The winners in life treat their body as if it were a magnificent spacecraft that gives them the finest transportation and endurance for their lives.
-Denis Waitley
PNA Spotlight: Dr. William Couldwell
This month the PNA Spotlight focuses on William Couldwell, MD, PhD, who serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Utah. He is also a member of the PNA’s Scientific Advisory Panel. He studied at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, majoring in physical chemistry and biology. Dr. Couldwell attended medical school at McGill University in Montreal. He did internship in surgery at the University of Southern California and completed a neurosurgical residency there in 1989. He served as a research fellow in neuroimmunology at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital and research fellow in the neurosurgical service in Lausanne, Switzerland. He returned to U-S-C as an assistant professor of neurological surgery in 1991, where he stayed for four years. Later he became professor and chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at New York Medical College, as well as program director of neurosurgical residency in 1997. In 2001 he became professor and chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Utah. Dr. Couldwell was kind enough to answer some questions from the PNA. His answers follow.
PNA Medical Corner: Fascia Lata in Reconstructive Neurosurgery
This month the PNA Medical Corner showcases an article co-authored by a member of the PNA, Dr. Varun Kshettry of the Cleveland Clinic. The study concludes that the use of fascia lata in challenging cases of skull base reconstruction is highly effective with few side effects for cases of craniopharyngioma, meningioma and more.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37081750/
Abstract
Background: Multiple methods exist for skull base reconstruction of defects created by expanded endonasal approaches. While the nasoseptal flap (NSF) has been well established as the workhorse of mucosal reconstruction in complex skull base defects in multi-layered closures, a variety of options exist for the inner layer of multilayer reconstruction, including fascia lata (FL).
Objective: To present our experience and outcomes in utilizing FL in multiple ways to reconstruct a wide variety of complex skull base defects
Featured News and Updates
News Articles May 2023
WWE Wrestler Discusses his Pituitary Journey
WWE Wrestler Tolulope “Jordan” Omogbehin, known as Omos or the Nigerian Giant, discusses his diagnoses of acromegaly and a form of Cushings, along with his two neurosurgeries, in an article for The Sportster. Read more:
Photo courtesy of Diva Insider/Wikimedia Commons
Cushing’s Patients Report Persistent Pain, Anxiety, Weight Gain
A new study surveyed Cushing’s patients and found that many report continuing pain, anxiety and weight gain even after treatment. But patients who underwent surgery experienced fewer issues, comparatively. Read more from Cushing’s Disease News
Pituitary Apoplexy: Surgery and Medical Therapy Have Similar Results
A study released at the recent American Association of Neurological Surgeons Scientific Meeting in Los Angeles finds comparable outcomes from medical treatment of pituitary apoplexy versus surgical treatment. Read more:
Proton Therapy for Craniopharyngioma
An article in U.S. News and World Report talks about a study that looked at the efficacy of proton therapy for treatment of craniopharyngioma, in particular in preventing learning deficiencies. Read more:
Balancing Your Hormones
An article in Science Daily goes over the major hormones, their functions, and recommends proper diet, exercise, sleep and stress management to keep them in balance. Read more:
Research Articles
May 2023 Research Articles
Pituitary Tumors
Pituitary adenoma consistency affects postoperative hormone function: a retrospective study.
Diagnosis and Management of Pituitary Adenomas: A Review.
High-Grade Ectopic Pituitary Adenoma within the Cerebellopontine Angle: A Case Report.
Clinical utility of spoiled-gradient echo 3D-T1 sequence in deciding appropriate treatment strategy for ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma; a case report and review of the literature.
Transcription Factor Immunohistochemistry in the Classification of Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumor/Adenoma.
Pituitary Surgery
Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm After Transsphenoidal Pituitary Tumor Resection: A Case Report.
Purely nasal floor mucosa-free graft for reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal transellar approach: an anatomical and clinical analysis.
Machine learning prediction of venous thromboembolism after surgeries of major sellar region tumors.
Cushing’s Disease
Evaluating the burden of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome using a web-based questionnaire and validated patient-reported outcome measures.
Hormonal Health
Comparison of PEG precipitation and ultrafiltration treatment for serum macroprolactin in Chinese patients with hyperprolactinemia.
Liraglutide and polycystic ovary syndrome: is it only a matter of body weight?
Evaluating the TUITEK® patient support program in supporting caregivers of children diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency in Argentina.
Prevalence of pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
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Disclaimer: PNA does not engage in the practice of medicine. It is not a medical authority, nor does it claim to have medical expertise. In all cases, PNA recommends that you consult your own physician regarding any course of treatment or medication.
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