Background: Collagen matrices are effective duraplasty grafts with increasing acceptability. However, little evidences exits for dural reconstruction utilizing monolayer collagen matrix onlay graft in a non-watertight fashion. Purpose of our retrospective analysis was to advance our understanding of the use of semisynthetic collagen as dural substitute in elective cranial surgery.Methods: A consecutive series of sixty patients who underwent elective cranial surgery, where non-watertight dural reconstructions were done with a non-suturable, absorbable collagen matrix onlay graft, has been analysed retrospectively.Results: Overall, the most common indication for duraplasty was tumor resection (93.3%). CSF leak rate was 10.0%. Incidence of aseptic meningitis was 8.3% and all cases has been resolved with steroids alone. Similarly, postoperative surgical site infection rate was 8.3%. Incidence of pseudomeningocele in follow-up was 6.7%. Only in one case (1.7%), permanent CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) diversion was needed due to troublesome CSF leak with associated hydrocephalus.Conclusions: Semisynthetic, monolayer collagen matrix used as an onlay dural graft is a simple, yet an attractive alternative in duraplasty due to their easy handling, lower surgical time, and high biocompatibility, where primary dural closure is undesirable or not feasible. Our study provides greater insight into non-water tight duraplasty procedure.  However, further study is needed to determine the optimal strategy for dural reconstruction. Data from this study may be used to compare alternative methods of dural reconstruction in elective cranial surgery.

BACKGROUNDSclerotherapy is a safe haemorrhoid treatment with minimum costs and side effects. Sclerotherapy is a time-honoured method and widely practised all over the world for the treatment of 1 st degree and 2 nd degree haemorrhoid by creating a fibrous reaction. We conducted this study to compare the efficacy and complication of sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) and 5% phenol in almond oil using as an injection sclerotherapeutic agent in the treatment of early internal haemorrhoids.

Background: Hydrocephalus is a relatively common occurrence in a children suffering from the posterior fossa tumour (PFTm). However, there is a divided opinion regarding the ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery before the posterior fossa tumour resection in a child. For the better clinical outcome, we should be able to predict which patient will require VPS following the resection of PFTm. Purpose of our retrospective analysis is to analyse various factors that predicts the necessity of VPS following PFTm resection.Methods: A consecutive series of twenty-six patients who underwent PFTm resection without undergoing VPS preoperatively are analysed in our series.Results: In our series, we found that the younger age at presentation, incomplete tumour resection, longer period of artificial ventilatory support, insertion of external ventricular drain (EVD) and its duration during the postoperative period correlate the necessity of VPS following PFTm resection. However, the severity of hydrocephalus prior to tumor surgery, tumour size, anatomical location of the tumour, tumour dissemination, use of Dural grafts during closure and histopathological type do not predict the requirement of the VPS following PFTm.Conclusions: Patients who are younger at diagnosis should be treated with utmost importance. Gross total resection should be the goal. Factors which predict the likelihood of the EVD which parallels the likelihood of postresection hydrocephalus must be prevented for the better clinical outcome.

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome manifested by a spectrum of tumours in the central nervous system (CNS) and other visceral organs. We herein report a case of 35 years aged newly diagnosed diabetic female patient presented with headache, gait instability, loss of vision in both eyes, left sided hearing impairment and subsequently diagnosed to have VHL disease. The pathophysiology involves the inactivation of the VHL tumour suppressor gene. Early recognition and treatment remains the mainstay of management. Even many years after the complete tumour excision, newer neoplasms may develop. Increasing knowledge about the molecular enabled us to investigate the role of anti-angiogenic drugs. Continuous surveillance at regular interval must be conducted in patients with VHL disease.