Virtual reality implementation in neurosurgical practice: the "can't take my eyes off you" effect.

During the last few years, virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly implemented in the neurosurgical practice. The scope of this paper is to briefly outline the educational role of this novel technology in training surgeons. At the same time, the ability of VR workstations such as the Dextroscope® to consistently simulate the surgical trajectory to the lesion-target is highlighted. The authors shed light to the current applications of VR systems in the neurosurgical field by describing not only the advantages of those systems, but their principal drawbacks as well. It seems that VR has come to stay and it is already the new best friend of residents due to its "Can't take my eyes off you effect".

Congenital inclusion dermoid cyst of the posterior fontanel: a case report

Background: Dermoid cysts are rare and benign tumors originating from failure of the normal embryologic development. Congenital inclusion dermoid cysts are usually located over the anterior fontanel. Surgical treatment is curative and provides good aesthetic results. The authors present a rare case of congenital inclusion dermoid cyst over the posterior fontanel and discuss the location, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this unusual pathological entity. Case description: A two-year old boy presented with a lesion on the posterior aspect of the head which had dated since birth. Imaging studies revealed an extracranial lesion over the posterior fontanel without intracranial extension. Surgical removal was performed and the histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a dermoid cyst. The patient was discharged free of any medical complications. Conclusion: Although congenital inclusion dermoid cysts are more common over the anterior fontanel, they can occur over the posterior fontanel as well. Surgical treatment is curative in both locations with favorable aesthetic results.