Clinical Study of Decompressive Craniectomy in Children

AIM

To evaluate the clinical characteristics of children who recently underwent decompressive craniectomy (DC) due to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) correlated to head trauma or other causes, such as ischemic insult.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twelve patients aged ≤17 years who underwent DC due to elevated ICP between 2013 and 2018 were included in the study. The clinical status of the participants, radiological characteristics, type and timing of surgery, and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Three female and nine male patients with a mean age of 10 years were included. The initial average Glasgow Coma Scale score was 6 (3-12). All patients presented with signs of diffuse cerebral edema and subdural hematoma of various sizes along with other intracranial pathologies. Only one patient required bilateral frontal craniectomy. In the postoperative period, three patients died, and three had severe disability.

CONCLUSION

With the increasing use and success of DC in adults, this procedure can also be effective in children. Considering brain differences in children, large and well-structured clinical trials must be conducted to prevent complications and to identify the best technique, timing, and benefits of DC for children.

Microsurgical training model for residents to approach to the orbit and the optic nerve in fresh cadaveric sheep cranium

Background:

Neurosurgery and ophthalmology residents need many years to improve microsurgical skills. Laboratory training models are very important for developing surgical skills before clinical application of microsurgery. A simple simulation model is needed for residents to learn how to handle microsurgical instruments and to perform safe dissection of intracranial or intraorbital nerves, vessels, and other structures.

Materials and Methods:

The simulation material consists of a one-year-old fresh cadaveric sheep cranium. Two parts (Part 1 and Part 2) were designed to approach structures of the orbit. Part 1 consisted of a 2-step approach to dissect intraorbital structures, and Part 2 consisted of a 3-step approach to dissect the optic nerve intracranially.

Results:

The model simulates standard microsurgical techniques using a variety of approaches to structures in and around the orbit and the optic nerve.

Conclusions:

This laboratory training model enables trainees to gain experience with an operating microscope, microsurgical instruments and orbital structures.