Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Techniques

Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Techniques: Controversies and Evidence offers clinicians a roadmap for navigating the complex decision-making process involved in selecting surgical interventions for children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Over the last decade, the landscape of pediatric epilepsy surgery has undergone substantial transformation, marked by the introduction of several emerging technologies that are now supported by an expanding body of evidence, yet leading to a wide range of treatment practices. This book addresses several decision-making dichotomies in pediatric epilepsy surgery, both in terms of established and novel surgical modalities and techniques. The book explores long-standing debated topics, such as the relative benefits of disconnective compared to resective strategies, the utility of surgical adjuncts like intra-operative electrocorticography, as well as rationales for different surgical approaches, namely selective amygdalo-hippocampectomy versus anteromesial temporal lobectomy. Further, it addresses dichotomies between traditional approaches and contemporary modalities, such as microsurgical resection versus laser interstitial thermal therapy. Chapters also offer comparisons of modern technologies, such as different neuromodulation strategies, including vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and responsive neurostimulation.

This book provides readers with the relevant scientific literature and expert commentary to inform evidence-based approaches to surgical care in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy.