Advantages and limitations of the use of tractography and fMRI in the treatment of anaplastic glioma

2021 ◽  
pp. 32-42
Author(s):  
Igor Aleksandrovich Medyanik ◽  
Simon Quarteng Badu
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Preoperative Diagnosis ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Complete Resection ◽  
Anaplastic Glioma ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Histological Subtype ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

The possibility of using only tractography as a preoperative diagnosis of anaplastic glioma is limited due to its inability to show the exact functional location of the tumor; therefore, the combination of tractography and fMRI seems to be a more promising complex diagnostic method. In neurooncology, complete resection without or with minimal neurological deficit is the goal of surgical intervention. The aim of the study was to investigate the advantages and limitations of the use of tractography and fMRI in the treatment of anaplastic glioma compared to standard CT or MRI. The study involved 48 patients who were divided into two groups based on the use of fMRI and tractography: group A (24 patients) and without it — group B (24 patients). The groups were compared in terms of age, sex, histological subtype of anaplastic glioma, degree of resection, postoperative complications, and dynamics of neurological disorders. The combination of fMRI and tractography is the best preoperative diagnosis, it is safe and allows localizing neural pathways, preserve them during surgery, and reduce postoperative neurological deficits.

Comparison of Endoscopic Versus Percutaneous Approach (Blind) to Control the Obturator Jerk in Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors Under Spinal Anesthesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-126
Author(s):  
Alamgir Md ◽  
Karim Km Monwarul ◽  
Nandy SP ◽  
Md Monwar Ul Haque ◽  
Sakhawat Mahmud Khan
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Spinal Anesthesia ◽  
Transurethral Resection ◽  
Bladder Tumor ◽  
Complete Resection ◽  
Satisfaction Level ◽  
Bladder Tumors ◽  
Percutaneous Approach ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the endoscopic versus percutaneous approach (blind) to control the obturator jerk in patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumors under spinal anesthesia. Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was performed in Department of Urology, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong and some Private Hospitals (Ltd.) in Chittagong city during the period from January 2016 to June 2016. Total 100 patients were grouped into two, on alternate basis. Fifty(50) patients in group- A conducted with endoscopic infiltration with 20ml of injection 2% lignocaine at the bladder tumor base and another 50 patients in group-B, conducted with blind percutaneous technique with same drug and volume ( 20ml inj.2% lignocaine) to control obturator jerk. Severity of obturator jerk in both procedure, percentage of complete resection, ONB procedure related time, ONB procedure related complications and surgeon’s satisfaction level were recorded and compared between two approaches. Chi-square analysis was performed to compare the ease of approach and outcome of the two techniques. A value of P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patients were 59.44+7.681. In group-A, 50 patients were given inj. 2% lignocaine endoscopically at the bladder tumor base to control obturator jerk. Twenty five patients (50%) had no jerk, 20 patients(40%) developed mild jerk and 5 patients (10%) developed moderate jerk and no patients developed severe jerk. Second attempt was taken in moderate jerk patients (5 patients) and succeeded in 3(6%) patients. So, in this group, complete resection of bladder tumor was possible in 96%. In group B, complete resection of bladder tumor was possible in 84%. Statistical analysis was done and result is significant in case of endoscopic procedure to control obturator jerk(p<0.05). ONB Procedure related time was <20 mins. in 32(64%) patients in group-A and 45 (90%) patients in group- B. 20 mins. or more time was required for 18 (36%) patients in group-A and 5 (10%) patients in group-B. Statistical analysis was done and result is significant in percutaneous (blind) technique (p<0.05). ONB procedure related complications in group-A and Group –B were noted. Statistical analysis was done and result is insignificant (p>0.05). Surgeons satisfaction level were recorded on the basis of obturator jerk block and complete resection and which was statistically significant in favour of endoscopy group (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that endoscopic injection of 2% lignocaine into the bladder tumor base is better in case of jerk elimination and complete resection than blind percutaneous approach. Though, ONB procedure related time was significantly less in percutaneous group. Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 21, No. 2, July 2018 p.120-126

The Value of Abdominal and Pelvic CT Scan in Trauma Patients With Low Injury Severity Score and High Glasgow Coma Scale

2021 ◽  
pp. 000313482110474
Author(s):  
Tarik Wasfie ◽  
Daniel Rivera ◽  
Mursal Naisan ◽  
Shelby Zaremba ◽  
Mikayla Depuydt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Glasgow Coma Scale ◽  
Physical Examination ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Ct Findings ◽  
Group A ◽  
Fast Exam ◽  
Group B

Introduction Computed tomography scans became the mainstay of emergency department (ED) evaluation of trauma patients including those with a high Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and a low Injury Severity Score (ISS). We elected to find the value of abdominal and pelvic CT in patients with negative physical examination and Focused Assessment of Sonography for Trauma (FAST) on arrival to the ED. Methods This study is a retrospective analysis of 901 consecutive patients from 2017 to 2019 who presented to the ED with level 2 and 3 activation criteria. Each patient received a physical examination, CT abdomen and pelvis, and FAST exam. Data were collected on external factor including GCS, ISS, age, sex, comorbidities, anticoagulation use, and surgical intervention. The patients were divided into 2 groups, Group A and B. Group A consisted of patients with a negative physical exam, FAST, and CT result. Group B included patients with a negative physical exam and FAST exam with positive CT findings. Statistical analysis was done using a Student’s t-test and chi-square test for significance value of P < .05. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for this study. Results A total of 901 patients were analyzed which included 489 (54.3%) male and 412 (45.7%) female with a mean age of 56.2 (SD = 22.62) years. Out of the 901 patients, 461 patients received a physical, FAST, and CT exam. Group A consisted of 442 (95.9%) patients and Group B had 19 (4.1%) patients. Both groups were similar in GCS and ISS scoring with no significance difference in age, sex, comorbidities, and anticoagulation use. There was a significant difference in the ICU and hospital mean length of stay when CT scan was positive [2 (SD = 4.23) days vs. .6 (SD = 1.33) days with P < .0001 and 4.57 (SD ± 4.17) days vs. 2.5 (SD = 2.00) days with P < .0001, respectively]. The CT findings of the 19 patients in group B consisted of 6 incidentalomas, 5 vertebral compression fractures, 4 pelvic bone fractures, 1 minor liver contusion, 1 non-specific bowel thickening, 1 non-displaced rib fracture, and 1 case of small amount of free fluid in the pelvis. None of the CT findings required surgical intervention. Conclusion Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis in trauma patients with high GCS and low ISS with initial negative physical and FAST examination did not provide additional critical information.

scholarly journals Influence of the cerebrospinal fluid laboratory parameters in the ELISA test for neurocysticercosis using a total cysticerci antigen

2006 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiane S. Casanova ◽  
Maria José S.P. Ribeiro ◽  
Reizer R. Gonçalves ◽  
Luiz Cláudio Faria ◽  
José Mauro Peralta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Protein Concentration ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Csf Analysis ◽  
Elisa Testing ◽  
Group A ◽  
Etiological Agents ◽  
Group B

To evaluate if the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters may influence the cysticercosis immunoreactivity response in the CSF. CSF samples of 109 patients were analyzed and classified in three groups, according to the neurological manifestations and the reactivity in antibody-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Ab-ELISA) testing in CSF for neurocysticercosis (NC): group A, 18 patients with neurological disorders compatible with NC and reactive Ab-ELISA in CSF for NC; group B, 50 patients with neurological disorders non-compatible with NC and reactive Ab-ELISA for NC; group C, 41 patients with neurological disorders non-compatible with NC and non-reactive Ab-ELISA in CSF for NC. The CSF analysis in group A was compatible with NC. The group B in comparison to the groups A and C presents higher frequency and intensity of hypercytosis, presence of red blood cells in CSF, protein concentration and immunological reactive test for other etiological agents (p<0.05). Based on the present data, we suggest that the inflammatory process and high protein concentration may determine false positive reactions in the Ab-ELISA test for NC in the CSF.

scholarly journals Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Indications and Extent of Central Neck Dissection—Our Experience

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Giorgio Calò ◽  
Fabio Medas ◽  
Giuseppe Pisano ◽  
Francesco Boi ◽  
Germana Baghino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Neck Dissection ◽  
Preoperative Diagnosis ◽  
Differentiated Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Central Neck Dissection ◽  
Central Neck ◽  
Group A ◽  
Cell Variant ◽  
Group B

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the rate of metastases in the central neck compartment and examine the morbidity and rate of recurrence in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer treated with or without a central neck dissection. Two hundred and fifteen patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with preoperative diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer, in the absence of suspicious nodes, were divided in two groups: those who underwent a thyroidectomy only (group A; ) and those who also received a central neck dissection (group B; ). Five cases (2.32%) of nodal recurrence were observed: 3 in group A and 2 in group B. Tumor histology was associated with a risk of recurrence: Hürthle cell-variant and tall cell-variant carcinomas were associated with a high risk of recurrence. Multifocality and extrathyroidal invasion also presented a higher risk, while smaller tumors were at lower risk. The results of this study suggest that prophylactic central neck dissection should be reserved for high-risk patients only. A wider use of immunocytochemical and genetic markers to improve preoperative diagnosis and the development of methods for the intraoperative identification of metastatic lymph nodes will be useful in the future for the improved selection of patients for central neck dissections.

Tethered cord syndrome in adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörg Klekamp
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Tethered Cord ◽  
Tethered Cord Syndrome ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group B

Object The treatment of tethered cord syndromes in adults is discussed regarding the natural history and surgical indications. The author analyzes data obtained in patients who were diagnosed with a tethered cord in adulthood and either underwent surgical or conservative therapy between 1991 and 2009. Methods Since 1991, data obtained in 2515 patients with spinal cord pathologies were entered into the spinal cord database, and prospective follow-up was performed through outpatient visits and questionnaires. Of the 2515 patients, 85 adults with a tethered cord syndrome formed the basis of this study. The tethering effect was caused either by a split cord malformation, a thick filum terminale, a conus medullaris lipoma with extradural extension, or various combinations of these mechanisms. The mean age of the patients was 46 ± 13 years (range 23–74 years) and the mean follow-up duration was 61 ± 62 months. Two groups were distinguished based on the absence (Group A, 43 patients) or presence (Group B, 42 patients) of an associated lipoma or dysraphic cyst (that is, dermoid, epidermoid, or neurenteric cyst). Surgery was recommended for patients with symptoms only. Short-term results were determined within 3 months of surgery, whereas long-term outcomes (clinical recurrences) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier statistics. Results For all patients, pain was the most common major complaint. Severe neurological deficits were rare. In Group A, 20 of 43 patients underwent surgery, whereas in Group B 23 of 42 patients underwent surgery. Among individuals who did not undergo surgery, 17 patients refused surgery and 25 patients underwent recommended conservative treatment. Short-term postoperative results indicated a significant improvement of pain and a stabilization of neurological symptoms. Long-term results showed a good prognosis in patients in whom first-time (that is, nonrevision) surgery achieved successful untethering, with a 10-year rate of neurological stabilization in 89% of Group A and a 10-year rate of neurological stabilization in 81% of Group B patients. The benefit of secondary operations in Group B was limited, with eventual clinical deterioration occurring in all patients within 10 years. For patients treated conservatively, follow-up information could be obtained in 33 of 42 patients. Twenty-eight patients remained in stable clinical condition. Only 5 of the conservatively treated patients experienced clinical deterioration over time; in 4 of these individuals with deterioration, surgery had been recommended but was refused by the patient. The clinical recurrence rate in all conservatively treated patients was 21% after 10 years. With a recommendation for surgery this figure rose to 47% within 5 years. Conclusions Surgery in adult patients with a tethered cord syndrome should be reserved for those with symptoms. In surgically treated patients, pain relief can often be achieved, and long-term neurological stabilization tends to persist more often than it does in conservatively treated patients. A conservative approach is warranted, however, in adult patients without neurological deficits. Revision surgery in patients with complex dysraphic lesions should be performed in exceptional cases only.

Evolution of cranial epilepsy surgery complication rates: a 32-year systematic review and meta-analysis

2014 ◽  
Vol 120 (6) ◽  
pp. 1415-1427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collin C. Tebo ◽  
Alexander I. Evins ◽  
Paul J. Christos ◽  
Jennifer Kwon ◽  
Theodore H. Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Epilepsy Surgery ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Temporal Lobectomy ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Wound Infections ◽  
Group A ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Group B

Object Surgical interventions for medically refractory epilepsy are effective in selected patients, but they are underutilized. There remains a lack of pooled data on complication rates and their changes over a period of multiple decades. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of reported complications from intracranial epilepsy surgery from 1980 to 2012. Methods A literature search was performed to find articles published between 1980 and 2012 that contained at least 2 patients. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the procedure they underwent: A) temporal lobectomy with or without amygdalohippocampectomy, B) extratemporal lobar or multilobar resections, or C) invasive electrode placement. Articles were divided into 2 time periods, 1980–1995 and 1996–2012. Results Sixty-one articles with a total of 5623 patients met the study's eligibility criteria. Based on the 2 time periods, neurological deficits decreased dramatically from 41.8% to 5.2% in Group A and from 30.2% to 19.5% in Group B. Persistent neurological deficits in these 2 groups decreased from 9.7% to 0.8% and from 9.0% to 3.2%, respectively. Wound infections/meningitis decreased from 2.5% to 1.1% in Group A and from 5.3% to 1.9% in Group B. Persistent neurological deficits were uncommon in Group C, although wound infections/meningitis and hemorrhage/hematoma increased over time from 2.3% to 4.3% and from 1.9% to 4.2%, respectively. These complication rates are additive in patients undergoing implantation followed by resection. Conclusions Complication rates have decreased dramatically over the last 30 years, particularly for temporal lobectomy, but they remain an unavoidable consequence of epilepsy surgery. Permanent neurological deficits are rare following epilepsy surgery compared with the long-term risks of intractable epilepsy.

scholarly journals A randomized trial of surgery alone versus surgery plus compression in the treatment of venous leg ulcers in patients with primary venous insufficiency

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (8) ◽  
pp. 811-815
Author(s):  
Dragan Milic ◽  
Sasa Zivic ◽  
Mladjan Golubovic ◽  
Dragan Bogdanovic ◽  
Milan Lazarevic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcer Healing ◽  
Venous Insufficiency ◽  
Healing Rate ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Compression Therapy ◽  
Healing Time ◽  
Leg Ulcers ◽  
Compression Device ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Background/Aim.Venous leg ulcers (VLU) are a significant health problem worldwide. It is well known that VLU are difficult to treat and that they have high tendency for recurrence. Compression therapy is the preferred treatment modality but there is growing evidence that correction of underlying venous disorder in early stages of the disease in addition to compression treatment may improve ulcer healing and reduce recurrence rate. Methods. An open, prospective, randomized, single-center study, with a 6-months follow-up was performed to determine the efficacy of two different treatment modalities (surgery alone versus surgery plus compression) in the treatment of VLU in patients with primary venous insufficiency. Patients with secondary venous insufficiency and/or thrombosis were excluded from the study. Overall, 71 patients were randomized (37 men, 34 women; mean age 60 years) into two groups: the group A ? 34 patients who underwent surgical intervention (stripping) and postoperatively were treated with simple wound dressing only, and the group B ? 37 patients who underwent surgical intervention (stripping) and wore a heelless open-toed elastic class III compression device knitted in tubular form ?Tubulcus? (Laboratoires Innothera, Arcueil, France). All patients in group B were instructed to wear compression device continuously during the day and night. The study was performed at the Clinic for Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery, Clinical Centre Nis (Serbia) with primary endpoint of the study being complete ulcer healing at 180 days. Results. The healing rate was 29.41% (10/34) in the group A, and 56.76% (21/37) in the group B (p < 0.01). Mean healing time in the group A was 141 ?15 days, and in the group B it was 98 ?12 days (Log-rank life table analysis: p < 0.001). Conclusion. This study suggests that for VLU in patients with primary venous insufficiency, surgery plus compression therapy provides higher healing rate and faster healing time compared to surgery only.

scholarly journals Outcome of Early Surgical Intervention in Acute Lower Limb Ischemia due to Thromboembolism

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-43
Author(s):  
QA Azad ◽  
NAK Ahsan ◽  
AM Asif Rahim ◽  
SAN Alam ◽  
M Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Limb Ischemia ◽  
Artery Occlusion ◽  
Arterial Embolism ◽  
Vascular Flow ◽  
Femoral Artery Occlusion ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Early Surgical Intervention

Background: Acute lower extremity ischemia is a common vascular disease and considered limb- and life- threatening. The present study evaluated and compared the outcome of early and late surgical intervention in acute lower limb ischemia due to thromboembolism. Methodology: This non randomized comparative parallel study was conducted at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, NICVD, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2007 to December 2008 for duration of two year. Total 80 patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into equal two groups, Group A, for early surgical intervention (with in 24 hours) and Group B, late surgical intervention (more than 24 hours). Results: Mean (±SD) age of both Group A and Group B was 51.93 (±11.73) and 47.00 (± 11.01) years. Male and female ratio of the total study population was 1.76:1 Pain and absence of pulse distal to occlusion was common for all. Cold extremity, sensory deficit, motor deficit, diminish vascular flow was the commonest findings of both group. In Group A, 57.5% had superficial femoral artery occlusion, 22.5% had iliac artery and 20.0% popliteal artery occlusion. In Group B, 42.5% had superficial femoral artery occlusion, 32.5% had popliteal artery occlusion and 25.0% had iliac artery occlusion. Fasciotomy was performed in 15.0% patients of Group A and in 22.0% patients of Group B. After Fogarty embolectomy in group A and group B had warm extremity (80.0% vs. 65.0%), pulsation distal to occlusion (90.0% vs. 75.0%), intact sensory function (82.5% vs. 67.5%), intact motor function (80.0% vs. 65.0%), and normal vascular flow by Doppler US (80.0% vs. 65.0%). During postoperative period history of bleeding, infection, reperfusion injury, muscle necrosis and limb amputation were 12.5% vs. 10.0%, 5.0% and 7.5%, 17.5% vs. 35.0%, 15.0% vs. 12.5% and 37.5% vs. 32.5% respectively. Conclusion: Duration of embolism may be the significant factor determining the outcomes of the management of acute arterial embolism in the lower extremities. The 24- hour duration of arterial embolism is a crucial factor influencing the surgical the management and early diagnosis and shifting of patients to specified centre as early as possible to save limb as well as life. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v7i1.20799 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 7(1): 38-43

The Role of Postoperative Radiotherapy after Resection of Single Brain Metastases

Neurosurgery ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 798-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. DeAngelis ◽  
Lynda R. Mandell ◽  
H. Tzvi Thaler ◽  
David W. Kimmel ◽  
Joseph H. Galicich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Metastasis ◽  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Postoperative Radiotherapy ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Whole Brain Radiotherapy ◽  
Complete Resection ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Single Brain Metastasis ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

ABSTRACT To assess the value of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) after complete resection of a single brain metastasis we reviewed the records of 98 patients who had elective craniotomy between 1978 and 1985. Seventy-nine patients received postoperative WBRT (Group A) and 19 patients no radiotherapy (RT) (Group B). Neurological relapse was designated as local (i.e., at the site of the original metastasis) or distant (i.e., elsewhere in the brain). Postoperative WBRT significantly prolonged the time to any neurological relapse (P = 0.034) with a 1-year recurrence rate of 22% in Group A and 46% in Group B patients; however, it did not specifically control either local or distant cerebral recurrence. Recurrence of metastatic brain disease was not affected by location of the original lesion; however, meningeal relapse occurred in 38% of cerebellar lesions, but only in 4.7% of supratentorial metastases (P = 0.003). The total radiation dose or fractionation scheme of RT did not affect survival nor time to neurological relapse. The median survival was 20.6 and 14.4 months for Groups A and B, respectively (not statistically different). Forty-eight percent of Group A and 47% of Group B patients survived for 1 year or longer; however, 11% of patients who had received RT and survived 1 year developed severe radiation-induced dementia. All patients with radiation-related cerebral damage received hypo-fractionated RT with high daily fractions as commonly designed for rapid palliation of macroscopic brain metastases. Thus, postoperative WBRT may be an important adjunct to complete resection of a single brain metastasis, particularly in patients with limited or no systemic disease who have the potential for long-term survival or even cure, but it carries a substantial risk of late neurological toxicity when hypofractionated RT schedules are used. For these good-risk patients, postoperative WBRT should be administered by standard fractionation schemes of 180 to 200 cGy/day to a total of 4000 to 4500 cGy, or hyperfractionation, which provides even lower doses/fraction to minimize potential neurotoxicity while delivering a maximally efficacious total dose, should be considered.

LONG-TERM SEIZURE CONTROL AFTER RESECTION OF SUPRATENTORIAL CAVERNOMAS

Neurosurgery ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 888-897 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioannis Stavrou ◽  
Christoph Baumgartner ◽  
Josa M. Frischer ◽  
Siegfried Trattnig ◽  
Engelbert Knosp
Keyword(s):  
Class I ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Outcome Analysis ◽  
International League Against Epilepsy ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
International League

Abstract OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to examine the long-term outcomes of 53 epilepsy patients who were surgically treated for supratentorial cavernomas in a single-center study and to assess both the duration of epilepsy and the resection of the hemosiderin rim for their prognostic relevance during extended follow-up. METHODS Fifty-three patients underwent microsurgical resection of radiologically diagnosed supratentorial cavernomas. For the outcome analysis, they were divided into 2 groups: Group A (33 patients) with a preoperative duration of epilepsy of less than 2 years, and Group B (20 patients) with a preoperative duration of epilepsy of 2 years or more. The natural history of the cavernomas, localization and size of the lesions, use of antiepileptic drugs, surgery timing, and technique (removal or not of the surrounding gliosis) were evaluated retrospectively. The outcome of epilepsy was based on Engel's classification and the International League Against Epilepsy classification. RESULTS After a mean follow-up period of 8.1 years, 45 (84.9%) of the 53 patients were free from disabling seizures (Engel Class I), including 37 patients (69.8%) who were completely free of postoperative seizures (Engel Class IA); 43 patients (81.1%) were categorized as International League Against Epilepsy Class 1. Outcome was statistically significantly improved in the patient subgroup of our study in which patients underwent a resection of the surrounding gliosis after a preoperative duration of epilepsy of less than 2 years (Group A). There was no mortality, and only minor postoperative neurological deficits occurred in 7.5% of patients. CONCLUSION In a long-term follow-up period, 84.9% of the patients in the study could be evaluated as Engel Class I. The analysis of outcome showed that patients benefited significantly from early surgery and excision of the hemosiderin rim.

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