Outcome after lumbar sequestrectomy compared with microdiscectomy: a prospective randomized study

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudius Thomé ◽  
Martin Barth ◽  
Johann Scharf ◽  
Peter Schmiedek
Keyword(s):  
Short Form ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Pain Patient ◽  
Recurrence Rates ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Early Outcome ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Microdiscectomy currently constitutes the standard treatment for herniated lumbar discs. Although limiting surgery to excision of fragments has occasionally been suggested, prospective data are lacking. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare early outcome and recurrence rates after sequestrectomy and microdiscectomy. Methods. Eighty-four consecutive patients 60 years of age or younger who harbored free, subligamentary, or transanular herniated lumbar discs refractory to conservative treatment were randomized to one of two treatment groups. Intraoperative parameters and findings were documented as well as pre- and postoperative symptoms such as pain, Patient Satisfaction Index (PSI), Prolo Scale score, and Short Form (SF)—36 subscale results. Follow up of at least 12 months was available in 73 patients (87%). Preoperative intergroup symptoms did not differ significantly. Surgery was significantly shorter in the sequestrectomy-treated group. Overall, low-back pain and sciatica were drastically reduced in both groups and most sensorimotor deficits improved. At 4 to 6 months, SF-36 subscales and PSI scores showed a trend in favor of sequestrectomy, leaving 3% of patients unsatisfied compared with 18% of those treated with discectomy. Outcome according to the Prolo Scale was good or excellent in 76% of discectomy-treated patients and 92% of sequestrectomy-treated patients. Reherniation occurred in four patients after discectomy (10%) and two patients after sequestrectomy (5%) within 18 months. Conclusions. Sequestrectomy does not seem to entail a higher rate of early recurrences compared with microdiscectomy. Analysis of early outcome demonstrated a trend toward superior results when sequestrectomy is performed. Although long-term follow-up data are mandatory, sequestrectomy may be an advantageous alternative to standard microdiscectomy.

Single-level lumbar fusion in chronic discogenic low-back pain: psychological and emotional status as a predictor of outcome measured using the 36-item Short Form

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 255-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Derby ◽  
John J. Lettice ◽  
Thomas A. Kula ◽  
Sang-Heon Lee ◽  
Kwan-Sik Seo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Short Form ◽  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
Postoperative Outcome ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Emotional Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Discogenic Low Back Pain ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors examined the effect of psychological and emotional status on the outcome in patients with suspected chronic discogenic low-back pain (LBP) who have undergone lumbar fusion. Methods. The authors retrospectively analyzed the medical records, including the results of the 36-item Short Form (SF-36), of 57 consecutive patients (mean age 42.7 years) who underwent single-level lumbar reconstructive surgery between 1994 and 2000. The SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) domains were evaluated. Data were sorted into the following categories: excellent, good, fair, same, and worse. Scores greater than 40 for MCS and PCS were defined as “normal” according to US general population data provided by the Medical Outcomes Trust. Of 57 patients, 47 completed postoperative SF-36 surveys at 1 year and 36 completed the 2-year follow-up surveys. Analysis showed that preoperative MCS scores exhibited a significant, direct correlation with PCS score improvements at 1 (r = 0.584, p = 0.000) and 2 (r = 0.623, p = 0.000) years after surgery. In patients in whom preoperative MCS scores reflected normal status, outcomes were excellent or good in 60% at 1-year (18 of 30 cases) and 2-year (15 of 25 cases) follow-up intervals. Patients in whom MCS scores represented abnormal status had less satisfactory outcomes, with excellent or good outcome in only two (18.2%) of all patients at the 2-year follow-up study. Conclusions. Analysis of the data suggests that psychological and emotional distress may negatively affect postoperative outcome in patients with chronic discogenic LBP. The SF-36 may be easily and effectively used to measure both preoperative psychosocial distress and postoperative outcome.

Endoscopic surgery versus medical treatment for spontaneous intracerebral hematoma: a randomized study

1989 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 530-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludwig M. Auer ◽  
Wolfgang Deinsberger ◽  
Kurt Niederkorn ◽  
Günther Gell ◽  
Reinhold Kleinert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Surgical Patients ◽  
Lower Mortality ◽  
Intracerebral Hematoma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A controlled randomized study of endoscopic evacuation versus medical treatment was performed in 100 patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral (subcortical, putaminal, and thalamic) hematomas. Patients with aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, brain tumors, or head injuries were excluded. Criteria for inclusion were as follows: patients' age between 30 and 80 years; a hematoma volume of more than 10 cu cm; the presence of neurological or consciousness impairment; the appropriateness of surgery from a medical and anesthesiological point of view; and the initiation of treatment within 48 hours after hemorrhage. The criteria of randomization were the location, size, and side of the hematoma as well as the patient's age, state of consciousness, and history of hypertension. Evaluation of outcome was performed 6 months after hemorrhage. Surgical patients with subcortical hematomas showed a significantly lower mortality rate (30%) than their medically treated counterparts (70%, p < 0.05). Moreover, 40% of these patients had a good outcome with no or only a minimal deficit versus 25% in the medically treated group; the difference was statistically significant for operated patients with no postoperative deficit (p < 0.01). Surgical patients with hematomas smaller than 50 cu cm made a significantly better functional recovery than did patients of the medically treated group, but had a comparable mortality rate. By contrast, patients with larger hematomas showed significantly lower mortality rates after operation but had no better functional recovery than the medically treated group. This effect from surgery was limited to patients in a preoperatively alert or somnolent state; stuporous or comatose patients had no better outcome after surgery. The outcome of surgical patients with putaminal or thalamic hemorrhage was no better than for those with medical treatment; however, there was a trend toward better quality of survival and chance of survival in the operated group.

Patient-assessed outcomes after excision of acoustic neuroma: postoperative symptoms and quality of life

2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen C. Martin ◽  
Jagjit Sethi ◽  
Dorothy Lang ◽  
Glen Neil-Dwyer ◽  
Mark E. Lutman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Acoustic Neuroma ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Postoperative Symptoms ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The aim of this study was to assess whether outcomes from excision of acoustic neuroma vary among patients and have a material impact on their quality of life (QOL). Methods. A questionnaire concerning postoperative symptoms and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) QOL instrument were mailed to 97 consecutive patients who had undergone acoustic neuroma surgery via the translabyrinthine approach. The survey response rate was 78% and the symptomatology was consistent with other reports, supporting the representativeness of the sample. The respondents' QOL was rated significantly below published norms and their work capacity was reportedly reduced. Specifically, the following SF-36 dimensions were reduced: physical functioning and role-physical, together with vitality, general health, and social functioning. Greater numbers of postoperative symptoms and larger tumors were associated with a worse rating of physical functioning. More severe balance problems were associated with lower ratings of social functioning. The disparity between the patient's self-estimate and self-measurement and the clinician's assessment of the patient's facial functioning raises doubts about the validity of subjective reports and assessment. Conclusions. The present study supports the use of generic QOL measures to assess outcome and to draw comparisons between different populations.

Evaluation of a new concept for the management of skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 165-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guenther Christian Feigl ◽  
Otto Bundschuh ◽  
Alireza Gharabaghi ◽  
Sam Safavi-Abassi ◽  
Amr El Shawarby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Volume Reduction ◽  
Recurrence Rates ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tumor Volume Reduction ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the skull base are rare locally invasive tumors associated with high recurrence rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concept of microsurgical tumor volume reduction followed by early gamma knife surgery (GKS). Methods. Thirteen patients with 15 tumors were treated between October 2000 and June 2003. There were three patients (23.1%) with chordomas and 10 (76.9%) with chondrosarcomas. There were nine men and four women who ranged in age between 19 and 69 years. All patients first underwent maximal tumor resection. Within 2 to 10 months after surgery they were treated with GKS. The mean postoperative tumor volume treated with GKS was 9.7 cm3 (range 1.4–20.3 cm3). Follow-up computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations with volumetric tumor analysis were performed every 6 months after GKS. The mean treatment dose was 17 Gy and the mean isodose was 52%. The mean follow-up duration was 17 months during which there was only one tumor recurrence at the margin of the radiation field. The mean volume reduction was 35.4%. Conclusions. Results of this treatment strategy are encouraging but the efficacy of this multimodal treatment combining surgery and early GKS requires a longer follow up.

Subthalamotomy for advanced Parkinson disease

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 598-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip C. Su ◽  
Ham-Min Tseng ◽  
Hon-Man Liu ◽  
Ruoh-Fang Yen ◽  
Horng-Huei Liou
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson Disease ◽  
Postural Stability ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Motor Fluctuation ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cardinal Symptoms ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The aim of this study was to determine if subthalamotomy is effective in treating advanced Parkinson disease (PD). Methods. The authors performed microelectrode mapping—guided stereotactic surgery on the subthalamic nucleus in eight patients with PD. Lesioning was performed using radiofrequency heat coagulation and confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. Three patients who underwent unilateral and four with bilateral subthalamotomy were evaluated for up to 18 months according to the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS). One patient who underwent unilateral subthalamotomy died 6 months postsurgery. At 3 months into the “off” period after surgery, there were significant improvements in contralateral bradykinesia (p < 0.0002), rigidity (p < 0.0001), tremor (p < 0.01), axial motor features (p < 0.02), gait (p < 0.03), postural stability (p < 0.03), total UPDRS scores (p < 0.03), and Schwab and England scores (p < 0.04). The benefits were sustained at 6, 12, and 18 months, except for the improvement in tremor. At 12 months into the “on” period, significant benefits were present for motor fluctuation (p < 0.04), on dyskinesia (p < 0.006), off duration (p < 0.05), total UPDRS score (p < 0.02), and contralateral tremor (p < 0.05). Benefits for motor fluctuation, off duration, and off-period tremor were lost after the 18-month follow-up period. The levodopa requirement was reduced by 66% for the unilateral and 38% for the bilaterally treated group. Bilateral subthalamotomy offered more benefits than did unilateral surgery for various parkinsonian features in both the on and off periods. Three patients suffered hemiballismus, two recovered spontaneously, and one died of aspiration pneumonia after discontinuation of levodopa. Conclusions. These findings indicate that subthalamotomy can ameliorate the cardinal symptoms of PD, reduce the dosage of levodopa, diminish complications of the drug therapy, and improve the quality of life.

Endovascular therapy for stenosis of the petrous or cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery: percutaneous transluminal angioplasty compared with stent placement

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 491-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoaki Terada ◽  
Mitsuharu Tsuura ◽  
Hiroyuki Matsumoto ◽  
Osamu Masuo ◽  
Tomoyuki Tsumoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Stent Placement ◽  
Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Transluminal Angioplasty ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Percutaneous Transluminal ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stent placement for stenosis of the petrous or cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) were compared. Methods. Twenty-four patients with symptomatic, greater than 60% stenosis of the petrous or cavernous portion of the ICA were treated using PTA or stent placement; 15 were treated with PTA and nine with stent insertion. Initial and follow-up results (> 3 months posttreatment) were compared in each group. Stenotic portions of the ICA were successfully opened in 13 of 15 patients in the PTA group, and in all nine patients in the stent-treated group. In one case in the PTA group stent delivery was attempted; however, the device could not pass through the vessel's tortuous curve, and PTA alone was performed in this case. Postoperatively, the mean stenotic ratio decreased from 72.1 to 29.6% in the PTA group, and from 75.6 to 2.2% in the stent-treated group. In four patients in the PTA group, stenoses greater than 50% were demonstrated on follow-up angiography performed at 3 to 6 months after PTA. In the stent-treated group, no restenosis was encountered, although in one case acute occlusion of the stent occurred; the device was recanalized with PTA and infusion of tissue plasminogen activator. This case was the only one of the 24 in which any neurological deficits related to the endovascular procedure occurred. Stent placement brought a greater gain in diameter than did PTA at the initial and late follow-up period; this gain was statistically significant. Conclusions. Stent placement is more effective than PTA for stenosis of the petrous or cavernous portion of the ICA from the viewpoint of initial and late gain in diameter.

Prospective outcomes evaluation after decompression with or without instrumented fusion for lumbar stenosis and degenerative Grade I spondylolisthesis

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoher Ghogawala ◽  
Edward C. Benzel ◽  
Sepideh Amin-Hanjani ◽  
Fred G. Barker ◽  
J. Fred Harrington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Short Form ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽  
Fusion Rate ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Lumbar Stenosis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Lumbar Spinal ◽  
Fine Print

Object. There is considerable debate among spine surgeons regarding whether fusion should be used to augment decompressive surgery in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis involving Grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis. The authors prospectively evaluated the outcomes of patients treated between 2000 and 2002 at two institutions to determine whether fusion improves functional outcome 1 year after surgery. Methods. Patients ranged in age from 50 to 81 years. They presented with degenerative Grade I (3- to 14-mm) spondylolisthesis and lumbar stenosis without gross instability (< 3 mm of motion at the level of subluxation). Those in whom previous surgery had been performed at the level of subluxation were excluded. Each patient completed Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Short Form—36 (SF-36) questionnaires preoperatively and at 6 to 12 months postoperatively. Some patients underwent decompression alone (20 cases), whereas others underwent decompression and posterolateral instrumentation-assisted fusion (14 cases), at the treating surgeon's discretion. Baseline demographic data, radiographic features, and ODI and SF-36 scores were similar in both groups. The 1-year fusion rate was 93%. Both forms of surgery independently improved outcome compared with baseline status, based on ODI and SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) results (p < 0.001). Decompression combined with fusion led to an improvement in ODI scores of 27.5 points, whereas decompression alone was associated with a 13.6-point increase (p = 0.02). Analysis of the SF-36 PCS data also demonstrated a significant intergroup difference (p = 0.003). Conclusions. Surgery substantially improved 1-year outcomes based on established outcomes instruments in patients with Grade I spondylolisthesis and stenosis. Fusion was associated with greater functional improvement.

Quality of life in patients with glioblastoma participating in a randomized study of boost brachytherapy

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (6) ◽  
pp. 917-926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Bampoe ◽  
Normand Laperriere ◽  
Melania Pintilie ◽  
Jennifer Glen ◽  
Johann Micallef ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Malignant Gliomas ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Significant Deterioration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conventional Radiation ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Until recently the assessment of outcome in patients treated for glioma has emphasized length of survival with the evaluation of quality of life (QOL) limited to unidimensional, mostly physical, measures. The authors report the multidimensional assessment of QOL as part of a randomized clinical trial of brachytherapy as a boost in the initial treatment of patients with glioblastoma multiforme.Methods. A questionnaire previously developed by the senior authors and psychometrically validated was completed by patients on randomized entry into the study and at follow-up review every 3 months thereafter. The questionnaire was presented in a linear-analog self-assessment format. Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores were also recorded on each occasion.No differences were found between patients in either arm of the study (conventional radiation therapy consisting of 50 Gy in 25 fractions or conventional radiation plus a brachytherapy boost of a minimum peripheral tumor dose of 60 Gy) in KPS and QOL scores during the 1st year of follow-up review. However, there was a statistically significant deterioration in patients' overall KPS scores during the 1st year of follow up compared with baseline scores. Of QOL items evaluated, statistically significant deteriorations were found in self care, speech, and concentration, and on subscale analyses, cognitive functioning and physical experience (symptoms) deteriorated significantly during the 1st year of follow up, compared with baseline values. The correlation between QOL and KPS scores was low.Conclusions. Future studies in patients harboring malignant gliomas must incorporate measures assessing QOL because traditional measures focusing on physical or neurological functioning give an incomplete assessment of the patient's experience.

Cervical disc arthroplasty: a controlled randomized prospective study with intermediate follow-up results

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 424-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Hacker
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Study ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Cervical Disc Arthroplasty ◽  
Cervical Fusion ◽  
Systemic Complications ◽  
Disc Arthroplasty ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Arm Pain ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors of studies of anterior cervical fusion for disc-related disease have documented satisfying clinical results and infrequent complications. Recently, cervical disc arthroplasty has entered clinical trials as an alternative to fusion. Although the results of anecdotal reports and prospective studies support this procedure, these studies have not conferred the validity of a controlled randomized study. In the present study, the author presents data obtained in such a study. Methods. After symptoms failed to respond to conservative therapy, 46 patients with one-level discogenic cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy were randomized to undergo arthroplasty or fusion as part of a US Food and Drug Administration medical device study. In all patients there was a minimum follow-up duration of 1 year. Equivalent results for the relief of arm pain and neck pain were noted in both treatment groups. Treatment parameters other than operative time were similar. No neurological or serious systemic complications occurred. Conclusions. Although extended follow-up data and larger patient populations are needed, the results of this study indicate that arthroplasty is a viable alternative to cervical fusion.

Surgically treated lumbar disc disease in the pediatric population: an outcome study

2000 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan R. Durham ◽  
Peter P. Sun ◽  
Leslie N. Sutton
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Lumbar Disc Disease ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Fine Print

Object. This outcome study was undertaken to investigate the long-term results obtained in surgically treated pediatric patients with lumbar disc disease by using standardized medical outcome scales and clinical follow-up examination. Methods. Twenty nine patients 17 years of age or younger underwent surgery between 1968 and 1998 for lumbar disc disease. The follow-up period ranged from 4 months to 30.5 years (mean 8.5 years). Outcome scores (health profiles) were generated using a standardized medical outcome scale, the Short Form health survey questionnaire (SF-36), and a condition-specific back pain outcome scale. Clinical follow-up data were obtained by telephone interview. The health profile of the study population closely paralleled that of the normal population and was distinctly different from the health profile of adults with low-back pain. Only physical functioning, as measured by a scale of the SF-36, was found to be impaired in a subset of the study population. The rate of reoperation was 24% over the course of the follow-up period. In contrast to similar studies in adults, there were no identifiable predictive factors for either reoperation or poor outcome. Conclusions. Lumbar disc disease in the pediatric population does not appear to lead to chronic complaints of back pain, and it does not appear to have a negative impact on overall health. This finding suggests that pediatric lumbar disc disease may be a separate entity distinct from adult lumbar disc disease, and therefore, the same conclusions regarding long-term outcome cannot be applied to the pediatric population.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document