Functional Neurosurgery

Author: Chen Xinkang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: The author argues that functional neurosurgery and stereotactic surgery cannot be considered the same discipline. Instead, functional neurosurgery should be recognized as a distinct field separate from stereotactic surgery. This book is the first specialized work on functional neurosurgery in China, holding pioneering significance. Several chapters in the book present the author's research achievements, which have gained international acclaim. The surgical and examination methods described are all original creations of the author. The number of cases and surgical outcomes are among the best in the world, recognized by experts and scholars from various countries. The book systematically introduces the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and neurosurgical treatments of functional diseases. It also comprehensively discusses the new theories and advancements in applying stereotactic surgery methods to functional neurosurgery. Written with clinical practice in mind, the book aims to solve specific problems, allowing readers to understand on the first reading, remember on the second, and apply on the third.
Functional neurosurgery and stereotactic surgery have long been combined, with this terminology persisting for half a century. Whether in professional societies, academic conferences, or publications, these two distinct disciplines and concepts are often merged under the term "stereotactic and functional neurosurgery." People have become accustomed to using this label. However, functional diseases are not the sole treatment targets of stereotactic surgery. Today, stereotactic surgery is widely used to treat various intracranial diseases and continues to expand its scope, such as temporal bone navigation and endoscopic navigation. On the other hand, the treatments for functional neurosurgery are not limited to stereotactic surgery. In recent years, many new treatment methods have emerged, such as intrathecal baclofen pump injection for generalized dystonia, local botulinum toxin A injection for focal dystonia, and selective peripheral nerve resection for spasmodic torticollis. These methods have demonstrated better efficacy than stereotactic surgery.
Functional neurosurgery and stereotactic surgery are two distinct disciplines, each with its own independent focus. The former requires systematic research on various functional diseases and primarily relies on surgical treatment. The latter is an applied technology that can continuously integrate with modern engineering techniques, expanding its treatment applications and permeating into various clinical fields, such as neurosurgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery, dentistry, and radiation therapy. These two disciplines have their own development requirements and goals, and there is no reason to combine them and restrict their progress.
The title of this book does not include the cumbersome traditional terminology of stereotactic surgery but does cover the advancements in modern stereotactic techniques within functional neurosurgery, as stereotactic surgery is only one of the treatment methods in functional neurosurgery. At the same time, the author suggests that the concept of traditional stereotactic functional neurosurgery should be updated. The two disciplines it encompasses should be renamed "Stereotactic Surgery" and "Functional Neurosurgery" to correct the historical misconception.
Lastly, it is hoped that this book will be helpful to neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry professionals, as well as providing valuable insights for those working in functional neurosurgery. Due to the author's limitations, imperfections are inevitable, and readers are kindly invited to point them out for improvement in future editions.