Tentorial meningiomas: surgical experience with 61 cases and long-term results

1988 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beniamino Guidetti ◽  
Pasquale Ciappetta ◽  
Maurizio Domenicucci

✓ The authors report their experience and long-term results in the surgical treatment of 61 tentorial meningiomas. These cases were operated on between 1951 and 1985 and represented 4.8% of all intracranial meningiomas operated on in that period. The mean duration of clinical history was 29 months, except for cases of meningioma of the posteromedial border, for which it was 5 years. Plain x-ray films and cerebral angiograms were obtained in all cases. Computerized tomography, performed in the last 20 cases (32.7%), supplied much better lesion topography and early diagnosis. The tumor site was posterolateral in 26 cases (42.6%), anterolateral in 14 (22.9%), posteromedial in eight (13.1%), at the free border in seven (11.4%), and in the tentorium itself in six (9.8%). Lateral and medial tumors with solely or mainly supratentorial development were approached from above. The approach from below was reserved for meningiomas with subtentorial involvement only. In meningiomas with both supra- and subtentorial growth, a supratentorial bone flap was combined with a suboccipital craniectomy using a retromastoid incision. The mortality rate was 9.8%. Of the remaining 42 patients, who were followed for at least 5 years, long-term results were good in 26 cases (61.9%), fair in 11 (26.2%), and poor in five (11.9%). Postoperative complications arose in 34% of the patients, but cleared in 27%.

2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 757-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Guimarães-Ferreira ◽  
Fredrik Gewalli ◽  
Pelle Sahlin ◽  
Hans Friede ◽  
Py Owman-Moll ◽  
...  

Object. Brachycephaly is a characteristic feature of Apert syndrome. Traditional techniques of cranioplasty often fail to produce an acceptable morphological outcome in patients with this condition. In 1996 a new surgical procedure called “dynamic cranioplasty for brachycephaly” (DCB) was reported. The purpose of the present study was to analyze perioperative data and morphological long-term results in patients with the cranial vault deformity of Apert syndrome who were treated with DCB. Methods. Twelve patients have undergone surgery performed using this technique since its introduction in 1991 (mean duration of follow-up review 60.2 months). Eleven patients had bicoronal synostosis and one had a combined bicoronal—bilambdoid synostosis. Perioperative data and long-term evolution of skull shape visualized on serial cephalometric radiographs were analyzed and compared with normative data. Changes in mean skull proportions were evaluated using a two-tailed paired-samples t-test, with differences being considered significant for probability values less than 0.01. The mean operative blood transfusion was 136% of estimated red cell mass (ERCM) and the mean postoperative transfusion was 48% of ERCM. The mean operative time was 218 minutes. The duration of stay in the intensive care unit averaged 1.7 days and the mean hospital stay was 11.8 days. There were no incidences of mortality and few complications. An improvement in skull shape was achieved in all cases, with a change in the mean cephalic index from a preoperative value of 90 to a postoperative value of 78 (p = 0.000254). Conclusions. Dynamic cranioplasty for brachycephaly is a safe procedure, yielding high-quality morphological results in the treatment of brachycephaly in patients with Apert syndrome.


2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 119-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuya Kobayashi ◽  
Yoshimasa Mori ◽  
Yukio Uchiyama ◽  
Yoshihisa Kida ◽  
Shigeru Fujitani

Object. The authors conducted a study to determine the long-term results of gamma knife surgery for residual or recurrent growth hormine (GH)—producing pituitary adenomas and to compare the results with those after treatment of other pituitary adenomas. Methods. The series consisted of 67 patients. The mean tumor diameter was 19.2 mm and volume was 5.4 cm3. The mean maximum dose was 35.3 Gy and the mean margin dose was 18.9 Gy. The mean follow-up duration was 63.3 months (range 13–142 months). The tumor resolution rate was 2%, the response rate 68.3%, and the control rate 100%. Growth hormone normalization (GH < 1.0 ng/ml) was found in 4.8%, nearly normal (< 2.0 ng/ml) in 11.9%, significantly decreased (< 5.0 ng/ml) in 23.8%, decreased in 21.4%, unchanged in 21.4%, and increased in 16.7%. Serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)—1 was significantly decreased (IGF-1 < 400 ng/ml) in 40.7%, decreased in 29.6%, unchanged in 18.5%, and increased in 11.1%, which was almost parallel to the GH changes. Conclusions. Gamma knife surgery was effective and safe for the control of tumors; however, normalization of GH and IGF-1 secretion was difficult to achieve in cases with large tumors and low-dose radiation. Gamma knife radiosurgery is thus indicated for small tumors after surgery or medication therapy when a relatively high-dose radiation is required.


1987 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giampaolo Cantore ◽  
Beniamino Guidetti ◽  
Roberto Delfini

✓ Surgical experience with grafts of human dura mater sterilized by gamma rays and preserved in alcohol is reported in 804 cases. The method of graft preparation is a simple, cheap, and practical technique for making available a plentiful quantity of large and small pieces of dura to use for plastic reconstruction in everyday neurosurgical practice. Annual inspection for sterility and immunogenicity over an 18-year period indicates that this system of preservation is valid for an unlimited period of time.


2005 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 220-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Pan ◽  
En-Min Wang ◽  
Nan Zhang ◽  
Liang-Fu Zhou ◽  
Bing-Jiang Wang ◽  
...  

Object. The authors evaluated the long-term efficacy of gamma knife surgery (GKS) in patients with trigeminal schwannomas. Methods. Fifty-six patients, 31 women and 25 men (mean age 42 years), underwent GKS for trigeminal schwannomas. Fourteen had previously undergone surgery, and GKS was the primary treatment in the remaining 42 patients. The mean target volume was 8.7 cm3 (range 0.8–33 cm3); the mean maximum dose was 27 Gy (range 20–40 Gy); the mean tumor margin dose was 13.3 Gy (range 10–15 Gy); and the mean follow-up period was 68 months (range 27–114 months). Disappearance of the tumor occurred in seven patients. An obvious decrease in tumor volume was observed in 41 patients, four tumors remained unchanged, and four tumors progressed at 5, 26, 30, and 60 months, respectively. One patient with disease progression died of tumor progression at 36 months after GKS. The tumor growth control rate in this group was 93% (52 of 56 cases). Mild numbness or diplopia was relieved completely in 14 patients. Improvement of other neurological deficits was demonstrated in 25 patients. Trigeminal nerve dysfunction was either unchanged or slightly worse in 13 patients after GKS. Four patients experienced mild symptom deterioration related to tumor progression. Conclusions. Radiosurgery proved to be an effective treatment for small- and medium-sized trigeminal schwannomas. Some larger tumors are also suitable for radiosurgery if there is no significant brainstem compression.


2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 220-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Pan ◽  
En-Min Wang ◽  
Nan Zhang ◽  
Liang-Fu Zhou ◽  
Bing-Jiang Wang ◽  
...  

Object. The authors evaluated the long-term efficacy of gamma knife surgery (GKS) in patients with trigeminal schwannomas. Methods. Fifty-six patients, 31 women and 25 men (mean age 42 years), underwent GKS for trigeminal schwannomas. Fourteen had previously undergone surgery, and GKS was the primary treatment in the remaining 42 patients. The mean target volume was 8.7 cm3 (range 0.8–33 cm3); the mean maximum dose was 27 Gy (range 20–40 Gy); the mean tumor margin dose was 13.3 Gy (range 10–15 Gy); and the mean follow-up period was 68 months (range 27–114 months). Disappearance of the tumor occurred in seven patients. An obvious decrease in tumor volume was observed in 41 patients, four tumors remained unchanged, and four tumors progressed at 5, 26, 30, and 60 months, respectively. One patient with disease progression died of tumor progression at 36 months after GKS. The tumor growth control rate in this group was 93% (52 of 56 cases). Mild numbness or diplopia was relieved completely in 14 patients. Improvement of other neurological deficits was demonstrated in 25 patients. Trigeminal nerve dysfunction was either unchanged or slightly worse in 13 patients after GKS. Four patients experienced mild symptom deterioration related to tumor progression. Conclusions. Radiosurgery proved to be an effective treatment for small- and medium-sized trigeminal schwannomas. Some larger tumors are also suitable for radiosurgery if there is no significant brainstem compression.


1992 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-46
Author(s):  
U. Fusco ◽  
R. Capelli ◽  
A. Avai ◽  
M. Gerundini ◽  
L. Colombini ◽  
...  

Between 1980 and 1987 we have implanted 46 isoelastic cementless THR in 40 patients affected with rheumatoid arthritis. We have reviewed 38 hips clinically and by X-ray. The mean follow-up was 8,5 years. Harris hip scores ranged from 30.6 preoperatively to 73,4 post-operatively when reviewed. While on the other hand Merle D'Aubigné hip scores ranged from 7,06 pre-operatively to 15,59 post-operatively. All patients have been satisfied, and X-rays showed an improvement for both Charnely and Gruen X-ray score.


2005 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 225-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
En-Min Wang ◽  
Li Pan ◽  
Bing-Jiang Wang ◽  
Nan Zhang ◽  
Liang-Fu Zhou ◽  
...  

Object. The authors assessed the long-term result of gamma knife surgery (GKS) for hemangioblastomas of the brain (HABs) and show histopathological findings after GKS. Methods. Thirty-five patients, 28 men and seven women, with a mean age of 36 years underwent GKS. Eighteen patients presented with multiple tumors and 17 with a solitary tumor. Twenty-one patients had von Hippel—Lindau (VHL) disease. The mean tumor diameter was 13 mm (range 5–55 mm). The mean follow up after GKS was 66 months (range 24–114 months). The mean prescription dose was 17.2 Gy (range 12–24 Gy) at the tumor margin. For tumors close to or within the brainstem a prescription dose of 12 to 13 Gy was used. At the most recent follow up, 29 patients were alive, six were dead, and satisfactory tumor control had been achieved in 29. A stable or improved neurological status was obtained in 21 patients. Eight patients underwent open surgery because of tumor-associated cyst enlargement or the development of new tumors after GKS. Seven patients developed new tumors and five of them required a second GKS. The 1-year tumor control rate was 94%; 2 years, 85%; 3 years, 82%; 4 years, 79%; and 5 years, 71%. Histopathology showed that no tumor cells were found and there was degeneration and necrosis in a tumor nodule 48 months after GKS with a prescription dose of 18 Gy. Conclusions. Gamma knife surgery was a useful choice for small- or medium-sized, solid HAB in the long term, especially when the tumor margin dose was 18 Gy. Although GKS can treat multiple tumors in a single session, for HABs associated with VHL disease, GKS faces the dual problems of tumor recurrence or development of a new tumor.


1991 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Kesterson ◽  
Edward Benzel ◽  
William Orrison ◽  
James Coleman

✓ Although several large series of atlas fractures have been reported recently, none has concentrated on the evaluation and treatment of atlas burst fractures (Jefferson fractures). The treatment of this fracture is challenging. Its diagnosis may easily be missed due to concerns about associated trauma and absence of neurological signs. In addition, the open-mouth anteroposterior x-ray study, which is usually pathognomonic for the diagnosis, is often inadequate or not obtained. In order to clarify the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder, 17 cases of Jefferson fracture treated between 1982 and 1989 at the Louisiana State University Affiliated Hospitals are presented. The diagnosis was delayed in three patients because of a low index of suspicion and inadequate x-ray films. Four patients were noted to have unstable Jefferson fractures; all of these had an associated Type II odontoid fracture and were treated with occiput-C-2 wiring and fusion. The remainder of the patients had stable Jefferson fractures and were managed with Minerva jackets or rigid collar stabilization. No significant complications related to the treatment of the Jefferson fracture occurred in this series. One patient died from associated injuries: however, the remaining patients enjoyed an excellent long-term result with the acquisition of spinal stability and the resolution of subjective complaints.


2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Yen ◽  
Vikas Kuriachan ◽  
Jeff Yach ◽  
Andrew Howard

Object. The authors assessed the long-term results of anterior decompressive and vertebral body reconstructive surgery in which the Wellesley Wedge was applied in patients with metastatic spinal lesions over the life span of these individuals. Methods. The authors performed a retrospective review of the outcome of 27 consecutively treated patients who underwent surgery for thoracic or lumbar spine metastases. Decompressive surgery was performed via an anterior thoracotomy and/or retroperitoneal approach depending on the level of the lesion. The spine was reconstructed using a U-shaped plate with an interposed methylmethacrylate strut known as the Wellesley Wedge. Results. Thirty percent of patients suffered medical complications whereas 22% experienced postoperative improvement, as reflected by an improved Frankel grade. Used in patients with a variety of primary tumor types, a spectrum of ages and neurological status, and extensive preoperative osseous spinal involvement and deformity, the Wellesley Wedge resulted in spinal stability for the duration of patients' lives in 92%. Conclusions. In this series the patient selection process for surgery was a challenge yet to be solved; however, considering the durability of the Wellesley Wedge itself, the authors will continue to use it in selected patients.


1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 340-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marvin Bergsneider

✓ There is no consensus as to the optimum management of patients who harbor cysticercal cysts within the fourth ventricle. Compared with the alternative treatment options of anthelmintic medication and/or cerebrospinal fluid shunt placement, the surgical removal of the cyst has the advantage of eliminating the inflammatory nidus and potentially obviating the need for a complication-prone shunt. Here, an endoscopic surgical approach is described and proposed as an alternative to the standard suboccipital craniectomy for removal of cysticercal cysts within the fourth ventricle.A retrospective analysis of five consecutive endoscopic cases was performed. Endoscopic removal of all cysts within the fourth ventricle was successful in each case. The mean length of operative time was short and blood loss was insignificant. The endoscopic procedure was safe and associated with minimal postoperative discomfort in most patients.In properly selected patients, the endoscopic removal of cysticercal cysts located within the fourth ventricle should be considered as the primary treatment for this condition.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document