Intracranial monitoring contributes to seizure freedom for temporal lobectomy patients with non‐concordant pre‐operative data

OBJECTIVEThere is emerging data that adults with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) without a discrete lesion on brain MRI have surgical outcomes comparable to those with hippocampal sclerosis (HS). However, pediatric TLE is different from its adult counterpart. In this study, the authors investigated if the presence of a potentially epileptogenic lesion on presurgical brain MRI influences the long-term seizure outcomes after pediatric temporal lobectomy.METHODSChildren who underwent temporal lobectomy between 2007 and 2015 and had at least 1 year of seizure outcomes data were identified. These were classified into lesional and MRI-negative groups based on whether an epilepsy-protocol brain MRI showed a lesion sufficiently specific to guide surgical decisions. These patients were also categorized into pure TLE and temporal plus epilepsies based on the neurophysiological localization of the seizure-onset zone. Seizure outcomes at each follow-up visit were incorporated into a repeated-measures generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with MRI status as a grouping variable. Clinical variables were incorporated into GLMM as covariates.RESULTSOne hundred nine patients (44 females) were included, aged 5 to 21 years, and were classified as lesional (73%), MRI negative (27%), pure TLE (56%), and temporal plus (44%). After a mean follow-up of 3.2 years (range 1.2–8.8 years), 66% of the patients were seizure free for ≥ 1 year at last follow-up. GLMM analysis revealed that lesional patients were more likely to be seizure free over the long term compared to MRI-negative patients for the overall cohort (OR 2.58, p < 0.0001) and for temporal plus epilepsies (OR 1.85, p = 0.0052). The effect of MRI lesion was not significant for pure TLE (OR 2.64, p = 0.0635). Concordance of ictal electroencephalography (OR 3.46, p < 0.0001), magnetoencephalography (OR 4.26, p < 0.0001), and later age of seizure onset (OR 1.05, p = 0.0091) were associated with a higher likelihood of seizure freedom. The most common histological findings included cortical dysplasia types 1B and 2A, HS (40% with dual pathology), and tuberous sclerosis.CONCLUSIONSA lesion on presurgical brain MRI is an important determinant of long-term seizure freedom after pediatric temporal lobectomy. Pediatric TLE is heterogeneous regarding etiologies and organization of seizure-onset zones with many patients qualifying for temporal plus nosology. The presence of an MRI lesion determined seizure outcomes in patients with temporal plus epilepsies. However, pure TLE had comparable surgical seizure outcomes for lesional and MRI-negative groups.

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Seizure outcome in temporal glioblastoma surgery: lobectomy as a supratotal resection regime outclasses conventional gross-total resection

Journal of Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1007/s11060-021-03705-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Valeri Borger ◽

Motaz Hamed ◽

Inja Ilic ◽

Anna-Laura Potthoff ◽

Attila Racz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tumor Resection ◽

Temporal Lobectomy ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Seizure Outcome ◽

Seizure Freedom ◽

Secondary Outcome Measure ◽

Total Resection ◽

Class 1 ◽

Postoperative Seizure ◽

The Impact

Abstract Introduction The postoperative seizure freedom represents an important secondary outcome measure in glioblastoma surgery. Recently, supra-total glioblastoma resection in terms of anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) has gained growing attention with regard to superior long-term disease control for temporal-located glioblastoma compared to conventional gross-total resections (GTR). However, the impact of ATL on seizure outcome in these patients is unknown. We therefore analyzed ATL and GTR as differing extents of resection in regard of postoperative seizure control in patients with temporal glioblastoma and preoperative symptomatic seizures. Methods Between 2012 and 2018, 33 patients with preoperative seizures underwent GTR or ATL for temporal glioblastoma at the authors’ institution. Seizure outcome was assessed postoperatively and 6 months after tumor resection according to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification and stratified into favorable (ILAE class 1) versus unfavorable (ILAE class 2–6). Results Overall, 23 out of 33 patients (70%) with preoperative seizures achieved favorable seizure outcome following resection of temporal located glioblastoma. For the ATL group, postoperative seizure freedom was present in 13 out of 13 patients (100%). In comparison, respective rates for the GTR group were 10 out of 20 patients (50%) (p = 0.002; OR 27; 95% CI 1.4–515.9). Conclusions ATL in terms of a supra-total resection strategy was associated with superior favorable seizure outcome following temporal glioblastoma resection compared to GTR. Regarding above mentioned survival benefit following ATL compared to GTR, ATL as an aggressive supra-total resection regime might constitute the surgical modality of choice for temporal-located glioblastoma.

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Experience From 211 Transcortical Selective Amygdalohippocampectomy Procedures: Relevant Surgical Anatomy and Review of the Literature

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/ons/opab206 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rushna Ali ◽

Dario J Englot ◽

Hong Yu ◽

Robert Naftel ◽

Kevin F Haas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Temporal Lobe ◽

Outcome Data ◽

Surgical Anatomy ◽

Temporal Lobectomy ◽

Middle Temporal Gyrus ◽

Seizure Freedom ◽

Review Of Literature ◽

Selective Amygdalohippocampectomy ◽

Complex Anatomy ◽

Institutional Experience

Abstract BACKGROUND Selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SelAH) is designed to treat medically refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with reduced morbidity compared to standard anterior temporal lobectomy. At our institution, we perform SelAH via a transcortical approach via small corticectomy in the middle temporal gyrus. OBJECTIVE To discuss the surgical anatomy and nuances of SelAH, share our institutional experience, and perform a review of literature. METHODS Institutional experience was recorded by collecting demographic and outcome data from 1999 to 2017 under an Institutional Review Board protocol in a prospective manner using a REDCap database. RESULTS A total of 211 SelAH procedures were performed at our institution between 1999 and 2017. Of these patients, 54% (113/211) were females. The average age at surgery was 39.4 yr. Two-year Engel outcome data were available for 168 patients, of which 73% (123/168) had Engel I outcomes. Engel II outcomes were reported in 16.6% (28/168), III in 4.7% (8/168), and IV in 5.3% (9/168). Our review of literature showed that this is comparable to the seizure freedom rates reported by other groups. We then reviewed our surgical methodology based on operative reports and created illustrations of the surgical anatomy of temporal lobe approach. These illustrations were compared with postoperative magnetic resonance imaging to provide a better 3D understanding of the complex architecture of mesial temporal structures. CONCLUSION SelAH is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective approach for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy with good surgical outcomes and low morbidity. We feel that mastering the complex anatomy of this approach helps achieve successful outcomes.

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Seizure Types and Frequency in Patients Who “Fail” Temporal Lobectomy for Intractable Epilepsy

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0000000000000120 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 73 (5) ◽

pp. 838-844 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Dario J. Englot ◽

Anthony T. Lee ◽

Catherine Tsai ◽

Cathra Halabi ◽

Nicholas M. Barbaro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intractable Epilepsy ◽

Temporal Lobectomy ◽

Seizure Type ◽

Seizure Outcome ◽

Seizure Freedom ◽

Partial Seizures ◽

Complex Partial Seizures ◽

Generalized Seizures ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Before And After

Abstract BACKGROUND: Temporal lobectomy can lead to favorable seizure outcomes in medically-refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Although most studies focus on seizure freedom after temporal lobectomy, less is known about seizure semiology in patients who “fail” surgery. Morbidity differs between seizure types that impair or spare consciousness. Among TLE patients with seizures after surgery, how does temporal lobectomy influence seizure type and frequency? OBJECTIVE: To characterize seizure types and frequencies before and after temporal lobectomy for TLE, including consciousness-sparing or consciousness-impairing seizures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective longitudinal cohort study examining patients undergoing temporal lobectomy for epilepsy at our institution from January 1995 to August 2010. RESULTS: Among 241 TLE patients who received temporal lobectomy, 174 (72.2%) patients achieved Engel class I outcome (free of disabling seizures), including 141 (58.5%) with complete seizure freedom. Overall seizure frequency in patients with persistent postoperative seizures decreased by 70% (P < .01), with larger reductions in consciousness-impairing seizures. While the number of patients experiencing consciousness-sparing simple partial seizures decreased by only 19% after surgery, the number of individuals having consciousness-impairing complex partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures diminished by 70% and 68%, respectively (P < .001). Simple partial seizure was the predominant seizure type in 19.1% vs 37.0% of patients preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively (P < .001). Favorable seizure outcome was predicted by a lack of generalized seizures preoperatively (odds ratio 1.74, 95% confidence interval 1.06-2.86, P < .5). CONCLUSION: Given important clinical and mechanistic differences between seizures with or without impairment of consciousness, seizure type and frequency remain important considerations in epilepsy surgery.

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Outcomes of epilepsy surgery in the older population: not too old, not too late

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2021.5.jns204211 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Panagiotis Kerezoudis ◽

Rohin Singh ◽

Veronica Parisi ◽

Gregory A. Worrell ◽

Kai J. Miller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Epilepsy Surgery ◽

Mortality Rates ◽

Temporal Lobectomy ◽

Administrative Database ◽

Seizure Freedom ◽

Mesial Temporal Sclerosis ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Older Population ◽

Safety And Efficacy

OBJECTIVE The prevalence of epilepsy in the older adult population is increasing. While surgical intervention in younger patients is supported by level I evidence, the safety and efficacy of epilepsy surgery in older individuals is less well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate seizure freedom rates and surgical outcomes in older epilepsy patients. METHODS The authors’ institutional electronic database was queried for patients older than 50 who had undergone epilepsy surgery during 2002–2018. Cases were grouped into 50–59, 60–69, and 70+ years old. Seizure freedom at the last follow-up constituted the primary outcome of interest. The institutional analysis was supplemented by a literature review and meta-analysis (random effects model) of all published studies on this topic as well as by an analysis of complication rates, mortality rates, and cost data from a nationwide administrative database (Vizient Inc., years 2016–2019). RESULTS A total of 73 patients (n = 16 for 50–59 years, n = 47 for 60–69, and n = 10 for 70+) were treated at the authors’ institution. The median age was 63 years, and 66% of the patients were female. At a median follow-up of 24 months, seizure freedom was 73% for the overall cohort, 63% for the 50–59 group, 77% for the 60–69 group, and 70% for the 70+ group. The literature search identified 15 additional retrospective studies (474 cases). Temporal lobectomy was the most commonly performed procedure (73%), and mesial temporal sclerosis was the most common pathology (52%), followed by nonspecific gliosis (19%). The pooled mean follow-up was 39 months (range 6–114.8 months) with a pooled seizure freedom rate of 65% (95% CI 59%–72%). On multivariable meta-regression analysis, an older mean age at surgery (coefficient [coeff] 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–3.1, p < 0.001) and the presence of mesial temporal sclerosis (coeff 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.6, p = 0.015) were the most important predictors of seizure freedom. Finally, analysis of the Vizient database revealed mortality rates of 0.5%, 1.1%, and 9.6%; complication rates of 7.1%, 10.1%, and 17.3%; and mean hospital costs of $31,977, $34,586, and $40,153 for patients aged 50–59, 60–69, and 70+ years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS While seizure-free outcomes of epilepsy surgery are excellent, there is an expected increase in morbidity and mortality with increasing age. Findings in this study on the safety and efficacy of epilepsy surgery in the older population may serve as a useful guide during preoperative decision-making and patient counseling.

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Temporal lobe epilepsy surgery failures: predictors of seizure recurrence, yield of reevaluation, and outcome following reoperation

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2010.8.jns10180 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 113 (6) ◽

pp. 1186-1194 ◽

Cited By ~ 57

Author(s):

Lara E. Jehi ◽

Diosely C. Silveira ◽

William Bingaman ◽

Imad Najm

Keyword(s):

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy ◽

Temporal Lobe ◽

Cleveland Clinic ◽

Temporal Lobectomy ◽

Seizure Freedom ◽

Seizure Recurrence ◽

Systematic Analysis ◽

Subdural Electrodes ◽

Initial Surgery ◽

Resolution Imaging

Object The authors provide a systematic analysis of electroclinical characteristics in patients with persistent seizures following temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) surgery and identify ideal candidates for reoperation. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 68 adult patients (mean follow-up 8.7 years) who underwent a video electroencephalography evaluation and high-resolution imaging after failed TLE surgery performed between 1990 and 2004 at The Cleveland Clinic. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of the yield of a repeat evaluation, location of the recurrence focus, and outcome following reoperation. Results Although a focus of recurrence was identified in 44 patients, only 15 underwent reoperation, and only 6 of these became seizure free. Localized foci of recurrence were successfully identified in patients with early (within 1 postoperative year) and frequent (≥ 4 per month) recurrent seizures (yield of 100% if both conditions were fulfilled). Predictors of contiguity of the focus of recurrence to the initial surgical bed were variable depending on the type of the initial surgery: patients with baseline contralateral temporal spiking were 6 times (OR 6.34, p < 0.05) more likely to experience seizure recurrence from the contralateral temporal lobe after a “standard” temporal lobectomy, while the need to use subdural electrodes and the timing of recurrence were more significant following limited temporal resections. The focus of recurrence was distant to the original surgical bed when subdural electrodes were used prior to first surgery (OR 28.0, p = 0.01) or when seizures recurred early (within < 6 postoperative months; OR 12.5, p = 0.04). With reoperation, only patients with mesial and basal extension of the temporal resections became seizure free. Interestingly, seizure freedom was achieved with medical therapy alone in 42% of patients with a nonidentifiable recurrence focus as opposed to 4% of those with an unoperated identifiable focus. Conclusions The timing and frequency of recurrent seizures following unsuccessful TLE surgery provide useful guidelines for the yield of a surgical reevaluation, and potentially for the mechanisms of surgical failure.

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Temporal plus epilepsy is a major determinant of temporal lobe surgery failures

Brain ◽

10.1093/brain/awv372 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 139 (2) ◽

pp. 444-451 ◽

Cited By ~ 86

Author(s):

Carmen Barba ◽

Sylvain Rheims ◽

Lorella Minotti ◽

Marc Guénot ◽

Dominique Hoffmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy ◽

Temporal Lobe ◽

Epilepsy Surgery ◽

Hippocampal Sclerosis ◽

Cox Proportional Hazards Model ◽

Temporal Lobectomy ◽

Seizure Freedom ◽

Epileptogenic Zone ◽

Anterior Temporal Lobectomy

Abstract See Engel (doi:10.1093/awv374) for a scientific commentary on this article. Reasons for failed temporal lobe epilepsy surgery remain unclear. Temporal plus epilepsy, characterized by a primary temporal lobe epileptogenic zone extending to neighboured regions, might account for a yet unknown proportion of these failures. In this study all patients from two epilepsy surgery programmes who fulfilled the following criteria were included: (i) operated from an anterior temporal lobectomy or disconnection between January 1990 and December 2001; (ii) magnetic resonance imaging normal or showing signs of hippocampal sclerosis; and (iii) postoperative follow-up ≥ 24 months for seizure-free patients. Patients were classified as suffering from unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy, bitemporal epilepsy or temporal plus epilepsy based on available presurgical data. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate the probability of seizure freedom over time. Predictors of seizure recurrence were investigated using Cox proportional hazards model. Of 168 patients included, 108 (63.7%) underwent stereoelectroencephalography, 131 (78%) had hippocampal sclerosis, 149 suffered from unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy (88.7%), one from bitemporal epilepsy (0.6%) and 18 (10.7%) from temporal plus epilepsy. The probability of Engel class I outcome at 10 years of follow-up was 67.3% (95% CI: 63.4–71.2) for the entire cohort, 74.5% (95% CI: 70.6–78.4) for unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy, and 14.8% (95% CI: 5.9–23.7) for temporal plus epilepsy. Multivariate analyses demonstrated four predictors of seizure relapse: temporal plus epilepsy (P < 0.001), postoperative hippocampal remnant (P = 0.001), past history of traumatic or infectious brain insult (P = 0.022), and secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (P = 0.023). Risk of temporal lobe surgery failure was 5.06 (95% CI: 2.36–10.382) greater in patients with temporal plus epilepsy than in those with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy. Temporal plus epilepsy represents a hitherto unrecognized prominent cause of temporal lobe surgery failures. In patients with temporal plus epilepsy, anterior temporal lobectomy appears very unlikely to control seizures and should not be advised. Whether larger resection of temporal plus epileptogenic zones offers greater chance of seizure freedom remains to be investigated.

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Relationship of number of seizures recorded on video-EEG to surgical outcome in refractory medial temporal lobe epilepsy

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/s0004-282x2012000900009 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 70 (9) ◽

pp. 694-699 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Rup Kamal Sainju ◽

Bethany Jacobs Wolf ◽

Leonardo Bonilha ◽

Gabriel Martz

Keyword(s):

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy ◽

Temporal Lobe ◽

Surgical Outcome ◽

Medial Temporal Lobe ◽

Temporal Lobectomy ◽

Seizure Freedom ◽

Primary Analysis ◽

Related Factors ◽

Relationship Of ◽

Medial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

INTRODUCTION: Surgical planning for refractory medial temporal lobe epilepsy (rMTLE) relies on seizure localization by ictal electroencephalography (EEG). Multiple factors impact the number of seizures recorded. We evaluated whether seizure freedom correlated to the number of seizures recorded, and the related factors. METHODS: We collected data for 32 patients with rMTLE who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy. Primary analysis evaluated number of seizures captured as a predictor of surgical outcome. Subsequent analyses explored factors that may seizure number. RESULTS: Number of seizures recorded did not predict seizure freedom. More seizures were recorded with more days of seizure occurrence (p<0.001), seizure clusters (p<0.011) and poorly localized seizures (PLSz) (p=0.004). Regression modeling showed a trend for subjects with fewer recorded poorly localized seizures to have better surgical outcome (p=0.052). CONCLUSIONS: Total number of recorded seizures does not predict surgical outcome. Patients with more PLSz may have worse outcome.

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Completion Posterior Quadrant Disconnection After Failed Temporal Lobectomy: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/ons/opab307 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Saarang Patel ◽

Christopher Markosian ◽

Jose F Dominguez ◽

Firas A Taha ◽

Luke D Tomycz

Keyword(s):

External Ventricular Drain ◽

Public Domain ◽

Temporal Lobectomy ◽

Seizure Freedom ◽

Effective Treatment Option ◽

Posterior Quadrant ◽

Patient Consent ◽

Mcgraw Hill Book Company ◽

Failed Surgery ◽

Occipital Lobes

Abstract Epilepsy is a chronic seizure disorder that affects about 1% of the global population.1 When seizure freedom cannot be obtained solely through antiseizure medicines (ASMs), the condition is termed medically refractory epilepsy (MRE).2,3 Though posterior quadrant disconnection (PQD) is underutilized in our experience, it is a highly effective surgical procedure for MRE restricted to the temporal, parietal, and/or occipital lobes.4-12 In this operative video, we demonstrate a right-sided completion PQD following failed temporal lobectomy in an 8-yr-old female with focal MRE. We review technical nuances, including (1) extension/revision of prior scalp incision, (2) placement of subdural strip for the identification of phase reversal and central sulcus, (3) disconnection of parietal and occipital lobes, (4) extension of the corticectomy to the pia overlying the falcotentorial junction and into the prior temporal lobectomy defect, and (5) posterior disconnection of the corpus callosum. Postoperatively, the patient experienced subtle left-arm weakness and central fever, both of which resolved. An external ventricular drain (EVD) was placed in the ventricle/operative cavity and left for 3 to 4 d until the draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cleared. As of 3-mo follow-up, she has been seizure-free without complications. In summary, PQD is a safe and effective treatment option for MRE that can be utilized not only as an initial operation but also after failed surgery. Appropriate patient consent was obtained to perform this procedure and present this clinical case and surgical video for academic purposes. Image at 4:00 licensed under CC BY-2.5, 2006, modified from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Lateral_head_skull.jpg (flipped and rotated). Image at 4:42, Public Domain: Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. 1918. Bartleby.com, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lobes_of_the_brain_NL.svg; flipped, modified. Image at 6:42, Public Domain: House EL, Pansky B. A Functional Approach to Neuroanatomy. 1960. McGraw-Hill Book Company; https://upload.wikimedia.wikipedia.commons/5/52/Lawrence_1960_2.3.png; modified.

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Extrapial Hippocampal Resection in Anterior Temporal Lobectomy: Technical Description and Clinical Outcomes in a 62-Patient Case Series

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/ons/opab262 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Helweh Hussein ◽

Vasileios Kokkinos ◽

Nathaniel D Sisterson ◽

Michel Modo ◽

R Mark Richardson

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Temporal Lobectomy ◽

Outcome Analysis ◽

Seizure Freedom ◽

Histopathological Diagnosis ◽

Complication Rates ◽

En Bloc ◽

Anterior Temporal Lobectomy ◽

Operative Strategy ◽

Cavernous Malformations

Abstract BACKGROUND Anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) is the most effective treatment for drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Extrapial en bloc hippocampal resection facilitates complete removal of the hippocampus. With increasing use of minimally invasive treatments, considering open resection techniques that optimize the integrity of tissue specimens is important both for obtaining the correct histopathological diagnosis and for further study. OBJECTIVE To describe the operative strategy and clinical outcomes associated with an extrapial approach to hippocampal resection during ATL. METHODS A database of epilepsy surgeries performed by a single surgeon between October 2011 and February 2019 was reviewed to identify all patients who underwent ATL using an extrapial approach to hippocampal resection. To reduce confounding variables for outcome analysis, subjects with prior resections, tumors, and cavernous malformations were excluded. Seizure outcomes were classified using the Engel scale. RESULTS The surgical technique is described and illustrated with intraoperative images. A total of 62 patients met inclusion criteria (31 females) for outcome analysis. Patients with most recent follow-up <3 yr (n = 33) and >3 yr (n = 29) exhibited 79% and 52% class I outcomes, respectively. An infarct was observed on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging in 3 patients (1 asymptomatic and 2 temporarily symptomatic). An en bloc specimen in which the subiculum and all hippocampal subfields were preserved was obtained in each case. Examples of innovative research opportunities resulting from this approach are presented. CONCLUSION Extrapial resection of the hippocampus can be performed safely with seizure freedom and complication rates at least as good as those reported with the use of subpial techniques.

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