Endoscopic partial laminectomy for cervical myelopathy

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoji Yabuki ◽  
Shin-ichi Kikuchi
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Symptomatic Improvement ◽  
Intraoperative Blood Loss ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operative Duration ◽  
Cervical Compressive Myelopathy ◽  
Wound Pain ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Compressive Myelopathy ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors report the results of endoscopic partial laminectomy performed in 10 patients with degenerative cervical compressive myelopathy. Methods. Endoscopic partial laminectomy was performed safely in 10 patients with cervical myelopathy. All of the patients experienced symptomatic improvement with slight postoperative wound pain. The mean operative duration was 164 ± 35 minutes and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 45.5 ± 27 ml. Conclusions. Endoscopic partial laminectomy may be used as a minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of cervical compressive myelopathy.

Results of preoperative embolization for metastatic spinal neoplasms

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikram C. Prabhu ◽  
Mark H. Bilsky ◽  
Kedar Jambhekar ◽  
Katherine S. Panageas ◽  
Patrick J. Boland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Blood Loss ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Preoperative Embolization ◽  
Intraoperative Blood Loss ◽  
Spinal Neoplasms ◽  
Tumor Vascularity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Arterial embolization reduces blood loss in patients undergoing surgery for hypervascular spinal tumors. The objectives of this study were twofold: 1) to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in predicting tumor vascularity and 2) to assess the effectiveness of preoperative embolization in devascularizing these tumors. Methods. Fifty-one patients with metastatic spinal neoplasms underwent angiography, preoperative embolization, and excision of the lesion between 1995 and 2000. The MR imaging studies were correlated with tumor vascularity on angiograms. Embolization was angiographically graded on a five-point scale ranging from no embolization (Grade A) to total embolization (Grade E). The embolization grade was correlated with intraoperative blood loss. The mean age was 57 years, the male/female ratio was 1.2:1, and back pain was present in all patients. Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (30 cases) and thoracic spine involvement (33 cases) were most frequent. The positive predictive value of MR imaging in determining tumor vascularity was 77%, whereas the negative predictive value was 21%. Total embolization (Grade E) was achieved in 34 patients. A shared vascular pedicle between a radiculomedullary artery (RMA) and a tumor diminished the likelihood of complete embolization (p = 0.02). Small asymptomatic cerebellar infarctions were demonstrated in two cases. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 2586 ml. Following Grade D or E embolization, intraoperative bleeding was largely related to unembolized epidural veins. Conclusions. Tumor histology and MR imaging findings are predictive of hypervascularity; however, hypervascular tumors may not be detected by standard MR imaging sequences. Superselective catheterization permits Grade D or E embolization in 80% of patients. Shared blood supply with an RMA is the most important factor precluding complete embolization.

Treatment of cervical compressive myelopathy with a new dorsolateral decompressive procedure

1999 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 178-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohei Hidai ◽  
Sohei Ebara ◽  
Mikio Kamimura ◽  
Yutaka Tateiwa ◽  
Hidehiro Itoh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Decompressive Surgery ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unilateral Approach ◽  
Cervical Compressive Myelopathy ◽  
Compressive Myelopathy ◽  
Fine Print

Object. A new dorsolateral decompressive procedure involving a unilateral approach has been devised for the treatment of cervical compressive myelopathy. In this operation, the posterior spinal elements of the contralateral side are not disturbed, and thus, postoperative deformity of the cervical spine can be avoided. Following decompressive surgery via the unilateral approach, the cervical spine was kept more stable compared with the results obtained after wide laminectomy or other expansive laminoplasty procedures. Methods. Twenty-six patients underwent dorsolateral decompressive surgery, and the patients' clinical and radiological results were examined during the follow-up period to evaluate neurological function and postoperative deformities of the cervical spine. The underlying conditions for myelopathy were cervical spondylosis (19 patients), ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (three patients), and ossification of yellow ligament (four patients). The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 110 months (average 35.5 months). Functional recovery, which was rated by using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system, was an average of 56% in all patients (100% being equal to full recovery). The recovery rate was compatible with those attained after other expansive laminoplasty procedures. Radiographically, progression to swan-neck or kyphotic deformity was not observed in any patient. No postoperative spinal instability was noted. Based on computerized tomography myelograph evaluation, the average transectional area of the dural tube at the C4–5 level was expanded from 122 mm2 to 169 mm2, and the transectional area of the spinal cord at the C4–5 level was expanded from 39.6 mm2 to 52.9 mm2 after surgery. Conclusions. The authors conclude that this operative procedure could be used as a new option for the treatment of cervical compressive myelopathy.

Usefulness of neurological examination for diagnosis of the affected level in patients with cervical compressive myelopathy: prospective comparative study with radiological evaluation

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 535-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morio Matsumoto ◽  
Masayuki Ishikawa ◽  
Ken Ishii ◽  
Takashi Nishizawa ◽  
Hirofumi Maruiwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Examination ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Deep Tendon Reflex ◽  
The Other ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cervical Compressive Myelopathy ◽  
Intervertebral Level ◽  
Compressive Myelopathy ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Although neurological examination is the key step to reaching a correct diagnosis of cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM), the accuracy of diagnosis of the affected spinal level for CCM has not yet been tested. Methods. The authors conducted a prospective study to elucidate how accurately the affected intervertebral level can be determined and decompressed based on neurological examination. Fifty patients who underwent successful decompressive surgery for cervical myelopathy caused by single-level disc herniation or spondylosis were included in this study (38 men and 12 women, mean age 60 years). Three board-certified spine surgeons participated in establishing the neurological diagnoses. One of the three surgeons made a diagnosis of CCM, and the other two conducted the neurological examination including deep tendon reflex, pinprick response, muscle weakness, and numbness in the hand only, knowing that the patient had CCM, and established the neurological-level diagnosis. A single intervertebral level responsible for patient's symptoms was determined concordantly based on magnetic resonance imaging and myelography findings by two spine surgeons, and this served as the standard. Agreement between neurological and neuroimaging/radiological level diagnoses was determined. The rate of agreement between neurological and neuroimaging diagnosis was 66%. Among the neurological tests, patient-perceived location of numbness in the hands was the most useful for establishing the affected level. For the other three tests the agreement rate was lower than 50% and thus each individual test may not be reliable for diagnosing the affected level. Conclusions. The results of this study suggested that neurological examination in patients with CCM is moderately accurate and reliable for determining the neurological level of disease.

A new denervation procedure for idiopathic cervical dystonia

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takaomi Taira ◽  
Tomonori Kobayashi ◽  
Kenji Takahashi ◽  
Tomokatsu Hori
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Cervical Dystonia ◽  
Symptomatic Improvement ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Intraoperative Blood Loss ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The Bertrand selective peripheral denervation for cervical dystonia (CD) has been well described, and its effectiveness and safety are established. It is, however, always accompanied by postoperative sensory loss in the C-2 region. Intraoperative bleeding from epidural venous plexuses may also be problematic. The authors developed a new denervation procedure with which to avoid such complications and compared the surgery-related results with those of the traditional Bertrand operation. Methods. The new procedure consists of intradural rhizotomy of the anterior C-1 and C-2 nerve roots, extradural peripheral ramisectomy from C-3 to C-6, and selective section of peripheral branches of the accessory nerve to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This procedure was performed in 30 patients (Group A). The results of this procedure were compared with those obtained in a matched group of 31 patients in the authors' series who underwent Bertrand denervation (Group B). Changes of CD rating score at 6-month follow up did not differ between the two groups. In one patient in Group A a C-2 sensory deficit was found, whereas C-2 sensory deficits were demonstrated in all the patients in Group B. No patients in Group A and four patients in Group B experienced occipital neuralgia. The operative time was significantly shorter in Group A. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 115 ± 30 ml (± standard deviation) in Group A and 233 ± 65 ml in Group B (p < 0.005). Conclusions. Although symptomatic improvement is the same after the Bertrand operation, the authors' new procedure for CD was associated with a lower incidence of complications and significant decrease of intraoperative blood loss.

Evaluation of prognostic factors and clinical outcome in elderly patients in whom expansive laminoplasty is performed for cervical myelopathy due to multisegmental spondylotic canal stenosis. A retrospective comparison with younger patients

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuji Handa ◽  
Toshihiko Kubota ◽  
Hisamasa Ishii ◽  
Kazufumi Sato ◽  
Akira Tsuchida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Canal Stenosis ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. It remains unclear whether elderly patients with compressive cervical myelopathy can be expected to experience a promising surgery-related outcome after undergoing expansive laminoplasty. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of expansive laminoplasty in elderly patients with cervical myelopathy due to multisegmental spondylotic canal stenosis and to analyze the effect of preoperative prognostic factors on outcome in elderly compared with younger patients. Methods. The authors reviewed the cases of 22 elderly (> 70 years of age) and 39 younger patients in whom expansive open-door laminoplasty was performed for cervical myelopathy due to multisegmental spondylotic canal stenosis. The pre- and 12-month postoperative clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) disability scale. Factors affecting the clinical outcome were statistically analyzed by evaluating the recovery rate calculated from the JOA scale. There were no significant differences in the mean value of the preoperative factors, especially preoperative duration of symptoms and severity of preoperative disease, between the elderly and younger patient groups. In all patients, age at the time of the operation was shown to exert no significant influence on clinical outcome. The mean recovery rate was 58.8% in the elderly group and 61.8% in the younger group, and there was no significant intergroup difference. Improvement or attenuation in impaired upper- and lower-leg motor function was shown in all patients as was an absence in decline of sensory impairment of the extremities. In the elderly group, both the duration of symptoms and the severity of canal stenosis significantly (p < 0.05) affected the clinical outcome. In the younger group, the severity of preoperative symptoms had a significant (p < 0.05) influence on clinical outcome, whereas duration of the symptoms did not appreciably affect clinical improvement. Conclusions. Open-door expansive laminoplasty showed a promising effect on clinical outcome in elderly and younger patients with multisegmental cervical canal stenosis. Significant predictive factors for clinical outcome in the elderly patients were the duration of symptoms and the severity of stenosis, which may involve the static factor causing the cervical myelopathy. To improve the elderly patients' disability, surgery must be performed as early as possible before irreversible changes in the spinal cord develop.

Gamma knife radiosurgery in the management of cavernous sinus meningiomas

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 68-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre-Hugues Roche ◽  
Jean Régis ◽  
Henry Dufour ◽  
Henri-Dominique Fournier ◽  
Christine Delsanti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cavernous Sinus Meningioma ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors sought to assess the functional tolerance and tumor control rate of cavernous sinus meningiomas treated by gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS). Methods. Between July 1992 and October 1998, 92 patients harboring benign cavernous sinus meningiomas underwent GKS. The present study is concerned with the first 80 consecutive patients (63 women and 17 men). Gamma knife radiosurgery was performed as an alternative to surgical removal in 50 cases and as an adjuvant to microsurgery in 30 cases. The mean patient age was 49 years (range 6–71 years). The mean tumor volume was 5.8 cm3 (range 0.9–18.6 cm3). On magnetic resonance (MR) imaging the tumor was confined in 66 cases and extensive in 14 cases. The mean prescription dose was 28 Gy (range 12–50 Gy), delivered with an average of eight isocenters (range two–18). The median peripheral isodose was 50% (range 30–70%). Patients were evaluated at 6 months, and at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 years after GKS. The median follow-up period was 30.5 months (range 12–79 months). Tumor stabilization after GKS was noted in 51 patients, tumor shrinkage in 25 patients, and enlargement in four patients requiring surgical removal in two cases. The 5-year actuarial progression-free survival was 92.8%. No new oculomotor deficit was observed. Among the 54 patients with oculomotor nerve deficits, 15 improved, eight recovered, and one worsened. Among the 13 patients with trigeminal neuralgia, one worsened (contemporary of tumor growing), five remained unchanged, four improved, and three recovered. In a patient with a remnant surrounding the optic nerve and preoperative low vision (3/10) the decision was to treat the lesion and deliberately sacrifice the residual visual acuity. Only one transient unexpected optic neuropathy has been observed. One case of delayed intracavernous carotid artery occlusion occurred 3 months after GKS, without permanent deficit. Another patient presented with partial complex seizures 18 months after GKS. All cases of tumor growth and neurological deficits observed after GKS occurred before the use of GammaPlan. Since the initiation of systematic use of stereotactic MR imaging and computer-assisted modern dose planning, no more side effects or cases of tumor growth have occurred. Conclusions. Gamma knife radiosurgery was found to be an effective low morbidity—related tool for the treatment of cavernous sinus meningioma. In a significant number of patients, oculomotor functional restoration was observed. The treatment appears to be an alternative to surgical removal of confined enclosed cavernous sinus meningioma and should be proposed as an adjuvant to surgery in case of extensive meningiomas.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for craniopharyngiomas

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 47-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Yuh Chung ◽  
David Hung-Chi Pan ◽  
Cheng-Ying Shiau ◽  
Wan-Yuo Guo ◽  
Ling-Wei Wang
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stereotactic Aspiration ◽  
Cystic Component ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The goal of this study was to elucidate the role of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) and adjuvant stereotactic procedures by assessing the outcome of 31 consecutive patients harboring craniopharyngiomas treated between March 1993 and December 1999. Methods. There were 31 consecutive patients with craniopharyngiomas: 18 were men and 13 were women. The mean age was 32 years (range 3–69 years). The mean tumor volume was 9 cm3 (range 0.3–28 cm3). The prescription dose to the tumor margin varied from 9.5 to 16 Gy. The visual pathways received 8 Gy or less. Three patients underwent stereotactic aspiration to decompress the cystic component before GKS. The tumor response was classified by percentage reduction of tumor volume as calculated based on magnetic resonance imaging studies. Clinical outcome was evaluated according to improvement and dependence on replacement therapy. An initial postoperative volume increase with enlargement of a cystic component was found in three patients. They were treated by adjuvant stereotactic aspiration and/or Ommaya reservoir implantation. Tumor control was achieved in 87% of patients and 84% had fair to excellent clinical outcome in an average follow-up period of 36 months. Treatment failure due to uncontrolled tumor progression was seen in four patients at 26, 33, 49, and 55 months, respectively, after GKS. Only one patient was found to have a mildly restricted visual field; no additional endocrinological impairment or neurological deterioration could be attributed to the treatment. There was no treatment-related mortality. Conclusions. Multimodality management of patients with craniopharyngiomas seemed to provide a better quality of patient survival and greater long-term tumor control. It is suggested that GKS accompanied by adjuvant stereotactic procedures should be used as an alternative in treating recurrent or residual craniopharyngiomas if further microsurgical excision cannot promise a cure.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for uveal melanomas: an 8-year experience

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 184-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald Langmann ◽  
Gerhard Pendl ◽  
Georg Papaefthymiou ◽  
Helmuth Guss ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Ciliary Body ◽  
Tumor Regression ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Neovascular Glaucoma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prescription Dose ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Uveal Melanomas

Object. The authors report their experience using gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) to treat uveal melanomas. Methods. Between 1992 and 1998, 60 patients were treated with GKS at a prescription dose between 45 Gy and 80 Gy. The mean diameter of the tumor base was 12.2 mm (range 3–22 mm). The mean height of the tumor prominence was 6.7 mm (range 3–12 mm). The eye was immobilized. The follow-up period ranged from 16 to 94 months. Tumor regression was achieved in 56 (93%) of 60 patients. There were four recurrences followed by enucleation. The severe side effect of neovascular glaucoma developed in 21 (35%) patients in a high-dose group with larger tumors and in proximity to the ciliary body. A reduction in the prescription dose to 40 Gy or less and excluding treatment to tumors near the ciliary body decreased the rate of glaucoma without affecting the rate of tumor control. Conclusions. Gamma knife radiosurgery at a prescription dose of 45 Gy or more can achieve tumor regression in 85% of the uveal melanomas treated. Neovascular glaucoma can develop in patients when using this dose in tumors near the ciliary body. It is advised that such tumors be avoided and that the prescription dose be reduced to 40 Gy.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for intracranial metastatic melanoma: a 6-year experience

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 494-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gonzalez-martinez ◽  
Laura Hernandez ◽  
Lucia Zamorano ◽  
Andrew Sloan ◽  
Kenneth Levin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness of stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial metastatic melanoma and to identify prognostic factors related to tumor control and survival that might be helpful in determining appropriate therapy. Methods. Twenty-four patients with intracranial metastases (115 lesions) metastatic from melanoma underwent radiosurgery. In 14 patients (58.3%) whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) was performed, and in 12 (50%) chemotherapy was conducted before radiosurgery. The median tumor volume was 4 cm3 (range 1–15 cm3). The mean dose was 16.4 Gy (range 13–20 Gy) prescribed to the 50% isodose at the tumor margin. All cases were categorized according to the Recursive Partitioning Analysis classification for brain metastases. Univariate and multivariate analyses of survival were performed to determine significant prognostic factors affecting survival. The mean survival was 5.5 months after radiosurgery. The analyses revealed no difference in terms of survival between patients who underwent WBRT or chemotherapy and those who did not. A significant difference (p < 0.05) in mean survival was observed between patients receiving immunotherapy or those with a Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score of greater than 90. Conclusions. The treatment with systemic immunotherapy and a KPS score greater than 90 were factors associated with a better prognosis. Radiosurgery for melanoma-related brain metastases appears to be an effective treatment associated with few complications.

Prolonged survival in a subgroup of patients with brain metastases treated by gamma knife surgery

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 262-265
Author(s):  
C. P. Yu ◽  
Joel Y. C. Cheung ◽  
Josie F. K. Chan ◽  
Samuel C. L. Leung ◽  
Robert T. K. Ho
Keyword(s):  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Patient Survival ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Prolonged Survival ◽  
Organ Involvement ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors analyzed the factors involved in determining prolonged survival (≥ 24 months) in patients with brain metastases treated by gamma knife surgery (GKS). Methods. Between 1995 and 2003, a total of 116 patients underwent 167 GKS procedures for brain metastases. There was no special case selection. Smaller and larger lesions were treated with different protocols. The mean patient age was 56.9 years, the mean number of initial lesions was 3.15, and the mean lesion volume was 10.45 cm.3 The mean follow-up time was 9.2 months. The median patient survival was 8.68 months. One-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year actuarial survival rates were 31.8%, 19.8%, 14.6%, 7.7%, and 6.9%, respectively. Patient age, number of lesions at presentation, and lesion volume had no influence on patient survival. Twenty-three (19.8%) patients survived for 24 months or more. Certain factors were associated with increased survival time. These were stable primary disease (21 of 23 patients), a long latency between diagnosis of the primary tumor and the occurrence of brain metastases (mean 28.4 months, median 16 months), absence of third-organ involvement, and repeated local procedures. Ten patients underwent repeated GKS (mean 3.4 per patient). Seven patients required open surgery for local treatment failures (recurrence or radiation necrosis). Two patients had both. Fifteen patients underwent repeated procedures. Conclusions. Aggressive local therapy with GKS, repeated GKS, and GKS plus surgery can achieve increased survival in a subgroup of patients with stable primary disease, no third-organ involvement, and long primary-brain secondary intervals.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document