Risk assessment methodology for trajectory planning in keyhole neurosurgery using genetic algorithms.

Background: Preoperative assessment to find the safest trajectory in keyhole neurosurgery can reduce post operative complications.

Methods: We introduced a novel preoperative risk assessment semiautomated methodology based on the sum of N maximum risk values using a generic genetic algorithm for the safest trajectory search.

Results: A set of candidates trajectories were found for two surgical procedures.

The Role of Flexible Neuroendoscopy in Spinal Neurocysticercosis: Technical Note and Report of 3 Cases.

Background: Neurocysticercosis, caused by the larval form of the tapeworm Taenia solium, is the most common parasitic disease affecting the human central nervous system. The incidence of spinal neurocysticercosis in endemic regions ranges from 0.25% to 5.

Flexible Neuroendoscopic Diagnosis and Management of Ventricular Tumors: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Ventricular tumors (VTs) represent approximately 10% of intracranial lesions and are associated with hydrocephalus in 73.9%-100% of patients. We present our experience using flexible neuroendoscopy as a diagnostic and hydrocephalus-related treatment strategy for paraventricular and intraventricular tumors.

A Novel Approach of Navigation-Assisted Flexible Neuroendoscopy.

Background And Importance: Neuronavigation-assisted endoscopy is commonly used for skull base and intraventricular surgery. Flexible neuroendoscopy offers certain advantages over rigid endoscopy; however, a major disadvantage of the flexible endoscope has been easy disorientation in the flexed position. Neuronavigation-assisted flexible neuroendoscopy was not available until now.

Biopsy of Brainstem Gliomas Using Flexible Endoscopes.

Objectives: To describe our experience and the results obtained in performing transventricular brainstem biopsy with the use of flexible neuroendoscops.

Methods: We identified patients who underwent a neuroendoscopic procedure with brainstem lesion biopsy to obtain histopathologic diagnosis and to treat obstructive hydrocephalus. All patients had follow-up examinations at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 postsurgery and then annually.

Effect of rosuvastatin on cytokines after traumatic head injury.

Object: The favorable effect of statin treatment after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been shown in animal studies and is probably true in humans as well. The objective of this study was to determine whether acute statin treatment following TBI could reduce inflammatory cytokines and improve functional outcomes in humans.

Methods: The authors performed a double-blind randomized clinical trial in patients with moderate to severe TBI.

Endoscopic scoring system for extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis.

Objective: To propose a scoring system using endoscopy for assessment of the inflammatory alterations caused by neurocysticercosis (NCC) inside the ventricular cavities and the basal subarachnoid space.

Methods: Video recordings of the endoscopic procedures in patients with hydrocephalus secondary to NCC were assessed in a two-phase study. In the first phase (n = 10), the assigned score of each patient was correlated with the cerebrospinal fluid values obtained by lumbar and ventricular puncture.

Endoscopic management of hydrocephalus due to neurocysticercosis.

Objective: Hydrocephalus due to neurocysticercosis usually shows poor prognosis and shunt failure is a common complication. Neuroendoscopy has been suggested as treatment, but the indications remain unclear.

Methods: A cohort of patients with clinical/radiological diagnosis of hydrocephalus due to NCC, treated between January 2002 and September 2006, were the subjects of the study.

Comparison of cerebrospinal fluid obtained by ventricular endoscopy and by lumbar puncture in patients with hydrocephalus secondary to neurocysticercosis.

Background: Compare the differences between proteins, glucose, and morphological cellular counts from ventricular cerebrospinal fluid obtained by neuroendoscopy and lumbar puncture.

Methods: This was a retrospective, transversal study. From January 2003 until June 2006, 30 neuroendoscopies were performed on patients with hydrocephalus secondary to NCC.

Effect of rosuvastatin on amnesia and disorientation after traumatic brain injury (NCT003229758).

Amnesia is a common sequela following traumatic brain injury (TBI), for which there is no current treatment. Pleiotropic effects of statins have demonstrated faster recovery of spatial memory after TBI in animals. We conducted a double-blind randomized clinical trial add-on of patients with TBI (16-50 years of age), with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of 9-13, and intracranial lesions as demonstrated by computed tomography (CT) scan.