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© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licenseBackground: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasingly recognised as being responsible for a substantial proportion of the global burden of disease. Neurosurgical interventions are an important aspect of care for patients with TBI, but there is little epidemiological data available on this patient population. We aimed to characterise differences in casemix, management, and mortality of patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI across different levels of human development. Methods: We did a prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients with TBI undergoing emergency neurosurgery, in a convenience sample of hospitals identified by open invitation, through international and regional scientific societies and meetings, individual contacts, and social media. Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI in each hospital's 30-day study period were all eligible for inclusion, with the exception of patients undergoing insertion of an intracranial pressure monitor only, ventriculostomy placement only, or a procedure for drainage of a chronic subdural haematoma. The primary outcome was mortality at 14 days postoperatively (or last point of observation if the patient was discharged before this time point). Countries were stratified according to their Human Development Index (HDI)—a composite of life expectancy, education, and income measures—into very high HDI, high HDI, medium HDI, and low HDI tiers. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to examine the effect of HDI on mortality while accounting for and quantifying between-hospital and between-country variation. Findings: Our study included 1635 records from 159 hospitals in 57 countries, collected between Nov 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2020. 328 (20%) records were from countries in the very high HDI tier, 539 (33%) from countries in the high HDI tier, 614 (38%) from countries in the medium HDI tier, and 154 (9%) from countries in the low HDI tier. The median age was 35 years (IQR 24–51), with the oldest patients in the very high HDI tier (median 54 years, IQR 34–69) and the youngest in the low HDI tier (median 28 years, IQR 20–38). The most common procedures were elevation of a depressed skull fracture in the low HDI tier (69 [45%]), evacuation of a supratentorial extradural haematoma in the medium HDI tier (189 [31%]) and high HDI tier (173 [32%]), and evacuation of a supratentorial acute subdural haematoma in the very high HDI tier (155 [47%]). Median time from injury to surgery was 13 h (IQR 6–32). Overall mortality was 18% (299 of 1635). After adjustment for casemix, the odds of mortality were greater in the medium HDI tier (odds ratio [OR] 2·84, 95% CI 1·55–5·2) and high HDI tier (2·26, 1·23–4·15), but not the low HDI tier (1·66, 0·61–4·46), relative to the very high HDI tier. There was significant between-hospital variation in mortality (median OR 2·04, 95% CI 1·17–2·49). Interpretation: Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI differed considerably in their admission characteristics and management across human development settings. Level of human development was associated with mortality. Substantial opportunities to improve care globally were identified, including reducing delays to surgery. Between-hospital variation in mortality suggests changes at an institutional level could influence outcome and comparative effectiveness research could identify best practices. Funding: National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Group.

Minimally invasive procedures have been increasing in spine surgery, and interest in robotic systems has inclined. In this study, we aimed to evaluate feasibility of a robotic-assisted thoracic spine interbody fusion in a swine model. Neurosurgeons performed the surgical procedures with robotic surgery certificates on the Da Vinci Xi Surgical System. Surgical approaches were applied using four ports while the swine was in the left lateral position. The surgical procedure was accomplished in 70 min including positioning and preparation of robotic system (20 min), placement of ports and thoracic dissection and confirmation of level with the C-arm system (10 min), discectomy and cage insertion (15 min), control of cage position via the C-arm system and closure (10 min). This study showed the anterior thoracic approach with robotic surgery is safe and feasible with providing a wide working area and high image quality.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a highly contagious life-threatening condition with unprecedented impacts for worldwide societies and health care systems. Since the first detection in China, it has spread rapidly worldwide. The increased burden has substantially affected neurosurgical practice and intensive modifications have been required in surgical scheduling, inpatient and outpatient clinics, management of emergency cases, and even in academic activities. In some systems, nonoverlapping teams have been created to minimize transmission among health care workers. In cases of a massive burden, neurosurgeons may need to be reassigned to COVID-19 wards, or teams from other regions may need to be sent to severely affected areas. Recommendations are as following. In outpatient practice, if possible, appointments should be undertaken via telemedicine. All staff assigned to the non-COVID treatment unit should be clothed in level 1 personal protective equipment. If possible, postponement is recommended for operations that do not require urgent or emergent intervention. All patients indicated for surgery must receive COVID-19 screening, including a nasopharyngeal swab and thorax computed tomography. Level 2 protection measures are appropriate during COVID-19-negative patients' operations. Operations of COVID-19-positive patients and emergency operations, in which screening cannot be obtained, should be performed after level 3 protective measures. During surgery, the use of high-speed drills and electrocautery should be reduced to minimize aerosol production. Screening is crucial in all patients because the surgical outcome is highly mortal in patients with COVID-19. All educational and academic conferences can be undertaken as virtual webinars.

Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is one of the primary complications during the course of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study was to define factors associated with the development of PTH in patients who underwent unilateral decompressive craniectomy (DC) for TBI. A total of 126 patients, who met the inclusion criteria of the study, were divided into two groups: patients with PTH (n = 25) and patients without PTH (n = 101). Their demographic, clinical, radiological, operative, and postoperative factors, which may be associated with the development of PTH, were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that cranioplasty performed later than 2 months following DC was significantly associated with the requirement for ventriculoperitoneal shunting due to PTH (p

Anosmia is one of the early symptoms of olfactory groove meningiomas (OGM) and the postoperative recovery of anosmia is accepted to be unexpected. A 42-year-old female patient presented with bilateral anosmia, and visual field field defects. Radiological examination revealed a large OGM with significant peritumoral edema. The tumor was totally resected through the pterional approach, with the meticulous preservation of the left olfactory nerve. Visual field disturbances improved in the early postoperative period. Furthermore, olfaction recovered in the left nostril at the 6-month follow-up. Despite the common belief that anosmia persists after OGM surgery, with preservation of ofactory nerves, olfaction can be recovered in rare cases.

This study aimed to evaluate the technical aspects of the Da Vinci Xi Surgical System in minimally invasive extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusion (XLIF) surgery in a swine model.Endoscopic discectomy and XLIF cage insertion were performed using a robot-assisted system. The time taken and the pros and cons of each step were recorded.Operative time was 80 min. For the surgery, four ports were used: one for the endoscope camera, two for bipolar forceps, and one auxiliary port modified for discectomy. Discectomy was performed using a punch and curette, following which the cage was inserted through the auxiliary port. Cage position was manipulated using the C-arm. No complications or cage malposition's were noted during the procedure.This study shows that the robot-assisted XLIF approach is safe and feasible, and it protected the neurovascular structures. High image quality was also obtained during the procedure.

Cranial nerve schwannomas almost always arise from sensory or mixed nerves. Motor cranial nerves, such as the trochlear nerve, are rarely associated with schwannomas. No consensus has yet been made for surgical intervention because of the low number of reported cases of trochlear nerve schwannomas. This study comprises a systematic review of the literature and our experience for surgically treated trochlear nerve schwannomas.Three databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library) were searched without date restrictions. Studies were included if they were published in the English literature and presented patients of any age who underwent surgical treatment for trochlear schwannoma. Data extracted from the included studies were combined with our experience.Forty-one studies, presenting 43 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The total number of patients was 45 after our experience was added. The most common symptoms were diplopia (62.2%), headache (46.7%), and motor weakness (37.8%). Mean age during the diagnosis was 45.1 years. Although the subtemporal transtentorial approach (n = 14) is the most preferred method, its application has decreased in recent years. In the last decade, the lateral suboccipital approach (n = 11) has gained popularity. Residual postoperative trochlear nerve deficit was detected in 81% of patients. The probability of neurologic deficit was not statistically associated with tumor volume (P = 0.914), location (P = 0.669), or resection rate (P = 0.554).Although trochlear schwannomas are rare and their treatment involves challenges, total resection with the proper approach provides the most desirable results.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a life-saving procedure performed in refractory intracranial pressure increase and mass lesion due to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Cranioplasty primarily intends to maintain cerebral protection and reconstruct aesthetic appearance. Also, cranioplasty can enable neurological rehabilitation and potentially augment neurological recovery. This article reviews recent studies on the effect of cranioplasty on neurological recovery in severe TBI. RECENT FINDINGS Recent findings suggested that cranioplasty has the potential to enhance neurological recovery after severe TBI. Cranioplasty may alleviate cognitive and functional deficits by reinstating the regular cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and improving brain perfusion. Analyses on the effects of cranioplasty timing on neurological recovery likely favor early cranioplasty. Also, materials used during cranioplasty, autologous and exogenous, were suggested to have similar effects in recovery. Although neurological therapy of TBI patients is still a serious challenge, recent findings represent the possible enhancing effect of cranioplasty on neurological recovery.

Background A well-documented association exists between the vasa vasorum and vasopathologies, including atherosclerosis. However, information on the role of the vasa vasorum during vascular degenerative changes of vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is insufficient. Methods In this study, 34 rabbits were divided into 3 groups: basal group (N = 8), sham group (N = 8), and SAH group (N = 18). Experimental SAH was formed using a double-injection model. During follow-up, the neurologic status of the rabbits was observed. All rabbits were euthanized after 2 weeks, and the vasopathologic degeneration was categorized as normal, mild, moderate, and severe according to the changes in the basilar arteries. The numbers, locations, and spasms of the vasa vasorum and their relation to the vasodegenerative changes of the basilar artery were investigated. Results The basilar arteries were graded as normal in the basal and sham groups. In the SAH group, 6 rabbits had mild, 7 had moderate, and 5 had severe degeneration. Neurologic deficits were prominent in the SAH group, and deficit grades correlated with vascular degeneration. The number of the vasa vasorum were significantly higher in the SAH group, and an enhanced formation of the vasa vasorum was noted in which severe degenerative changes were present. Moreover, the vasospasm index of the vasa vasorum, which increased with the aggravation of vascular degenerative changes, was significantly higher in the SAH group. Conclusions The vasa vasorum and their vasospasm play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of basilar artery degeneration in the vasospasm following SAH.

Objective: Spastic disorders are considered as important cerebral complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, there has been no research concerning the pathophysiological mechanism of its link with the spinal cord. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between the development of spasticity and neuronal degeneration after SAH and increase in spinal cord pressure after central canal hemorrhage (CCH). Participants: Twenty-three rabbits were included. Outcome measures: Of all rabbits, 5, 5, and 13 were allocated in the control, SHAM and study groups, respectively. Moreover, 1 cc of saline and 1 cc of autologous arterial blood were injected into the cisterna magna of the SHAM and study groups, respectively. The Muscle spasticity tension values (MSTVs) were determined according to the modified Ashworth scale. Degenerated neuron densities (DND) in the gray matter (GM) of each animal's spinal cord were stereologically calculated. Results: The average MSTV of each group was as follows: control group (n = 5) 2; SHAM group (n = 5) 3-5; and study group (n = 13) 8–10. The DND values of the spinal cord of each group were as follows: control group, 2 ± 1/mm(3); SHAM group, 12 ± 3/mm(3); and study group, 34 ± 9/mm(3). Results showed an important linear relationship between the MSTVs and the DND of the spinal cord (P

The objective of the study was to analyze the complications of neurosurgical operations during the COVID-19 pandemic by comparing them with the complications observed in the pre-pandemic period.Two groups were formed: (1) Patients who were operated in the 5-month period of the pandemic (March-July 2020) and (2) those who were operated the same operations in the same period 1 year before (March-July 2019). Demographics, characteristics, medical follow-up data, complications, and outcome compared between the groups.Similar demographics were observed between the groups. The number of all neurosurgical cases and neurotrauma cases decreased by 79% and 68% in pandemic period, respectively. The rate of emergency surgeries was significantly higher in pandemic group (p0.001). The operation time was significantly longer in pandemic group (p=0.014). Total complication rate was significantly higher in pandemic group (p=0.002). Specifically, the rate of pulmonary complications was significantly higher during pandemic period (p0.001). The infection rate (p0.001), antibiotic use (p0.001), and intensive care unit stay (p=0.023) were significantly higher in pandemic group.During pandemic period complication rates increased and a higher risk than expected was encountered. Treatment should be performed by taking the precautions and informing the patients about additional risks.

Aim Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt applications are performed when applying ventriculoperitoneal shunt is not suitable. However, due to variations in the venous anatomy of the neck region and difficulties with venous vascular dissection, this procedure involves the risk of complications. This study aimed to develop an approach for atrial application of VA shunts after revealing the venous anatomy with facial and cervical anatomical dissections. Material and methods Five cephalic cadavers were used in the study. Facial and cervical regions of the cephalic cadavers were examined with layer by layer anatomical dissection. Venous angiography and ultrasonography were performed to obtain additional data on the cervical venous vascular anatomy. Subsequently, we developed an approach for atrial catheter applications. Results No anatomical variations were detected in the dissections. The common facial vein, which was formed by the facial vein and retromandibular vein, was observed to drain into the internal jugular vein. As a result of dissections and examinations, an incision approximately 2 cm below the mandible, extending from the projection of the submandibular notch to the trace of the angulus mandible, was considered adequate to expose the common facial vein for atrial catheter insertion. Conclusion The approach described in our study is appropriate for the application of an atrial catheter for VA shunts. Revealing the venous anatomy with examinations contributes to the success of the operation.

Chondrosarcoma, a malignant bone tumor, is rarely encountered in the cervical spine. This article describes a patient whose neck pain and dysphagia were caused by an expansive, destructive lesion with calcification that was located in the body of the axis (C2 vertebra), the first time a chondrosarcoma has been reported in this location.

Objective A thorough follow-up study in which the same clinic presents the change in the surgical outcomes of acromegaly over the years, is still lacking in the endoscopic era. In this study, we intended to evaluate the clinical characteristics, radiological features, surgical and late remission rates of newly diagnosed acromegaly patients treated in our clinic between 2014 and 2019 in order to delineate the surgical remission status according to radiological, microscopic, and hormonal features. As a follow-up to our initial report, we also aimed to display the change of surgical remission rates over time in a tertiary center. Methods A total of newly diagnosed 106 patients with acromegaly, who underwent endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach (EETSA) in the last five years were retrospectively analyzed and presented in this study. Medical records were reviewed in clinical, biochemical, pathological, and radiological aspects to assess the relationship of preoperative patient characteristics with surgical remissions. Results The percentages of the giant pituitary adenomas (≥4 cm), adenomas with suprasellar extension and adenomas with surgically proven invasion of the cavernous sinus in the present series were 13%, 34%, and 20%, respectively. Gross total resection was achieved in 80% of the patients. Surgical remission and late remission rates were 66% and 86%, respectively. Nine (9.4%) patients in our current report had postoperative transient diabetes insipidus. The mean follow-up period in this series was 36.1 ± 18.1 (range 12–59) months. Conclusion The presented surgical results are considerably better than our published initial series of acromegaly patients operated in the same clinic between 2007 and 2014. The improvement in surgical remission rate support a positive surgical volume - remission rate relationship for acromegaly in the era of endoscopic endonasal skull base approaches. One possible factor for better results may be the increasing surgical experience in EETSA, which follows a trend toward gradual improvement of long-term late remissions via a multidisciplinary approach.

Objective: Comparison of conventional microdiscectomy with sequestrectomy in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery with ligamentum flavum (LF) preservation technique. Method: Study design was approved by local ethics committee. We retrospectively reviewed LDH 320 patients operated for disc pathologies in L3 - S1 levels in our clinic between June 2015 - June 2017. Two groups were formed in the study: sequestrectomy and conventional microdiscectomy. Demographic, operational and outcome data were compared between the groups. Results: Sequestrectomy group included 71 patients and conventional microdiscectomy group included 60 patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, comorbidities, smoking, body mass index, disc pathology level, operative complications, amount of bleeding, length of stay, disc recurrence and low back pain, radicular pain, quality of life, surgical success and satisfaction results. Satisfactory improvement rates were found in the conventional discectomy (85%) and sequestrectomy group (91.5%) in mid-term follow-up. Operation time (mean 61.1 vs 94.6 min), and early postoperative opioid requirement (14.1% vs 27.1%) were significantly lower in the sequestrectomy group. Conclusions: In LDH surgery with LF preservative technique, satisfactory results were obtained with both methods with comparable. Recurrence rates and outcome. However, sequestrectomy is appropriate in cases without a wide annular defect due to the short operation time, low opioid requirement.

Background: Chiari Type I malformation (CM-I) is defined as the migration of cerebellar tonsils from the foramen magnum in the caudal direction and is characterized by the disproportion of the neural structures. The aim of this study was to investigate the brain volume differences between CM-I patients and normal population using a comparative volumetric analysis. Methods: 140 patients with CM-I and 140 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of both groups were analyzed with an automated MRI brain morphometry system. Total intracranial, cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and lateral ventricle volumes as well as cerebrum and cerebellum gray/white matter (GM/WM) volumes were measured. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: Both total CSF and lateral ventricle volumes and volume percentages (Pct) were found significantly higher in CM-I patients compared to the control group. However, there were significant decreases in cerebrum and cerebellum volume Pct in CM-I patients. Although there were no significant differences in cerebrum WM volumes and volume Pct, cerebrum GM volume Pct were found to be significantly lower in CM-I patients. Conclusions: Revealing the increased CSF and lateral ventricle volume, and volume Pct supported concomitant ventricular enlargement and hydrocephalus in some CM-I patients. Decreased cerebrum GM volume Pct compared to the control group might be the underlying factor of some cortical dysfunctions in CM-I patients.

Objective Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) may have various anatomic, clinical, and radiologic characteristics, which may be related to their differences in texture or consistency. The purpose of the study was to investigate RCCs based on consistency. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 25 cases of patients with RCCs who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery between 2008 and 2018. Cases were divided into 3 types based on cyst consistency: fluid (serous) or type A (n = 4); semi-fluid (mucoid) or type B (n = 17); and non-fluid (caseous) or type C (n = 4). Demographic, clinical, radiologic, and surgical characteristics for each group were analyzed. Results All type A RCCs (100%) had visual impairment. The mean age (42.8 ± 13 years) and cyst volume (2442.5 ± 533.6 mm3) were higher in these patients. T1-weighted images were hypointense and T2-weighted images were hyperintense on magnetic resonance imaging. Type B RCCs were more frequently encountered (68%). Although headache was the most common (82.3%) symptom, endocrine disorders were also prevalent (52.9%). T1-weighted images were typically isointense or hyperintense on magnetic resonance imaging. Type C RCCs had the youngest patient population (30.3 ± 10.2 years) and T2-weighted images were predominantly hypointense in this group. Conclusions The proposed novel consistency classification of RCCs will provide a practical tool for more accurately estimating the nature of the pathology, because each type has its own specific characteristics. Furthermore, the new classification of RCCs may aid in planning a consistency-specific surgery.

Background Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury results from the onset of re-circulation following a perfusion deterioration period in the tissues, resulting in more damage than that caused by perfusion deterioration. This study aimed to determine the effects of pycnogenol on I/R injury in rat brain tissues. Methods Eighteen albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups: I/R injury (IR, n = 6) group; I/R injury + pycnogenol (IR + P, n = 6) group; and sham group (SG, n = 6). After 30 min of transient ischemia, 24 h of reperfusion was achieved in the IR and IR + P groups. Surgical dissection, except for transient ischemia, was performed in SG. Next, histopathological and biochemical investigations were performed on brain tissues. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPO) were analyzed as oxidative stress markers; IL-1β and TNF-α were analyzed as inflammatory stress markers in biochemical tests. Results Histopathological examination revealed normal morphology in SG and diffuse cortex damage with edema, vasopathology, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the IR group. The IR + P group showed less cortex damage, edema, and vasopathology than the IR group. The MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in the IR group than those in the SG group. The values of same markers for the IR + P group were significantly lower than the IR group. The GSH and GPO levels were significantly decreased with IR damage, but PYC treatment showed significant improvement in the levels. Conclusion This study showed that the administration of pycnogenol ameliorated brain damage after I/R injury by reducing oxidative and inflammatory damage in the rat brain.

We created a neck trauma model by injecting blood into the sheath of rabbits' carotid bodies (CBs). Then we determined the relationship between neuronal degeneration of the CB due to hemorrhage of this organ and its clinical effects such as blood pH and heart rhythm.The present study included 24 adult male New Zealand rabbits. The animals were divided into 3 groups: control (n = 5); sham (0.5 mL saline injected into CBs; n = 5); and study (CB trauma model; n = 14). pH values and heart rhythms were recorded before the experiment to determine the values under normal conditions, and measurements were repeated thrice in the days following the experiment. The number of normal and degenerated neuron density of CBs was counted. The relationship between the blood pH values, heart rhythms, and degenerated neuron densities was analyzed.Heart rhythms were 218 ± 20 in the control group, 197 ± 16 in the sham group (P = 0.09), and 167 ± 13 in the study group (P0.0005). pH values were 7.40 ± 0.041 in the control group, 7.321 ± 0.062 in the sham group (P = 0.203), and 7.23 ± 0.02 in study group (P0.0005). Degenerated neuron densities were 12 ± 4/mmA high degenerate neuron density in the CB can decrease blood pH and hearth rhythm after neck trauma, and there might be a close relationship between the number of degenerated neurons and clinical findings (such as heart rhythm and blood pH). This relationship suggests that injury to the glossopharyngeal nerve-CB network can cause acidosis by disturbing the breathing-circulating reflex and results in respiratory acidosis.

Background Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (SEP) is a plasma cell neoplasm located outside the bone. It is rarely observed in the intracranial area. It is very difficult to diagnose this condition radiologically before surgery. In addition, dural SEP is usually misdiagnosed. Case Description We report a case of plasmacytoma that presented as altered mental status after head trauma, located in the subdural area. We also describe its differential diagnosis and treatment by total removal and adjuvant radiotherapy. The 66-month follow-up findings showed distant plasmacytoma development, which was treated with radiotherapy alone. Conclusions Some pathological entities should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute subdural hematomas. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of dural SEP mimicking acute subdural hematoma.

Objectives In this study, we aimed to share the surgical approaches and clinical experiences of cranio-orbital tumors, which are surgically difficult anatomies. Methods A total of 22 orbital tumors with extraorbital-transcranial pathology between January 2004 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Information was obtained from hospital, operation and outpatient records for this study. Preoperative demographic data, ophthalmologic examination findings, clinical and radiological findings were recorded. All patients had cranial magnetic resonance and cranial computerised tomography examinations at this time. The location of the tumor, its size and its relation to neighboring structures were recorded in the light of these examinations. Results The lateral approach was performed in 12 cases. The lateral approach was performed with frontotemporal craniotomy. Because of the lateral inferior location of the tumor in three of 12 cases, zygoma osteotomy was added to classical osteotomy. In 10 cases, the anterior approach was applied and the frontal craniotomy was found sufficient in seven cases. In three cases subfrontal craniotomy was added to classical craniotomy. Conclusion The findings obtained in this study suggest that high resection rates can be achieved with appropriate surgical intervention in orbital tumors requiring a transcranial surgical approach. The most important factor in surgical planning is the location of the tumor. The size of the tumor and the expectation of the percentage of surgical removal are the other important factors. In our series, it has reached high excision ratio in most cases with low complication rate, good visual field and eye movements results.

Objective To review the results of sphenoid sinus lateral recess (SSLR) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks treated with the endoscopic endonasal minimal transpterygoid approach (EEMTPA) and to discuss the surgical technique and outcomes. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 13 cases who underwent SSLR CSF leak repair through the EEMTPA in our clinic between September 2008 and December 2017. Demographic and etiological features with reconstruction and surgical outcomes were examined. Mean follow-up time was 6.1 years. Results In regard to etiology, the SSLR CSF leaks included 9 patients with spontaneous, 2 patients with traumatic, and 2 with iatrogenic causes. CSF leak was at the left lateral recess in 8 cases and at right lateral recess in 5 cases. Nine patients had empty sella syndrome, and 11 patients had meningoencephaloceles in addition to SSLR CSF leaks. All patients underwent surgery through the EEMTPA, and a multilayer closure with tissue overlay grafts were used for reconstruction. A pedicled nasoseptal flap and/or pedicled middle turbinate flap were applied to the area of the leak in all cases. One patient had a persistent CSF leak and another had recurrence, both of which required revision surgery. Our overall success rate was 100%. Conclusions EEMTPA is a safe and effective method that can be used to treat challenging pathologies at the SSLR, including CSF leaks accompanying meningoencephaloceles. Furthermore, the success rate of EEMTPA for SSLR CSF leaks can be increased by applying endoscopic skull base reconstruction techniques such as the pedicled nasoseptal flap and pedicled middle turbinate flap.

AIM: To report neurological and radiological features, surgical management, and mid-term outcomes of patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) associated with ipsilateral arachnoid cyst (AC) of the middle fossa. MATERIAL and METHODS: A total of 453 patients with CSDH were treated at our clinic between August 2004 and August 2012. Of these patients, 15 had ipsilateral AC in the middle fossa. A single burr hole craniostomy was performed to drain the hematoma. The AC was left intact in 14 patients, and one patient had no surgical intervention. The follow-up period ranged from 13 to 88 months (mean 43.07 +/- 23.23 months). RESULTS: The patients with AC associated CSDH were found to be younger than the patients with CSDH alone, and the mean age of 58 patients was 13.15 +/- 13.17 years, while it was 11 +/- 14.22 years in the other patients. Eleven patients had experienced head trauma at 21-50 days before admission. Hematoma evacuation through a single burr hole with closed-system subdural drainage performed at 2-4 days after surgery improved the symptoms in all patients. Two patients developed subdural fluid collection, which was treated by subduroperitoneal shunt placement. CONCLUSION: Greater prevalence of ACs in patients with CSDHs has been reported in the literature. We recommend the drainage of the hematoma via a single craniostomy and to leave the AC intact as the first choice of treatment if the associated AC is a Galassi type I or II. Additional subduroperitoneal shunting may be performed in patients with Galassi type III cyst.

AIM: Computed tomography (CT)-guided stereotactic brain biopsy has been performed in our clinic since March 1998. In this prospective study, we examined the patient data undergoing stereotactic biopsy and the results of biopsies in 500 consecutive patients. MATERIAL and METHODS: Between the dates of March 1998 and January 2015, CT-guided stereotactic biopsies were performed by using the Leksell stereotactic frame system (Elekta Instruments EU, Sweden) in 500 patients. A total of 512 procedures were performed in patients consisting of 184 females (36.8\%) and 316 males (63.2\%), ages ranging from 3 to 81 years (mean 50.40 +/- 16.67). RESULTS: Conclusive histopathological diagnosis was not achieved in 17(3.3\%) of 512 procedures. Of the others, 173 (33.8\%) were high-grade gliomas, 103 (20.1\%) were low-grade gliomas, 36 (7\%) were malignant lymphomas, 34 (6.6\%) were other types of brain tumors, 82 (16\%) were metastasis and 67 (13.1\%) were non-tumoral lesions. Complications were occurred in ten cases: 3 tumoral bleedings, 2 hypertensive cerebral hematomas, 2 peroperative convulsions, 1 epidural hematoma, 1 myocardial infarction and 1 brain edema. The patients who developed myocardial infarction and hypertensive thalamic hematoma died. The mortality was 0.4\% and morbidity was 1.6\% in 512 procedures. CONCLUSION: CT-guided stereotactic biopsy is a reliable and a safe procedure in cases with intracranial lesions when histopathological diagnosis is required for the appropriate treatment.

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of adding hypertonic saline to conventional transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) in the management of patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with radicular pain. Material and Methods: The study included 57 patients with L4–L5 LDH treated with TFESI. The patients were divided into two groups: the hypertonic (n = 29) and conventional groups (n = 28). The conventional group was administered with triamcinolone, bupivacaine, and isotonic saline. Subsequently, the hypertonic group was administered with triamcinolone, bupivacaine, and 10% hypertonic saline. The patients were followed up using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Substantial and moderate responder ratios were achieved using NRS. Outcome measurements were performed at baseline, one, three, six, and nine months. Complications were recorded in both groups. Results: TFESI with or without adjuvant hypertonic saline was found to be effective by achieving a significant reduction in NRS and ODI scores during the overall follow-up period. Reduction of NRS scores at six- and nine-month follow-up and ODI scores at nine-month follow-up in the hypertonic group were significantly higher than those in the conventional group. Moreover, substantial response in the hypertonic group was significantly higher than that in the conventional group. Both groups had no complications. Conclusion: The administration of adjuvant 10% hypertonic saline to transforaminal injections enhances the treatment efficacy by increasing pain reduction and improving the quality of life in the late follow-up period.