Asymmetry index in anatomically symmetrized FDG-PET for improved epileptogenic focus detection in pharmacoresistant epilepsy.

Objective: Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has assumed an essential role in the presurgical evaluation of epileptogenic foci in drug-resistant epilepsy by identifying the hypometabolic cerebral cortex. The authors herein designed a pilot study to test a novel technique of PET asymmetry after anatomical symmetrization coregistered to MRI (PASCOM), utilizing interhemispheric metabolic asymmetry on interictal fluorine 18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET to better localize the epileptogenic zone.

Methods: The authors analyzed interictal FDG-PET scans from 23 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, mean (± SD) age 20.

Evaluation of a protocol-based treatment strategy for postoperative diabetes insipidus in craniopharyngioma.

Background: Postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) is a significant cause of morbidity in craniopharyngiomas (CP) and its effective management improves outcome.

Objective: The objective was to determine the efficacy of a treatment protocol in the management of early postoperative DI in CP.

Materials And Methods: The quality of postoperative DI control in a prospective cohort of 26 patients treated utilizing a strict protocol (Group 1) was compared with a retrospective cohort of 34 patients (Group 2) managed without a protocol.

Design and Validation of an Open-Source, Partial Task Trainer for Endonasal Neuro-Endoscopic Skills Development: Indian Experience.

Background: Box trainers are ideal simulators, given they are inexpensive, accessible, and use appropriate fidelity.

Objective: The development and validation of an open-source, partial task simulator that teaches the fundamental skills necessary for endonasal skull-base neuro-endoscopic surgery.

Methods: We defined the Neuro-Endo-Trainer (NET) SkullBase-Task-GraspPickPlace with an activity area by analyzing the computed tomography scans of 15 adult patients with sellar suprasellar parasellar tumors.

Quantitative analysis of variable extent of anterior clinoidectomy with intradural and extradural approaches: 3-dimensional analysis and cadaver dissection.

Background: Drilling of the anterior clinoid process (ACP) is an integral component of surgical approaches for central and paracentral skull base lesions. The technique to drill ACP has evolved from pure intradural to extradural and combined techniques.

Objective: To describe the computerized morphometric evaluation of exposure of optic nerve and internal carotid artery with proposed tailored intradural (IDAC) and complete extradural (EDAC) anterior clinoidectomy.

Neurosurgery apps: novel knowledge boosters.

Aim: The utilization of technology for purpose of imparting knowledge, especially in high-end branches like neurosurgery, has gained prominence in the contemporary academic scenario. The technological advancements have brought about outstanding transformation to education and patient care. The connectivity through smartphone applications (apps) has transcended the spatial and temporal limitations, thereby enabling easy access to virtually infinite storehouse of knowledge.

Free-access open-source e-learning in comprehensive neurosurgery skills training.

Background: Since the end of last century, technology has taken a front seat in dispersion of medical education. Advancements of technology in neurosurgery and traditional training methods are now being challenged by legal and ethical concerns of patient safety, resident work-hour restriction and cost of operating-room time. To supplement the existing neurosurgery education pattern, various e-learning platforms are introduced as structured, interactive learning system.