Video article: the subtemporal extradural approach to cavernous sinus tumour.

Objective: Here we demonstrate via operative video the subtemporal extradural approach to a tumour in the cavernous sinus.

Methods: The extradural approach is performed here in a paediatric patient (a 15-year-old child) via a right extended pterional osteoplastic craniotomy with removal of the zygomatic arch. The operative microscope is introduced, and the dura is divided at the superior orbital fissure into endosteal and meningeal layers using a diamond knife.

Quantitative and functional visual field outcomes after endoscopic trans-sphenoidal pituitary adenectomy.

Objective: Quantitative data on visual outcomes after trans-sphenoidal surgery is lacking in the literature. This study aims to address this by quantitatively assessing visual field outcomes after endoscopic trans-sphenoidal pituitary adenectomy using the capabilities of modern semi-automated kinetic perimetry.

Methods: Visual field area (deg) calculated on perimetry performed before and after surgery was statistically analysed.

Direct Lateral Minimally Invasive Approach for Excision of a L1/L2 Neurofibroma-A Technical Note and Literature Review.

A case of resection of a large dumbbell-shaped nerve sheath tumor at L1/L2 via a direct lateral minimally invasive approach is described. The tumor was removed via a lateral, subdiaphragmatic, rib-sparing, retropleural, retroperitoneal approach. The thoracolumbar junction can be challenging via the lateral approach and to the best of our knowledge this is the first report of excision of a paravertebral tumor via this approach.

Rapid Growth of a Facet Joint Cyst Mimicking an Aggressive Tumor in the Lumbar Spine.

A 67-year-old patient with a history of fully treated bowel carcinoma presented with a short history of unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy. No neurological deficit was found on examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated initially L4/5 foraminal narrowing that was believed to be the cause for the patient's symptoms; however, a nerve root block led to no improvement in symptoms.

The Hudson Brace technique for emergency burr holes, an aide-memoire for the front-line military surgeon.

Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death in conflict and early surgical intervention achieves better outcomes. The British Army surgical kit includes a Hudson Brace and bit and Gigli saw for decompression of the cranial cavity. Here we demonstrate the Hudson Brace technique for non-neurosurgeons.

Fronto-orbital advancement and reconstruction using reverse frontal bone graft without the use of orbital bar: a technical note.

Introduction: We describe our technique of using reverse frontal bone graft for FOAR for patients with metopic or coronal synostosis and present our complications using the Leeds classification system for complications in craniosynostosis surgery.

Methods: Since April 2015, seventeen patients have been operated using this technique. We perform a frontal bone graft that is then reversed, and supraorbital margins are drilled out.

Quality of life after selective dorsal rhizotomy: an assessment of family-reported outcomes using the CPQoL questionnaire.

Background: Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is widely accepted as an effective procedure for management of lower limb spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. However, effects of the procedure on quality of life are not widely reported and less so using a structured and validated quality of life tool such as Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire (CPQoL). Here, we present complete data for CPQoL outcomes for SDR patients operated in a single institution at 2 years follow-up.

Factors associated with 30-day ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure in pediatric and adult patients.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive benchmark of 30-day ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt failure rates for a single institution over a 5-year study period for both adult and pediatric patients, to compare this with the results in previously published literature, and to establish factors associated with shunt failure. METHODS A retrospective database search was undertaken to identify all VP shunt operations performed in a single, regional neurosurgical unit during a 5-year period. Data were collected regarding patient age, sex, origin of hydrocephalus, and whether the shunt was a primary or secondary shunt.

The learning curve for endoscopic trans-sphenoidal resection of pituitary macroadenomas. A single institution experience, Leeds, UK.

Background: The object of this study was to assess whether increasing operative experience results in greater endoscopic trans-sphenoidal resection of pituitary macroadenomas and lower complications.

Methods: A retrospective single institution cohort study was performed. Subjects underwent endoscopic trans-sphenoidal resection of pituitary macroadenoma between July 2009 and July 2016 by three neurosurgeons.

Endoscopic removal of a dermoid cyst via scalp incision.

Nasal dermoid sinus cysts are the most common congenital midline nasal lesions. We describe a novel technique for the excision of a nasal dermoid cyst in a 2-year-old boy using a four hand endoscopic approach via a small scalp incision behind the hairline. The technique, although somewhat challenging, avoids a facial scar.