Transsylvian functional hemispherectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the technique of transsylvian-transventricular functional hemispherectomy developed at our institution.


METHODS
We review appropriate patient selection and evaluation, timing of surgery, selection of surgical approach, preoperative preparation, details of operative procedure, and postoperative management.


CONCLUSIONS
The transsylvian "keyhole" functional hemispherectomy technique involves a smaller craniotomy than other functional hemispherectomy techniques and consists of transsylvian exposure, resection of mesial temporal structures, transventricular frontobasal disconnection, callosotomy, and occipitoparietal disconnection. The key advantages of this approach compared to the Rasmussen's "classic" functional hemispherectomy are smaller exposure, shorter operative time, and lower blood loss. The efficacy of functional hemispherectomy procedures in achieving seizure freedom appears to be at least as good compared to resective procedures. The long-term complication rate will require longer follow-up times.
Binder
Devin K
DK
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Bonn Medical Center, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105, Bonn, Germany.
Schramm
Johannes
J
D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000601:surgery*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000601:surgery*; D038421:Hemispherectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome