The efficacy of intraoperative ultrasonography⁃assisted microinvasive cisterna magna reconstruction for Chiari malformation typeⅠwith syringomyelia

Abstract

Objective To report the method and effect of intraoperative ultrasonography⁃assisted microinvasive cisterna magna reconstruction for Chiari malformation type Ⅰ with syringomyelia. Methods Ninty⁃three patients suffered from Chiari malformation typeⅠwith syringomyelia were treated by microinvasive cisterna magna reconstruction. The skin incision was 1.50-3.00 cm. The bone removal of foramen magnum was 1.50 cm × 2.00 cm with C1 reserved. Dura and arachnoid were incised and sutured linearly. All of the patients underwent cerebellar tonsillar resection and exploration of median aperture of fourth ventricle. Intraoperative ultrasonography was performed both before and after cerebellar tonsillar resection to judge the effect of cisterna magna reconstruction. According to Tator method, the curative effect was divided into 3 groups, improved, stable and worsen. MRI were reviewed at the same time, and the result was divided into syrinx disappeared, reduced, no change and expanded. Results The operation was successful in all patients. Postoperative complications included cerebellum hemorrhage (n = 1), cerebral infarction (n = 1), hydrocephalus (n = 1), subcutaneous dropsy (n = 2) and were recovered after specific treatment. All patients were followed up for 6 months to 12 months after operation. Thirty⁃six cases were improved, 55 cases were stable, and 2 cases got worse. The MRI showed that the syringomyelia shrinked or disappeared in 90 cases, no change in 3 cases and no expansion. Eighty cases were followed up for 30 months to 36 months after operation, 12 stable cases improved, 1 stable case got worse, while the others remained unchanged. The MRI showed no change was compared with previous follow ⁃ up imaging. Conclusion Microinvasive cisterna magna reconstruction is a surgical procedure with mininal injury, quick recovery, stable effect, fewer complications, and high security. Intraoperative ultrasonography provides reliable data and is easy to perform. DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1672⁃6731.2012.04.015

Keywords

• Arnold ⁃ Chiari malformation
• Syringomyelia
• Neurosurgical procedures
• Foramen magnum
• Ultrasonography