Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 51 in total

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  1. Pant I, Joshi SC
    Childs Nerv Syst, 2008 Jan;24(1):157-9.
    PMID: 17657495
    Intra-axial dermoid cysts are rare intracranial space occupying lesions, more so in the pediatric age group. Dermoid cysts account for about 0.2 to 1.8% of all intracranial tumors and are commonly located in the cisternal spaces, mainly in the cerebellopontine angle and parasellar cisterns. A purely intra-axial position as reported in this paper is quite exceptional.
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy/methods
  2. Nujaimin U, Saufi A, Rahman AG, Badrisyah I, Sani S, Zamzuri I, et al.
    Asian J Surg, 2009 Jul;32(3):157-62.
    PMID: 19656755
    This was a prospective cohort study, carried out in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian Kelantan. The study was approved by the local ethics committee and was conducted between November 2005 and September 2007 with a total of 30 patients included in the study. In our study, univariate analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between mean intracranial pressure (ICP) as well as cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) with both states of basal cistern and the degree of diffuse injury and oedema based on the Marshall classification system. The ICP was higher while CPP and compliance were lower whenever the basal cisterns were effaced in cases of cerebral oedema with Marshall III and IV. In comparison, the study revealed lower ICP, higher mean CPP and better mean cerebral compliance if the basal cisterns were opened or the post operative CT brain scan showed Marshall I and II. These findings suggested the surgical evacuation of clots to reduce the mass volume and restoration of brain anatomy may reduce vascular engorgement and cerebral oedema, therefore preventing intracranial hypertension, and improving cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral compliance. Nevertheless the study did not find any significant relationship between midline shifts and mean ICP, CPP or cerebral compliance even though lower ICP, higher CPP and compliance were frequently observed when the midline shift was less than 0.5 cm. As the majority of our patients had multiple and diffuse brain injuries, the absence of midline shift did not necessarily mean lower ICP as the pathology was bilateral and even when after excluding the multiple lesions, the result remained insignificant. We assumed that the CT brain scan obtained after evacuation of the mass lesion to assess the state basal cistern and classify the diffuse oedema may prognosticate the intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure thus assisting in the acute post operative management of severely head injured patients. Hence post operative CT brain scans may be done to verify the ICP and CPP readings postoperatively. Subsequently, withdrawal of sedation for neurological assessment after surgery could be done if the CT brain scan showed an opened basal cistern and Marshall I and II coupled with ICP of less than 20 mmHg.
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  3. Monro JK
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  4. Mohd Nazaruddin WH, Lukman MF, Abd Mukmin L, Zamzuri I, Izaini Ghani AR, Mohamad Zaini RH
    Med J Malaysia, 2013;68(1):64-6.
    PMID: 23466770 MyJurnal
    Awake craniotomy is a brain surgery in patients who are kept awake when it is indicated for certain intracranial pathologies. The anaesthetic management strategy is very important to achieve the goals of the surgery. We describe a series of our first four cases performed under a combination of scalp block and conscious sedation. Scalp block was performed using a mixture of ropivacaine 0.7% and adrenaline 5 5µg/ ml administered to the nerves that innervate the scalp. Conscious sedation was achieved with a combination of two recently available drugs in our country, dexmedetomidine (selective α 2-agonist) and remifentanil (ultra-short acting opioid). Remifentanil was delivered in a target controlled infusion (TCI) mode.
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  5. Mazlan L, Suhaimi SN, Jasmin SJ, Latar NH, Adzman S, Muhammad R
    Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Apr;19(2):82-5.
    PMID: 22973142 MyJurnal
    Chronic granulomatous mastitis is known as a benign and relatively rare disorder that is often difficult to differentiate from breast carcinoma. We highlight the case of a 34-year-old woman who had recurrent episodes of right breast swelling and abscess for 8 years. These were proven to be chronic granulomatous mastitis by tissue biopsies on 3 different occasions. Her condition improved on similar courses of antibiotics and high-dose prednisolone. However, she subsequently developed progressive loss of vision due to an orbital tumour. She then underwent a craniotomy and left orbital decompression with excision of the tumour, which proved to be a metastatic carcinoma. A trucut biopsy of the right breast was then done and showed features consistent with an infiltrating ductal carcinoma. This case illustrates the possibility that chronic granulomatous mastitis could be a precursor for malignancy and the difficulty in differentiating one from the other. The possible mechanisms of development and the implications for future management are also discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  6. Mat Nayan SA, Mohd Haspani MS, Abd Latiff AZ, Abdullah JM, Abdullah S
    J Clin Neurosci, 2009 Dec;16(12):1567-71.
    PMID: 19793660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2009.01.036
    We studied the efficacy of two surgical methods used for the treatment of intracranial subdural empyema (ISDE) at our centre. A cross-sectional study (1999-2005) of 90 patients with non-traumatic supratentorial ISDE revealed that the two surgical methods used for empyema removal were burr hole/s and drainage (50 patients, 55.6%) and a cranial bone opening procedure (CBOP) (40 patients, 44.4%). Patients in the CBOP group had a better result in terms of clinical improvement (chi-squared analysis, p=0.006) and clearance of empyema on brain CT scan (chi-squared analysis, p<0.001). Reoperation was more frequent among patients who had undergone burr hole surgery (multiple logistic regression, p<0.001). The outcome and morbidity of ISDE survivors were not related to the surgical method used (p>0.05). The only factor that significantly affected the morbidity of ISDE was level of consciousness at the time of surgery (multiple logistic regression, p<0.001). We conclude that CBOP and evacuation of the empyema is a better surgical method for ISDE than burr hole/s and drainage. Wide cranial opening and empyema evacuation improves neurological status, gives better clearance of the empyema and reduces the need for reoperation. Level of consciousness at the time of presentation is a predictor of the morbidity of ISDE. Thus, aggressive surgical treatment should occur as early as possible, before the patient deteriorates.
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy/methods*
  7. Maharani ND, Fuadi A, Halimi RA
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Nov;78(6):808-814.
    PMID: 38031225
    INTRODUCTION: Craniotomy tumour is brain surgery that can induce a stress response. The stress response can be measured using haemodynamic parameters and plasma cortisol concentration. The stress response that occurs can affect an increase in sympathetic response, such as blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to an increase in intracranial pressure. Scalp block can reduce the stress response to surgery and post-operative craniotomy tumour pain. The local anaesthetic drug bupivacaine 0.25% is effective in reducing post-operative pain and stress in the form of reducing plasma cortisol levels. The adjuvant addition of clonidine 2 μg/kg or dexamethasone may be beneficial.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomised control clinical trial was conducted at the Central Surgery Installation and Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung and Dr. Mohammad Husein Hospital Palembang from December 2022 to June 2023. A total of 40 participants were divided into two groups using block randomisation. Group I receives bupivacaine 0.25% and clonidine 2 μg/kg, and group II receives bupivacaine 0.25% and dexamethasone 8 mg. The plasma cortisol levels of the patient will be assessed at (T0, T1 and T2). All the patient were intubated under general anesthaesia and received the drug for scalp block based on the group being randomised. Haemodynamic monitoring was carried out.

    RESULTS: There was a significant difference in administering bupivacaine 0.25% and clonidine 2μg/kg compared to administering bupivacaine 0.25% and dexamethasone 8 mg/kg as analgesia for scalp block in tumour craniotomy patients on cortisol levels at 12 hours post-operatively (T1) (p=0.048) and 24 hours post-surgery (T2) (p=0.027), while post-intubation cortisol levels (T0) found no significant difference (p=0.756). There is a significant difference in Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at post-intubation (T0) (p=0.003), 12 hours post-operatively (T1) (p=0.002) and 24 hours post-surgery (T2) (p=0.004), There were no postprocedure scalp block side effects in both groups.

    CONCLUSION: The study found that scalp block with 0.25% bupivacaine and 2μg/kg clonidine is more effective in reducing NRS scores and cortisol levels compared bupivacaine 0.25% and dexamethasone 8mg in tumour craniotomy patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy/adverse effects; Craniotomy/methods
  8. Lau BL, Che Othman MI, Fathil MFMD, Liew DNS, Lim SS, Bujang MA, et al.
    World Neurosurg, 2019 Jul;127:e497-e502.
    PMID: 30926555 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.03.183
    BACKGROUND: Replacing the skull defect with synthetic materials for hyperostotic bone secondary to meningioma is recommended owing to the possibility of tumor invasion. In our institution, neurosurgeons have been putting back the refashioned hyperostotic bone flap after meningioma excision because of budget constraints. The aim of this study was to review the long-term meningioma recurrence rate in these patients.

    METHODS: This was a nonrandomized, prospective observational study conducted from September 2011 to January 2015 on patients with intracranial convexity and parasagittal meningiomas. Preoperative computed tomography brain scans were obtained in all patients to confirm bony hyperostosis. Intraoperatively, part of the hyperostotic bone was sent for histopathologic examination. The rest of the bone flap was refashioned by drilling off the hyperostotic part. The bone flap was put back over the craniotomy site after soaking in distilled water. All patients were followed up for tumor recurrence.

    RESULTS: The study included 34 patients with convexity or parasagittal meningioma World Health Organization grade I-II who underwent Simpson grade Ia and IIa excision. Median follow-up was 63.5 months (mean 64.9 ± 9.4 months). The hyperostotic bone flap showed presence of tumor in 35% of patients. There were 2 patients with parasagittal meningiomas after Simpson grade IIa resections who developed tumor recurrences.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that meningioma recurrence was unlikely when autologous cranioplasty was done with refashioned hyperostotic bone. This could be done in the same setting with meningioma excision. There was no recurrence in convexity meningiomas at mean 5-year follow-up.

    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy/adverse effects
  9. Khairy-Shamel ST, Shatriah I, Adil H, Zunaina E, Bakiah S, Rohaizan Y, et al.
    Orbit, 2008;27(5):388-90.
    PMID: 18836940 DOI: 10.1080/01676830802336629
    We reported a case of orbital rhabdomyosarcoma with an intracranial extension in an HIV-infected child. It was an uncommon sarcoma in a retroviral-positive patient that resulted in a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. The child is currently asymptomatic following surgery, chemotherapy, and reinstitution of highly active retroviral therapy (HAART).
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  10. Kanesen D, Kandasamy R, Idris Z
    J Neurosci Rural Pract, 2016 Dec;7(Suppl 1):S95-S98.
    PMID: 28163517 DOI: 10.4103/0976-3147.196463
    The rarity of hemangiopericytoma (HPC) and its controversial histological classification result in its frequent misdiagnosis and thus make the treatment quite challenging. It is often difficult to distinguish these tumors from meningiomas based on clinical features and radiological findings. This is a case report of a man, diagnosed clinically and radiologically as meningioma, which turned out to be anaplastic HPC on histological examination. A 30-year-old man presented with 3 months of progressively worsening of headache and blurring of vision. Clinical examination revealed the right homonymous hemianopia with reduced visual acuity and papilledema bilaterally. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a multilobulated and heterogenous extraaxial lesion attached to the occipital falx. It measured 9.0 cm (AP) × 5.5 cm (W) × 5.8 cm (CC) and expands bilaterally with major bulk on the left. An occipital craniotomy followed by a subtotal tumor excision was only achieved due to profuse bleeding intraoperatively. Histopathology confirmed an anaplastic HPC (WHO Grade 3). The importance of differentiation between HPCs and meningiomas cannot be overemphasized. A preoperative correct diagnosis is difficult, but it is important that it should be made. Multilobulated (mushroom appearance), prominent internal signal voids, relatively narrow dural attachment, and lytic destruction without calcifications are useful findings to distinguish HPCs from meningiomas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  11. Kandasamy R, Tharakan J, Idris Z, Abdullah JM
    Surg Neurol Int, 2013;4:124.
    PMID: 24232072 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.119006
    BACKGROUND: A patient with refractory epilepsy due to underlying mesial temporal sclerosis underwent general anesthesia for an elective anterior temporal lobectomy and amgydalo-hippocampectomy. He was a known hypertensive and his blood pressure was well controlled on medication.

    CASE DESCRIPTION: Following induction of general anesthesia and subsequent opening of the craniotomy flap it was noted that the patient had a very swollen brain that herniated out of the dural defect. There was an underlying spontaneous intraparenchymal bleed encountered in the region of the left temporal lobe with associated subarachnoid hemorrhage within the sylvian fissure. The clot was evacuated and subsequently brain swelling reduced allowing us to proceed with the intended surgery. Despite the intracranial findings there was no overt abnormality in the hemodynamic status from the time of induction of anesthesia to the craniotomy opening excepting a mild nonsustained elevation of blood pressure at the outset.

    CONCLUSION: This case is of interest due to the fact that spontaneous intraparenchymal bleeding after induction of anesthesia has not been reported before in literature and should be considered in any patient in which brain swelling occurs in a setting of elective neurosurgery in which the primary lesion does not cause elevated intracranial pressure.

    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  12. Jo Ee Sam, Nasser Abdul Wahab, Priya Sharda
    Malays Fam Physician, 2017;12(3):30-32.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Half of facial paralysis in children is idiopathic at origin. However, dismissing facial
    paralysis as being idiopathic without a thorough history and meticulous examination could be
    disastrous as illustrated by this case.

    Case report: We report a case of sphenoid wing meningioma in a 4-year-old girl. She first
    presented with only facial asymmetry that was noticed by her mother. Examination suggested a
    left upper motor neuron facial nerve palsy. A sphenoid wing meningioma was found on magnetic
    resonance imaging (MRI) of her brain. She underwent craniotomy and total tumour excision.
    Histopathological examination of the tumour showed a grade 1 transitional type meningioma.
    Meningiomas in children are rare compared to the adult population. Presentations in children
    may be delayed due to their inability to recognise or communicate abnormalities. Distinguishing
    between upper and lower motor neuron facial palsy is crucial in decision making for facial paralysis
    in children.
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  13. Isa R, Wan Adnan WA, Ghazali G, Idris Z, Ghani AR, Sayuthi S, et al.
    Neurosurg Focus, 2003 Dec 15;15(6):E1.
    PMID: 15305837
    The determination of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is regarded as vital in monitoring patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Besides indicating the status of cerebral blood flow (CBF), it also reveals the status of intracranial pressure (ICP). The abnormal or suboptimal level of CPP is commonly correlated with high values of ICP and therefore with poor patient outcomes. Eighty-two patients were divided into three groups of patients receiving treatment based on CPP and CBF, ICP alone, and conservative methods during two different observation periods. The characteristics of these three groups were compared based on age, sex, time between injury and hospital arrival, Glasgow Coma Scale score, pupillary reaction to light, surgical intervention, and computerized tomography scanning findings according to the Marshall classification system. Only time between injury and arrival (p = 0.001) was statistically significant. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportions of good outcomes between the multimodality group compared with the group of patients that underwent a single intracranial-based monitoring method and the group that received no monitoring (p = 0.003) based on a disability rating scale after a follow up of 12 months. Death was the focus of outcome in this study in which the multimodality approach to monitoring had superior results.
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  14. Idris Z, Kandasamy R, Reza F, Abdullah JM
    Asian J Neurosurg, 2014 Jul-Sep;9(3):144-52.
    PMID: 25685205 DOI: 10.4103/1793-5482.142734
    BACKGROUND: Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a method of functional neuroimaging. The concomitant use of MEG and electrocorticography has been found to be useful in elucidating neural oscillation and network, and to localize epileptogenic zone and functional cortex. We describe our early experience using MEG in neurosurgical patients, emphasizing on its impact on patient management as well as the enrichment of our knowledge in neurosciences.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 subjects were included; five patients had intraaxial tumors, one with an extraaxial tumor and brain compression, two with arteriovenous malformations, one with cerebral peduncle hemorrhage and one with sensorimotor cortical dysplasia. All patients underwent evoked and spontaneous MEG recordings. MEG data was processed at band-pass filtering frequency of between 0.1 and 300 Hz with a sampling rate of 1 kHz. MEG source localization was performed using either overdetermined equivalent current dipoles or underdetermined inversed solution. Neuromag collection of events software was used to study brain network and epileptogenic zone. The studied data were analyzed for neural oscillation in three patients; brain network and clinical manifestation in five patients; and for the location of epileptogenic zone and eloquent cortex in two patients.
    RESULTS: We elucidated neural oscillation in three patients. One demonstrated oscillatory phenomenon on stimulation of the motor-cortex during awake surgery, and two had improvement in neural oscillatory parameters after surgery. Brain networks corresponding to clinico-anatomical relationships were depicted in five patients, and two networks were illustrated here. Finally, we demonstrated epilepsy cases in which MEG data was found to be useful in localizing the epileptogenic zones and functional cortices.
    CONCLUSION: The application of MEG while enhancing our knowledge in neurosciences also has a useful role in epilepsy and awake surgery.
    KEYWORDS: Awake craniotomy; brain network; epilepsy; magnetoencephalography; neural oscillation
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  15. Iaccarino C, Kolias A, Adelson PD, Rubiano AM, Viaroli E, Buki A, et al.
    Acta Neurochir (Wien), 2021 02;163(2):423-440.
    PMID: 33354733 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-020-04663-5
    BACKGROUND: Due to the lack of high-quality evidence which has hindered the development of evidence-based guidelines, there is a need to provide general guidance on cranioplasty (CP) following traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as identify areas of ongoing uncertainty via a consensus-based approach.

    METHODS: The international consensus meeting on post-traumatic CP was held during the International Conference on Recent Advances in Neurotraumatology (ICRAN), in Naples, Italy, in June 2018. This meeting was endorsed by the Neurotrauma Committee of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), the NIHR Global Health Research Group on Neurotrauma, and several other neurotrauma organizations. Discussions and voting were organized around 5 pre-specified themes: (1) indications and technique, (2) materials, (3) timing, (4) hydrocephalus, and (5) paediatric CP.

    RESULTS: The participants discussed published evidence on each topic and proposed consensus statements, which were subject to ratification using anonymous real-time voting. Statements required an agreement threshold of more than 70% for inclusion in the final recommendations.

    CONCLUSIONS: This document is the first set of practical consensus-based clinical recommendations on post-traumatic CP, focusing on timing, materials, complications, and surgical procedures. Future research directions are also presented.

    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy/standards*
  16. Hussin S, Yusoff SSM, Zin FM, Ghani ARI
    J Family Med Prim Care, 2018 6 20;7(1):252-254.
    PMID: 29915770 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_157_17
    Frontal meningioma is often asymptomatic and patient may present with psychiatric symptoms. We report a case of 45- year-old female patient with no premorbid medical illness presented with 6 months history of depressive symptoms and changes in personality. Her worsening cognitive impairment brought her to psychiatry clinic and led to further investigation with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) Brain. The result showed well defined markedly enhancing lesion in the frontal region measuring 5.5 cm X5.2 cm X 4.4 cm with mass effect to the adjacent brain parenchyma and associated surrounding edema. Diagnosis of bifrontal tumour-olfactory Groove Meningioma was made. Patient underwent bifrontal craniotomy and tumour excision. The quality of life improved after surgical excision.
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  17. Husaini J, Choy YC
    Med J Malaysia, 2008 Dec;63(5):384-7.
    PMID: 19803296 MyJurnal
    This study to evaluate the relationship between end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (ETCO2) and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) included 35 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years, ASA grade 1 and 2, who had elective craniotomies. Measurements of PaCO2 and ETCO2 were taken simultaneously: 1) 10 minutes after induction of general anaesthesia, 2) after cranium opening prior to dural incision, 3) start of dural closure. There was significant correlation between ETCO2 and PaCO2 (correlation coefficient: 0.571, 0.559 and 0.629 respectively). The mean (SD) difference for PaCO2 and ETCO2 were: 3.84 (2.13), 4.85 (5.78) and 3.91 (2.33) mmHg respectively. Although there was agreement, the bias is of significant clinical importance. In conclusion, we find that ETCO2 consistently underestimated the value of PaCO2 during craniotomy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy*
  18. Hassan WMNW, Asmah Z, Saedah A
    Med J Malaysia, 2013;68(1):69-70.
    PMID: 23466772 MyJurnal
    We report a case of a 59 year old man who developed venous air embolism (VAE) during an elective craniotomy for parasagittal meningioma resection. The surgery was done in the supine position with slightly elevated head position. VAE was provisionally diagnosed by sudden decreased in the end tidal carbon dioxide pressure from 34 to 18 mmHg, followed by marked hypotension and atrial fibrillation. Prompt central venous blood aspiration, aggressive resuscitation and inotropic support managed to stabilize the patient. Post operatively, he was admitted in neuro intensive care unit and made a good recovery without serious complications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  19. Hassan MH, Hassan WMNW, Zaini RHM, Shukeri WFWM, Abidin HZ, Eu CS
    Malays J Med Sci, 2017 Oct;24(5):83-93.
    PMID: 29386975 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.5.9
    Background: Normal saline (NS) is a common fluid of choice in neurosurgery and neuro-intensive care unit (ICU), but it does not contain other electrolytes and has the potential to cause hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with prolonged infusion. These problems may be reduced with the availability of balanced fluid (BF), which becomes a more physiological isotonic solution with the presence of complete electrolyte content. This study aimed to compare the changes in electrolytes and acid-base between NS and BF (Sterofundin® ISO) therapy for post-operative severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients in neuro-ICU.

    Methods: Sixty-six severe TBI patients who required emergency craniotomy or craniectomy and were planned for post-operative ventilation were randomised into NS (n = 33) and BF therapy groups (n = 33). The calculation of maintenance fluid given was based on the Holliday-Segar method. The electrolytes and acid-base parameters were assessed at an 8 h interval for 24 h. The data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA.

    Results: The NS group showed a significant lower base excess (-3.20 versus -1.35, P = 0.049), lower bicarbonate level (22.03 versus 23.48 mmol/L, P = 0.031), and more hyperchloremia (115.12 versus 111.74 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and hypokalemia (3.36 versus 3.70 mmol/L, P < 0.001) than the BF group at 24 h of therapy. The BF group showed a significantly higher level of calcium (1.97 versus 1.79 mmol/L, P = 0.003) and magnesium (0.94 versus 0.80 mmol/L, P < 0.001) than the NS group at 24 h of fluid therapy. No significant differences were found in pH, pCO2, lactate, and sodium level.

    Conclusion: BF therapy showed better effects in maintaining higher electrolyte parameters and reducing the trend toward hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis than the NS therapy during prolonged fluid therapy for postoperative TBI patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy
  20. Hasmi AH, Khoo LS, Koo ZP, Suriani MUA, Hamdan AN, Yaro SWM, et al.
    Forensic Sci Med Pathol, 2020 09;16(3):477-480.
    PMID: 32500339 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-020-00270-z
    During a disease pandemic, there is still a requirement to perform postmortem examinations within the context of legal considerations. The management of the dead from COVID-19 should not impede the medicolegal investigation of the death where required by the authorities and legislation but additional health and safety precautions should be adopted for the necessary postmortem procedures. The authors have therefore used the craniotomy box in an innovative way to enable a safe alternative for skull and brain removal procedures on suspected or confirmed COVID-19 bodies. The craniotomy box technique was tested on a confirmed COVID-19 positive body where a full postmortem examination was performed by a team of highly trained personnel in a negative pressure Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) autopsy suite in the National Institute of Forensic Medicine (IPFN) Malaysia. This craniotomy box is a custom-made transparent plastic box with five walls but without a floor. Two circular holes were made in one wall for the placement of arms in order to perform the skull opening procedure. A swab to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was taken from the interior surface of the craniotomy box after the procedure. The result from the test using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) proved that an additional barrier provided respiratory protection by containing the aerosols generated from the skull opening procedure. This innovation ensures procedures performed inside this craniotomy box are safe for postmortem personnel performing high risk autopsies during pandemics.
    Matched MeSH terms: Craniotomy/adverse effects; Craniotomy/instrumentation*
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