In our case, we introduced a technical variant consisting in primary external drainage from the malformative sac, followed by closure of the encephalocele and, eventually, by CSF shunting.

These results indicate that Aperius PercLID system offers an easy, safe, and effective treatment for patients with lumbar degenerative stenosis. Thus, this device system treatment represents a valid alternative to the traditional surgical techniques.

Advances in skull base surgery and free-flap reconstruction allowed the authors to treat patients with advanced-stage RSC of the head in a rather satisfactory manner. Only when it is impossible to achieve no or minimal residual disease should aggressive treatment be considered.

This study deals with the use of microcomputer graphic analysis of preop-erative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in functional neurosurgical procedures. Three patients (2 treated for thalamotomy and 1 for thalamic stimulation) had preadmission MRI scans which delineated the classic internal landmarks used in functional neurosurgery. These data were then manipulated and stored using a microcomputer-based graphic analysis system. Intraoperative pattern matching of preadmission graphics with the intraoperative skull X-rays allo wed determination of the planned target in the x, y and z coordinates. The accuracy of the graphics FM-PC and AC-PC points was confirmed with the use of ventriculography, stimulation, and postoperative MRI scans. This simple, inexpensive method obviates the need for ventriculography, sedation, intraoperative MRI with a scan-compatible frame, and has the accuracy necessary for functional procedures.