ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: stephSF on November 22, 2011, 10:36:49 pm

Title: Cerebellum Retraction and Dr Friedman
Post by: stephSF on November 22, 2011, 10:36:49 pm

Still reading....
For those of you who have been with Friedman at HEI, do you know what his approach uses cerebellum retraction?  Looks like its really not a good idea.  Thanks
Stephanie

Title: Re: Cerebellum Retraction and Dr Friedman
Post by: CHD63 on November 22, 2011, 10:41:54 pm

He did my translab approach surgery.  Do not think it is an issue as much as with retrosigmoid approach.  Call and/or email him and ask him ..... he will tell you.  I would have to presume much depends upon the size and specific location of your particular AN, as well as the level and quality of hearing you have at this point, for the recommended approach by any surgeon.

Clarice

Title: Re: Cerebellum Retraction and Dr Friedman
Post by: stephSF on November 22, 2011, 10:52:58 pm

Clarise, by the way, I always look for your posts.  You are kind of like my hero already!  Manuel got my fax today, and scans should arrive tomorrow.  I am scared....but want to move on and forward.  I am not a candidate for W and W because of my personality and control issues.  LOL
Thanks for responding to so many of my questions!

Title: Re: Cerebellum Retraction and Dr Friedman
Post by: CHD63 on November 23, 2011, 08:15:06 am

Stephanie .....

I private messaged you so look in "My Messages."

Clarice

Title: Re: Cerebellum Retraction and Dr Friedman
Post by: mk on November 23, 2011, 11:33:50 am

Brain retraction is usually an issue with retrosigmoid and middle fossa. It is needed to gain access to the tumor (whereas with translab the tumor is accessed through the IAC, so there is no retraction involved.)
You are right that retraction using conventional brain retractors can cause problems and is a risk to be considered (together with the potential benefits) when deciding a particular surgical approach.
Having said that, not all doctors use conventional brain retraction for retosigmoid. My neurosurgeon specializes in retrosigmoid and he told me that he hasn't used brain retractors for 10 years. What he does is he positions the head in such a way that the brain retracts slightly with the aid of gravity, so that he can gain access to the tumor.
Certainly worth asking your doctor about this.

Marianna

Title: Re: Cerebellum Retraction and Dr Friedman
Post by: Jim Scott on November 23, 2011, 02:27:46 pm

To add another perspective to the issue of cerebellum retraction: I underwent retrosigmoid approach AN 'debulking' surgery and, post-op, the neurosurgeon informed me that he retracted my cerebellum "just a tiny bit".  I had an excellent, rapid recovery (no headaches or facial immobility) and I believe I can safely say that the retraction had no ill effect.  However, this is an anecdotal observation and does not make a case that cerebellum retraction during AN surgery is risk-free, only that it does not pose an inherent risk of unpleasant complications.

Jim    

Title: Re: Cerebellum Retraction and Dr Friedman
Post by: JAndrews on November 23, 2011, 07:39:09 pm

Friedman is an expert. He will know exactly what approach to use.

Title: Re: Cerebellum Retraction and Dr Friedman
Post by: mindyandy on January 06, 2012, 09:06:02 pm

Steph
did you ask Dr. Friedman?

Title: Re: Cerebellum Retraction and Dr Friedman
Post by: stephSF on January 07, 2012, 11:27:11 pm

Mindy, I am going to ask him at pre op on the 24 th. 

Title: Re: Cerebellum Retraction and Dr Friedman
Post by: Crazycat on January 09, 2012, 01:18:13 pm

Here is a post I did on cerebellar retraction back in '06:

http://www.anausa.org/smf/index.php?topic=2650.msg27897#msg27897