Main description:

The ultimate guide to navigating and treating brainstem pathologies from master neurosurgeon Robert Spetzler

The brainstem is one of the last bastions of surgical prohibition because of its densely packed ascending and descending tracts and nuclei carrying information to and from the brain. Although 10% of all pediatric tumors and 5% of all vascular anomalies occur in the brainstem, neurosurgeons have traditionally resisted dissecting lesions in this area. Recent advances in imaging, microscopy, anesthesia, and operative techniques have expanded the treatment paradigm for this most eloquent region of the brain.

Surgery of the Brainstem, by internationally renowned neurosurgeons Robert F. Spetzler, M. Yashar S. Kalani, and Michael T. Lawton, along with an impressive cadre of global experts, is a comprehensive guide to managing disorders of the brainstem, thalamic region, and basal ganglia. Organized in seven sections with 33 chapters, the text opens with four sections covering a variety of topics. Section I presents the history of brainstem surgery; Section II examines anatomy, development, and pathology; Section III reviews patient examination, imaging, and monitoring; and Section IV provides a succinct overview of surgical approaches. Sections V-VII cover a wide range of adult and pediatric tumors, ischemia, stroke, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and cerebral cavernous malformations. More than 300 high-quality clinical images and medical illustrations enhance the text.

Key Highlights

A full spectrum of treatment modalities and outcomes, including open surgery, endoscopic approaches, stereotactic radiosurgery, radiotherapy, endovascular techniques, and revascularization
An anatomy chapter featuring stunning Rhoton-style anatomical dissections delineates critical landmarks in the brainstem, thalamus, pineal region, and cranial nerves
Detailed discussion of patient positioning and exposure of various brainstem domains
Pearls on overcoming psychological, pathological, and anatomical barriers and managing complications

Understanding the basic anatomy, pathology, and clinical complexities of the brainstem and thalamic regions is essential for safe navigation and treatment. This remarkable book will provide neurosurgeons with additional insights on performing resections and achieving the best possible outcomes for patients with pathologic conditions in this delicate region.

This book includes complimentary access to a digital copy on https://medone.thieme.com.

Contents:

I History of Brainstem Surgery

1 History of Brainstem Surgery

II Anatomy, Development, and Pathology of the Brainstem, Thalamus, and Pineal Region

2 Anatomy of the Brainstem, Thalamus, Pineal Region, and Cranial Nerves

3 Development of the Human Brainstem and Its Vasculature

4 Pathology of the Brainstem

III Examination, Imaging, and Monitoring for Brainstem Surgery

5 Imaging Anatomy and Pathology of the Brainstem, Thalamus, and Pineal Region

6 Neuromonitoring for Brainstem Surgery

7 Neurologic Examination of the Brainstem and Thalamus

IV Surgical Approaches to the Brainstem, Thalamus, and Pineal Region

8 Surgical Approaches to the Ventral Brainstem and Thalamus

9 Approaches to the Dorsal Brainstem, Thalamus, and Pineal Region

10 Skull Base Approaches to the Lateral Brainstem and Cranial Nerves

11 Endoscopic Approaches to the Brainstem

12 Safe Entry Zones to the Brainstem

V Comprehensive Management of Tumors of the Brainstem, Thalamus, and Pineal Region

13 Adult Brainstem Gliomas

14 Pediatric Brainstem Tumors

15 Tumors of the Thalamus

16 Tumors of the Third Ventricle

17 Tumors of the Fourth Ventricle

18 Tumors of the Cerebellopontine Angle

19 Pineal Region Tumors

20 Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Tumors of the Brainstem, Thalamus, and Pineal Region

21 Radiotherapy for Pineal, Thalamic, and Brainstem Tumors

22 Neuro-Oncologic Considerations for Pineal, Thalamic, and Brainstem Tumors

VI Comprehensive Management of Vascular Pathology of the Brainstem and Thalamus

23 Brainstem Ischemia, Stroke, and Endovascular Revascularization of the Posterior Circulation

24 Microsurgical Embolectomy for Emergency Revascularization of the Brainstem

25 Brainstem and Thalamic Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage

26 Surgical Management of Posterior Circulation Aneurysms

27 Endovascular Management of Aneurysms of the Posterior Circulation

28 Surgical Management of Thalamic and Brainstem Arteriovenous Malformations

29 Endovascular Management of Brainstem and Thalamic Arteriovenous Malformations

30 Surgery for Thalamic and Brainstem Cavernous Malformations

31 Revascularization of the Brainstem

32 Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Arteriovenous Malformations of the Basal Ganglia, Thalamus, and Brainstem

VII Implants and Cranial Nerve Repair

33 Auditory Brainstem Implants