Clinicopathologic features and surgery treatment of intractable epilepsy in childhood

Objective To study the pathological features and the timing and effects of epilepsy surgery in children with intractable epilepsy.Methods The outcomes of 71 pediatric cases that underwent epilepsy surgery in our department were collected.All the patients had at least 1 year of follow-up.The effects of operation were evaluated with Engel class.Results Seizure freedom (Engel Class Ⅰ outcome) was achieved in 45 cases (63％),26 patients (37％) continued to have seizures (Engel Class Ⅱ ～ Ⅳ outcome) (P ＜ 0.05).The major pathological findings in these patients included:focal cortical dysplasia in 31 cases,low grade neoplasm in 18,ulegyria in 13,polymicrogyia malformation in 6,tuberous sclerosis in 3,and dual pathology in 9.There was no death or permanent disability.Conclusions Early surgical intervention was safe and effective for the treatment of intractable epilepsy in children.The relation between the pathological features and surgical effects should be paid attention for further study. Key words: Child ;  Intractable epilepsy;  Pathology;  Surgical procedures