Resection or multi-lobe disconnection for intractable epilepsy with open-lip schizencephaly

The surgical treatment of medication-resistant epilepsy with schizencephaly is difficult. A standardized method of surgical treatment for schizencephalic patients has not yet been established. We present two patients with poorly controlled epilepsy with schizencephaly. The first patient underwent a resection of the right temporal lobe and part of the posterior lip of the schizencephaly, while the other patient underwent a multi-lobe disconnection. Based on the study of these two patients, we conclude that the location of the epileptic zone, reorganization of eloquent areas and anatomical characteristics of the schizencephaly do not allow a universal surgical approach for treating epilepsy with schizencephaly. Every patient has individual characteristics.