國井 尚人

Background: Cerebral revascularization in the deep surgical field is technically challenging. Especially, side-to-side anastomosis like A3-A3 could be technically more difficult compared with end-to-side anastomosis. To improve surgeon's dexterity and maneuverability in the deep surgical field, the authors developed an easily accessible and well-simulating training system using prosthetic tubes and a box. Methods: Two prosthetic tubes (silicon tube, 1.2 mm in diameter) are mounted in parallel on the bottom of 6.5-cm-deep emptied 'tissue paper box.' The orifice of the box is restricted to 2 X 2 cm to simulate a deep and narrow surgical corridor. Using bayonet-shaped micro needle holder and forceps, the side-to-side anastomosis of the tubes is performed with 10-0 nylon under operative microscope. Results: Prosthetic tubes well simulated real A3-A3 anastomosis. From the standpoint of technical difficulty, this training system needed slightly higher level of dexterity compared with real A3-A3 anastomosis because of narrower and deeper surgical corridor, and the wall of prosthetic tube was slightly thicker and more inflexible. After this training, the surgical technique in real A3-A3 anastomosis was improved. Conclusions: This training system worked well to ease the transition from anastomosis in shallow surgical field to deep and narrow surgical field. The prosthetic tube we used approximates real A3 relatively well, and the ease in setting up this system enabled repeated practice, which resulted in steep learning curve of the technique. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Temporary intraluminal shunt was used during 72 consecutive carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) in 61 patients (bilateral CEA in 11 patients) during October 2001 and September 2005. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. All procedures were performed with routine shunt insertion without monitoring such as electroencephalography. Pre- and postoperative diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was used to detect ischemic complications. Postoperative angiography was performed in 70 cases to detect abnormalities such as major stenosis or dissection of the distal end. Symptomatic ischemic complication occurred in one patient at 1 month. Postoperative diffusion-weighted MR imaging detected new hyperintense lesions in three patients including the symptomatic patient. Postoperative angiography confirmed that the distal end was satisfactory in all cases. The incidence of ischemic lesions of embolic origin after CEA with routine shunt usage is acceptably low if the procedure of shunt device insertion and removal is meticulously conducted.

Background: Microvascular anastomosis using 10-0 nylon needs a higher level of technical dexterity compared with routine neurosurgical maneuvers. Although this technique remains an important part of treating complex intracranial aneurysms or cerebrovascular disease, the surgeon's clinical experience in using this technique is not so common. Methods: To improve dexterity and maneuverability in the limited clinical case volume, we developed an easily accessible training system, using commercially available desk type microscope and simply suturing neighboring fibers of the gauze with 10-0 nylon under fixed and highest (x20) magnification. Result: This training system is somewhat of a drawback compared to the simulation of a real clinical setting. However, because of the extremely easy availability and accessibility of the desk type microscope, repeated training and the accumulation of more than 10000 stitches, on average, was accomplished. This resulted in a steep learning curve of the technique. Conclusion: For residency and post-residency year young neurosurgeons, who need to brush up their skills due to lower surgical case volume compared with what senior neurosurgeons have experienced this easily available training would contribute to establishing daily and long-lasting microsurgical practice. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A 56-year-old female presented with acute subdural hematoma associated with dural metastasis. The patient had been treated for breast cancer with disseminated bone and lung metastases. Evacuation of the hematoma with local management of the tumor and bleeding successfully improved her neurological condition and she underwent postoperative radiotherapy. This condition is especially associated with dural metastasis from adenocarcinoma (most frequently stomach cancer) and the clinical outcome depends on the general condition of the patient and the status of the coagulation disorders. If the tumors are multiple, as in this case, extreme caution should be paid to recurrent bleeding in the ipsilateral or contralateral side.