Neurosurgical intervention in penetrating spinal trauma with associated visceral injury

1989 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 514-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin H. Venger ◽  
Richard K. Simpson ◽  
Raj K. Narayan
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Outcome ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Infection Prophylaxis ◽  
Associated Injuries ◽  
Visceral Injury ◽  
Surgical Exploration ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Neurosurgical Intervention

✓ Associated injuries to the neck, chest, or abdomen are found in approximately one-quarter of all civilians with penetrating spinal cord or cauda equina injuries. While the value of and indications for general surgical exploration and repair of these injuries are fairly self-evident, the value of neurosurgical intervention in terms of neurological outcome and infection prophylaxis remains the subject of debate. To study this issue, 160 civilian patients with penetrating spinal injuries and neurological deficits were retrospectively reviewed. Associated injuries of the esophagus, trachea, bronchi, or bowel were seen in 107 individuals (67%); 33 (31%) of these patients had abdominal injuries, 25 (23%) had neck injuries, 23 (21%) had thoracic injuries, and 26 (24%) had injuries occurring at multiple sites. Of these 107 patients, 67 (63%) had complete neurological injuries and the remaining 40 (37%) demonstrated incomplete deficits. All 107 patients underwent surgical exploration and repair of their visceral injuries; in 19 of them a neurosurgical procedure was also performed for decompression of the neural elements and/or debridement of the wound. Regardless of the presence of associated visceral injuries, the mechanism of injury, and the extent of the neurological deficit, no statistically significant difference in neurological outcome was found in patients with or without neurosurgical intervention. Complications associated with neurological injury were reported in 17 (11%) of the total group of 160 patients. Four (21%) of the 19 patients who had neurosurgical intervention suffered a related complication, compared to only six (7%) of the 88 patients who were managed conservatively (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of a retrospective review, the results of this study do not clearly support the value of routine neurosurgical intervention as an adjunct to general surgical repair in cases of spinal injury associated with penetrating visceral trauma.

scholarly journals Surgical removal of a spinal intrathecal projectile led to a significant improvement of cauda equina syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 227
Author(s):  
Zaid Aljuboori
Keyword(s):  
Cauda Equina Syndrome ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Gunshot Wounds ◽  
Foot Drop ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Neurological Outcomes ◽  
Burning Pain ◽  
The Right

Background: Penetrating gunshot wounds of the spine are common and can cause severe neurological deficits. However, there are no guidelines as to their optimal treatment. Here, we present a penetrating injury to the lower thoracic spine at the T12 level that lodged within the canal at L1, resulting in a cauda equina syndrome. Notably, the patient’s deficit resolved following bullet removal. Case Description: A 29-year-old male sustained a gunshot injury. The bullet entered the right lower chest, went through the liver, entered the spinal canal at T12, fractured the right T12/L1 facet, and settled within the canal at the L1 level. The patient presented with severe burning pain in the right leg, and perineum. On exam, he had right-sided moderate weakness of the iliopsoas and quadriceps femoris muscles, a right-sided foot drop, decreased sensation throughout the right leg, and urinary retention. Computed tomography myelography showed the bullet located intrathecally at the L1 level causing compression of the cauda equina. The patient underwent an L1 laminectomy with durotomy for bullet removal. Immediately postoperatively, the patient improved; motor power returned to normal, the sensory exam significantly improved; and he was left with only mild residual numbness and burning pain in the right leg. Conclusion: With gunshot injuries, there is a direct correlation between the location/severity of the neurological injury and the potential for recovery. In patients with incomplete cauda equina syndromes, bullet extraction may prove beneficial to neurological outcomes.

Introduction of intraoperative neuromonitoring does not necessarily improve overall long-term outcome in elective aneurysm clipping

2020 ◽  
Vol 132 (4) ◽  
pp. 1188-1196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Greve ◽  
Veit M. Stoecklein ◽  
Franziska Dorn ◽  
Sophia Laskowski ◽  
Niklas Thon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Neurological Outcome ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring ◽  
Neurosurgical Procedures ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Significant Difference

OBJECTIVEIntraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM), particularly of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), evolved as standard of care in a variety of neurosurgical procedures. Case series report a positive impact of IOM for elective microsurgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (ECUIA), whereas systematic evaluation of its predictive value is lacking. Therefore, the authors analyzed the neurological outcome of patients undergoing ECUIA before and after IOM introduction to this procedure.METHODSThe dates of inclusion in the study were 2007–2014. In this period, ECUIA procedures before (n = 136, NIOM-group; 2007–2010) and after introduction of IOM (n = 138, IOM-group; 2011–2014) were included. The cutoff value for SSEP/MEP abnormality was chosen as an amplitude reduction ≥ 50%. SSEP/MEP changes were correlated with neurological outcome. IOM-undetectable deficits (bulbar, vision, ataxia) were not included in risk stratification.RESULTSThere was no significant difference in sex distribution, follow-up period, subarachnoid hemorrhage risk factors, aneurysm diameter, complexity, and location. Age was higher in the IOM-group (57 vs 54 years, p = 0.012). In the IOM group, there were 18 new postoperative deficits (13.0%, 5.8% permanent), 9 hemisyndromes, 2 comas, 4 bulbar symptoms, and 3 visual deficits. In the NIOM group there were 18 new deficits (13.2%; 7.3% permanent, including 7 hemisyndromes). The groups did not significantly differ in the number or nature of postoperative deficits, nor in their recovery rate. In the IOM group, SSEPs and MEPs were available in 99% of cases. Significant changes were noted in 18 cases, 4 of which exhibited postoperative hemisyndrome, and 1 suffered from prolonged comatose state (5 true-positive cases). Twelve patients showed no new detectable deficits (false positives), however 2 of these cases showed asymptomatic infarction. Five patients with new hemisyndrome and 1 comatose patient did not show significant SSEP/MEP alterations (false negatives). Overall sensitivity of SSEP/MEP monitoring was 45.5%, specificity 89.8%, positive predictive value 27.8%, and negative predictive value 95.0%.CONCLUSIONSThe assumed positive impact of introducing SSEP/MEP monitoring on overall neurological outcome in ECUIA did not reach significance. This study suggests that from a medicolegal point of view, IOM is not stringently required in all neurovascular procedures. However, future studies should carefully address high-risk patients with complex procedures who might benefit more clearly from IOM than others.

Causes of delayed exploration of the acute scrotum in a regional tertiary centre

2020 ◽  
pp. 205141582098119
Author(s):  
Benjamin Storey ◽  
Nathan Shugg ◽  
Alison Blatt
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Review ◽  
Testicular Torsion ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Acute Scrotum ◽  
Tertiary Institution ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Scrotal Pain ◽  
Surgical Exploration ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Testicular torsion is an organ-threatening surgical emergency with a limited timeframe for intervention. Objective: To identify the delays to surgical exploration of patients with an acute scrotum in a tertiary hospital to prevent adverse outcomes associated with this time critical emergency. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records for all patients who underwent scrotal exploration for acute scrotal pain in a tertiary hospital in regional New South Wales between January 2008 to December 2018 was performed. Results: Retrospective review identified 242 patients, of whom 161 had testicular torsion and 56 resultant orchidectomies. No statistically significant difference in pre-hospital delays between paediatric or adult populations was found. The average time from presentation to theatre was 4 h 36 min. Patients who were delayed > 6 h from presentation to surgical exploration had significantly increased rates of orchidectomy. Delays that significantly affected rates of orchidectomy were transfer from peripheral sites, late presentation, misdiagnosis and representation after discharge. Conclusion: The most common reason for delay was diagnostic error with the patient later re-presenting to hospital. Patient transfer from the primary hospital to a tertiary institution and subsequent delayed surgical exploration also contributed to significantly higher rates of orchidectomy. Level of Evidence: 3

scholarly journals Mortality after cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a medical ICU

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Rezar ◽  
Bernhard Wernly ◽  
Michael Haslinger ◽  
Clemens Seelmaier ◽  
Philipp Schwaiger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Neurological Outcome ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Cerebral Performance Category ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Study Endpoint ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Postresuscitation Care ◽  
Significant Difference

Summary Background Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and postresuscitation care in the intensive care unit (ICU) are standardized procedures; however, there is evidence suggesting sex-dependent differences in clinical management and outcome variables after cardiac arrest (CA). Methods A prospective analysis of patients who were hospitalized at a medical ICU after CPR between December 2018 and March 2020 was conducted. Exclusion criteria were age < 18 years, hospital length of stay < 24 h and traumatic CA. The primary study endpoint was mortality after 6 months and the secondary endpoint neurological outcome assessed by cerebral performance category (CPC). Differences between groups were calculated by using U‑tests and χ2-tests, for survival analysis both univariate and multivariable Cox regression were fitted. Results A total of 106 patients were included and the majority were male (71.7%). No statistically significant difference regarding 6‑month mortality between sexes could be shown (hazard risk, HR 0.68, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.35–1.34; p = 0.27). Neurological outcome was also similar between both groups (CPC 1 88% in both sexes after 6 months; p = 1.000). There were no statistically significant differences regarding general characteristics, pre-existing diseases, as well as the majority of clinical and laboratory parameters or measures performed on the ICU. Conclusion In a single center CPR database no statistically significant sex-specific differences regarding post-resuscitation care, survival and neurological outcome after 6 months were observed.

scholarly journals Predictors of Survival in Atypical Meningiomas

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1970
Author(s):  
Michele Da Broi ◽  
Paola Borrelli ◽  
Torstein R. Meling
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Outcome ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Neurological Outcomes ◽  
Progression Of Disease ◽  
Atypical Meningiomas

Introduction: Predictors of survival and progression of disease in atypical meningiomas are less well documented in the literature compared to benign meningiomas. Higher grade meningiomas tend to recur often and one of the most critical aspects is how to best deal with relapses. Methods: A total of 77 consecutive patients who underwent craniotomy for atypical meningioma between 1990–2010 at Oslo University Hospital (OUH) were reviewed. Results: Median age at surgery was 62.21 [interquartile range (IQR): 22.87] years. Fifty-one patients (66.2%) had neurological deficits at presentation. Fifty-four patients (70.1%) underwent gross total resection (GTR). Thirty-nine patients (50.7%) had improved/stable neurological outcomes at 6–12 months. Twenty-two patients (28.6%) underwent retreatment, of whom 20 (26.0%) were subjected to resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in patients <65 years (p < 0.001), with preoperative Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score of ≥ 70 (p = 0.006), and who required no retreatment (p = 0.033). GTR significantly prolonged the retreatment-free survival rate (p < 0.001). STR carried almost a six-fold greater risk of neurological outcome deterioration (p = 0.044). Conclusions: GTR significantly prolonged retreatment-free survival but had no significant impact on OS. STR was a significant risk factor for deteriorated neurological outcome. Age, preoperative KPS, and retreatment were all strong predictors of OS. Median time-to-retreatment (TTR) did not shorten significantly throughout repeated surgeries.

scholarly journals Intraoperative neurophysiological mapping and monitoring in spinal tumor surgery: sirens or indispensable tools?

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. E18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonino Scibilia ◽  
Carmen Terranova ◽  
Vincenzo Rizzo ◽  
Giovanni Raffa ◽  
Adolfo Morelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complex Function ◽  
Spinal Tumor ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Neurophysiological Monitoring ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Effective Role ◽  
Mapping Techniques ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Spinal tumor (ST) surgery carries the risk of new neurological deficits in the postoperative period. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and mapping (IONM) represents an effective method of identifying and monitoring in real time the functional integrity of both the spinal cord (SC) and the nerve roots (NRs). Despite consensus favoring the use of IONM in ST surgery, in this era of evidence-based medicine, there is still a need to demonstrate the effective role of IONM in ST surgery in achieving an oncological cure, optimizing patient safety, and considering medicolegal aspects. Thus, neurosurgeons are asked to establish which techniques are considered indispensable. In the present study, the authors focused on the rationale for and the accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values) of IONM in ST surgery in light of more recent evidence in the literature, with specific emphasis on the role of IONM in reducing the incidence of postoperative neurological deficits. This review confirms the role of IONM as a useful tool in the workup for ST surgery. Individual monitoring and mapping techniques are clearly not sufficient to account for the complex function of the SC and NRs. Conversely, multimodal IONM is highly sensitive and specific for anticipating neurological injury during ST surgery and represents an important tool for preserving neuronal structures and achieving an optimal postoperative functional outcome.

scholarly journals Incidence and Risk Factors for Neurological Deterioration in Posterior Corrective Surgeries for Severe Angular Kyphotic Deformities: A 10-Year Institutional Retrospective Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 219256822097912
Author(s):  
Kalyan Kumar Varma Kalidindi ◽  
Sulaiman Sath ◽  
Jeevan Kumar Sharma ◽  
Gayatri Vishwakarma ◽  
Harvinder Singh Chhabra
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Neurological Deficit ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
Deformity Correction ◽  
Neurological Deterioration ◽  
Kyphotic Deformity ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Significant Difference

Study Design: Retrospective case-control study. Objective: Neurological deficit is one of the dreaded complications of kyphotic deformity correction procedures. There is inconsistency in the reports of neurological outcomes following such procedures and only a few studies have analyzed the risk factors for neurological deficits. We aimed to analyze the factors associated with neurological deterioration in severe kyphotic deformity correction surgeries. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 121 consecutive surgically treated severe kyphotic deformity cases (49 males, 56 females) at a single institute (May 1st 2008 to May 31st 2018) and analyzed the risk factors for neurological deterioration. The demographic, surgical and clinical details of the patients were obtained by reviewing the medical records. Results: 105 included patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A (without neurological deficit) with 92 patients (42 males, 50 females) and Group B (with neurological deficit) with 13 patients (7 males, 6 females) (12.4%). Statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was observed in the preoperative sagittal Cobbs angle (p < 0.0001), operative time (p = 0.003) and the presence of myelopathic signs on neurological examination (p = 0.048) and location of the apex of deformity (p = 0.010) but not in other factors. Conclusions: Preoperative Sagittal Cobbs angle, presence of signs of myelopathy, operative time and location of apex in the distal thoracic region were significantly higher in patients with neurological deterioration as compared to those without neurological deterioration during kyphotic deformity correction surgery. Distal thoracic curve was found to have 4 times more risk of neurological deterioration compared to others.

Preoperative neuropsychological and behavioral evaluation of children with thalamic tumors

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 507-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Chieffo ◽  
Gianpiero Tamburrini ◽  
Massimo Caldarelli ◽  
Concezio Di Rocco
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Histological Finding ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Neuropsychological Evaluation ◽  
Thalamic Tumor ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Thalamic Tumors

Object Functional involvement of the thalamus in cognitive processing has been only anecdotally reported in the literature, and these cases are mostly related to thalamic hemorrhages; there is no available information on cognitive development in children with thalamic tumors. Methods All children admitted with a diagnosis of thalamic tumor at the authors' institution between January 2008 and January 2011 were considered for the present study. Exclusion criteria were age less than 18 months and the presence of severe neurological deficits, both of which prevented a reliable neuropsychological evaluation. A complete preoperative neuropsychological evaluation was performed. Results Twenty children were selected (mean age 102.4 months). Total IQ was in the normal range in all patients (mean 90.1, SD 13.87) with a significant difference between verbal IQ (mean 97.70, SD 17.77) and performance IQ (mean 84.82, SD 17.01). A significant correlation was found between global cognitive impairment and a histological finding of low-grade tumors (p < 0.001). Children with a mesial thalamic tumor had a higher working memory deficit and delayed recall disorders (p < 0.001). Naming disorders were related to the presence of a bilateral (p < 0.001) or mesial (p < 0.001) thalamic tumor, without a significant difference between left or right hemisphere involvement. A significant correlation was also found between the presence of neurolinguistic disorders and mesially located tumors (p < 0.001). Children with right-sided tumors more frequently had constructional apraxia and executive function disorders (p < 0.001). Conclusions The present study suggests that thalamic tumors in different locations might have specific neuropsychological profiles.

scholarly journals Risks, costs, and outcomes of cerebrospinal fluid leaks after pediatric skull fractures: a MarketScan analysis between 2007 and 2015

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. E10
Author(s):  
Kunal Varshneya ◽  
Adrian J. Rodrigues ◽  
Zachary A. Medress ◽  
Martin N. Stienen ◽  
Gerald A. Grant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Skull Fracture ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Skull Fractures ◽  
Pediatric Head Trauma ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks ◽  
Neurosurgical Intervention ◽  
Csf Leaks

OBJECTIVESkull fractures are common after blunt pediatric head trauma. CSF leaks are a rare but serious complication of skull fractures; however, little evidence exists on the risk of developing a CSF leak following skull fracture in the pediatric population. In this epidemiological study, the authors investigated the risk factors of CSF leaks and their impact on pediatric skull fracture outcomes.METHODSThe authors queried the MarketScan database (2007–2015), identifying pediatric patients (age < 18 years) with a diagnosis of skull fracture and CSF leak. Skull fractures were disaggregated by location (base, vault, facial) and severity (open, closed, multiple, concomitant cerebral or vascular injury). Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing were used to compare baseline characteristics, complications, quality metrics, and costs.RESULTSThe authors identified 13,861 pediatric patients admitted with a skull fracture, of whom 1.46% (n = 202) developed a CSF leak. Among patients with a skull fracture and a CSF leak, 118 (58.4%) presented with otorrhea and 84 (41.6%) presented with rhinorrhea. Patients who developed CSF leaks were older (10.4 years vs 8.7 years, p < 0.0001) and more commonly had skull base (n = 183) and multiple (n = 22) skull fractures (p < 0.05). These patients also more frequently underwent a neurosurgical intervention (24.8% vs 9.6%, p < 0.0001). Compared with the non–CSF leak population, patients with a CSF leak had longer average hospitalizations (9.6 days vs 3.7 days, p < 0.0001) and higher rates of neurological deficits (5.0% vs 0.7%, p < 0.0001; OR 7.0; 95% CI 3.6–13.6), meningitis (5.5% vs 0.3%, p < 0.0001; OR 22.4; 95% CI 11.2–44.9), nonroutine discharge (6.9% vs 2.5%, p < 0.0001; OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.7–5.0), and readmission (24.7% vs 8.5%, p < 0.0001; OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.5–4.7). Total costs at 90 days for patients with a CSF leak averaged $81,206, compared with $32,831 for patients without a CSF leak (p < 0.0001).CONCLUSIONSThe authors found that CSF leaks occurred in 1.46% of pediatric patients with skull fractures and that skull fractures were associated with significantly increased rates of neurosurgical intervention and risks of meningitis, hospital readmission, and neurological deficits at 90 days. Pediatric patients with skull fractures also experienced longer average hospitalizations and greater healthcare costs at presentation and at 90 days.

scholarly journals Retrospective Analysis on Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IOM) of Potential Nerve Injury in Scoliosis Correction Surgery

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omat Rachmat ◽  
◽  
Dohar AL Tobing ◽  
Rr. Nur Fauziyah ◽  
Jenifer Kiem Aviani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Rare Complication ◽  
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Central Hospital ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Scoliosis Correction ◽  
Correction Surgery

Iatrogenic spinal injury resulting in paraplegia or paraparesis after surgical correction of scoliosis deformity is a rare complication but is very detrimental to the patient. Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IOM) has become the gold standard to monitor surgical procedures which has potential risks to damage the spinal cord. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the role of IOM in predicting the severity and extent of neurological injury during and after spinal correction surgery in adult idiopathic scoliosis cases related to surgical variables. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central Hospital, Fatmawati Central Hospital, and dr. Drajat Prawiranegara General Hospital during the period of 20 March 2018 to 20 August 2019. The primary outcomes were intraoperative monitoring status and post-operative neurological deficits status. Confounder data on scoliosis correction degree, intraoperative hemorrhage, and type of anesthesia used during surgery were retrieved. Chi-Square statistic was used in the analysis. Out of the ninety three patients eligible for this study, twenty two patients was detected as positive in IOM assessment. Four of the patients were found to be positive for post-operative neuromuscular defect. Thereby it can be concluded that IOM procedure can effectively prevent neurological deficits post-surgery with 81.8% specificity and 95.7% sensitivity among thosepositively detected by IOM. Some of the factors that could potentially influence false positive IOM results such as anesthetic used; dosage and administration procedures; magnitude of the scoliosis correction angle; and amount of bleeding during surgery have to be carefully analyzed.

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