Hemispherotomy

Hemispherotomy is a surgical procedure that involves the disconnection or removal of one cerebral hemisphere. This procedure is typically performed to treat a variety of neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, Rasmussen's encephalitis, Sturge-Weber syndrome, and hemimegalencephaly.

Indications

Hemispherotomy is indicated for patients with severe, intractable seizures that originate from one hemisphere of the brain. These seizures are often resistant to antiepileptic drugs and significantly impair the patient's quality of life. The procedure is also indicated for conditions such as Rasmussen's encephalitis, Sturge-Weber syndrome, and hemimegalencephaly, which affect only one hemisphere of the brain.

Procedure

During a hemispherotomy, the surgeon disconnects or removes the affected hemisphere of the brain. This is done to prevent the spread of abnormal electrical activity to the healthy hemisphere, thereby reducing or eliminating seizures. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and involves making a small hole in the skull to access the brain. The surgeon then uses special instruments to disconnect or remove the affected hemisphere.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, hemispherotomy carries certain risks and complications. These may include infection, bleeding, stroke, and neurological deficits. However, the benefits of the procedure often outweigh these risks, particularly for patients with severe, intractable seizures.

Outcome

The outcome of a hemispherotomy largely depends on the patient's condition prior to surgery. Many patients experience a significant reduction in seizure frequency and severity following the procedure. Some patients may even become seizure-free. However, the procedure may also result in some degree of hemiparesis or other neurological deficits.

See Also

• Epilepsy
• Rasmussen's encephalitis
• Sturge-Weber syndrome
• Hemimegalencephaly

Hemispherotomy Resources
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