Corpus callosotomy procedure
Mar 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guan Yanlei
Introduction
Corpus callosotomy can prevent the spread of epileptic discharges, significantly reducing seizures in patients. It is commonly used for refractory epilepsy, especially in patients with atonic, tonic, or tonic-clonic seizures. After surgery, patients should rest adequately, avoid strenuous activities, minimize friction on hands and feet, and refrain from consuming spicy foods to prevent worsening of the condition.
Corpus callosotomy can prevent the spread of epileptic discharges, significantly reducing seizures in patients. It is commonly used for refractory epilepsy, especially in patients with atonic, tonic, or tonic-clonic seizures. The procedure must be performed in a正规 hospital, and the specific steps are as follows:
1. The patient lies supine with the head slightly elevated. The anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia, while the surgeon performs routine disinfection and draping.
2. After anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon makes a straight incision approximately 10–11 cm long, 2.5 cm anterior to the right frontal coronal suture.
3. A self-retaining retractor is used to retract the scalp. The periosteum is incised circularly anterior to the coronal suture. Three burr holes are drilled in the skull, then connected with a saw to remove the bone flap.
4. The dura mater is opened to expose the surface of the right frontal lobe. Using a handheld retractor, the right frontal lobe is gently pulled laterally. The surgeon enters the longitudinal cerebral fissure along the falx cerebri and carefully separates adhesions between the cingulate gyri.
5. Dissection proceeds deeper until the pericallosal arteries are identified. These arteries are retracted laterally to expose the desired length of the corpus callosum to be sectioned.
6. Small vessels on the surface of the corpus callosum are coagulated using bipolar electrocautery. A straight dissector is then used to cut the callosal fibers from posterior to anterior until the blue, translucent ependyma is visible.
7. The incision extends strictly along the midline of the corpus callosum into the cavity of the septum pellucidum. The anterior two-thirds or approximately 80% of the corpus callosum, measuring 5–8 cm in length, is severed and removed.
8. The dura mater, periosteum, and scalp are tightly sutured closed, completing the surgery.
After surgery, patients should rest adequately, avoid strenuous activities, and minimize friction on hands and feet. They should also avoid spicy foods in their diet to prevent worsening of their condition.
