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Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is one of the commonest indications for epilepsy surgery. Presurgical evaluation for drug resistant epilepsy and identification of appropriate candidates for surgery is essential for optimal seizure freedom. The anatomy of mesial temporal lobe is complex and needs to be understood in the context of the advanced imaging, ictal and interictal Video_EEG monitoring, neuropsychology and psychiatric considerations. The completeness of disconnection of epileptogenic neural networks is paramount and is correlated with the extent of resection of the mesial temporal structures. In the Indian subcontinent, a standard but extended anterior temporal lobectomy is a viable option in view of the diverse socioeconomic, cultural and pathological considerations. The maximum utilization of epilepsy surgery services in this region is also a challenge. There is a need for regional comprehensive epilepsy care teams in a tertiary care academic hospital to form centers of excellence catering to a large population., (Copyright © 2016 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background & Objective: Epilepsy surgery for bilateral hippocampal sclerosis continues to pose a challenge and outcomes even with invasive evaluations have not been very promising. Very few studies have analyzed surgery outcomes for patients with MRI determined, bilateral mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) after non-invasive pre-surgical evaluation., Material and Methods: We studied 35 patients with bilateral MTS who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) after non-invasive pre-surgical evaluation. Clinical history, EEG, neuropsychology profile and symmetry of MTS on MRI were reviewed in the groups of 'seizure free' and 'not seizure free' patients., Results: At an average follow up of 44 months (range 12-110 months), 26 out of 35 patients (74%) were seizure free. Unilateral interictal discharges were seen in 57% patients. 94% patients had unilateral ictal EEG onset. Bilateral interictal discharges were significantly associated with 'not seizure free' outcome (p = 0.02). Pre-operatively, 24 (71%) patients had bilateral (verbal and visual) memory impairment while 10 (28%) patients had unilateral (verbal or visual) memory impairment and 1 patient had a normal memory profile. Overall, no significant decline in memory was seen in left or right surgery groups post-operatively. There was significant improvement in Quality of Life scores in all patients (p = <0.0005)., Conclusion: Patients with bilateral MTS on MRI can be unilateral on electro physiology and neuropsychology, and can have a very good surgical outcome. In a setting of limited resources, a noninvasive pre-surgical protocol can be used. With proper patient selection, the outcomes may be comparable to those reported with invasive pre-surgical protocols. Patients with unilateral interictal and ictal EEG have the best outcome. Up to 50% patients with bilateral interictal discharges can have a seizure free outcome. Patients with bilateral independent seizure onset have a less favourable prognosis. Patients who are not seizure free can still attain worthwhile improvement in seizure frequency without significant decline in memory and some improvement in quality of life., (Copyright © 2015 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The Comprehensive Epilepsy Surgery Program was started in 2001 at K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai with the aim of performing epilepsy surgeries at highly concessional rates. We have started using intraoperative Electrocorticography (EcoG) since 2009 in patients with tumors, Mesial Temporal Sclerosis (MTS) plus and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). This study highlights our experience with EcoG and it's utility in epilepsy surgery.introduction METHODS: 51 patients with drug resistant epilepsy due to temporal and extra-temporal tumors, MTS plus and FCD underwent pre-surgical evaluation and ECoG guided epilepsy surgery through our program. The surgical procedures employed included intraoperative EcoG guided lesionectomy or a lesionectomy with Anterior Temporal Lobectomy (ATL). Postoperative MRI and EEG were done. Seizure freedom was categorized as per Engel's classification., Results: At a mean follow up of 33 months (range: 14-69 months), 43 out of 51(84.31%) patients were completely seizure free post-surgery (Engel's Class I). Among the patients who were not seizure free, 3 patients were in Engel's Class II and 5 patients were in Engel's Class III. Presence of a residual lesion on postoperative MRI (p < 0.001), abnormal postoperative EEG (p < 0.001) and persistent spikes on post-resection EcoG (p < 0.05) had a significant statistical association with poor seizure freedom post-surgery., Conclusion: The success of epilepsy surgery depends upon accurate localization and complete resection of the epileptogenic tissue, both of which are aided by intraoperative EcoG.Thus, intraoperative EcoG is a useful adjunct in epilepsy surgery to achieve optimal seizure freedom in cases of MTS plus, focal cortical dysplasia and tumors. Even the patients who are not seizure free can achieve worthwhile improvement post surgery., (Copyright © 2016 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Glioneuronal tumors are found in nearly one third patients who undergo surgery for pharmacoresistant epilepsy with temporal lobe being the most common location. Few studies, however have concentrated on the neurological and neuropsychological outcomes after surgery, hitherto none from India., Methods: We studied 34 patients with temporal lobe tumors and drug resistant epilepsy. These patients underwent anterior temporal lobectomy or lesionectomy based on the involvement of the hippocampus and mesial temporal structures. The clinical history, EEG, neuropsychology profile and MRI were compared. Seizure outcome was categorized using Engel's classification., Results: At a mean follow up of 62 months, 85.29% of the patients were seizure free (Engel's Class I). All 8 patients with intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG) guided resection were seizure free., Discussion: Presence of a residual lesion was significantly associated with persistence of seizures post surgery (p = 0.002). Group analysis revealed no significant shifts in IQ and memory scores postoperatively. There was a significant improvement in the quality of life scores (total and across all subdomains) in all patients (p < 0.001). Postoperative EEG abnormalities predicted unfavorable ​seizure outcome., Conclusion: Surgery for temporal lobe tumors and refractory epilepsy offers complete seizure freedom in majority. Complete surgical excision of the epileptogenic zone is of paramount importance in achieving seizure freedom. Intraoperative electrocorticography (EcoG) is a useful adjunct to ensure complete removal of epileptogenic zone, thus achieving optimal seizure freedom. There is a significant improvement in the quality of life scores (p < 0.001) with no negative impact of surgery on memory and intelligence. Even the patients who are not seizure free can achieve worthwhile improvement post surgery., (Copyright © 2015 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Decline in verbal memory after dominant mesial temporal lobe surgery is a concern. Outcomes primarily reported by group data analysis do not address issues of practice effects and measurement errors and also do not provide information about individual meaningful change after surgery. Reliable Change Indices (RCI's) are regarded to be robust statistical methods for reporting individual change and have not been hitherto derived in patient populations in India., Aim: Report memory outcomes for patients after surgery using group data as well as RCI score analyses using RCI scores derived in a control patient population., Method: Retrospective data analysis of 106 selected patients who underwent Anterior Temporal Lobectomy (ATL) surgery. RCI scores derived from a control group of 44 non-operated patients. Outcomes based on score shifts on the various measures of two verbal and visual memory tests., Results: Group mean score analysis revealed no significant shifts in verbal or visual memory scores after left ATL, but significant improvements in verbal memory after right ATL. RCI score analysis revealed decline and improvements in a small percentage of patients for both left and right ATL groups. Percentage of patients showing decline was much less than reported in western literature although percentage improved was comparable., Discussion: Differences in decline percentage may be due to RCI scores and clinical characteristics of our sample (impaired pre-operative functioning, majority seizure free post surgery, moderate hippocampal sclerosis, early onset, long duration of seizures)., Conclusion: Group analyses mask individual change. Therefore, to report memory outcomes and counsel patients about relative risk-benefits of surgery, RCI scores derived from our patient populations should be used., (Copyright © 2015 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Epilepsy surgery is one of the most accepted and beneficial treatment for resistant epilepsies. However there is some variability in the comprehensive epilepsy care programs offered globally. Many centers do not do a psychiatric assessment unless required. It is now evident from a large body of research that epilepsy is associated with psychiatric morbidity which is also seen in patients considered for epilepsy surgery. There is also evidence to state that the risk for worsening or de novo psychiatric disorders is often seen post surgery. This calls for a comprehensive psychiatric assessment of all patients enrolled for the epilepsy surgery program to be evaluated pre and post surgically to minimize the risk of post surgical psychological disturbances and/or poor quality of life. Efficacious treatment of psychiatric disorders in those having psychiatric morbidity contributes to improved patient wellbeing, seizure freedom and better quality of life. Hence there is a need for most centers globally to include regular psychiatric assessment of epilepsy surgery patients as a protocol., (Copyright © 2015 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Intracranial abscess is a formidable entity. Despite the advent of newer antibiotics and surgical strategies, the overall outcome and quality of life issues in brain abscess patients still remain a continuous challenge for the neurosurgical community. It is a direct interplay between the virulence of the offending microorganism and the immune response of the host. An analysis of our experience in the 289 cases of surgically treated pyogenic brain abscess is presented along with an overview of intra-cranial abscess of varied etiology and in different locations. The etiology, pathogenesis, radiological advances and treatment modalities of brain abscess are discussed in light of current literature., (Copyright © 2010 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Neurosurgical procedures involve a great deal of complexity and are carried out over a prolonged time period. Consequently the operating room personnel have to ensure precise safety measures for its smooth functioning. The safety measures are in concurrence with the general safety guidelines for surgical procedures. However there are specific considerations which apply to neurosurgical operations. Operating on the wrong side of the brain, leaving cottonoids in the brain and prevention of intracranial granulomas and meningitis due to bone dust while drilling are a few important points which need attention. The safety procedures will be discussed in relation to the pertinent literature on the subject.