Browsing by Author "Miljković, Aleksandar (54899611800)"

Introduction Significant cranial defects result from a decompressive craniectomy following head trauma, malignant brain edema, intracranial hemorrhage, or resection of tumor affected bone. Unrepaired cranial defects are not just a tremendous esthetic problem. The underlying brain is unprotected, prone to injury, and this state can lead to the so-called “syndrome of the trephined” with mood instability, headaches, and even a neurological deficit. Currently, there is no widely accepted uniform technique of cranial vault shape restoration. Combining 3D technology with the use of polymethylmethacrylate is a challenging field that can bring good functional and aesthetic results and, in the case of smart design, become efficient, low-cost technology. We offer a possible solution to a problem that would be acceptable in neurosurgical practice. Case outline We present a 37-year-old male patient with a massive hemicranial defect as a consequence of previous decompressive craniectomy following severe craniocerebral injury the previous year. Together with engineers from the appropriate 3D modeling studio, we have designed a two-part mold by laser printing technology using biocompatible advanced polyamide. We made a customized polymethylmethacrylate graft intraoperatively using this mold and achieved good aesthetic results. Conclusion Reports of 3D printing assisted cranioplasties are growing, describing different techniques and cost-estimation. We hope to introduce a low-cost and simple method for repairing a skull defect. © 2022, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Objective: This research aimed to determine whether an adequate surgical approach can be chosen based on clearly defined values of anatomical landmarks (tentorial angle) and tumor size and extension. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients operated on because of pineal tumors. The cohort was divided depending on the surgical approach. On preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, we measured maximal diameters, tumor volume, and tumor propagation. In the group of patients operated with the supracerebellar infratentorial approach, we also tested the correlation of tentorial angle with residual tumor. Differences among groups in resection, complications rate, and outcome were tested by the χ2 test. Finally, in both groups, the correlation of residual tumor with tumor volume, propagation, and diameters was tested using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: In the group operated with a supracerebellar approach, total resection was achieved in 78% of the patients. The critical value of cranio-caudal diameter correlated with tumor residue was 31 mm, for lateral-lateral diameter 25 mm, for the lateral extension 14 mm, and tumor volume 12 cm3. Tentorial angle did not influence the extent of the resection. In the group operated with an occipital transtentorial approach, the critical tumor volume related to tumor residue was 9 mm3, anterior-posterior diameter 29 mm, and cranio-caudal diameter 28 mm. The extent of the resection was significantly higher in the supracerebellar group. Conclusions: In both approaches, tumors larger than 3 cm show an increased risk of subtotal resection. Except when most tumor volume is localized above the venous system, we advocate a supracerebellar corridor as an effective approach that is not limited by tentorial angle. © 2024 Elsevier Inc.