Biomedical subjects

Edward R Jr Laws

Publications and source records attributed to Edward R Jr Laws.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Extended transsphenoidal approach.

Transsphenoidal surgery is well established as an effective primary treatment for tumors of the sellar region. The technique of transsphenoidal surgery has evolved over the years with many prominent surgeons contributing to its present state of refinement. The transsphenoidal approach can be modified in various ways to permit resection of parasellar tumors that otherwise would require a transcranial or transbasal operation. Our experience with these 'extended' techniques has primarily involved the transtuberculum sella approach in which bone is removed from the tuberculum sellae and the posterior portion of the planum sphenoidale. Experience with this technique continues to burgeon, and offers an excellent alternative to transcranial surgery in dealing with a difficult constellation of tumors. Meticulous attention to detail, particularly with respect to reconstruction and closure of the sellar floor, is necessary for its effective application.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Image guidance in pituitary surgery.

Image guidance in pituitary surgery has evolved since diagnostic imaging of the sellar region was first introduced at the turn of the 20th century. These advances have played a key role in the decrease in morbidity and mortality once associated with pituitary surgery. This chapter details the history of sellar imaging as a preoperative diagnostic aide, and then examines the subsequent development of image guidance systems and intraoperative imaging. The utility and limitations of common intraoperative aides including video fluoroscopy, frameless stereotaxy, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging are reviewed.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

The craniopharyngioma.

The craniopharyngioma is one of the most common destructive lesions of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. It still remains one of the most difficult tumors to treat effectively since complete resection is often impossible and is associated with frequent recurrence. Current therapy is multimodal and focuses on a combination of surgical decompression, medical treatment, as well as stereotactic radiosurgery. This chapter reviews the embryology, neuroanatomy, current treatment strategies, clinical features and the several surgical approaches to its treatment.

Central Nervous System Cysts↗

PubMed2006

Rathke's cleft cysts.

Rathke's cleft cysts are typically regarded as benign cystic lesions of the sella that may affect the pituitary gland and on occasion the visual apparatus. They are most commonly incidental and rarely of clinical significance. As medical neuroimaging and surgical technologies have rapidly advanced, so too has the discovery, experience, knowledge, and intrigue concerning this relatively rare disease entity. Nevertheless, numerous controversies still exist regarding its natural history, recurrence rate, predictive variables, and optimal surgical management. This chapter aims to review the pathogenesis, symptomatologic manifestations, radiographic, morphologic and histopathological characteristics, treatment strategies and outcomes in the cysts of Rathke's cleft.

Central Nervous System Cysts↗

PubMed2006

Vascular injury and transsphenoidal surgery.

Vascular complications can and do arise from transsphenoidal surgery and, when they occur, they have a high incidence of mortality and serious morbidity. The anatomic substrate for such complications is discussed, along with technical aspects of surgery and other methods for the avoidance of vascular complications.

Basilar Artery↗