Hypothalamic hamartoma surgery in a setting with limited resources.

BACKGROUND

Three years ago (in 2020), we at the epilepsy center in Shiraz, Iran, started an endeavor to initiate a surgical program for patients with hypothalamic hamartoma (HH). We discussed that although minimally invasive techniques are desired, they are not available in the nation. We decided to proceed with open disconnection and resection surgery techniques. The current manuscript presents the results of the HH surgery program at our center as a case series.

METHODS

This study included all patients with a diagnosis of HH who were referred to Shiraz Epilepsy Center with drug-resistant epilepsy and who underwent HH surgery from October 2020 to January 2023 at our epilepsy center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran.

RESULTS

Seven patients were included. All patients had gelastic seizures. Four patients (57%) underwent total resection of HH, and the lesions were disconnected and partially resected in three other patients (43%). Three patients (43%) became seizure-free after surgery, and three patients (43%) had more than 50% reduction in their seizure frequencies. Three patients (43%) had no post-operative complications. Only one patient (14.3%) suffered from a permanent postoperative complication (right hemiparesis). The mortality rate was zero. Five parents (71%) were satisfied with the surgery outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Hypothalamic hamartoma surgery is feasible even in centers with limited resources if a close collaboration exists between the epileptology and neurosurgery teams. Careful planning based on the expertise of the team members and the available resources is required to foster success.