Long-term results of functional hemispherectomy for intractable seizures.
OBJECTIVE
From May 1989 to April 1997, functional hemispherectomy was performed in 8 cases of intractable seizures. We retrospectively analyzed our experience to evaluate the seizure control and complications of this surgical technique.


METHODS
Following Dr. Rasmussen's model of functional hemispherectomy or performing a modification of this operation, we removed the sensorimotor cortex and temporal lobe associated with disconnection of the remaining portions of the frontal lobe and parieto-occipital lobe.


RESULTS
All the patients were followed up for 3-11 years (mean 6.7 years). Satisfactory seizure control was obtained in all the cases. Life quality improved and patients worked or studied well after the operations. No cases of superficial cerebral hemosiderosis were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Modified functional hemispherectomy may allow the patients to lead more independent lives by leading to a cessation or reduced frequency of seizures.
Tan
Q
Q
Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China.
Sun
K
K
Pan
Y
Y
Sun
K
K
Hua
C
C
Qiao
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000150:complications; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000601:surgery*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000601:surgery*; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome