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Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a less-invasive posterior spine decompression in complex deformities. We studied the potential advantages of the microendoscopic approach, supplemented by the piezoelectric technique, to decompress both sides of the vertebral canal from a one-sided approach to preserve spine stability, ensuring adequate neural decompression., Methods: A series of 32 patients who underwent a tailored stability-preserving microendoscopic decompression for lumbar spine degenerative disease was retrospectively analyzed. The patients underwent selective bilateral decompression via a monolateral approach, without the skeletonization of the opposite side. For omo- and the contralateral decompression, we used a microscopic endoscopy-assisted approach, with the assistance of piezosurgery, to work safely near the exposed dura mater. Piezoelectric osteotomy is extremely effective in bone removal while sparing soft tissues., Results: In all patients, adequate decompression was achieved with a high rate of spine stability preservation. The approach was essential in minimizing the opening, therefore reducing the risk of spine instability. Piezoelectric osteotomy was useful to safely perform the undercutting of the base of the spinous process for better contralateral vision and decompression without damaging the exposed dura. In all patients, a various degree of neurologic improvement was observed, with no immediate spine decompensation., Conclusions: In selected cases, the tailored microendoscopic monolateral approach for bilateral spine decompression with the assistance of piezosurgery is adequate and safe and shows excellent results in terms of spine decompression and stability preservation., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Bone flap resorption is a known complication of postdecompressive autologous cranioplasty. Although several potential etiopathogenetic factors have been investigated, their role is still under discussion. To further complicate things, resorption is not an all-or-nothing event, patients frequently presenting with different degrees of flap remodeling. Focus of this paper was to describe the elaboration of a score quantifying bone resorption according to a set of clinical and radiological criteria, hopefully allowing prompt identification of patients needing resurgery before the development of adverse events., Methods: In a 10-year period, 281 autologous cranioplasties were performed at our institution following decompressive craniectomy. Pertinent clinical and radiological information was registered. A set of 3 clinical and 3 radiological parameters was established to score the degree of resorption, identified under the acronym FIS (Flap Integrity Score). Three groups of patients emerged, respectively showing no (208), partial (32), and advanced (41) resorption., Results: An overall 14.6% incidence of advanced bone resorption was found in our series. Younger age, bone multifragmentation, higher postcranioplasty Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, <2 cm distance of medial craniectomy border from the midline, and cause leading to decompressive craniectomy were associated to a statistically significant higher risk of developing a relevant bone flap resorption. The first three variables were confirmed as risk factors in multivariate analysis. Flap Integrity Score well discriminated the 3 different groups., Conclusions: Autologous bone repositioning is still a valuable, low-cost, cosmetically and functionally satisfactory procedure. Nonetheless, although resorption affects a minor percentage of patients, its early identification and treatment can improve long-term results., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt exposure is rare. Small series reporting on managing this complication mainly focus on the pediatric population, where wound breaks over cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) chambers are observed most frequently. However, case series on adult patients are missing., Methods: Between June 2004 and December 2019, 18 patients underwent VP shunt revision due to implant exposure. Pertinent data were retrospectively collected from the hospital database. Their full clinical history, laboratory values, neuroradiological imaging, pretreatment CSF characteristics, photographic and video material, and surgery types were reviewed., Results: The ventricular catheter was exposed in 8 patients (the frontal region in 6 and the occipital region in 2), the valve chamber at the retroauricular region in 6, the shunt tube in 7 (at the neck in 4, the supraclavicular region in 2, and the abdominal incision in 1). Multiple exposure sites were found in 2 cases. Two patients with CSF infections benefitted from system removal and temporary external ventricular drainage until infection control was achieved. The remaining 16 patients underwent on-ward revision (wound curettage, skin mobilisation, and resuture over the exposed part of the shunt), which was effective in 14 patients, but further revision was required in 2 patients., Conclusions: While rare, VP shunt exposure is a serious complication. In our experience, a prompt and accurate on-ward revision could save the implant in most patients without CSF infections., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is widely accepted as the gold-standard treatment for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). However, a restricted group of patients experience only minimal or no improvement after the operation. In such cases, the question whether the diagnosis was incorrect or the shunt is malfunctioning remains unanswered., Methods: We retrospectively collected data on a 10-year series of VP-shunted patients with iNPH showing transient or minimal improvement of symptoms within 3 weeks from surgery. A full workup (including noninvasive diagnostic, cognitive, and invasive tests) was performed. After ruling out mechanical malfunction, we performed a tap test followed by a Katzman test 2 weeks later. The confirmed persistence of disturbance of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics was treated by shunt revision and, if found working, by its replacement into the atrial cavity., Results: Twenty patients were diagnosed with shunt insufficiency. At surgery, the distal end of the shunt was easily extruded and found working in all cases. It was then repositioned into the right atrium (the first 8 patients of the series also underwent failed contralateral abdominal replacement). Early postoperative clinical improvement was always confirmed. In 1 case, shunt overdrainage was corrected by valve upregulation., Conclusions: According to our experience, inadequate distal end placement of a shunt might be one of the reasons needing investigation in patients with iNPH failing improvement after surgery. In such situations, the conversion to a ventriculoatrial shunt proved to be a low-cost and successful treatment option., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Despite potential advantages, broad carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser diffusion in neurosurgery was historically prevented by several operative limitations. Nonetheless, in recent decades, significant improvements, in particular the development of surgical scanners, have made CO 2 laser surgery easier and reproducible. The aim of this study was to report our preliminary experience with the SmartXide 2 CO 2 laser system., Methods: The SmartXide 2 laser system is a CO 2 laser with a radiofrequency-excited laser source, a surgical scanner, and a high-precision micromanipulator, which are connected to the surgical microscope. Ten different brain and spinal tumors were treated to evaluate the laser system potential in different neurosurgical scenarios. Four illustrative cases were presented., Results: The CO 2 laser was used together with the traditional instruments in every step of the procedures, from the initial pial incision (intra-axial tumors) or early debulking (extra-axial lesions), to progressive tumor removal, and, lastly, for surgical cavity hemostasis. No injury to the surrounding neurovascular structures was observed. Postoperative neuroimaging confirmed complete tumor removal and showed a marked reduction of preoperative surrounding edema without signs of cerebral/medullary contusions., Conclusions: In selected cases, the SmartXide 2 CO 2 laser system could be a helpful, reliable, and safe surgical instrument to treat different cerebral and spinal lesions. It addresses some of the limitations of laser systems and is able to cut/ablate and coagulate the tissue simultaneously, with minimal lateral thermal spread, preserving the surrounding eloquent neurovascular structures. Moreover, having no consumable accessories, it is also cost-effective., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Atypical meningiomas are characterized by a high rate of recurrence and shorter overall survival (OS) compared with grade I meningioma. Predictive parameters for OS and recurrence-free survival (RFS) are controversial., Methods: Patient age, sex, preoperative symptoms, tumor localization, size, Simpson grade, postoperative complications, extent of resection, number of mitoses, MIB1 proliferation index, brain invasion, postoperative radiotherapy, and clinical outcome (Karnofsky performance scale [KPS] postoperatively and at long-term follow-up) were evaluated. Data regarding recurrence rate, mortality, OS, and RFS at 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up were also collected. Median follow-up was 76 months; all patients had at least 3 years of follow-up., Results: Between 2007 and 2017, 73 patients underwent surgery for atypical meningiomas (World Health Organization grade II) at 2 centers. Preoperative KPS score >80 as well as 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up KPS scores were related to better OS. Postoperative complications did not modify OS and RFS. Gross total removal (Simpson grade I, II) was achieved in 80.8% of patients. RFS was statistically influenced by extent of resection (P = 0.002). MIB1 proliferation index >8 was a negative predictive factor for recurrence at univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.001 and P = 0.021). Radiotherapy was statistically related to a worse outcome. The incidence of recurrence was 38%. RFS was 98.6% at 1-year follow-up, 81.1% at 3 years, and 57.5% at 5 years. All patients were alive at 1-year follow-up. OS was 90.5% at 3-year follow-up and 78.8% at 5-year follow-up., Conclusions: Despite some limitations, our study demonstrates that aggressive surgical treatment achieving a gross total removal is a positive predictive parameter for RFS as well as a good clinical outcome (KPS score >80) and is related to a longer OS., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Pituitary tumors are a heterogeneous group of lesions that are usually benign. Therefore, a proper understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology is mandatory to achieve favorable outcomes. Accordingly, diagnostic tests and treatment guidelines should be determined and implemented. Thus, we decided to perform a multicenter study among Italian neurosurgical centers performing pituitary surgery to provide an actual depiction from the neurosurgical standpoint., Methods: On behalf of the SINch (Società Italiana di Neurochirurgia), a survey was undertaken with the participants to explore the activities in the field of pituitary surgery within 41 public institutions., Results: Of the 41 centers, 37 participated in the present study. The total number of neurosurgical procedures performed in 2016 was 1479. Most of the procedures were performed using the transsphenoidal approach (1320 transsphenoidal [1204 endoscopic, 53 microscopic, 53 endoscope-assisted microscopic] vs. 159 transcranial). A multidisciplinary tumor board is convened regularly in 32 of 37 centers, and a research laboratory is present in 18 centers., Conclusions: Diagnosing pituitary/hypothalamus disorders and treating them is the result of teamwork, composed of several diverse experts. Regarding neurosurgery, our findings have confirmed the central role of the transsphenoidal approach, with preference toward the endoscopic technique. Better outcomes can be expected at centers with a multidisciplinary team and a full, or part of a, residency program, with a greater surgical caseload., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: After severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) associated with uncontrollable high intracranial pressure (ICP), today the main challenge for neurosurgeons remains to identify who may obtain benefit from decompressive craniectomy (DC) and which factors after DC influence the prognosis of these patients. The aim of this paper was to identify the pre- and postoperative determinants of outcome after DC., Methods: This retrospective study included all patients undergoing DC for sTBI from 2003 to 2011. The 6-month outcome, assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), was dichotomized into favorable (GOS scores 4 and 5) and unfavorable (GOS scores 1-3) outcome. Predictors of outcome were identified by uni- and multivariate analysis., Results: There were 190 patients who underwent DC for sTBI in this study. Sixty patients (31.6%) died within 30 days after DC. Independent prognostic factors for survival after 30 days were Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission greater than 5 (P = 0.002) and bilateral pupil reactivity (P < 0.0001). Thirty days after DC, 67 patients (51.5%) out of 130 had unfavorable outcome (GOS scores 1-3) and 63 patients (49.5%) presented favorable outcome (GOS scores 4 and 5). The independent preoperative prognostic factors for poor outcome were age over 65 years (P < 0.0001) and bilateral absence of pupil reactivity (P = 0.0165). After DC, onset of postoperative hydrocephalus and delayed cranioplasty (3 months after DC) was associated with unfavorable outcome at multivariate analysis (P = 0.002 and P < 0.0001, respectively)., Conclusions: In our study, the development of hydrocephalus after DC for sTBI and delayed cranial reconstruction were associated with unfavorable outcome., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We present our experience with a modification of the conventional techniques for the removal of large spinal epidural hematomas (SEHs), based on multilevel "skip hemilaminectomies.", Methods: Eleven patients with SEHs extending over 5 or more spinal segments were treated at our institution via a modified hemilaminectomy technique from 2008 to 2014. This procedure, that we called "skip hemilaminectomy," consists in performing consecutive, alternating, unilateral laminar decompressions at 2-3 levels, followed by sublaminar undercutting, ipsi- and contralateral flavectomy, plus hematoma removal., Results: Complete clot evacuation and full neurologic recovery were always achieved. A short hospital stay, fast postoperative mobilization, a minimized need of analgesic drugs, and no complications were recorded., Conclusions: In our preliminary experience, skip hemilaminectomy seems to be as safe as more conventional techniques (laminectomy, extended hemilaminectomy) for the removal of large multilevel SEHs, granting full neurologic improvement, short surgical times-even for very large lesions-and no complications at follow-up., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To examine the long-term outcomes (minimum of 4.5 years) of endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy (EEO) with preservation of anterior C1 ring to treat irreducible ventral bulbo-medullary compressions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to illustrate a novel technique of anterior pure endoscopic craniovertebral junction (CVJ) reconstruction and fusion. In fact, long-term clinical studies are still lacking to elucidate the effective role of EEO and whether it can obviate the need for posterior fixation., Methods: From November 2008 to January 2012, clinical and radiologic data of 7 patients presenting with RA and associated irreducible bulbo-medullary compression treated with EEO were analyzed retrospectively. In all patients, decompression was achieved by EEO with anterior C1 arch preservation. In the last 2 patients, after EEO, we used the spared anterior C1 arch for reconstruction of anterior column of CVJ by positioning, under pure endoscopic guidance, autologous bone and 2 tricortical screws between the anterior arch of C1 and the residual odontoid. All patients were examined clinically with Ranawat classification and radiographically with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dynamic radiography immediately after surgery and during follow-up., Results: Adequate bulbo-medullary decompression with anterior C1 arch preservation was obtained in all cases. At follow-up (average, 66.2 months; range, 51-91 months) all patients experienced an improvement at least of one Ranawat classification level and presented no clinical or radiologic signs of instability., Conclusions: EEO with anterior C1 arch sparing provides satisfying long-term results for irreducible ventral CVJ lesions in RA. The preservation of anterior C1 arch and, when possible, the reconstruction of anterior CVJ can prevent the need for posterior fusion., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We sought to evaluate the long-term C1-C2 fusion rates, fracture healing, and functional outcomes in geriatric patients with type II odontoid fracture treated with posterior fixation with polyaxial C1 lateral mass screws and C2 pars screws., Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients between 2005 and 2011 with Anderson and D'Alonzo type II odontoid fracture underwent a posterior atlantoaxial fixation with polyaxial C1 lateral mass screws and C2 pars screws. A long-term clinical and radiologic follow-up was achieved in all patients with a mean follow-up period of 53.28 ± 15.41 months (range 38-91 months)., Results: All 21 patients had bilateral C1 lateral mass screws and bilateral C2 pars screws. Correct positioning of the C1 lateral mass screws and C2 pars screws was observed in all 42 placements by postoperative computed tomography scans. No vascular or neurologic complication was noted. At the last follow-up, 20 patients (95.24%) had a solid fusion (defined as Lenke fusion grade A or B) while 1 patient (4.76%) had a partial fusion (Lenke fusion grade C). Overall, no hardware failures occurred in any patient. Odontoid fracture healing was achieved in 18 patients out of 21 (85.71%). The mean postoperative Neck Disability Index score was 12.73%, and neck motion was within normal physiologic limits at 12 months., Conclusions: This study adds to the evidence that posterior atlantoaxial fixation with polyaxial C1 lateral mass screws and C2 pars screws is a safe and effective surgical option in the treatment of odontoid fractures including long-term stability., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Paradoxical brain herniation (PBH) is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of decompressive craniectomy (DC) and results from the combined effects of brain gravity, atmospheric pressure and intracranial hypotension causing herniation in the direction opposite to the site of the DC with subsequent brainstem compression. To date, the cases of PBH reported in literature are spontaneous or provoked by a lumbar puncture, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt, or ventriculostomy., Case Description: We present an uncommon case of PBH provoked by percutaneous drainage of a huge subdural hygroma (SH) ipsilateral to the decompressive craniectomy causing mass effect and neurologic deterioration. After percutaneous evacuation of SH, the patient became unresponsive with dilated and fixed left pupil. A brain computed tomography scan showed marked midline shift in the direction opposite to the craniectomy site with subfalcine herniation and effacement of the peripontine cisterns. Paradoxical brain herniation (PBH) was diagnosed. Conservative treatment failed, and the patient required an emergency cranioplasty for reverse PBH., Conclusions: The present case highlights the possibility that all forms of CSF depletion, including percutaneous drainage of subdural CSF collection and not only CSF shunting and/or lumbar puncture, can be dangerous for patients with large craniotomies and result in PBH. Moreover, an emergency cranioplasty could represent a safe and effective procedure in patients not responding to conservative treatment., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)