Current Research in Neurosurgery

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2025 | Viewed by 2866

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: neurosurgery; neurooncology; neuroanatomy; skull-base surgery
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Guest Editor
Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: functional neurosurgery; neuro-oncology; spine surgery

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Guest Editor
Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
Interests: neuroanatomy; neuroendocrinology; endoscopic surgery; neuro-oncology; brain tumors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neurosurgical daily practice deals with different human diseases ranging from trauma to CNS tumors to cerebrovascular diseases, such as spinal and peripheral nerve lesions. The complexity of each neurosurgical issue has proven the necessity for developing subspecialties. In this complex scenario, many research groups worldwide push the boundaries of known ways in order to improve the quality of clinical and surgical practice.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the current research in the neurosurgical field underlining news about anatomical corridors, surgical approaches, surgical techniques, new technologies, revision of indications/contraindications, and complications.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include the following: Neuroanatomy, Neuro-Oncology, Skull Base, Functional Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Vascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Peripheral Nerve Surgery, and Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Roberto Altieri
Dr. Manlio Barbarisi
Dr. Lucas Alverne Freitas De Albuquerque
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • CSN tumor
  • glioblastoma
  • skull base
  • vertebral metastasis
  • spinal surgery
  • cerebral aneurysm
  • AVM
  • cavernoma
  • epilepsy

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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20 pages, 2640 KiB  
Article
Repeat Resection for Recurrent Glioblastoma in the WHO 2021 Era: A Longitudinal Matched Case-Control Study
by Melike Mut, Hatice Yagmur Zengin, Aynur Azizova, Cengiz Savas Askun, David Schiff and Figen Soylemezoglu
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(5), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15050463 - 27 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the overall survival benefits of repeat resection in patients with recurrent glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (rGBM), and to identify factors for long-term survival, including the role of clinical, radiological, and molecular parameters. Methods: This longitudinal matched case-control [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the overall survival benefits of repeat resection in patients with recurrent glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (rGBM), and to identify factors for long-term survival, including the role of clinical, radiological, and molecular parameters. Methods: This longitudinal matched case-control study included 60 patients with rGBM divided into two groups: one surgery (n = 30) and repeat resection (n = 30). The baseline characteristics, preoperative and postoperative volumes, and molecular markers were assessed. Survival analyses were conducted using the Log-rank test, and associated factors with long-term survival were identified in the repeat resection cohort. Results: The patients who underwent repeat resection had a significantly longer median survival of 23.9 months compared to 9.2 months in the one-surgery group (p < 0.001). Preoperative tumor volume was found to correlate with postoperative residual volume in repeat resections. The patients with no residual contrast-enhancing tumor volume (0 cm3) after repeat resection had a median survival of 19.33 months, while those with any residual volume had a median survival of 10.13 months. The patients with lower KPS (≤70) and GCS (≤13) scores at the time of the repeat resection tended to have shorter survival, underscoring the potential clinical relevance of functional status when evaluating surgical candidacy. Conclusions: Complete repeat resection may improve overall survival in patients with recurrent IDH-wildtype GBM and should be considered earlier as a therapeutic option rather than a diagnostic or salvage procedure. Early surgical intervention, before declines in the KPS and GCS or tumor volumes become unmanageable, may lead to better outcomes. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research in Neurosurgery)
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16 pages, 1994 KiB  
Article
Clinical and Radiological Outcome of Posterior Cervical Fusion Using Philips AlluraXper FD20 Angiography Suite
by Armando Dolp, Abdussalam Khamis, Javier Fandino and Jenny C. Kienzler
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020160 - 6 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background: Posterior cervical fusion (PCF) is widely used for cervical spinal cord decompression with/without fusion. In our hybrid operating room, intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) is routinely used to verify screw placement. This study analyzed clinical and radiological outcomes after PCF and evaluated iCT [...] Read more.
Background: Posterior cervical fusion (PCF) is widely used for cervical spinal cord decompression with/without fusion. In our hybrid operating room, intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) is routinely used to verify screw placement. This study analyzed clinical and radiological outcomes after PCF and evaluated iCT benefits for detecting screw misplacement. Methods: Nineteen patients underwent PCF between March 2012 and April 2016 for degenerative (n = 6), neoplastic (n = 7), and traumatic (n = 6) conditions. Seven patients had primary PCF, while twelve underwent PCF following anterior fusion due to segmental instability with cervical malalignment (n = 11) or tumor progression (n = 1). Results: The mean patient age was 59 ± 11 years, with 63% male patients. The median follow-up was 21 months. PCF averaged 4.74 segments (range: 1–9). At follow-up, 79% reported pain improvement and normal sensorimotor function. Of six patients with preoperative paresis, five showed improved muscle strength. No persistent gait disturbances occurred. Complications requiring revision occurred in four patients (21%): three surgical site infections and one cerebrospinal fluid leak. One perioperative death occurred (5%). iCT detected incorrect screw placement in seven patients (36%), allowing the immediate repositioning of eight screws, preventing later revision surgeries. The overall fusion rate was 92%. Conclusions: PCF with iCT is safe and effective for various cervical spine pathologies, yielding good long-term clinical outcomes. iCT effectively detects and enables immediate correction of screw malposition, reducing revision surgery needs. This imaging modality demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for identifying clinically relevant screw malpositions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research in Neurosurgery)
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11 pages, 621 KiB  
Article
Anterior Petrosectomy vs. Retrosigmoid Approach—Surgical Anatomy and Navigation-Augmented Morphometric Analysis: A Comparative Study in Cadaveric Laboratory Setting
by Stefano Signoretti, Francesco Signorelli, Alessandro Pesce, Alberto Delitala and Massimiliano Visocchi
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020104 - 23 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Background: Different lateral and postero-lateral cranial approaches to the petroclival region and to the mid-upper brain stem have been described so far, some of which require extensive osseous demolition and possible damage of neurovascular structures. Neuronavigational systems are now extensively available for preoperative [...] Read more.
Background: Different lateral and postero-lateral cranial approaches to the petroclival region and to the mid-upper brain stem have been described so far, some of which require extensive osseous demolition and possible damage of neurovascular structures. Neuronavigational systems are now extensively available for preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation to assist the surgeons in choosing the optimally invasive approach for each pathology. Herein, we describe a detailed navigation-augmented morphometric analysis to bring insight into the usefulness of an anterior petrosectomy (AP) to handle lesions in the petroclival region. Methods: Eight cadaveric, silicone injected heads were used. A total of 14 approaches (AP, n = 8; retrosigmoid, RS, n = 6) using a standard microsurgical dissection technique were performed. All specimens had preoperative CT and MRI scans, as well as a post-dissection CT. The neuronavigational system was used for distance measurements, craniotomy sizes and surgical corridor volumes, for each approach. Results: The distance from the skull surface to the petrous apex was significantly shorter in the AP approach when compared with the RS (46.0 ± 1.9 mm versus 71.3 ± 1.8 mm, respectively, p < 0.001). Although the craniotomy size was not different, the volume of the surgical corridor was significantly larger with the AP approach (21.31 ± 1.91 cm3 vs. 13.39 ± 1.8 cm3). The AP approach increased the length of the basilar artery exposure from 6.9 ± 1.5 mm (obtained with a standard subtemporal approach) to 22.1 ± 1.7 mm (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The surgical corridor to the petroclival region achieved by virtue of an AP was significantly larger and featured shorter working distances, resulting in a higher degree of surgical freedom. Although significant individual anatomical variations of fundamental neurovascular and bony structures were found, these difficulties were overcome by careful pre- and intraoperative use of neuronavigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research in Neurosurgery)
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9 pages, 67781 KiB  
Technical Note
QEVO®-Assisted Anatomical Inspection of Adjacent Perforators in Microsurgical Clipping—Technical Note
by Adi Ahmetspahic, Eldin Burazerovic, Hana Rizvanovic, Ema Selimovic, Eleonora Kujaca, Mirza Pojskic, Alberto Feletti and Kenan Arnautovic
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(3), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15030300 - 12 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Introduction: Aneurysms of brain vessels are life-threatening conditions with various adverse outcomes, some stemming from microsurgical intervention, particularly when major vessel perforators are inadequately protected. The use of endoscopes enhances the approach to aneurysms by providing closer visualization (180–360 degrees) of the local [...] Read more.
Introduction: Aneurysms of brain vessels are life-threatening conditions with various adverse outcomes, some stemming from microsurgical intervention, particularly when major vessel perforators are inadequately protected. The use of endoscopes enhances the approach to aneurysms by providing closer visualization (180–360 degrees) of the local anatomy, potentially reducing accidental damage. To improve visualization and efficiency, a microscope-integrated 45-degree angled microinspection endoscopic tool (QEVO®, Carl Zeiss, OberkochenTM) has been developed and employed in various neurosurgical procedures. Methods: Between 2021 and 2025, 27 brain aneurysms were treated with QEVO® assistance at the Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo. The choice of the videos corresponds to the best image quality in videos and on the microscopic determination of adjacent vessel perforators, which were not adequately seen purely by the surgical microscope in specific cases. Exclusion criteria included cases without a need for QEVO® assistance in perforator visualization, severe brain edema, intraoperative aneurysm rupture, posterior circulation, or low video quality. Results: Case 1 demonstrates an anterior choroidal artery (AchA) aneurysm; Case 2 presents an anterior communicating artery (AcommA) aneurysm; and Case 3 features contralateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) microsurgical clipping with QEVO® assistance. Conclusions: The QEVO® tool significantly improves the visualization of aneurysm–perforator relationships, increasing the likelihood of preserving perforators during standard microsurgical clipping. This innovative approach may reduce surgical complications and enhance patient outcomes, highlighting the tool’s potential as an adjunct in aneurysm microsurgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research in Neurosurgery)
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