Neurosurgery, An Issue of Neurosurgery
Clinics of North America, 1st Edition
Editors :
Peter Nakaji & Oliver Bozinov
, Chapter 1: History of Ablation
Therapies in Neurosurgery
1. What is the primary purpose of ablation therapies in neurosurgery?
A) To enhance neural function
B) To remove or destroy specific areas of brain tissue
C) To increase blood flow to the brain
D) To implant devices in the brain
Answer: B) To remove or destroy specific areas of brain tissue
Rationale: Ablation therapies are designed to target and eliminate pathological brain
tissues, such as tumors or areas causing seizures.
2. Which of the following was one of the earliest forms of ablation therapy used in
neurosurgery?
A) Gamma Knife radiosurgery
B) Stereotactic surgery
C) Electrocoagulation
D) Laser ablation
Answer: C) Electrocoagulation
Rationale: Electrocoagulation was one of the oldest techniques used for tissue
destruction in neurosurgery.
3. Select all that apply: Which of the following conditions have historically been treated
with ablation therapies?
A) Epilepsy
B) Parkinson's disease
C) Neoplasms
D) Traumatic brain injury
Answer: A) Epilepsy, B) Parkinson's disease, C) Neoplasms
Rationale: Ablation therapies have been utilized to treat conditions such as epilepsy,
Parkinson's disease, and tumors, rather than traumatic brain injuries.
4. In the context of neurosurgery, what does the term "stereotactic" refer to?
A) A collection of imaging techniques
B) A method of locating structures in three-dimensional space
C) A type of anesthetic used during procedures
D) A process to enhance recovery post-surgery
, Answer: B) A method of locating structures in three-dimensional space
Rationale: Stereotactic techniques allow precise targeting of brain tissues based on
three-dimensional coordinates.
5. Which technological advancement significantly improved the precision of ablation
therapies in the late 20th century?
A) MRI
B) CT scans
C) Ultrasound
D) X-rays
Answer: A) MRI
Rationale: MRI technology has greatly enhanced the capabilities for imaging and
planning in neurosurgery, allowing for more precise ablation procedures.
6. Practical Scenario: A patient with medication-resistant epilepsy is being considered
for ablation therapy. What key factor would most likely inform the decision to
proceed?
A) Age of the patient
B) Type of seizure disorder
C) Availability of surgical facilities
D) Patient’s family history
Answer: B) Type of seizure disorder
Rationale: The specific type of seizure disorder and the relationship of seizures to
identifiable brain regions are crucial in deciding upon the suitability for ablation
therapy.
7. Select all that apply: Which of the following are potential complications associated
with ablation therapies?
A) Infection
B) Hemorrhage
C) Neurological deficits
D) Spine deformities
Answer: A) Infection, B) Hemorrhage, C) Neurological deficits
Rationale: Complications can include infections, bleeding, and neurological changes,
but spine deformities are not typically related to ablation.
8. In what decade did the use of laser technology for ablation in neurosurgery become
prominent?
A) 1960s
B) 1970s
C) 1980s
D) 1990s
, Answer: C) 1980s
Rationale: The 1980s saw significant advances in laser technology applied to
neurosurgical procedures.
9. Multiple-choice question: What is the primary advantage of using radiofrequency
ablation in neurosurgery?
A) Instant tissue removal
B) Minimal thermal diffusion to surrounding tissues
C) Cheaper than other methods
D) No need for anesthesia
Answer: B) Minimal thermal diffusion to surrounding tissues
Rationale: Radiofrequency ablation allows for targeted heating of tissue, minimizing
damage to adjacent areas.
10. Practical Scenario: A neurosurgeon's decision to use an ablative approach for tumor
resection may depend on:
A) The visible size of the tumor on a scan
B) The tumor's location and involvement with critical structures
C) The age of the surgical team
D) The presence of a second opinion
Answer: B) The tumor's location and involvement with critical structures
Rationale: The decision to proceed with ablation therapy is strongly influenced by the
tumor's relationship to vital neuroanatomical structures.
11. Select all that apply: Which of the following techniques can be utilized for ablation
therapies?
A) Cryoablation
B) Irreversible electroporation
C) Focused ultrasound
D) Microdiscectomy
Answer: A) Cryoablation, B) Irreversible electroporation, C) Focused ultrasound
Rationale: Cryoablation, irreversible electroporation, and focused ultrasound are
techniques used for tissue ablation, while microdiscectomy is a different surgical
approach.
12. Which ablation technique involves the use of cooled probes to destroy tissues?
A) Radiofrequency ablation
B) Laser ablation
C) Cryoablation
D) High-intensity focused ultrasound
Answer: C) Cryoablation
Rationale: Cryoablation uses extreme cold via probes to destroy abnormal tissues.