Choosing between endoscopic or microscopic removal of third ventricle colloid cysts

Colloid cysts are benign lesions, found in the anterior part of the roof of the third ventricle. A PubMED search of literature was performed to identify the evidence on different treatment options and surgical approaches for removal of colloid cysts. Evidence on endoscopic versus microsurgical resection of colloid cysts showed that microsurgical approach had significantly higher rates of gross total resection, lower recurrence rate and lower re-operation rate. No significant difference with respect to the mortality rate or the need for a shunt was found between the two groups. However, the overall morbidity rate was lower for the endoscopic group.

Kernohan–woltman notch phenomenon:Case report and Review of literature

Subdural hematoma (SDH) is usually secondary to mechanical trauma. Spontaneous subdural hematoma is still rare with unclear pathophysiology. The classic findings of subdural hematoma is sudden drop in mental status, an ipsilateralmydriasis with contralateral hemiparesis. However SDH can sometimes compress the contralaterl corticospinal tract resulting in ipsilateral motor weakness, this phenomenon is known as Kernohan-Woltman Notch Phenomenon

Prognostic value of 1p/19q chromosomal codeletion in patients with oligodendroglioma

Oligodendrogliomas are common intra-axial primary brain tumours, and carry special significance due to several key features, which when present provide better prognosis compared to other intra-axial tumours. One of these features is presence of 1p/19q chromosomal codeletion that seems to not only be a marker of better prognosis but also signifies better response to chemotherapy. Herein the authors review the literature for evidence of the prognostic value of 1p/19q codeletion in OD

Promoting motivation towards community health care: A qualitative study from nurses in Pakistan

Based on the extensive health care needs of Pakistani population, the idea of Community Health Nursing was introduced in 1985. The educational nursing institutes adopted nursing curriculum in order to produce competent nurses to meet the rising demands of society. However, very few numbers of nurses choose community health nursing as their career pathway in Pakistan. Based on the current observation, enhancing motivation among graduate nurses has always been viewed as a great challenge for the academic nursing institutions. This study was intended to explore motivating and de motivating factors in nurses towards community Health Nursing. By utilizing self concept based model of motivation, semi structured interviews were conducted with newly graduated nurses, nurse educators and nursing students. The findings revealed that certain traits, values and competencies are required to motivate nurses as well as to build their capacity towards working effectively in the community setting. Moreover, through this study several realistic recommendations by the participants are highlighted that could foster motivation among future nurses towards this field

Craniocerebral aspergillosis: A review of advances in diagnosis and management

Craniocerebral aspergillosis is a rare but dangerous central nervous system infection. The infection has a spectrum of presenting features, mostly affecting immunocompromised individuals. The incidence appears to be on the rise that has been especially observed in the immunocompetent population. A high index of suspicion, a comprehensive understanding of the infectious process and advanced laboratory and radiological diagnostic techniques, allow early diagnosis. Surgery, followed by systemic antifungal medications, remains the cornerstone of management. Early administration of empirical anti-fungal agents along with immunomodulators may further improve prognosis. Immunocompetent patients tend to have better outcomes as compared to those who are immunocompromised. Patients with intradural disease carry the worst prognosis

Role of surgery in brain metastases

Abstract Brain metastases remain the commonest type of brain tumour, being four times more common than primary brain tumours. Although surgical intervention may be recommended for one of various reasons in the management of these tumours, including but not limited to conformation of diagnosis, relief of mass effect, improvement of neurological status and prolongation of survival, the guidelines for management of brain metastases remain largely subjective and therefore controversial. Herein the authors have attempted to review some of the existing evidence on role of surgery in the management of brain metastases and have presented their selected guidelines for the readers

Role of Surgery in Spinal Metastases

Spinal metastases constitute two-third of all cases of bone metastases. Surgical intervention in these tumours has been recommended in highly selective cases, for confirming diagnosis, stabilizing the spine, and decompressing nerves or spinal cord for alleviation of pain and preservation of function.In this article,the authors have reviewed available evidence on role of surgery in spinal metastases and have presented results of selected papers on this vast topic