Aggressive cytoreduction and multiple subpial cortical transections may obtain good surgical outcomes in refractory epilepsy with multiple epileptic foci

Backgrounds: Epilepsy surgery is the most efficacious therapeutic modality for patients with medical refractory epilepsy, especially resective surgery. However, the variable etiologies and multiple epileptic foci are usually associated with the outcomes. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that combination of different intervention procedures might be an alternative option for patients of refractory epilepsy.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed pre-operative and post-surgical outcomes in 30 patients who received epilepsy surgery between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH), Linkou, according to Engel's classification.

Results: Twenty-six of the 30 patients (86.7%) had good outcomes, sum of class I and class II after epilepsy surgery. The good outcome rate of our complicated group was 80.0% (12/15), compared to 93.3% (14/15) in the simple group, but no significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.569). Four patients whose epileptic foci involved eloquent area and received multiple subpial cortical transection, and good outcome rate was 75% (3/4). At last, six patients had previously failed epilepsy surgery and received a reoperation, with a good outcome rate of 83.3% (5/6).

Conclusion: After complete pre-surgical evaluation and combined interventional procedures, the patients with refractory epilepsy had satisfactory outcomes and few neurological complications. Moreover, re-operation can improve the outcome in some patients who previously failed epilepsy surgery.