Mesenchymal stem cells in lumbar spine surgery: a single institution experience about red bone marrow and fat tissue derived MSCs.

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are undifferentiated, multipotent cells, which have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into many tissue types. MSCs have shown therapeutic applications in different medical fields and could represent a successful treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD). Several studies have demonstrated, ex vivo or in animal models, the MSCs efficacy in spine surgery.

Evaluation of trans-sphenoidal surgery in pituitary GH-secreting micro- and macroadenomas: a comparison between microsurgical and endoscopic approach.

Aim: Acromegaly is caused by a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma, associated with many comorbidities and increased risk of mortality. Surgery is the first-line therapy. Success of therapy is measured by symptomatic improvement, preservation of pituitary function and biochemical control.

Neurosurgical applications of the 2-μm thulium laser: histological evaluation of meningiomas in comparison to bipolar forceps and an ultrasonic aspirator.

Objective: The authors evaluated the histological effects of the 2-μm thulium laser on meningioma tissue, comparing them to the results obtained using bipolar forceps and an ultrasonic aspirator.

Methods: The authors analyzed nine samples of intracranial meningiomas. Four slices were obtained for every sample, and one incision was performed on each slice.

Intracranial extra-axial cavernous angioma of the cerebellar falx.

Introduction: Intracranial cavernous hemangiomas are benign vascular malformations that can be divided into intra-axial and extra-axial types. Extra-axial cavernous angiomas (or hemangiomas) are rare lesions; intracranially, they arise in relation to the dura mater or at a spinal level mimicking meningiomas. They are very rarely reported in the posterior cranial fossa.