Role of preoperative embolization in management of central nervous system tumours

Preoperative embolization plays a significant role as an adjunct to surgical intervention in the cases of certain vascular tumours of the brain. While the procedure has resulted in facilitated resection of the tumour, and has reduced morbidity and mortality, its application remains debatable within the neurosurgical community, owing to rare, but major post-procedural complications. Herein, we have reviewed the literature to assess the safety and efficacy of preoperative angiographic embolization for brain tumours

Role of diffusion tensor imaging for brain tumour resection

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an advanced imaging technique that helps to establish the topographic-anatomical relationship of tumours with the surrounding white matter tracts. Intra-operatively when used with neuro-navigation, it helps in minimizing injury to functional brain parenchyma, decreasing the risk of post-operative neurological deficits. In this review, we have assessed the efficacy of DTI for brain tumour resection

Postoperative cerebro spinal fluid diversion in patients with third ventricular colloid cysts

Colloid cysts are a group of CNS neoplasms that usually present with features of CSF flow obstruction. The treatment is by microsurgical, endoscopic or stereotactic techniques. Hydrocephalus usually resolves postoperatively, but in around 3-7% of cases symptoms persist and ultimately require CSF diversion. Several factors such as operative approach, cyst size, operative time, intraoperative bleeding may influence the need for CSF diversion but most of these are yet to be statistically proven. Existing literature is mainly focused on incidence of CSF diversion after resection of colloid cyst rather than the factors which may predict its necessity and extensive research is required to accurately determine these factors. Keywords: Colloid cyst, third ventricle, Cerebrospinal fluid diversion

Feasibility of awake craniotomy for brain arteriovenous malformations: A scoping review

Background: Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) located in proximity to eloquent brain regions are associated with poor surgical outcomes, which may be due to higher rates of postoperative neurological deterioration. Current treatment protocols include stereotactic radiosurgery, transarterial embolization, and surgical resection under general anesthesia. Awake Craniotomy (AC) allows intraoperative mapping of eloquent areas to improve post-operative neurologic outcomes.Objectives: We reviewed the current literature reporting surgical outcomes and assessed the feasibility of AC for AVM resection.Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were utilized as a template for the review. Three databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched using a predefined search strategy. After removing duplicates and screening, full texts were analyzed. Outcomes including the extent of resection, intra-operative and post-operative complications, and long-term neurologic outcomes were assessed.Results: 12 studies were included with a total of 122 AVM cases. Spetzler-Martin grading was used for the classification of the AVMs. The asleep-awake-asleep protocol was most commonly used for AC. Complete resection was achieved in all cases except 5. Intraoperative complications included seizures (n = 2) and bleeding (n = 4). Short-term post-operative complications included hemorrhage (n = 3), neurologic dysfunctions including paresis (n = 3), hemiplegia (n = 10), dysphasia/aphasia (n = 6), cranial nerve dysfunction (n = 3), and pulmonary embolism (n = 1). Almost all neurological deficits after surgery gradually improved on subsequent follow-ups.Conclusion: AVMs may shift the anatomical location of eloquent brain areas which may be mapped during AC. All studies recommended AC for the resection of AVMs in close proximity to eloquent areas as mapping during AC identifies the eloquent cortex thus promoting careful tissue handling which may preserve neurologic function and/or predict the postoperative functional status of the patients We, therefore, conclude that AC is a viable modality for AVMs resection near eloquent language and motor areas

Feasibility of awake craniotomy for brain tumours in children

Awake craniotomy (AC) is routinely performed in adult patients for tumours near eloquent areas of the brain. It improves outcomes and reduces complications. However, its use is limited in children. However, several authors have reported good results of AC in a highly selective group of relatively older children. Fundamental to the success of AC is a co-operative child and thorough preoperative preparation with a truly multidisciplinary approach