• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.221-225
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• 2009

Objective : Surgical treatment of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms is challenging due to limited surgical accessibility. Endovascular approach has a benefit of avoiding direct injury to the brainstem or lower cranial nerves. Therefore, it has recently been considered an alternative or primary modality for PICA aneurysms. We retrospectively assessed outcomes following detachable coil embolization of saccular PICA aneurysms. Methods : From February 1997 to December 2007, we performed endovascular procedures to treat 15 patients with 15 PICA aneurysms. Fourteen patients with 14 PICA aneurysms morphology of which was saccular were reviewed retrospectively. Twelve patients had ruptured aneurysms. The aneurysms arose from the PICA origin site (n=12), the PICA lateral medullary segment (n=1), or the PICA tonsilomedullary segment (n=1). Results : Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 10 patients, residual neck in 3, and residual sac in one. Radiological follow-up was performed in 7 patients with mean duration of 34.7 months (range, 1-97 months) and showed stable or complete occlusion in 6 patients. There were no rebleeding or retreatment after endovascular treatment. Thromboembolism was the only procedure-related complication (n=4 ; 28.6%). Asymptomatic PICA infarction occurred in two patients and symptomatic PICA infarction in two elderly patients with poor clinical grade. Of these procedural PICA infarction cases, 1 symptomatic PICA infarction patient developed ventriculitis and septic shock leading to death. The clinical outcome was good in 10 patients (71.4%). Conclusions : In the present study, detachable coil embolization has shown as an efficient modality for PICA saccular aneurysms challenging indications of microsurgery. However, thromboembolic complications should be considered, especially in poor clinical elderly patients with ruptured aneurysms.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.340-344
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• 2005

Objective: Posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF), the current leading method of pedicle screw fixation combined with interbody fusion via posterior route, sometimes requires too much destruction of the facet joint than expected especially for the patient with a narrow spine. On the other hand, tranforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF) technique provides potential advantages over PLIF and can be chosen as a better surgical alternative to more traditional fusion methods in certain surgical conditions. Methods: From October 1999, 99 PLIF and 29 TLIF procedures were done for the patients with spinal stenosis and instability. Radiological data including the interpedicular distance and the size of the pedicles as well as the clinical parameters were collected retrospectively. The degree of resection of the inferior articular process was compared with the interpedicular distance in each patient who received PLIF. Results: No significant differences were found between PLIF and TLIF regarding the operation time, blood loss, duration of hospital stay, or short term postoperative clinical result. There were no complication with TLIF, but PLIF resulted in 9(9.1%) complications. During PLIF procedure, all patients(n=24) except one with the interpedicular distance shorter than 27mm required near complete or complete resection of the inferior articular processes, whereas only 6(31.5%) of 19 patients with the interpedicular distances longer than 30mm required the similar extent of resection. Conclusion: TLIF is better than PLIF in terms of the complication rate. The patient who had narrow interpedicular distance(<27mm) might be better candidate for TLIF.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.184-189
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• 2005

Objective : Hemangioblastomas are highly vascular and benign neoplasm of the central nervous system[CNS]. They can often be found as multiple lesions, as is commonly observed in von Hippel-Lindau[VHL] disease. The aim of this study is to determine the proper management for multiple hemangioblastomas. Methods : Since 1990, 78cases of hemangioblastoma have been encountered. Among these, 9cases were multiple hemangioblastomas that were treated with surgical resection with or without radiosurgery. The medical, radiological, surgical and histological records were reviewed retrospectively and analyzed statistically. Results : Nine patients presented with multiple hemangioblastomas and were diagnosed as VHL disease. The mean follow-up duration was 75.7months [$6.6{\sim}159.2months$] after the first surgical treatment. Three patients were treated with surgical resection alone and six patients were treated by both surgical resection and radiosurgery. Twenty-one surgical procedures [13 surgical resections and 8 radiosurgery] were performed. One patient required ventriculoperitoneal shunt and a posterior fossa decompressive craniectomy because of post-radiation brain swelling. Another patient refused additional treatment for the newly developed lesions after the successful treatment of initial lesions. The other patient who presented with numerous lesions in the whole brain and spine underwent cranio-spinal irradiation. Remaining patients showed good results. Conclusion : The surgical outcomes for the patients with a single lesion of the CNS hemangioblastoma are favorable. However. the treatment of multiple hemangioblastoma is more difficult, and should be treated by surgical resection and radiosurgery with careful consideration.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.350-354
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• 2009

Objective : The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical outcome of 75 consecutive patients with cervical carotid artery stenosis and who were treated by carotid artery stenting (CAS) only. Methods : From February 2003 to June 2008, there were 78 stents placed in 75 symptomatic patients (mean age : 67.3 years); 69 patients had carotid stenosis ${\geq}70%$, and 6 patients had asymptomatic stenosis ${\geq}80%$. No carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was performed during the same period. The patients were clinically followed-up for a mean of 20.1 months. Results : The procedures were technically successful in all cases. Three (3.8%) patients had procedure-related complications. During the 30-day postprocedural period, there were no restenosis or major stroke. Minor stroke was noticed in 3 (3.8%) patients and 1 (1.3%) of the 75 patients suddenly expired 2 days after discharge. There were no new neurological symptoms that developed during the clinical follow-up period. The results of our series were not inferior to those the previously published in CAS studies, and in fact they were better. Conclusion : Our results suggest that CAS may be safe and useful for the treatment of cervical carotid artery stenosis when it is used as the first line treatment in those institutions that lack enough experience with CEA.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.224-229
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• 2014

Objective : To report long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy (MI-PCF) performed in patients with unilateral single-level cervical radiculopathy. Methods : Of forty-six patients who underwent MI-PCF for unilateral single-level radiculopathy between 2005 and 2013, 33 patients were included in the study, with a mean follow-up of 32.7 months. Patients were regularly followed for clinical and radiological assessment. Clinical outcome was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) for the neck/shoulder and arm, and the neck disability index (NDI). Radiological outcome was measured by focal/global angulation and disc height index (DHI). Outcomes after MI-PCF were evaluated as changes of clinical and radiological parameters from the baseline. Mixed effect model with random patients' effect was used to test for differences in the clinical and radiological parameters repeat measures. Results : There were no complications and all patients had an uneventful recovery during the early postoperative period. VAS scores for neck/shoulder and arm improved significantly in the early postoperative period (3 months) and were maintained with time (p<0.001). NDI improved significantly post-operatively and tended to decrease gradually during the follow-up period (p<0.001). There were no statistically significant changes in focal and global angulation at follow-up. Percent DHIs of the upper adjacent or operated disc were maintained without significant changes with time. During the follow-up, same site recurrence was not noted and adjacent segment disease requiring additional surgery occurred in two patients (6%) on the contra-lateral side. Conclusion : MI-PCF provides long-term pain relief and functional restoration, accompanied by good long-term radiological outcome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.188-193
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• 2014

Objective : Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic cerebrovascular occlusive disease of unknown etiology. In addition, the neurocognitive impairment of adults with MMD is infrequently reported and, to date, has not been well described. We attempted to determine both the neurocognitive profile of adult moyamoya disease and whether a superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis can improve the neurocognitive impairment in exhibiting hemodynamic disturbance without stroke. Methods : From September 2010 through November 2012, 12 patients with angiographically diagnosed MMD underwent STA-MCA anastomosis for hemodynamic impairment. Patients with hypoperfusion and impaired cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) capacity but without evidence of ischemic stroke underwent a cognitive function test, the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery (SNSB). Five patients agreed to undergo a follow-up SNSB test. Data from preoperative and postoperative neurocognitive function tests were compared and analyzed. Results : Five of 12 patients were enrolled. The median age was 45 years (range, 24-55 years). A comparison of preoperative to postoperative status of SNSB, memory domain, especially delayed recall showed significant improvement. Although most of the domains showed improvement after surgery, the results were not statistically significant. Conclusion : In our preliminary study, large proportions of adult patients with MMD demonstrate disruption of cognitive function. This suggests the possibility of chronic hypoperfusion as a primary cause of the neurocognitive impairment. When preoperative and postoperative status of cognitive function was compared, memory domain showed remarkable improvement. Although further study is needed, neurocognitive impairment may be an indication for earlier intervention with reperfusion procedures that can improve cognitive function.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.185-189
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• 2014

Objective : General anesthesia is often preferred for endovascular coiling of intracranial aneurysm at most centers. But in the authors' hospital, it is performed under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) using dexmedetomidine. To determine the feasibility and safety of this approach, the authors reviewed our initial experience. Methods : Retrospective data was analyzed from July 2012 to November 2012. We performed coil embolization in 28 cases using this method. Among them, for statistical significance, we analyzed 12 cases in which the procedure time exceeded an hour. Vital signs were analyzed every 10 minutes. Depth of sedation was measured according to the Ramsay sedation scale and frequency of the repeated roadmap image(s) caused by movement of the patient's head during the procedure. Results : All procedures were completed without occurrence of procedure related complications. Under MAC using dexmedetomidine, vital signs of the patients were stable, no statistical significance regarding hemodynamic and respiratory parameters was observed between time points (p>0.05). Adequate sedation was achieved. Mean Ramsay sedation scale was $3.67{\pm}1.61$ (2 to 6). Repeated roadmap image(s) due to patient's factor occurred in only one case. The mean dosage of drug for adequate sedation for the procedure was $0.65{\pm}0.12mcg/kg/hr$ without loading doses. Conclusion : To the best of my knowledge, this is the first report published in English using the method of monitored anesthesia with dexmedetomidine for intracranial aneurysm coiling. Monitored anesthesia care using dexmedetomidine without loading dose for embolization of intracranial aneurysms appeared to be a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.40-46
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• 2017

Objective: To assess role of some inflammatory mediators in patients with primary and recurrent lumbar disc herniation. Expression of IL-6, transforming growth factor (TGF)-1, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, and Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) have been shown to be more intense in the primary group than the recurrent goup, but this mediators may be important aspects prognostic. Methods: 19 patients underwent primary and revision operations between June 1, 2009 and June 1, 2014, and they were included in this study. The 19 patients' intervertebral disc specimens obtained from the primary procedures and reoperations were evaluated. Expression of IL-6, TGF-1, IGF-1, and BAX were examined immunohistochemically in the 38 biopsy tissues obtained from the primary and recurrent herniated intervertebral discs during the operation. Results: For IL-6 expression in the intervertebral disc specimens, there was no difference between the groups. The immunohistochemical study showed that the intervertebral disc specimens in the primary group were stained intensely by TGF-1 compared with the recurrent group. Expression of IGF-1 in the primary group was found moderate. In contrast, in the recurrent group of patients was mild expression of IGF-1. The primary group intervertebral disc specimens were stained moderately by BAX compared with the recurrent group. Conclusion: The results of our prognostic evaluation of patients in the recurrent group who were operated due to disc herniation suggest that mediators may be important parameters.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.550-559
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• 2017

Objective : Subsidence is a frequent complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Postoperative segmental micromotion, thought to be a causative factor of subsidence, has been speculated to increase with uncinate process resection area (UPR). To evaluate the effect of UPR on micro-motion, we designed a method to measure UPR area based on pre- and postoperative computed tomography images and analyzed the relationship between UPR and subsidence as a proxy of micro-motion. Methods : We retrospectively collected clinical and radiological data from January 2011 to June 2016. A total of 38 patients (53 segments) were included. All procedures included bilateral UPR and anterior plate fixation. UPR area was evaluated with reformatted coronal computer tomography images. To reduce level-related bias, we converted UPR area to the proportion of UPR to the pre-operative UP area (pUPR). Results : Subsidence occurred in 18 segments (34%) and positively correlated with right-side pUPR, left-side pUPR, and the sum of bilateral pUPR (sum pUPR) (R=0.310, 301, 364; p=0.024, 0.029, 0.007, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that subsidence could be estimated with the following formula : $subsidence=1.522+2.7{\times}sum\;pUPR$($R^2=0.133$, p=0.007). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis determined that sum $pUPR{\geq}0.38$ could serve as a threshold for significantly increased risk of subsidence (p=0.005, area under curve=0.737, sensitivity=94%, specificity=51%). This threshold was confirmed by logistic regression analysis for subsidence (p=0.009, odds ratio=8.471). Conclusion : The UPR measurement method confirmed that UPR was correlated with subsidence. Particularly when the sum of pUPR is ${\geq}38%$, the possibility of subsidence increased.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.567-576
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• 2017

Objective : Preoperative parameters including the T1 slope (T1S) and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) have been recognized as predictors of kyphosis after laminoplasty, which is accompanied by posterior neck muscle damage. The importance of preoperative parameters has been under-estimated in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) because there is no posterior neck muscle damage. We aimed to determine whether postoperative subsidence and pseudarthrosis could be predicted according to specific parameters on preoperative plain radiographs. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed 41 consecutive patients (male : female, 22 : 19; mean age, $51.15{\pm}9.25years$) who underwent ACDF with a stand-alone polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) cage (>1 year follow-up). Parameters including SVA, T1S, segmental angle and range of motion (ROM), C2-C7 cervical angle and ROM, and segmental inter-spinous distance were measured on preoperative plain radiographs. Risk factors of subsidence and pseudarthrosis were determined using multivariate logistic regression. Results : Fifty-five segments (27 single-segment and 14 two-segment fusions) were included. The subsidence and pseudarthrosis rates based on the number of segments were 36.4% and 29.1%, respectively. Demographic data and fusion level were unrelated to subsidence. A greater T1S was associated with a lower risk of subsidence (p=0.017, odds ratio=0.206). A cutoff value of T1S<$28^{\circ}$ significantly predicted subsidence (sensitivity : 70%, specificity : 68.6%). There were no preoperative predictors of pseudarthrosis except old age. Conclusion : A lower T1S (T1S<$28^{\circ}$) could be a risk factor of subsidence following ACDF. Surgeons need to be aware of this risk factor and should consider various supportive procedures to reduce the subsidence rates for such cases.