Ask the Expert OnDemand Webinar: Principles of Patient Selection and Outcomes for Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy-Ask the Expert On Demand Webinar: Principles of Patient Selection and Outcomes for Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Ask the Expert On Demand Webinar: Principles of Patient Selection and Outcomes for Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

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Video Summary

The recent "Ask the Expert" webinar focused on Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) for drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly for patient selection and outcomes. Dr. Jai Singh introduced the session, outlining the format and procedures, including a Q&A segment. Dr. Lara Jai, a renowned expert in epilepsy surgery, discussed the topic, offering insights into the efficacy and limitations of LITT.<br /><br />The session highlighted that although LITT is a minimally invasive method, its efficacy is currently less than traditional resection surgeries, with a general trend of 40% seizure freedom at three years post-surgery. Dr. Jai explained the importance of patient selection and managing expectations by clearly communicating the potential outcomes and risks associated with LITT. This information allows patients to make informed decisions between LITT and traditional surgery.<br /><br />During the follow-up discussions, Dr. Jai emphasized that successful LITT depends on precise localization of the epileptic zone. Techniques like stereo EEG might be necessary in non-lesional cases, especially with dominant temporal lobe epilepsy, to map the epileptic network accurately. She advised that failures in initial LITT shouldn't preclude further surgical options and reiterated the need for cautious assessment of subsequent treatment steps.<br /><br />An important takeaway is the necessity for collecting robust, long-term data to provide better insights into LITT's effectiveness and to develop evidence-based guidelines. Dr. Jai concluded with the hope for advancements in minimally invasive procedures but stressed maintaining transparency about their current limitations compared to open surgeries.

Keywords

Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy

LITT

drug-resistant epilepsy

patient selection

seizure freedom

stereo EEG

epileptic zone localization

minimally invasive surgery

epilepsy surgery outcomes

evidence-based guidelines