Extreme Lateral Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach: Surgical Anatomy and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

The extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial (ELSI) approach has the potential to access several distinct anatomical regions that are otherwise difficult to reach. We have illustrated the surgical anatomy through cadaveric dissections and provided an extensive review of the literature to highlight the versatility of this approach, its limits, and comparisons with alternative approaches.

METHODS

The surgical anatomy of the ELSI has been described using 1 adult-injected cadaveric head. Formalized noninjected brain specimens were also dissected to describe the brain parenchymal anatomy of the region. An extensive review of the literature was performed according to each targeted anatomical region. Illustrative cases are also presented.

RESULTS

The ELSI approach allows for wide exposure of the middle and posterolateral incisural spaces with direct access to centrally located intra-axial structures such as the splenium, pulvinar, brainstem, and mesial temporal lobe. In addition, for skull base extra-axial tumors such as petroclival meningiomas, the ELSI approach represents a rapid and adequate method of access without the use of extensive skull base approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

The ELSI approach represents one of the most versatile approaches with respect to its ability to address several anatomical regions centered at the posterior and middle incisural spaces. For intra-axial pathologies, the approach allows for access to the central core of the brain with several advantages compared with alternate approaches that frequently involve significant brain retraction and cortical incisions. In specific cases of skull base lesions, the ELSI approach is an elegant alternative to traditionally used skull base approaches, thereby avoiding approach-related morbidity.

One-year follow-up for type II odontoid process fractures in octogenarians: Is there a place for surgical management?

Background:

Type II odontoid fractures are becoming one of the most common injuries among elderly patients and are associated with increased morbidity rates. Here, we compared the safety/efficacy of conservative versus surgical treatment for type II C2 fractures and, in particular, evaluated the complications, hospital lengths of stay, and mortality rates for patients over 80 years of age.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 63 nonsurgically versus 18 surgically treated C2 fractures in patients over 80 years of age (2003–2018). Cervical computed tomography images, X-rays, and magnetic resonance images were reviewed by both a neurosurgeon and a neuroradiologist. The following patient data were included in the analysis; Glasgow Coma Scale score, injury severity score, the abbreviated injury scale scores, their comorbidities (e.g., utilizing the Charlson comorbidity index), their primary outcomes, and mortality rates (e.g., at 6 weeks and 1 year after treatment).

Results:

Eighty-one patients were included in the study; 63 were treated conservatively and 18 underwent surgical management of type II C2 fractures. Patients averaged 87.0 ± 5.0 years of age, and their combined mortality rates were 13.6% at 6 weeks and 25.9% at 1 year. Notably, at 1 year, the mortality rates were not statistically different between the two groups: 18 (30.0%) patients from the conservatively treated group versus 3 (16.7%) patients from the surgically managed patients died indicating (e.g., using the Kaplan–Meier analysis) no survival advantage for either treatment strategy.

Conclusion:

Surgical versus conservative management of type II odontoid fractures were associated with comparable high mortality rates at 1 year.

Cisternostomy for Refractory Posttraumatic Intracranial Hypertension

BACKGROUND

The current surgical treatment of choice for refractory intracranial hypertension after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is decompressive craniectomy. Despite efficacy in control of intracranial pressure (ICP), its contribution to an improved outcome is debatable.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe a case of refractory intracranial hypertension successfully managed with cisternostomy. The rationale for this surgical technique is discussed, with a focus on the pathophysiologic processes underlying elevated ICP and its improvement after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Cisternostomy proved to have an immediate effect in controlling ICP and improving brain oxygenation and metabolism.