Abteilung Prächirurgische Epilepsiediagnostik – EpilepsiezentrumKlinik für Neurochirurgie

Effects of hippocampus sparing resections in the temporal lobe on hippocampal volume and memory performance

Epilepsy surgery within the temporal lobe especially within the language dominant hemisphere is known to bear the risk of memory decline. In order to preserve functionally intact brain tissue, surgical procedures have become more tailored and memory associated structures, like the hippocampus, are attempted to be preserved. However, in a previous study [1] in temporal lobe resected patients with and without hippocampectomy we found significant memory deterioration after surgery in both groups, stronger decline was observed after hippocampus resection.
In the present study we therefore want to further elucidate the potential reasons behind memory decline in patients with hippocampus sparing resections. More specifically, we reason that postoperative memory loss may be associated with secondary postoperative atrophy of the hippocampus and/or the resection of memory-relevant extra-hippocampal sites.

Wagner K, Uherek M, Horstmann S, Kadish NE, Wisniewski I, Mayer H, Buschmann F, Metternich B, Zentner J, Schulze-Bonhage A. Memory outcome after hippocampus sparing resections in the temporal lobe. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2013;84:630-6.