Objective:The aim of this study is to compare the postoperative recurrence rates and alteration in follow-up brain CT radiographic results between patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) treated by burr hole trephination with or without irrigation during the surgery. Methods: A total of 100 patients diagnosed with CSDH underwent burr hole trephination from January 2013 to May 2015. The patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent intra-operative saline irrigation and those who did not. Difference in the rate of symptomatic recurrence requiring second surgery between the two groups was evaluated. Radiographic results were analyzed based on the patients' follow-up brain CTs taken 1 month after the surgery. Results: Sixty eight patients underwent intra-operative irrigation while 32 patients did not. The median ages of the two groups were 69.6 years (range, 39-91 years) and 69.1 years (range, 38-86 years), respectively. Among the "irrigated" group, six patients required second surgery due to recurrent hematoma (8.8%) while nine patients in the "not irrigated" group underwent second surgery (28.1%). Difference in the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) between the two groups had no statistical significance. Conclusion: Upon conducting burr hole trephination surgery for CSDH, saline irrigation is a simple procedure that can reduce the recurrence rate.
Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare and highly malignant soft tissue neoplasm that most commonly occurs in the long bones. This uncommon tumor has a poor clinical outcome, and the modality of its treatment has not yet been fully established. The authors report an extremely rare presentation of epithelioid sarcoma in the cervical spine, along with its clinical progression, imaging, and pathology. The patient underwent three surgical procedures and adjuvant radiochemical management. He survived for 25 months with a good general condition and adapted well to his social activity. Systemic metastasis was not found, but the patient died of respiratory failure due to direct tracheal invasion of the tumor.
Symptomatic thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum is rare, and a modality for its treatment has not yet been fully established; most reported patients complained of myelopathy. Herein, the authors will report on an extremely rare presentation of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum, along with clinical outcomes. The patient complained of chest discomfort and myelopathy symptoms for 1 year secondary to thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum. He underwent one surgical procedure. Postoperatively, his symptoms such as chest discomfort and myelopathy improved completely. As of this report, the patient has had a good postoperative recovery, had good overall health, and adapted well to his social activities.
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