Biopsychosocial variations in quality of life outcome following microdiscectomy.

Background: Lumbar microdiscectomy is one of the most frequently performed neurosurgical procedures. In this review, we ask why patients' outcomes vary so widely even within the same unit, with the same surgeon performing the procedure and utilizing the technique?

Methods: In a cohort of 87 patients, we investigated how/whether multiple patient variables impacted outcomes following single-level lumbar microdiscectomy. We studied whether early surgical intervention improved the patients' quality of life (QOL) versus late intervention.

High serum lactate level in cranial meningioma resection: A case report.

Background: Peri-operative elevated serum lactate could be a sign of high risk of morbidity among affected patients. However, this finding can be self-limiting and with no consequences in some conditions.

Case Presentation: We present a case of transient elevated serum lactate level in a 33 year old man that underwent a cranial meningioma resection.

The Irish epilepsy surgery experience: Long-term follow-up.

Aim: To assess the long-term seizure outcome of Irish patients who underwent resective surgery for refractory epilepsy since 1975. We also wished to determine the impact of pathology and surgical technique (with particular reference to neocorticectomy) on seizure outcome.

Methods: A retrospective review of medical notes, radiological and histopathological records, was undertaken between 1975 and 2005.