal approach (medial subchoroid) for resection of a benign aqueductal tumor in a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis.

The extended transforaminal endoscopic approach allows visualization and manipulation of the third ventricle posterior structures in a safe and comfortable manner. The medial subchoroidal approach has been described as a feasible alternative to the classical transchoroidal approach. In this video, the authors present the case of a 14-year-old male with a history of neurofibromatosis type 1 who was referred to our department after presenting with headaches and diplopia for 2 weeks. Suspecting an aqueduct tumor, the authors performed an endoscopic surgical procedure through a single approach with third cisternostomy and resection of the tumor that produced the stenosis. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2023.1.FOCVID22155.

Comparison of Thermal and Laser-Reduced Graphene Oxide Production for Energy Storage Applications.

A way to obtain graphene-based materials on a large-scale level is by means of chemical methods for the oxidation of graphite to obtain graphene oxide (GO), in combination with thermal, laser, chemical and electrochemical reduction methods to produce reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Among these methods, thermal and laser-based reduction processes are attractive, due to their fast and low-cost characteristics. In this study, first a modified Hummer's method was applied to obtain graphite oxide (GrO)/graphene oxide. Subsequently, an electrical furnace, a fusion instrument, a tubular reactor, a heating plate, and a microwave oven were used for the thermal reduction, and UV and CO2 lasers were used for the photothermal and/or photochemical reduction. The chemical and structural characterizations of the fabricated rGO samples were performed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy measurements. The analysis and comparison of the results revealed that the strongest feature of the thermal reduction methods is the production of high specific surface area, fundamental for volumetric energy applications such as hydrogen storage, whereas in the case of the laser reduction methods, a highly localized reduction is achieved, ideal for microsupercapacitors in flexible electronics.

ETV as treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus in an aneurysmal malformation of the vein of Galen in infants: case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: A vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) is a high-flow arteriovenous malformation that typically presents in early childhood. Complications associated with this condition include heart failure and hydrodynamic disorders resulting from high blood flow. Hydrocephalus is one of the hydrodynamic disorders. It can present in a chronic form due to a defect in the absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) resulting from venous hypertension or in an acute/subacute form due to obstruction of normal circulation routes caused by the mass effect of the VGAM. Currently, endovascular closure of the lesion is considered the treatment of choice. However, in acute/subacute presentations of obstructive hydrocephalus, progression may occur despite endovascular treatment, necessitating a cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedure. Prior to the advent of endoscopic treatment, ventricular shunts were utilized, but outcomes were poor due to the pathological hydrodynamic parameters associated with the malformation. The role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy as a treatment option in these situations remains unclear, and there is limited literature available. Therefore, we present the case of a patient with a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation and obstructive hydrocephalus, which was treated via ETV. Furthermore, a literature review was conducted. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a 5-month-old infant who was diagnosed at birth with VGAM. At 2 months of age, a partial closure of the malformation was performed via endovascular. Subsequently, the patient presented at the emergency department with symptoms of irritability, lethargy, vomiting, feeding refusal, and "setting sun" sign of several days' duration due to obstructive hydrocephalus. The patient was successfully treated via ETV. Following this, a new arteriography was performed and revealed occlusion of the VGAM. The child clinically improved and currently exhibits mild psychomotor impairment after 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: In the literature, there are a limited number of reports on the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus associated with VGAM via ETV. These reports have demonstrated good outcomes with minimal surgical complications. Our patient also exhibited good results. As such, ETV is a viable and safe option for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus associated with VGAM in pediatric patients. However, more research is needed to establish the effectiveness of ETV in comparison to other treatment options and to understand the long-term outcomes.

Intraoperative ultrasound-assisted surgery in orbital apex tumours: technical note.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of ultrasonography (US) in the operating theatre in the early 1970s, intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) has become a very useful tool for real-time neurosurgical procedures. The main limitation of US is its innately reduced capacity to penetrate the intact skull. This is the reason why most IOUS-assisted procedures are usually performed via transfontanellar or after a craniotomy or laminotomy is done. OBJECTIVE: We present a 54-year-old woman with a right optic nerve sheath meningioma, who was operated on by a right cranio-orbital approach and IOUS-assisted tumour removal. METHODS: Data concerning the anamnesis and complementary studies were obtained from the clinical history. Surgical images were obtained in the operating room during surgery. Images obtained by US were compared with the preoperative and postoperative imaging scans. IOUS imaging was also compared with the intraoperative findings. RESULTS: The correlation between US and both preoperative and postoperative studies was very high. During surgery, both transpalpebral and transperiorbital IOUS facilitated the resection with no specific technical difficulties or significant time consumption. CONCLUSION: Recent improvements in the image quality of IOUS devices offer several attractive options for real-time neuronavigation. We describe our initial experience with the IOUS-assisted technique for orbital apex tumours. In our patient transpalpebral and transperiorbital IOUS provided an excellent source of control over location and over the extent of tumour resection. We hope that this description of how we usually perform this procedure may be useful for some selected cases and contribute to the further enhancement and improvement of the technique.

Effectiveness of exercise versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy plus exercise in the management of degenerative meniscal tears at 5-year follow-up: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: There are no meta-analytical data in the long term for comparing surgery and exercise for meniscal tear. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of exercise versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) plus exercise for degenerative meniscal tears (DMT) in knee function at 5-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, SciELO, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was performed. The studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials performed in patients aged ≥ 18 years with DMT, that compared physical therapy to APM at 5-year follow-up, and reported at least one outcome measure of knee function/disability. Risk of bias was analyzed with the Cochrane RoB-2 tool and certainty of evidence with GRADE recommendations. A random effects model meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: 3743 articles were identified and 4 met the criteria. Three had low risk of bias and one had some concerns. There were no significant between-group differences, in within-group changes from baseline to 5-year, on the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain (- 2.28; 95% CI - 5.41 to 0.84), symptoms (- 0.24; 95% CI - 4.13 to 3.64), activities of daily living (- 2.16; 95% CI - 6.16 to 1.83) and quality of life (- 3.98; 95% CI - 9.05 to 1.10). There was a significant difference in support of APM plus exercise for sport/recreation (- 9.28; 95% CI - 18.28 to - 0.29). Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis revealed a non-significant difference in sport/recreation (- 5.05; 95% CI - 12.04 to 1.94). There were no differences in other patient-reported outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Moderate certainty of evidence suggests that the addition of APM to an exercise program adds no benefits in knee function at 5-year follow-up.

Patients awaiting surgery for neurosurgical diseases during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: a multicentre cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The large number of infected patients requiring mechanical ventilation has led to the postponement of scheduled neurosurgical procedures during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of this study were to investigate the factors that influence the decision to postpone scheduled neurosurgical procedures and to evaluate the effect of the restriction in scheduled surgery adopted to deal with the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain on the outcome of patients awaiting surgery. DESIGN: This was an observational retrospective study. SETTINGS: A tertiary-level multicentre study of neurosurgery activity between 1 March and 30 June 2020. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 680 patients awaiting any scheduled neurosurgical procedure were enrolled. 470 patients (69.1%) were awaiting surgery because of spine degenerative disease, 86 patients (12.6%) due to functional disorders, 58 patients (8.5%) due to brain or spine tumours, 25 patients (3.7%) due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders and 17 patients (2.5%) due to cerebrovascular disease. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was mortality due to any reason and any deterioration of the specific neurosurgical condition. Second, we analysed the rate of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: More than one-quarter of patients experienced clinical or radiological deterioration. The rate of worsening was higher among patients with functional (39.5%) or CSF disorders (40%). Two patients died (0.4%) during the waiting period, both because of a concurrent disease. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine independent covariates associated with maintaining the surgical indication. We found that community SARS-CoV-2 incidence (OR=1.011, p<0.001), degenerative spine (OR=0.296, p=0.027) and expedited indications (OR=6.095, p<0.001) were independent factors for being operated on during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Patients awaiting neurosurgery experienced significant collateral damage even when they were considered for scheduled procedures.

Impact of the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the outcome of neurosurgical patients: a nationwide study in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the outcome of neurosurgical patients in Spain. SETTINGS: The initial flood of COVID-19 patients overwhelmed an unprepared healthcare system. Different measures were taken to deal with this overburden. The effect of these measures on neurosurgical patients, as well as the effect of COVID-19 itself, has not been thoroughly studied. PARTICIPANTS: This was a multicentre, nationwide, observational retrospective study of patients who underwent any neurosurgical operation from March to July 2020. INTERVENTIONS: An exploratory factorial analysis was performed to select the most relevant variables of the sample. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of mortality and postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: Sixteen hospitals registered 1677 operated patients. The overall mortality was 6.4%, and 2.9% (44 patients) suffered a perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of those infections, 24 were diagnosed postoperatively. Age (OR 1.05), perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 4.7), community COVID-19 incidence (cases/105 people/week) (OR 1.006), postoperative neurological worsening (OR 5.9), postoperative need for airway support (OR 5.38), ASA grade ≥3 (OR 2.5) and preoperative GCS 3-8 (OR 2.82) were independently associated with mortality. For SARS-CoV-2 postoperative infection, screening swab test <72 hours preoperatively (OR 0.76), community COVID-19 incidence (cases/105 people/week) (OR 1.011), preoperative cognitive impairment (OR 2.784), postoperative sepsis (OR 3.807) and an absence of postoperative complications (OR 0.188) were independently associated. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection in neurosurgical patients was associated with an increase in mortality by almost fivefold. Community COVID-19 incidence (cases/105 people/week) was a statistically independent predictor of mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CEIM 20/217.

Sincronía de diferentes tumores radioinducidos en superviviente de leucemia linfoblástica aguda / Different radioinducid tumors synchrony in an acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivor

La aparición de tumores craneales inducidos por radiación en pacientes pediátricos tratados de enfermedades hematológicas como la leucemia/linfoma linfoblástico T (T-ALL/LBL) es un fenómeno conocido que puede incluir lesiones de diferentes grados de malignidad y precisar tratamiento neuroquirúrgico. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 38 años remitido a nuestro servicio por la aparición brusca de diplopía con hemiparesia izquierda progresiva de 6 meses de evolución y caídas frecuentes. Tras realización de pruebas de imagen, se objetivan distintas lesiones intraaxiales y extraaxiales con diferente comportamiento radiológico decidiéndose un abordaje quirúrgico único para su exéresis. La anatomía patológica confirma cuatro variantes histológicas: meningioma (grado 1 y 2 [atípico]), subependimoma y cavernoma. Discutimos el papel teratogénico y efectos biológicos de las radiaciones ionizantes (AU)

The cranial radiation-induced tumors appearance in pediatric patients treated for hematological diseases such as leukemia/T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-ALL/LBL) is a known phenomenon that may include lesions of different malignant degrees and require neurosurgical treatment. We present the case of a 38-year-old man referred to our department for a sudden diplopia with 6-month progressive left hemiparesis and frequent falls. After imaging tests, different intra and extraxial lesions with different radiological behavior were observed, performing a single surgical approach for their resection. The pathological anatomy confirms four histological variants: meningioma (grade 1 and 2 [atypical]), subependymoma, and cavernoma. We discuss the teratogenic role of ionizing radiation (AU)

Teratoma maduro del filum terminale. Extirpación guiada por estimulación directa de raíces nerviosas / Mature filum terminale teratoma. Excision guided by direct stimulation of nerve roots

Varón de 45 años, sin antecedentes de interés, que acudió a urgencias con cuadro progresivo de pérdida de fuerza en miembros inferiores a nivel distal con imposibilidad para la flexión dorsal del pie izquierdo, acompañado de disfunción neurógena de vejiga. En la RM se objetivó una lesión a nivel del filum terminale que interesaba completamente el diámetro transversal del saco dural, siendo la impresión diagnóstica radiológica de lipoma del filum terminale. Se llevó a cabo cirugía con monitorización neurofisiológica intraoperatoria empleando estimulación directa de raíces nerviosas, lo que permitió la extirpación de una tumoración compuesta por material sebáceo, grasa y pelo. El diagnóstico anatomopatológico fue de teratoma quístico maduro. El paciente presentó evolución postoperatoria favorable (AU)

A 45-year-old male patient, with no history of interest, consulted in emergency department due to a progressive loss of strength in the lower limbs at the distal level with impossibility for dorsal flexion of the left foot, as well as neurogenic bladder. The MRI revealed a mass at the filum terminale with completed occupation of transverse diameter of the dural sac. The radiological diagnosis was lipoma of filum terminale. The patient underwent surgery with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring using direct stimulation of nerve roots, which allowed the removal of a tumour composed of sebaceous material, fat and hair. The anatomopathological study classified it as a mature cystic teratoma. Postoperative evolution was favorable (AU)

Percepción de los residentes sobre el impacto de la pandemia COVID 19 en la formación en profesionalismo / Residents ́perspective of the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on professional competency training

Introducción: el profesionalismo es clave para construir la identidad de los profesionales sanitarios. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido conocer en un colectivo de residentes, la influencia de la primera ola de la pandemia por SARS-CoV2 en sus competencias del profesionalismo. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal mediante cuestionario electrónico, remitido a 167 residentes, para medir su percepción sobre el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en el profesionalismo, con una escala verbal de cuatro niveles: excelente, por encima de lo esperado, lo esperado, por debajo de lo esperado. Se realizó, además, una pregunta abierta de "reflexión personal" analizada cualitativamente mediante un proceso de triangulación. La encuesta se hizo en el Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón en los dos meses siguientes a la primera ola pandémica. Resultados: respondieron 59 residentes (35,3%) de 21 especialidades. Sus lugares de trabajo fueron muy variados. Los atributos del profesionalismo valorados por encima de esperado o excelente fueron: trabajo en equipo (74,6%), empatía (71,2%) y responder a las necesidades del paciente por encima de las propias (69,5%). Se encontró por debajo de lo esperado la gestión de las emociones (22%). Discusión: la pandemia COVID-19 ha contribuido a reforzar la identidad profesional de los residentes, manifestándose a través de muchas dimensiones del profesionalismo. La gestión de las emociones fue la que obtuvo menor valoración.

Introduction: Professionalism is essential to build the identity of health professionals. The aim in this study was to determine, in a group of residents, the influence of the first wave of SARS-CoV2 pandemic on their professionalism competencies. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with an electronic survey sent to 167 residents of Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón to assess their perception of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on professionalism, with a four-level verbal scale: excellent, above expected, expected, below expected. In addition, an open-ended "personal reflection" question was qualitatively analyzed through a triangulation process. The survey was completed immediately after the first pandemic wave. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 59 residents (35.3%) of 21 specialties from different workplaces. The attributes of professionalism rated above expected or excellent were: teamwork (74.6%), empathy (71.2%) and responding to patient's needs above their own (69.5%). Management of emotions (21%) was found to be below expectations. Discussion: COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to reinforce the professional identity of the residents, expressing itself through many dimensions of professionalism. Emotional management was the lowest rated.

Microsurgical training: vascular control and intraoperative vessel rupture in the human placenta infusion model.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgery is a challenging discipline. Regular lab training under the operating microscope has been the environment where most surgeons have mastered the skills and techniques inherent to most microneurosurgical procedures. However, some critical scenarios remain difficult to master or simulate. We describe a step-by-step method for how to build a low-cost, feasible, and widely available model that allows residents to familiarize themselves with demanding critical situations such as intraoperative rupture of major vessels. METHODS: After delivery, nine fresh human placentas were transferred to the lab. The umbilical vein was cannulated for normal saline infusion. Several hands-on procedures were performed under direct microscope vision. Operating microscope setup, allantoic membrane splitting, vascular dissection and vessel injury, and repair exercises were simulated and video recorded. Indocyanine green was administered to simulate intraoperative angiography. RESULTS: The model can be setup in less than 15 min, with minimal cost and infrastructure requirements. All the exercises described above can be conducted with a single placenta. Umbilical vein cannulation adds realism and allows quantification of the volume of saline required to complete the exercise. The final check with indocyanine green simulates intraoperative angiography and allows the assessment of distal vessel patency. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal infrastructure requirements, simplicity, and easy setup models provide a suitable environment for regular training. The human placenta is inexpensive and widely available, making it a feasible model for residents training. Neurosurgery residents may benefit from this model to familiarize with microsurgery and critical scenarios in a risk-free environment without time or resource constraints.

Neuroendoscopic training in neurosurgery: a simple and feasible model for neurosurgical education.

BACKGROUND: The development of high levels of technical competence and excellent decision-making skills are key goals of all neurosurgical residency training programs. This acquisition of technical skills is becoming increasingly difficult due to many factors including less exposure to operative cases, demand for more time and cost-effective practices, and resident work hour restrictions. We describe a step-by-step method for how to build a low-cost and feasible model that allows residents to improve their neuroendoscopic skills. METHODS: The bell pepper-based model was developed as an endoscopic training model. Using continuous irrigation, several hands-on procedures were proposed under direct endoscopic visualization. Endoscope setup, endoscopic third ventriculostomy, septostomy, and tumor biopsy procedures were simulated and video recorded for further edition and analysis. RESULTS: The model can be setup in less than 15 min with minimal cost and infrastructure requirements. A single model allows simulation of all the exercises described above. The model allows exposure to the camera skills, instrument handling, and hand-eye coordination inherent to most neuroendoscopic procedures. CONCLUSION: Minimal infrastructure requirements, simplicity, and easily setup models provide a proper environment for regular training. The bell pepper-based model is inexpensive, widely available, and a feasible model for routine training. Neurosurgery residents may benefit from the use of this model to accelerate their learning curve and familiarize themselves with the neuroendoscopic core principles in a risk-free environment without time or resource constraints.

Rotation flap closure of a giant dorsolumbar myelomeningocele: technical note.

PURPOSE: Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most prevalent form of spina bifida aperta. Here we present the surgical repair technique of a dorsolumbar myelomeningocele with a large associated soft tissue defect. METHODS: Data concerning the anamnesis and complementary studies were obtained from the clinical history. Surgical images were obtained in the operation room during surgery. RESULT: We describe the case of a newborn with a dorsal myelomeningocele with a placode in the central area and a large associated skin defect of 12 x× 12 cm. Urgent intervention was carried out on the day of birth with placode reconstruction. Dorsal and gluteus maximus muscle rotation and skin rotation flap were performed in order to achieve complete closure of the myocutaneous defect. The patient presented a good recovery with no new neurological deficit. CONCLUSION: Myelomeningocele may be associated with large myocutaneous defects that can be difficult to correct by primary closure. In these cases, rotation flaps may be necessary to achieve complete closure.

Mature filum terminale teratoma. Excision guided by direct stimulation of nerve roots. / Teratoma maduro del filum terminale. Extirpación guiada por estimulación directa de raíces nerviosas.

A 45-year-old male patient, with no history of interest, consulted in emergency department due to a progressive loss of strength in the lower limbs at the distal level with impossibility for dorsal flexion of the left foot, as well as neurogenic bladder. The MRI revealed a mass at the filum terminale with completed occupation of transverse diameter of the dural sac. The radiological diagnosis was lipoma of filum terminale. The patient underwent surgery with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring using direct stimulation of nerve roots, which allowed the removal of a tumour composed of sebaceous material, fat and hair. The anatomopathological study classified it as a mature cystic teratoma. Postoperative evolution was favorable.