Publications by authors named "Juan F Villalonga"

Introduction: Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a rare condition, characterized by unilateral, paroxysmal and involuntary contraction of the muscles innervated by the facial nerve (FN). The most common cause is a vascular conflict in the exit zone of the FN. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of neurovascular decompression (NVD).

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Trigeminal neuralgia is usually associated with vascular compression of the nerve entry zone. However, a dolichoectatic basilar artery represents the cause in only up to 3% of cases. This is characterized by dilation, elongation, or tortuosity of the vertebrobasilar arteries.

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We present the seven "E" technique step by step for the reconstruction of the empty sella with an illustrative case.

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The coincidence in a patient of Hemifacial Spasm and Trigeminal Neuralgia is not frequent. A case is presented with the objective of showing this association due to the abnormal activation of the Trigemino-Facial Reflex. A 55-year-old woman with an 8-year history of left-sided hemifacial spasm and typical trigeminal pain in the ipsilateral V1 and V2 territory.

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Introduction: The most frequent pathology of the fifth cranial nerve is trigeminal neuralgia (TN), characterized by unilateral orofacial pain, of a paroxysmal nature, with distribution in one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve. The main objective of this work is to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of neurovascular decompressive surgery (NVD).

Methods: Retrospective analytical study, patients operated on for NVD by TN (n: 155), from January 2006 - 2022, using a retrosigmoid approach and clinicalradiological follow-up, whose intraoperative recording was in 3D system (n: 42).

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Background And Objectives: Volumetric analysis of the working corridors of the interdural approach to the Meckel cave may lead to a selection of routes which are anatomically more advantageous for trigeminal schwannoma resection. The herein-reported anatomic study quantitively compares the infratrochlear (IT) transcavernous, anteromedial (AM), and anterolateral (AL) corridors, highlighting their feasibility, indications, advantages, and limitations.

Methods: Anatomic boundaries and depth of Meckel cave, porus trigeminus, IT transcavernous, AM, and AL corridors were identified in 20 formalin-fixed latex-injected cadaveric heads and were subsequently measured.

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Introduction: Since the introduction of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) to skull base, the nasal phase has been a true challenge as it represents the moment of definition of the corridor, thus defining the instruments maneuverability at tumor removal phase. The longstanding cooperation between ENT and neurosurgeons have provided the possibility of creating adequate corridor with maximal respect toward nasal structures and mucosa. This sparked the idea of entering the sella as thieves, so we named "Guanti Bianchi" technique a lesser invasive variation of the approach for the removal of selected pituitary adenoma.

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Background: Most neurosurgical photographs are limited to two-dimensional (2D), in this sense, most teaching and learning of neuroanatomical structures occur without an appreciation of depth. The objective of this article is to describe a simple technique for obtaining right and left 2D endoscopic images with manual angulation of the optic.

Methods: The implementation of a three-dimensional (3D) endoscopic image technique is reported.

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Aim: To weight the benefits and limitations of intraoperative use of micromirrors in neurosurgery.

Material And Methods: Surgical cases where micromirrors were employed were retrospectively selected from the surgical database of five different surgeons in different hospitals. Complications directly attributable to the micromirrors were assessed intraoperatively and confirmed with postoperative neuroimaging studies.

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There is evidence of association between sellar barrier thickness and intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, impacting the postoperative prognosis of the patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical applicability of the sellar barrier concept in a series of operated patients with pituitary apoplexy (PA). A retrospective study was conducted including 47 patients diagnosed with PA who underwent surgical treatment through a transsphenoidal approach.

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Intracranial trigeminal schwannomas are rare tumors that may extend into multiple cranial compartments and may emerge from the root, ganglion, or intracranial portion of any of its branches. The aim of this 3-dimensional operative video is to present a single-stage complete removal of a dumbbell-shaped trigeminal schwannoma through a pretemporal approach (Video 1). Informed consent was given by the patient for use of images and the surgical video.

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Background: Aneurysms of the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) are rare and have characteristics differentiating them from other intracranial aneurysms. Their microsurgical management is challenging and requires different strategies. In this article, we review the surgical anatomy of the A1 segment of the ACA with cadaveric dissections and describe the microsurgical management of complex A1 aneurysms with illustrative cases.

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Background: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is currently used as a treatment for different types of hydrocephalus. However, the anatomical endoscopic variants of the third ventricle floor (3VF), as well as their surgical implications, have been underrated. The anatomic variations of the 3VF can influence the technique and the success rate of the ETV.

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In certain cases, the closing force of a single vascular clip is not sufficient for complete aneurysmal occlusion, and the use of multiple clips, or clip stacking, is required. Many stacking techniques have been described in the literature, such as in tandem stacking and overstacking. However, these may not be feasible during procedures with limited exposure or narrow corridors.

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Background/aim: Extraventricular supratentorial ependymomas are rare entities. Most ependymomas are located at the infratentorial and intraventricular level, and only in a small group of cases they do not present continuity with the ventricular system. This is a case report of a patient with an atypical location of a cerebral ependymoma, which required the implementation of a complex and infrequent approach for its complete microsurgical removal.

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Objectives: The risks and benefits of coagulating intradural venous elements during a retrosigmoid approach for trigeminal neurovascular decompression has not been accurately established. The objectives of this study were to identify the veins that drain into the superior petrosal sinus, classify them in relation to the suprameatal tubercle, and determine the implication of their coagulation.

Methods: A retrospective study of 3-dimensional surgical videos of retrosigmoid approaches for trigeminal neurovascular decompression from the Laboratory of Neurosurgical Innovations of Tucumán (LINT) digital archive was carried out.

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The temporomesial region is a frequent site of neurosurgical lesions such as tumors, cavernomas, or arteriovenous malformations. This region has been divided into 3 regions: anterior, middle, and posterior. The objective of Video 1 is to present the case of a posterior temporomesial cavernoma resection through a supracerebellar transtentorial approach, highlighting the surgical technique.

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Carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms usually cause visual problems. Its surgical treatment is challenging because of its anatomically close relations to the optic nerve, carotid artery, ophthalmic artery, anterior clinoid process, and cavernous sinus, which hinder direct access. Despite recent technical advancements enabling risk reduction of this complication, postoperative deterioration of visual function remains a significant problem.

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Surgical removal of anterior clinoidal meningiomas remains a challenge because of its complicated relationship with surrounding vascular and neural structures.1-3  This is a 39-yr-old female, with headaches, neurofibromatosis type 2, and history of 3 previous brain surgeries. The patient gave the consent to use the images and surgical video.

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Among the posterolateral corridors to the ventral foramen magnum (FM), the transcondylar fossa (supracondylar transjugular tubercle) approach (TCFA) is indicated for lesions lying anteriorly to the dentate ligament and above the jugular foramen and hypoglossal canal. It involves the drilling of the condylar fossa, namely the exocranial surface of the jugular tubercle. Despite the anatomic variability of the condyle and posterior condylar emissary vein, they are important landmarks for the TCFA.

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Neurovascular procedures along the interhemispheric fissure harbor unique features differentiating them from those arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) located at the lateral surface of the brain.1-4  The aim of this 3-dimensional operative video is to present a microsurgical resection of an AVM in a subparacentral location, operated through an interhemispheric contralateral transfalcine approach.1,3,5  This is a case of a 29-yr-old female, with headaches and history of seizures.

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Purpose: Posterior fossa tumors are the most frequent pediatric solid tumor. Its main treatment is a surgical resection. Being a frequent procedure does not mean that it is exempt from complications, such as surgical site infections (SSI).

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