Search Results (80)

Background: Awake craniotomy (AC) surgeries are less common in the pediatric population in comparison to their adult counterparts. Nonetheless, they can be considered for selected cases whereby speech preservation is paramount during maximal safe resection of intracranial lesions. We describe a case of AC for the excision of a brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) with language mapping in a pediatric patient. Methods: A previously well 16-year-old male presented with a spontaneous left frontal intracranial hemorrhage. Neuroimaging confirmed the cause to be a left antero-temporal bAVM centered in the insula. A decision was made for AC bAVM excision with language mapping for speech preservation. Results: As part of the pre-operative preparation, the patient and his caregivers were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team. For the conduct of the AC, the asleep–awake–asleep technique was used with processed EEG to guide anesthesia management. Additional modifications to make the patient comfortable included the avoidance of rigid cranial skull pins, urinary catheterization and central line insertion at the start of the surgery. Conclusions: Our experience concurs with the evidence that AC in children is a feasible option for select individuals. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed case description of a pediatric patient undergoing AC with language mapping for a bAVM. Emphases include a strong rapport between the patient and the managing multidisciplinary team, flexibility to adjust conventional workflows and limitations of neuroimaging adjuncts. Full article

Background: Airway management in otolaryngology presents unique challenges due to shared airway access, altered anatomy, and specific procedural requirements. This article examines current techniques and oxygenation strategies across various ENT procedures to provide a guide for otolaryngologists. Methods: A narrative review was performed of the contemporary literature, focusing on airway techniques in ENT surgery, including laryngeal surgery, pediatric bronchoscopy, transoral surgery, and trauma and emergency scenarios. A systematic search for difficult airway guidelines was performed using the EMBASE, Pubmed, and Cochrane databases to examine where guidelines are published. Results: The key areas for specialist airway management included laryngeal surgery in the tubeless field and adjuncts for emergency situations. High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO), jet ventilation, video laryngoscopy, and specialized tubes emerged as key technological advances, improving safety and outcomes. A systematic search identified 947 difficult airway articles across 82 publishers. These were predominantly in anesthetic journals (n = 301), with limited representation in the otolaryngology literature (n = 8) and limited guidance concerning awake surgical tracheostomies under local anesthetic. Awake tracheal intubation and emergency front-of-neck access were identified as key techniques across multiple publications. Conclusions: Modern ENT airway management requires multidisciplinary planning, advanced equipment familiarity, and procedure-specific techniques. Despite having the expertise to perform the gold standard, the limited otolaryngology literature on difficult airways suggests that guidelines are primarily developed by the anesthetic community. Full article

Spontaneous ventilation lung surgery (SVLS) without intubation is aimed at avoiding adverse effects of mechanical ventilation lung surgery (MVLS) entailing one-lung mechanical ventilation through a double-lumen tracheal tube. This innovative strategy has evolved following the publication of a small randomized study of thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection carried out under spontaneous ventilation without tracheal intubation in fully awake patients. It now entails target-controlled sedation, the use of a laryngeal mask, and thoracic analgesia by intercostal or paravertebral blocks and has shown promise both in unicenter and multicenter studies, resulting in optimal feasibility and safety and highly satisfactory results, particularly in patients undergoing lung cancer resection and metastasectomy, lung biopsy for undetermined interstitial lung disease, lung volume reduction surgery for end-stage emphysema, and bullectomy for primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. However, concerns and unresolved issues still exist regarding the advantages and disadvantages of SVLS as well as the identification of optimal indications. This perspective is aimed at providing a critical overview of the current knowledge about SVLS with emphasis on recent data comparing the results with those of MVLS published in the last 10 years. Full article

Background: Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) is revolutionizing surgery by providing a bloodless field without tourniquet use, reducing risks, costs, and enhancing patient comfort. While extensively used in hand surgery, its application in foot and ankle procedures, particularly for high-risk patients with diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease (PAD), remains underexplored. This study evaluates the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of WALANT for tarsal tunnel decompression in such patients. Methods: Between March 2022 and April 2024, 32 patients with diabetic neuropathy and PAD underwent Dellon decompression of the tarsal tunnel. Five received spinal anesthesia with a tourniquet, while 27 underwent WALANT. Outcomes assessed included operative time, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores, posterior tibial artery blood flow (via Doppler ultrasonography), and complications. Data were collected preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at six and nine months. Results: WALANT reduced operative time (40 ± 8 min vs. 65 ± 10 min) and required fewer personnel (four vs. six). VAS scores improved significantly in the WALANT group (from 8.65 ± 0.84 preoperatively to 1.21 ± 0.24 at nine months). Posterior tibial artery blood flow also showed superior improvements with WALANT (5.30 ± 0.65 cm³/s vs. 2.50 ± 0.45 cm³/s). Minor wound healing delays were noted in two WALANT cases; no major complications occurred. Conclusion: WALANT offers a safe, efficient alternative to spinal anesthesia for tarsal tunnel decompression in high-risk patients, minimizing ischemic risks, enhancing vascular outcomes, and reducing postoperative pain. Full article

Background: Stereotactic biopsy of posterior fossa lesions, which are often inoperable, enables a safe trajectory and provides tissue samples for accurate diagnosis, which is crucial for correct treatment since the latest World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System from 2021 places immense emphasis on molecular diagnostics. Stereotactic biopsy using the Leksell Vantage headframe is, due to its rigid design, extremely accurate, but stiffer, making the procedure more challenging and the learning curve steeper. Methods: This retrospective analysis demonstrates the introduction of the new Leksell Vantage headframe in day-to-day practice at the University Medical Center in Maribor, Slovenia, in demanding procedures of posterior fossa biopsies, and also provides a review of the literature available on the topic with emphasis on the technical aspect of posterior fossa biopsy using the Leksell Vantage headframe in adults. Results: In the observed series of three patients with posterior fossa lesions, all biopsies were representative, despite tissue samples being small, providing conclusive histopathologic reports (glioblastoma, rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor and metastasis of melanoma) with additional molecular diagnostics. After the initial biopsy case, the preoperative planning times and procedure times were shortened as we learnt about the importance of a tailored approach from the first case. In all cases, the biopsy was performed under local anesthesia with patients being awake throughout surgery. Conclusions: The rigid Leksell Vantage headframe makes access to the posterior fossa tougher when compared to its predecessors. However, the procedure is very accurate but requires precise preoperative planning and a customized approach when placing the headframe. Full article

Introduction: Temporo-insular gliomas, rare brain tumors originating from glial cells, comprise about 30% of brain tumors and vary in aggressiveness from grade I to IV. Despite advancements in neuroimaging and surgical techniques, their management remains complex due to their location near critical cognitive areas. Techniques like awake craniotomy have improved outcomes, but tumor heterogeneity and proximity to vital structures pose challenges. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy offer benefits post-surgery, though issues like resistance and side effects persist. This article discusses a case report and literature review to deepen understanding of temporo-insular gliomas, focusing on advanced diagnostic and treatment approaches. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, covering studies from 2019 to July 2024. Keywords included ‘brain tumor’, ‘neurosurgery’, and ‘treatment’. Articles on glioma diagnosis, management, and outcomes were selected, excluding non-English studies, irrelevant reports, non-glioma research, and inaccessible texts. Results: From 156 studies, 11 met inclusion criteria, highlighting advanced diagnostics, surgical strategies, and adjunct therapies for temporo-insular gliomas (TIGs). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 39% of cases. Awake craniotomy enhanced functional outcomes, while temozolomide and radiotherapy improved survival. Challenges included ischemic complications and treatment resistance. Two patient cases underscored the complexity of TIG management and the importance of individualized approaches, achieving satisfactory resection with minimal deficits. Conclusions: Temporo-insular gliomas (TIGs) necessitate a multidisciplinary strategy that integrates advanced imaging, meticulous surgical methods, and cutting-edge adjuvant therapies. Despite progress with techniques like awake craniotomy and the use of temozolomide improving patient outcomes, significant challenges persist in maintaining functional integrity and addressing treatment resistance. Ongoing research into targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and innovative technologies remains critical to advancing patient care and improving long-term prognosis. Full article

Introduction: The Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) technique has revolutionized outpatient hand surgery, enabling procedures such as carpal tunnel release and trigger finger release without a tourniquet. Its benefits include patient cooperation during surgery, especially for tendon repairs. However, WALANT has limitations, including a steep learning curve, longer operative preparation time, and risks such as digital ischemia and adrenaline-induced cardiac ischemia. This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of local anesthesia with a tourniquet for short-duration outpatient hand surgeries. Materials and Methods: This case series included 300 patients undergoing carpal tunnel or trigger finger release between February 2023 and March 2024. Local anesthesia with lidocaine was administered, and a tourniquet was applied to the proximal arm. Demographic data, operative time, and pain levels during tourniquet use (measured by VAS) were recorded. Results: The average surgical time was 12 min. Most procedures involved carpal tunnel release. The average VAS pain score was 3.73, with older patients and longer surgeries reporting higher discomfort. Tourniquet release was required in only 1% of cases due to discomfort. Conclusions: For short outpatient hand surgeries, local anesthesia with a tourniquet is a safe, effective alternative to WALANT, challenging its routine use and highlighting the need for tailored anesthetic approaches. Full article

Objective: Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) has seldom been used to study visuospatial (VS) circuits so far. Our work studied (I) VS functions in neurosurgical oncological patients by using repetitive nTMS (rnTMS), (II) the possible subcortical circuits underneath, and (III) the correspondence between nTMS and direct cortical stimulation (DCS) during awake procedures. Methods: We designed a monocentric prospective study, adopting a protocol to use rnTMS for preoperative planning, including VS functions for lesions potentially involving the VS network, including neurosurgical awake and asleep procedures. nTMS-based-DTI tractography allowed the visualization of subcortical circuits. Statistical analyses on nTMS/DCS points were performed. Clinical results were collected pre- and postoperatively. Results: Finally, 27 patients with primitive intra-axial brain lesions were enrolled between April 2023 and March 2024. Specific tests and an experimental integrated VS test (VISA) were used. The clinical evaluation (at 5 ± 7, 30 ± 10, 90 ± 10 days after surgery) documented 33% of patients with neglect in the left hemisphere four days after surgery and, during the 3-month follow-up, preservation of visuospatial function/clinical recovery (90.62% in MMSE, 98.86% in the bell test, 80% in the clock test, and 98% in the OCS test). The surgical strategy was modulated according to the nTMS map. Subcortical bundles were traced to identify those most involved in these functions: SFLII > SLFII > SLFI. A comparison of the nTMS and DCS points in awake surgery (n = 10 patients) documented a sensitivity (Se) of 12%, a specificity (Sp) of 91.21%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 42%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 66%, and an accuracy of ~63.7%. Conclusions: Based on our preliminary results, nTMS is advantageous for studying cognitive functions, minimising neurological impairment. Further analyses are needed to validate our data. Full article

Background: Coexisting coronary artery disease and critical carotid stenosis present challenges in revascularization, particularly in urgent cases requiring surgery. Combining carotid artery stenting (CAS) with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has gained popularity. Methods: This study analyzed 36 patients who underwent simultaneous CAS and CABG from 2014 to 2024. CAS was performed first, with the patient awake for real-time neurocognitive assessment. A clopidogrel loading dose was administered three hours post-surgery. From postoperative day 1, dual antiplatelet therapy was initiated. Results: The median age was 72 years (64–77) and 22.2% were females. The median EuroSCORE II was 2.80 (2.06–3.58). Nine patients (25%) underwent associated procedures. The median cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were 66 (54–89) and 51 (41–72) minutes. We observed no in-hospital mortality and no postoperative stroke. The median postoperative bleeding in 24 h was 500 mL and only one (2.8%) patient needed resternotomy for bleeding. The median ventilation time was 9 h (6–12). The median intensive care unit and postoperative length of stay were 2 (2–4) days and 8 (7–11) days, respectively. The median follow-up time was 6 years. Survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 93.7%, 81.5%, and 60.2%, respectively, while freedom from PTCA/PCI at 1, 5, and 10 years was 100%, 96.7%, and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Simultaneous CAS and CABG is a safe and effective procedure with low in-hospital mortality and morbidity. Our protocol carries a low risk of perioperative stroke. Antiplatelet therapy administration on the day of surgery does not increase the risk of postoperative bleeding. Full article

Objective: Awake craniotomy (AWC) allows intraoperative evaluation of functions involving the cortical surface and subcortical fibers. In epilepsy surgery, indications for and the role of AWC have not been established because evaluation with intracranial electrodes is considered the gold standard. We report herein our case series of patients who underwent AWC in epilepsy surgery and propose the scenarios for and roles of AWC. Methods: Patients who underwent AWC in epilepsy surgery at our institutions between 2014 and 2023 were included. Information about age, sex, etiology, location of epileptogenicity, seizure type, use of intracranial electrode placement, surgical complications, neurological deficits, additional surgery, and seizure outcomes was reviewed. Following a diagnostic and treatment flow for epilepsy surgery, we clarified three different scenarios and roles for AWC. Results: Ten patients underwent AWC. Three patients underwent AWC after non-invasive evaluations. Two patients underwent AWC after intracranial evaluation with stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG). Five patients underwent AWC after intracranial evaluation with subdural grid electrodes (SDG). Among these, two patients were initially evaluated with SEEG and with SDG thereafter. One patient reported slight numbness in the hand, and one patient showed slight cognitive decline. Seizure outcomes according to the Engel outcome scale were class 1A in three patients, IIA in two patients, IIIA in four patients, and IVA in one patient. Conclusions: AWC can be used for purposes of epilepsy surgery in different situations, either immediately after non-invasive studies or as an additional invasive step after invasive monitoring with either SEEG or SDG. The application of AWC should be individualized according to each patient’s specific characteristics. Full article

Awake surgery has been applied for various surgical procedures with positive outcomes; however, in neurosurgery, the technique has traditionally been reserved for cranial surgery. Awake surgery for the spine (ASFS) is an alternative to general anesthesia (GA). As early studies report promising results, ASFS is progressively gaining more interest from spine surgeons. The history defining the range of adverse events facing patients undergoing GA has been well described. Adverse reactions resulting from GA can include postoperative nausea and vomiting, hemodynamic instability and cardiac complications, acute kidney injury or renal insufficiency, atelectasis, pulmonary emboli, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, or malignant hyperthermia and other direct drug reactions. For this reason, many high-risk populations who have typically been poor candidates under classifications for GA could benefit from the many advantages of ASFS. This narrative review will discuss the significant historical components related to ASFS, pertinent mechanisms of action, protocol overview, and the current trajectory of spine surgery with ASFS. Full article

Emergency laparotomy is a surgical procedure associated with significantly higher mortality rates compared to elective surgeries. Awake laparotomy under neuraxial anaesthesia has recently emerged as a promising approach in abdominal surgery to improve patient outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of using neuraxial anaesthesia as the primary anaesthetic technique in emergency laparotomies. We conducted a case series involving 16 patients who underwent emergency laparotomy for bowel ischemia, perforation, or occlusion. Neuraxial anaesthesia was employed as the main anaesthetic technique. We analysed patient demographics, clinical characteristics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes. The primary outcome measures included the adequacy of postoperative pain control, the incidence of postoperative complications, and mortality rates. Among the 16 patients, adequate postoperative pain control was achieved, with only 2 patients requiring additional analgesia. Postoperative complications, including sepsis, wound dehiscence, and pneumonia, were observed in seven patients (44%). The observed mortality rate was relatively low at 6% (one patient). Notably, conversion to general anaesthesia was not necessary in any of the cases, and no early readmissions were reported. Our findings highlight the feasibility and potential benefits of using neuraxial anaesthesia in emergency laparotomies. The observed low mortality rate and the avoidance of conversion to general anaesthesia suggest that neuraxial anaesthesia may be a useful alternative in emergency settings. However, the occurrence of postoperative complications in 44% of patients indicates the need for cautious patient selection and close monitoring. Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to fully elucidate the efficacy, safety, and potential impact of this technique on patient outcomes in emergency laparotomies. Full article

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a multifaceted condition characterized by chronic neuropathic pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia. The incidence of CRPS postoperatively is alarmingly high, particularly following carpal tunnel surgeries, Dupuytren’s fasciectomy, and repairs of wrist and hand fractures, with recurrence rates soaring in individuals with a history of CRPS. Despite extensive research, the management of CRPS remains complicated, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention strategies. This scoping review aimed to consolidate current evidence surrounding the efficacy of perioperative anesthetic techniques in preventing new-onset or recurrent CRPS, focusing on the application of various anesthetic interventions. Through a comprehensive literature search, eight articles were identified, discussing a spectrum of techniques, including wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) and various regional blockade methods. This review revealed that the WALANT technique, with its simplicity and lower costs, exhibited promising results in preventing CRPS. Conversely, techniques involving intravenous regional and axillary plexus blocks showed variable efficacy, necessitating further investigation. The scarcity of high-quality evidence underscores the critical need for meticulously designed, large-scale randomized controlled trials to validate these findings and explore the potential of stellate ganglion block in the prevention of recurrent CRPS. Full article

This study investigated using a 160-slice multidetector computed tomography (CT) scanner for conscious image acquisition in dogs with upper airway disease, and describes findings in dogs that had previously undergone soft palate surgery. Seventeen client-owned dogs with upper airway disease were retrospectively reviewed, and classified into three groups: group I, “untreated brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) patients”; group II, “previously treated BOAS patients”; and group III, “patients with respiratory disease other than BOAS”. Data included signalment, clinical history, direct laryngoscopy and endoscopy findings, previous surgeries and CT findings. CT scans in group I revealed overlong and thickened soft palates in all dogs, and signs of laryngeal collapse in four dogs. Patients in group II exhibited normal soft palate lengths, while patients in group III displayed various findings such as nasopharyngeal narrowing and tracheal collapse. Upper airway examinations under general anaesthesia confirmed most CT findings. This study demonstrates the feasibility and value of conscious CT scanning for assessing upper airway diseases in dogs, providing valuable diagnostic information while eliminating the need for chemical immobilisation, thus reducing patient stress and cost. These findings offer new insight into upper airway anatomy in awake patients, especially in brachycephalic breeds, and lay a foundation for future research. Full article