New Trends and Technologies in Modern Neurosurgery: 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 1248

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Sacred Heart Catholic University, Rome, Italy
Interests: neuroprotection; neurodegeneration; neuroanatomy; neurological diseases; tumors; diagnosis; surgery; imaging; computed tomography; magnetic resonance
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The neuraxis, the skull base along with its offshoot the spine, replicates a bone funnel as a vessel, sustaining the brain, the cerebellum, and the spinal cord, along with cranial and radicular nerves. The knowledge of the embryology, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of diseases and of more effective surgical pathways for engaging with and removing those surgical diseases is of paramount importance in surgical cultural heritage and should be strongly encouraged and supported in young neurosurgeons. New trends and technologies are growing quickly and effectively, and the aim of the Special Issue is to raise awareness in relation to their use in modern neurosurgical practice. The spirit of the Special Issue is to drive the practical interests of the neurosurgeons in further investigating and implementing such blooming new trends in technologies, both in research and in surgical practice. We invite any neurosurgically tailored papers that make clear reference to new trends and technologies in this challenging field.

Prof. Dr. Massimiliano Visocchi
Dr. Francesco Signorelli
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • brain
  • skull base
  • craniocervical junction
  • spine and spinal cord
  • demolition reconstruction

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 8261 KB  
Article
Modified Hemilaminectomy for Bilateral Exposure in Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor Resection
by Sergio Paolini, Anthony Kevin Scafa, Roberta Morace, Vito Chiarella, Rocco Severino and Giuseppe Corazzelli
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(3), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16030314 - 16 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Background: Posterior approaches to intramedullary spinal cord tumors traditionally rely on bilateral laminotomy or laminoplasty to ensure adequate midline exposure and contralateral dissection. Unilateral approaches are seldom applied in this context, due to concerns regarding insufficient visualization and limited working angles across the [...] Read more.
Background: Posterior approaches to intramedullary spinal cord tumors traditionally rely on bilateral laminotomy or laminoplasty to ensure adequate midline exposure and contralateral dissection. Unilateral approaches are seldom applied in this context, due to concerns regarding insufficient visualization and limited working angles across the midline. Objective: To describe a modified hemilaminectomy technique designed to achieve safe midline myelotomy and bilateral tumor dissection through a unilateral corridor, preserving the structural and clinical benefits of minimally invasive posterior access. Methods: Fourteen patients with intramedullary spinal cord tumors underwent resection via a refined hemilaminectomy technique, which incorporated systematic thinning of the spinous process and strategic dural suspension. Pre- and postoperative neurological status was assessed using the modified McCormick scale. Surgical parameters, postoperative outcomes, and radiological follow-up were retrospectively collected. Results: Gross total resection was achieved in 13 of 14 patients (92.9%), with no new permanent neurological deficits. The mean surgical duration was 194.8 ± 55.9 min, and mean hemoglobin decrease was 1.47 ± 0.94 g/dL. Early postoperative improvement in McCormick grade was observed in 50% of cases, with statistically significant overall functional recovery (p = 0.013). No cases of postoperative cord tethering were identified on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. The approach was technically reproducible and ergonomically favorable, with a shallow learning curve in surgeons experienced with conventional hemilaminectomy. Conclusions: The modified hemilaminectomy technique enables effective bilateral exposure and safe midline myelotomy through a unilateral approach, achieving high resection rates with minimal morbidity. It represents a feasible and reproducible alternative to bilateral approaches and warrants prospective validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Technologies in Modern Neurosurgery: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1022 KB  
Article
Psychoeducation Reduces Postoperative Analgesic Consumption and Mobilization Period After Spine Surgery: A Controlled Clinical Trial
by Judit Sütő, Álmos Klekner, Andor Karácsony, János Nagy, Andrea Bakó, Anita Szemán-Nagy and József Virga
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16020179 - 31 Jan 2026
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Background: Spine surgeries present challenges for patients, including postoperative pain and difficulties with mobilization. Studies indicate that fear and anxiety prolong recovery; multidisciplinary care, including psychoeducation, which informs patients about their condition, addresses emotional challenges, and teaches coping strategies have benefits on [...] Read more.
Background: Spine surgeries present challenges for patients, including postoperative pain and difficulties with mobilization. Studies indicate that fear and anxiety prolong recovery; multidisciplinary care, including psychoeducation, which informs patients about their condition, addresses emotional challenges, and teaches coping strategies have benefits on recovery. Objectives: This study investigated whether preoperative psychoeducation improves outcomes in spinal surgery by reducing postoperative analgesic use and accelerating mobilization, with the hypothesis that it decreases medication needs and shortens recovery time. Methods: Data of 100 patients operated on spinal disease were analysed: 50 of them underwent microscope-assisted discectomy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and 50 were treated with transpedicular posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for monosegmental instability. Each group was subdivided into a psychoeducation group (N = 25) and a control group (N = 25). All patients completed the Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ). Postoperative analgesic use and time to mobilization were analysed. Results: Patients receiving psychoeducation in both groups reported lower preoperative anxiety, required fewer analgesics, and, in the PLIF group, achieved earlier mobilization. A strong correlation was found between SFQ scores and analgesic consumption (p < 0.01). Discussion: Preoperative psychoeducation reduced anxiety, decreased postoperative analgesic use, and enhanced mobilization, suggesting clinical and economic benefits if integrated into standard care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Technologies in Modern Neurosurgery: 2nd Edition)
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