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Child's Nervous System
Published in: Child's Nervous System 6/2016

01-06-2016 | Original Paper

Aspiration of parafalcine empyemas with flexible scope

Authors: Francesco Sammartino, Alberto Feletti, Alessandro Fiorindi, Grazia Marina Mazzucco, Pierluigi Longatti

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 6/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

Subdural empyemas are considered neurosurgical emergencies, and the parafalcine location is particularly insidious. We revised the experience of general surgeons who are used to manage chronic pleural purulent collections with video-assisted thoracoscopy.

Methods

With a similar technique, we successfully aspirated a parafalcine empyema using a flexible scope avoiding a more invasive craniotomy. A review of the treatment options of empyematous collections is also provided, focusing particularly on the hazardous parafalcine location.

Results

The management of subdural empyemas poses different decision-making problems compared to common brain abscesses, urging a more rapid and holistic surgical treatment with minimally invasive approach. Endoscopic aspiration of parafalcine empyema was followed by complete recovery in our patient.

Conclusions

Flexible endoscopy is a promising method to obtain complete pus removal even from loculated collections through a bur hole, avoiding large craniotomies and consequent potential complications.
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Metadata
Title
Aspiration of parafalcine empyemas with flexible scope
Authors
Francesco Sammartino
Alberto Feletti
Alessandro Fiorindi
Grazia Marina Mazzucco
Pierluigi Longatti
Publication date
01-06-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Child's Nervous System / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-016-3082-6

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