Category: skull base surgery

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Lateral Supraorbital Approach Applied to Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas

Neurosurgery 70:1504–1519, 2012 DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e31824a36e8

Various surgical approaches for the removal of tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) have previously been described.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability and safety of the lateral supraorbital (LSO) approach to remove TSMs.

METHODS: We identified all TSM patients operated on at the Department of Neurosurgery at Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, by the senior author (J.H.) using the LSO approach between September 1997 and August 2010. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data, radiological findings, surgical treatment, histology, and outcome of patients and discuss the operative technique.

RESULTS: Apparent complete tumor removal was achieved in 45 patients (87%). Of 42 patients, preexisting visual deficit improved in 22, remained the same in 13, and worsened in 7, and de novo visual deficit occurred in 1 patient. At 3 months postdischarge, 47 patients (90%) had a good recovery, 4 (8%) were moderately disabled, and 1 (2%) died 40 days after surgery of unexplained cardiac arrest. Seven patients (13%) had minimal residual tumors, 2 of which required reoperation. During the median follow-up of 59 months (range, 1-133 months), tumor recurred in 1 of the patients who had undergone a second operation.

CONCLUSION: TSMs of all sizes can be removed via the LSO approach with minimal morbidity and mortality. Low-power or no coagulation is recommended near the optic nerves and the optic chiasm to preserve their vascular support from the internal carotid artery perforators. Our results are comparable to those obtained using more extensive and time-consuming approaches. We recommend the LSO approach to remove TSMs.

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Surgical nuances for the endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach to lateral sphenoid sinus encephaloceles

Neurosurg Focus 32 (6):E5, 2012. (http://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/2012.3.FOCUS1267)

Lateral sphenoid encephaloceles of the Sternberg canal are rare entities and usually present with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. Traditionally, these were treated via transcranial approaches, which can be challenging given the deep location of these lesions. However, with advancements in endoscopic skull base surgery, including improved surgical exposures, angled endoscopes and instruments, and novel repair techniques, these encephaloceles can be resected and successfully repaired with purely endoscopic endonasal approaches.

In this report, the authors review the endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach to the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus for repair of temporal lobe encephaloceles, including an overview of the surgical anatomy from an endoscopic perspective, and describe the technical operative nuances and surgical pearls for these cases.

The authors also present 4 new cases of lateral sphenoid recess encephaloceles that were successfully treated using this approach.

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Extended transsphenoidal approach for tuberculum sellae meningioma

Acta Neurochir (2012) 154:621–626. DOI 10.1007/s00701-011-1266-0

Recent advances in minimally invasive surgery have allowed extended transsphenoidal approaches to treat large and complex lesions beyond the sella turcica including basal meningiomas, but the inclusion criteria and limitations of this approach remain unclear.

Methods Retrospective review of 19 consecutive patients (5 males and 14 females aged from 43 to 79 years) with tuberculum sellae meningioma with a maximum diameter of less than 30 mm surgically treated between December 2006 and August 2011 by a single surgeon. Operative outcomes and limitation-based indications were investigated. Findings Total removal was achieved in 15 cases including Simpson’s grade 1 in 2 cases (78.9%). All tumor remnants were located in the lateral portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA), as indicated by preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Additional oblique imaging along the longitudinal axis of the C1-2 portion of the ICA revealed a paradoxical presence of tumor in between both sides of the ICA in some patients, even in the case with lateral extension over the ICA on coronal MR imaging. Total removal could be achieved in these patients, and after the introduction of additional preoperative oblique MR imaging, total removal was achieved in all patients. Visual outcomes of eyes showed improvement in 23, remained steady in 11, and showed deterioration in 4, and 89.5% eyes recovered to a good state. Deterioration was caused by injury of a small vein in one patient and previous disruption of the arachnoidal sheath in the remaining three. One patient suffered cerebrospinal fluid leakage and required re-operation. None of the patients developed endocrinological deficits or required prolonged hormonal supplementation.

Conclusions The extended transsphenoidal approach has equivalent potential to transcranial surgery for tuberculum sellae meningiomas with a maximum diameter of less than 30 mm. The tumors with lateral extension over the ICA have fewer chances of total removal. ICA-oriented simulation and surgical planning are important.

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Jugular foramen paragangliomas: management, outcome and avoidance of complications in a series of 75 cases

Neurosurg Rev (2012) 35:185–194. DOI 10.1007/s10143-011-0346-1

Jugular foramen paragangliomas are rare skull base tumours posing multiple complex diagnostic and management problems. We did a study to evaluate surgical technique, outcome and complications in 75 cases of tumours treated by multidisciplinary approach (i.e. combined neurosurgery, neuroradiology, ear, nose and throat surgery and intensive care unit team).
Methods: Retrospective study on 75 consecutive patients with jugular foramen paragangliomas treated surgically from 1989 to 2005. Preoperative balloon occlusion test was performed in all patients as well as embolization (100%). A combined limited infratemporal and juxtacondylar approach was used in all patients.
Results: Gross total resection was achieved in 59 patients (78.7%). The most common complication was represented by lower cranial nerve deficits in five patients (6.6%), which was only temporary in three. Postoperative facial nerve weakness occurred in five cases (6.6%) and resolved in three of them. The remaining two patients underwent facial nerve reconstruction by hypoglossal/facial nerve anastomosis. Four patients (5.3%) had a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, which was successfully treated by lumbar drainage. Two patients (2.7%) died because of complications related to surgical injury of lower cranial nerves: one patient developed aspiration pneumonia and septicemia and the second one developed a large cervicobulbar hematoma that led to severe respiratory distress and ultimately global cerebral hypoxia.
Conclusion: Paragangliomas are rare and complex skull base lesions that may be managed with low morbidity and mortality if a multidisciplinary approach is considered. Facial and lower cranial nerve postoperative deficits can be limited.

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Cavernous sinus medial wall: dural or fibrous layer?

Neurosurg Rev (2012) 35:147–154. DOI 10.1007/s10143-011-0360-3

The cavernous sinus (CS) has one of the most complex anatomical networks of the skull base and because of the diversity of its contents is involved in many pathological processes. Nevertheless, anatomical literature concerning the CS is still controversial, so a systematic literature review was performed to find out the microanatomy of the medial wall of the CS and its clinical importance on sellar pathologies.

Experimental studies from English-language literature between 1996 and 2010 were identified in MEDLINE, LILACS, and Cochrane databases. After analysis, two tables were prepared exhibiting the major points of each article. Fourteen experimental studies were included in the tables.

Four studies concluded that the medial wall of the CS is composed of a loose, fibrous structure, and the remaining ten presumed that the medial wall is formed by a dural layer that constitutes the lateral wall of the sella. The lack of definition standards and of methodological criteria led to variation in the results among different studies.

Thus, this hindered results comparison, possibly explaining the different observations.

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Trigeminal Schwannomas: Skull Base Approaches and Operative Results in 105 Patients

Neurosurgery 70[ONS Suppl 1]:ons132–ons144, 2012 DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e31822efb21

Trigeminal schwannomas make up 0.8% to 8% of all intracranial schwannomas.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze our surgical experience with trigeminal schwannomas.

METHODS: We performed 107 operations on 105 patients harboring trigeminal schwannomas over the past 30 years. We classified the tumors as peripheral, ganglion cavernous, posterior fossa root, and dumbbell types according to the portion of the nerve that gave rise to the tumor.

RESULTS: Fourteen were peripheral-type tumors (13.1%), 39 (36.4%) were ganglion cavernous type, 22 (20.6%) were posterior fossa root type, and 32 (30.0%) were dumbbell type. Sixty-five tumors were solid, 35 were mixed, and only 7 were cystic. Among solid tumors, 14 were vascular, fibrous, and adherent to adjacent structures. Total or near-total removal was performed in 86 cases (81.9%), and subtotal removal was achieved in 18 (17.1%). The most common symptom was facial hypesthesia, occurring in 69 patients. This symptom improved in 11 patients, persisted in 50 patients, and worsened in 8 patients after surgery. New postoperative hypesthesia was observed in 8 patients. The second most common symptom was facial pain, observed in 24 patients. Facial pain subsided in 22 and persisted in 2 patients after surgery. Diplopia was observed in 21 patients. This symptom improved postoperatively in 14 patients, persisted in 6 patients, and worsened in 1 patient.

CONCLUSION: The present series demonstrates acceptable results using microsurgical treatment to remove trigeminal schwannomas. Pain and diplopia may be relieved after surgery; however, hypesthesia frequently remains or may be worsened by surgery.

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Results after treatment of craniopharyngiomas: further experiences with 73 patients since 1997

J Neurosurg 116:373–384, 2012. DOI: 10.3171/2011.6.JNS081451

The authors report surgical and endocrinological results of a series of 73 cases of craniopharyngioma that they treated surgically since 1997 to demonstrate their change in treatment strategy and its effect on outcome compared with a previous series and results reported in the literature.

Methods. A total of 73 patients underwent surgery for craniopharyngiomas between May 1997 and January 2005. In patients with poor clinical or neuropsychological condition, even following pretreatment, only stereotactic cyst aspiration took place (8 cases). In the remaining patients, gross-total resection (GTR) was intended and appeared to be possible. The most frequent approaches were subfrontal (27 cases) and transsphenoidal (26 cases); in some cases, a multistep approach was used. The rate of GTR, complications, and functional outcome (comparing pre- and postoperative endocrine and neuropsychological testing) were evaluated. The mean duration of follow-up was 25.2 months.

Results. Gross-total resection was achieved in 88.5% of cases in which a transsphenoidal approach was used and 79.5% of those in which a transcranial approach was used (85.2% of those in which a subfrontal approach was used and 72.7% of those in which a frontolateral approach was used). In the total series, GTR was achieved in 83.1% of cases (vs 49.3% in the authors’ former series). The complication rate was 13.8% without any mortality. New endocrine deficits were observed more frequently in patients treated with transcranial approaches over the years (16.3%– 66.7% vs 2.6%–50.0%) but were less frequent after transsphenoidal approaches (5.2%–19.2% vs 2.9%–45.7%).

Conclusions. Open surgery with intended total resection remains the treatment of choice in most patients. Initial stereotactic cyst aspiration or medical pretreatment to improve the patients’ condition and adequate choice of surgical approach(es) are essential to achieve that goal. Nevertheless, a moderate increase in endocrinological deficits has to be accepted. The authors recommend using radiotherapy only in cases in which there are tumor remnants or disease progression after surgery.

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Percutaneous biopsy of lesions in the cavernous sinus region through the foramen ovale: diagnostic accuracy and limits in 50 patients

J Neurosurg 116:390–398, 2012.DOI: 10.3171/2011.10.JNS11783

The cavernous sinus and surrounding regions—specifically the Meckel cave, posterior sector of the cavernous sinus itself, and the upper part of the petroclival region—are the location of a large variety of lesions that require individual consideration regarding treatment strategy. These regions may be reached for biopsy by a percutaneous needle inserted through the foramen ovale. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous biopsy in a consecutive series of 50 patients referred for surgery between 1991 and 2010.

Methods. Seven biopsies (14%) were unproductive and 43 (86%) were productive, among which 28 lesions subsequently underwent histopathological examination during a second (open) surgery. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the procedure, results from surgery were compared with those from the biopsy.

Results. Sensitivity of the percutaneous biopsy was 0.83 (95% CI 0.52–0.98), specificity was 1 (95% CI 0.79–1), and k coefficient was 0.81.

Conclusions. Because of its valuable diagnostic accuracy, percutaneous biopsy of the cavernous sinus and surrounding regions should be performed in patients with parasellar masses when neuroimaging does not provide sufficient information of a histopathological nature. This procedure would enable patients to obtain the most appropriate therapy, such as resective surgery, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or radiosurgery.

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Posterior petrous bone meningiomas: surgical experience in 53 patients and literature review

Neurosurg Rev (2012) 35:53–66. DOI 10.1007/s10143-011-0333-6

Meningiomas of the posterior fossa represent a heterogeneous group of tumors regarding difficulty of resection and functional outcome.

The aim of this review was to focus on tumors located mainly on the posterior surface of the petrous bone and threatening hearing and facial functions.

An anatomical classification was used to evaluate surgical outcome depending on the relationship of the tumor to the internal auditory meatus. The authors performed a retrospective chart review of 53 consecutive patients operated on for a posterior petrous bone meningioma in a tertiary referral center and a literature review. Tumors were classified in four groups according to the modified Desgeorges and Sterkers classification: posterior petrous (P; 17 tumors), meatus and internal auditory canal (M; 12 tumors), petrous apex without invasion of the internal auditory canal (A; 9 tumors), and cerebellopontine angle with invasion of the internal auditory canal (AMP; 15 tumors).

The facial function was preserved in 100% of P and A tumors, 75% of group M tumors, and 53% of AMP tumors. Hearing preservation was attempted only in P, A, and M groups where rates of serviceable hearing preservation were 82%, 80%, and 66%, respectively. The cumulative rate of hearing preservation for AMP tumors was 45% in our literature review. The increased facial morbidity associated with AMP tumors compared with other groups was also confirmed by the review of the literature.

In conclusion, this study shows that among posterior petrous bone meningiomas, tumors invading the internal auditory canal present with increased postoperative functional morbidity in spite of a tailored approach regarding dural insertion.

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Microsurgical Management of Hypoglossal Schwannomas Over 3 Decades: A Modified Grading Scale to Guide Surgical Approach

Neurosurgery 69[ONS Suppl 2]:ons121–ons140, 2011. DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e31822a547b

Schwannomas originating from the hypoglossal nerve are extremely rare. Microsurgical resection with the goal for cure has traditionally been associated with a high risk of postoperative deficits.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize our clinical experience using tailored cranial base approaches for these formidable lesions.

METHODS: The clinical records of 13 patients were retrospectively reviewed. In addition, all reported patients in the literature were reviewed. The extreme lateral infrajugular transcondylar-transtubercular exposure approach was used in all of our patients. Based on our experience and literature analysis, we propose the following modified grading scale to facilitate surgical planning: type A, intradural tumors; type B, dumbbell-shaped tumors; type C, extracranial tumors; and type D, peripheral tumors.

RESULTS: All 13 patients underwent total, near-total, or subtotal tumor resection. Eight patients were men, 5 were women (mean age, 41.7 years). Sural nerve graft reconstruction for the hypoglossal nerve was performed in 4 patients. Three of the 4 patients in whom nerve reconstruction was performed regained satisfactory movement of their tongue. In the review of the literature, the mean patient age was 45.8 years. Patients presented with tongue atrophy (91.6%), headache (60.9%), and dysphagia (31.8%). The tumors were categorized as type A in 31.7% of these patients, type B in 38.6%, type C in 6.2%, and type D in 23.4%.

CONCLUSION: The extreme lateral infrajugular transcondylar-transtubercular exposure approach, which is a modification of the extreme lateral suboccipital approach, provides sufficient exposure for most intracranial dumbbell-shaped hypoglossal schwannomas. Hypoglossal nerve reconstruction using a sural nerve graft improves tongue atrophy and movement for patients with resected nerves.

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Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Nonvestibular Schwannomas

Neurosurgery 69:1046–1057, 2011 DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e3182287bb9

Nonvestibular schwannomas of the skull base often represent a challenge owing to their anatomic location. With improved techniques in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery, resection of various ventral skull base tumors, including schwannomas, has become possible.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of using endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for nonvestibular schwannomas of the skull base.

METHODS: Seventeen patients operated on for skull base schwannomas by EEA at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from 2003 to 2009 were reviewed.

RESULTS: Three patients underwent combined approaches with retromastoid craniectomy (n = 2) and orbitopterional craniotomy (n = 1). Three patients underwent multistage EEA. The rest received a single EEA operation. Data on degree of resection were found for 15 patients. Gross total resection (n = 9) and near-total (.90%) resection (n = 3) were achieved in 12 patients (80%). There were no tumor recurrences or postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks. In 3 of 7 patients with preoperative sensory deficits of trigeminal nerve distribution, there were partial improvements. Patients with preoperative reduced vision (n = 1) and cranial nerve VI or III palsies (n = 3) also showed improvement. Five patients had new postoperative trigeminal nerve deficits: 2 had sensory deficits only, 1 had motor deficit only, and 2 had both motor and sensory deficits. Three of these patients had partial improvement, but 3 developed corneal neurotrophic keratopathy.

CONCLUSION: An EEA provides adequate access for nonvestibular schwannomas invading the skull base, allowing a high degree of resection with a low rate of complications.

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Chordomas of the skull base and cervical spine: clinical outcomes associated with a multimodal surgical resection combined with proton-beam radiation in 40 patients

Neurosurg Rev DOI 10.1007/s10143-011-0334-5

Previous studies of chordoma have focused on either surgery, radiotherapy, or particular tumor locations. This paper reviewed the outcomes of surgery and proton radiotherapy with various tumor locations.

Between 2001 and 2008, 40 patients with chordomas of the skull base and cervical spine had surgery at our hospital. Most patients received proton therapy. Their clinical course was reviewed. Age, sex, tumor location, timing of surgery, extent of resection, and chondroid appearance were evaluated in regard to the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The primary surgery (PS) group was analyzed independently. The extensive resection rate was 42.5%. Permanent neurological morbidity was seen in 3.8%. Radiotherapy was performed in 75% and the mean dose was 68.9 cobalt gray equivalents. The median followup was 56.5 months. The 5-year PFS and OS rates were 70% and 83.4%, respectively. Metastasis was seen in 12.5%. The tumor location at the cranio-cervical junction (CCJ) was associated with a lower PFS (P=0.007). In the PS group, a younger age and the CCJ location were related to a lower PFS (P=0.008 and P<0.001, respectively). The CCJ location was also related to a lower OS (P=0.043) and it was more common in young patients (P=0.002). Among the survivors, the median of the last Karnofsky Performance Scale score was 80 with 25.7% of patients experiencing an increase and 11.4% experiencing a decrease.

Multimodal surgery and proton therapy thus improved the chordoma treatment. The CCJ location and a younger age are risks for disease progression.

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Lateral supracerebellar transtentorial approach for petroclival meningiomas: operative technique and outcome

J Neurosurg 115:49–54, 2011. DOI: 10.3171/2011.2.JNS101759

The retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach with the patient in a semisitting position is an effective alternative to transpetrosal approaches for the treatment of petroclival meningiomas. The authors have made a simple modification to the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach by using the lateral oblique position and preferentially dividing the tentorium with limited drilling of the suprameatal bone, which is termed the “lateral su- pracerebellar transtentorial approach.”

Methods. Twenty-six patients with petroclival meningiomas surgically treated via the lateral supracerebellar transtentorial approach were analyzed. All tumors had most of their bulk in the posterior fossa with some degree of extension into the middle fossa and/or Meckel cave. The patient is placed in the lateral oblique position, and a standard retrosigmoid craniotomy is performed. The tentorium medial to the trigeminal nerve is incised toward the free edge, which improves exposure to the petroclival region without extensive resection of the suprameatal petrous bone.

Results. Gross-total resection was achieved in 11 patients (42%). Ten patients (38%) underwent subtotal resection, and 5 patients (19%) underwent partial resection. There was no incidence of operative death, and the postoperative permanent morbidity rate was 15%. All patients except one did well postoperatively and were independent at the time of their last follow-up examinations.

Conclusions. The lateral supracerebellar transtentorial approach provides the simplest and safest access to the petroclival region. It offers an advantageous approach to petroclival meningiomas exclusively located in the posterior fossa with minimal extension into the Meckel cave and middle fossa.

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Treatment policy for petroclival meningioma based on tumor size: aiming radical removal in small tumors for obtaining cure without morbidity

Neurosurg Rev (2011) 34:327–335. DOI 10.1007/s10143-011-0308-7

Aggressive tumor removal is not always the best treatment for petroclival meningioma (PCM). However, radical removal actually provides the cure with minimal morbidity.

We evaluated the relation of surgical results and tumor size in the PCM removal to clarify the treatment policy for PCM. This study comprised 32 consecutive patients with newly-diagnosed PCM who underwent tumor removal; tumor size was small (< 3 cm) in 12 patients and large (≥3 cm) in 20. Tumor removal was classified into radical (Simpson’s grade I/II) and non-radical (Simpson’s grade III/IV). Removal of small PCM was 11 radical and one non-radical; no surgical morbidity/mortality occurred and postoperative regular follow-up using magnetic resonance imaging showed no recurrence in the period of 66± 45 months. Removal of large PCM was eight radical and 12 non-radical; despite no mortality, the incidence of permanent cranial nerve deficits and major neurological deficits newly developed postoperatively was 35% and 25%, respectively. Radical removal was significantly more frequent in small PCMs than in large PCMs. Permanent cranial nerve deficits newly developed postoperatively and poor outcome (Karnofsky score ≤80) were significantly more frequent in large PCMs than in small PCMs. Radical removal of small PCM is achieved with minimal morbidity and results in the cure. Notwithstanding high morbidity, aggressive removal of large PCM does not achieve a high rate of radical removal.

To find and remove PCM radically while it is small is the only way to cure the disease with minimal morbidity.

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Middle turbinate vascularized flap for skull base reconstruction after an expanded endonasal approach

Acta Neurochir. DOI 10.1007/s00701-011-1064-8

The expanded endonasal approaches to the skull base are modular approaches that arise from the sphenoidal sinus. The reconstructive techniques in these approaches are key to avoid postoperative complications. Available flaps for reconstruction include the pedicled nasoseptal flap, the transpterygoid temporoparietal fascia flap, and the posterior pedicle inferior turbinate flap (PPITF), among others. Recently, the middle turbinate flap has been described in a cadaveric study. We report our preliminary experience in the use of this middle turbinate vascularized flap for skull base reconstruction after expanded endonasal approaches.

Material and methods Ten patients underwent reconstructive procedures with the mucoperiostial vascularized middle turbinate flap. Capability to cover the defect, closure success, operative time and complications related to the procedure are retrospectively analyzed.

Results A satisfactory closure was obtained in all procedures, and there were no complications related to the technique. Required operative time was similar to the time employed for the nasoseptal flap.

Conclusions The vascularized middle turbinate flap is a reliable reconstructive technique for the reconstruction of moderate-sized skull base defects. It can be considered either as the first choice of closure or as an alternative to the nasoseptal flap when this is not available. Different flap combinations may facilitate skull base defect reconstruction.

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Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery: analysis of complications in the authors’ initial 800 patients

J Neurosurg 114:1544–1568, 2011. DOI: 10.3171/2010.10.JNS09406

The development of endoscopic endonasal approaches, albeit in the early stages, represents part of the continuous evolution of skull base surgery. During this early period, it is important to determine the safety of these approaches by analyzing surgical complications to identify and eliminate their causes.

Methods. The authors reviewed all perioperative complications associated with endoscopic endonasal skull base surgeries performed between July 1998 and June 2007 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Results. This study includes the data for the authors’ first 800 patients, comprising 399 male (49.9%) and 401 female (50.1%) patients with a mean age of 49.21 years (range 3–96 years). Pituitary adenomas (39.1%) and meningiomas (11.8%) were the 2 most common pathologies. A postoperative CSF leak represented the most common complication, occurring in 15.9% of the patients. All patients with a postoperative CSF leak were successfully treated with a lumbar drain and/or another endoscopic approach, except for 1 patient who required a transcranial repair. The incidence of postoperative CSF leaks decreased significantly with the adoption of vascularized tissue for reconstruction of the skull base (< 6%). Transient neurological deficits occurred in 20 patients (2.5%) and permanent neurological deficits in 14 patients (1.8%). Intracranial infection and systemic complications were encountered and successfully treated in 13 (1.6%) and 17 (2.1%) patients, respectively. Seven patients died during the 30-day perioperative period, 6 of systemic illness and 1 of infection (overall mortality 0.9%).

Conclusions. Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery provides a viable median corridor based on anatomical landmarks and is customized according to the specific pathological process. This corridor should be considered as the sole access or may be combined with traditional approaches. With the incremental acquisition of skills and experience, endoscopic endonasal approaches have an acceptable safety profile in select patients presenting with various skull base pathologies.

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How I do it: epidural anterior petrosectomy

Acta Neurochir (2011) 153:1161–1167. DOI 10.1007/s00701-011-1010-9

Among the potential approaches to access the petroclival area, epidural anterior petrosectomy (EAP) appears to be the most direct and conservative transpetrous route.

In this article, we aim to detail the relevant surgical steps necessary to perform EAP in a reproducible and safe manner.

Method The temporo-pterional bone flap is tailored to access the floor of the middle fossa and expose the foramen ovale and foramen spinosum. Elevation of the dura covering the upper surface of the petrous apex is conducted medially toward the level of the petrous ridge. Identification of the landmarks of the rhomboid fossa delineates the limits of the drilling zone (necessary for removal of the petrous apex)—beneath Meckel’s cave and just anterior to the anterior margin of the internal auditory meatus. The tentorium is divided at its free edge and is followed by opening of the posterior fossa dura.

Conclusion Epidural anterior petrosectomy is a conservative trans-petrous approach that offers an excellent direct surgical corridor for exposure of disease processes involving Meckel’s cave, the petroclival area and the ventrolateral pons

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Trigeminal schwannomas: experience with 57 cases and a review of the literature

Neurosurg Rev (2011) 34:159–171. DOI 10.1007/s10143-010-0289-y

Trigeminal schwannoma is a mostly benign tumor that can be cured by complete resection. Over the last few decades, several pioneers have developed surgical approaches enabling the total removal of such tumors.

We analyzed 57 patients who underwent radical surgery, including 45 patients who underwent skull base surgery as their initial treatment, for removal of trigeminal schwannomas. Here, we report the surgical management of these cases. Since 1990, all such patients have been treated using three main types of middle fossa skull base approaches, which minimize the exposure of the brain: the anterior transpetrosal approach, subtemporal interdural approach (Dolenc), or a combination of these approaches.

Before 1990, total tumor removal was achieved in only three of eight patients (38%). After 1990, the tumors were totally removed in 43 patients (90%) and were nearly completely removed in an additional three patients (6%). Among the patients who underwent skull base surgery as their initial treatment, a complete resection was achieved in 93% (42/45 patients) of the cases. However, total surgical removal after surgery and Gamma knife surgery was very difficult because of dense adhesions to the brain stem and cranial nerves. No surgery-related mortalities occurred in this series, and the individual KPS scores were more than 90% among the patients who underwent skull base surgery. No recurrences requiring additional surgery have occurred after an average follow-up period of 4.9 years.

Most of the trigeminal schwannomas could be removed totally and safely during a single operation after the introduction of skull base surgery. Therefore, radiosurgery should not be applied as the treatment of first choice for younger patients. A correct anatomical knowledge is critical for minimizing brain exposure and avoiding surgical complications.

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A Critical Evaluation of Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery for Patients Younger Than 40 Years of Age

Neurosurgery 67:1646–1654, 2010 DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181f8d3d3

There are few published prospective data sets specifically focusing on patients younger than 40 years old undergoing microsurgery for vestibular schwannoma.

OBJECTIVE: We describe functional outcomes and long-term tumor control after surgery in patients younger than 40 years old enrolled in a prospectively collected database over a 25-year period.

METHODS: We selected all vestibular schwannoma patients from a prospectively collected database who were younger than 40 years old at the time of surgical resection for a vestibular schwannoma. Rates of tumor control and hearing preservation were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and risk factors for facial nerve palsy, hearing loss, and trigeminal neuropathy were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS: A total of 204 patients younger than 40 years of age met our inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Our data indicate that surgical resection leads to durable long-term freedom from tumor recurrence or progression in 89% of young patients at 15 years of follow-up. Consistent with other published series, hearing was preserved in 68% of patients with smaller tumors (,3 cm). Facial nerve function was preserved in 76% of patients with smaller tumors and 52% of patients with larger tumors (P , .001). On multivariate logistic regression, tumor size was a significant predictor of hearing loss, whereas gross total resection was nearly a significant predictor of hearing loss controlling for other variables (P = .06).

CONCLUSION: We present the largest prospectively studied cohort of young patients undergoing microsurgical resection of vestibular schwannoma. These data suggest that surgical resection provides excellent long-term tumor control in these patients

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Factors affecting outcome following treatment of patients with cavernous sinus meningiomas

J Neurosurg 113:1087–1092, 2010. (DOI: 10.3171/2010.3.JNS091807)

Although there is a considerable volume of literature available on the treatment of patients with cavernous sinus meningiomas (CSMs), most of the data regarding tumor control and survival come from case studies or single-institution series. The authors performed a meta-analysis of reported tumor control and survival rates of patients described in the published literature, with an emphasis on specific prognostic factors.

Methods. The authors systematically analyzed the published literature and found more than 3000 patients treated for CSMs. Separate meta-analyses were performed to calculate pooled rates of recurrence and cranial neuropathy after 1) gross-total resection, 2) subtotal resection without adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy or radiosurgery, and 3) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone. Results were expressed as pooled proportions, and random-effects models were used to incorporate any heterogeneity present to generate a pooled proportion. Individual studies were weighted using the inverse variance method, and 95% CIs for each group were calculated from the pooled proportions.

Results. A total of 2065 nonduplicated patients treated for CSM met inclusion criteria for the analysis. Comparisons of the 95% CIs for recurrence of these 3 cohorts revealed that SRS-treated patients experienced improved rates of recurrence (3.2% [95% CI 1.9–4.5%]) compared with either gross-total resection (11.8% [95% CI 7.4–16.1%]) or subtotal resection alone (11.1% [95% CI 6.6–15.7%]) (p < 0.01). The authors found that the pooled mixed-effects rate of cranial neuropathy was markedly higher in patients undergoing resection (59.6% [95% CI 50.3–67.5%]) than for those undergoing SRS alone (25.7% [95% CI 11.5–38.9%]) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions. Radiosurgery provided improved rates of tumor control compared with surgery alone, regardless of the subjective extent of resection.

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