Operative Techniques in Epilepsy

This book describes the specific surgical techniques currently employed in patients with intractable epilepsy; it also covers the relevant technical aspects of general neurosurgery. All of the approaches associated with the various foci of epilepsy within the cerebral hemispheres are considered, including temporal and frontal lobectomies and corticectomies, parietal and occipital lobe resections, corpus callosotomy, hemispherectomy, and multiple subpial incisions. In addition, an individual chapter is devoted to electrocortical stimulation and functional localization of the so-called eloquent cortex. The more general topics on which guidance is provided include bipolar coagulation (with coverage of the physical principles, strength of the coagulating current, use of coagulation forceps, the advantages of correct irrigation, and use of cottonoid patties) and all of the measures required during the performance of operations under local anesthesia. The book is designed to meet the need for a practically oriented source of precise information on the operative procedures employed in epilepsy patients and will be of special value for neurosurgical residents and fellows.