Vision Outcomes in Early versus Late Surgical Intervention of Pituitary Apoplexy: Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is defined by hemorrhage and necrosis of the pituitary gland, often acute in onset, and frequently in the setting of an existing pituitary adenoma. Our objective was to conduct a meta-analysis of the available literature on vision outcomes following surgical intervention for PA on the basis of the timing from apoplexy to surgery (ATS). METHODS: A thorough literature search of the published English-language literature was performed in PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases using the key words ("pituitary apoplexy") and ("surgery" or "vision") from database inception to August 2018 was conducted. The primary outcome variable evaluated using a binary random-effects model was vision recovery outcomes (metric: odds ratio). RESULTS: Of 234 articles found, 12 articles containing 200 patients met our eligibility criteria. The mean age was 46.1, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.9:1. A total of 86% of PA patients presented with visual deficits (ATS <7 days in 93 and >7 days in 79 patients). In patients with an ATS <7 days, 97.8% experienced visual recovery, compared with 84.8% with an ATS >7 days (odds ratio 2.6 [95% CI 0.94-7.31]; P value = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Despite readily accepted guidelines provided by the United Kingdom advocating for early surgical intervention in PA, the rates of vision outcomes we report demonstrate >80% recovery for patients in both the early and late surgical intervention group. As such, conservative management may be warranted for early stabilization before surgical intervention in PA patients with respect to vision outcomes.

First-in-Man Clinical Experience Using a High-Definition 3-Dimensional Exoscope System for Microneurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: During its development and preclinical assessment, a novel, 3-dimensional (3D), high-definition (4K-HD) exoscope system was formerly shown to provide an immersive surgical experience, while maintaining a portable, low-profile design. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical applicability of this 3D 4K-HD exoscope via first-in-man surgical use. METHODS: The operative workflow, functionality, and visual haptics of the 3D 4K-HD exoscope were assessed in a variety of microneurosurgical cases at 2 US centers. RESULTS: Nineteen microneurosurgical procedures in 18 patients were performed exclusively using the 3D 4K-HD exoscope. Pathologies treated included 4 aneurysms, 3 cavernous malformations (1 with intraoperative electrocorticography), 2 arteriovenous malformations, 1 foramen magnum meningioma, 1 convexity meningioma, 1 glioma, 1 occipital cyst, 1 chiari malformation, 1 carotid endarterectomy, 1 subdural hematoma, 1 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, and 2 lumbar laminectomies. All patients experienced good surgical and clinical outcomes. Similar to preclinical assessments, the 3D 4K-HD exoscope provided an immersive 3D surgical experience for the primary surgeon, assistants, and trainees. The small exoscope frame, large depth of field, and hand/foot pedal controls improved exoscope mobility, decreased need to re-focus, and provided unobstructed operative corridors. Flexible positioning of the camera allows the surgeon's posture to be kept in a neutral position with uncompromised viewing angles. CONCLUSION: The first-in-man clinical experience with the 3D 4K-HD exoscope confirms its excellent optics and ergonomics for the entire operative team, with high workflow adaptability for a variety of microneurosurgical cases. Expanded clinical use of the 3D 4K-HD exoscope is justified.

Initial Experience Using a High-Definition 3-Dimensional Exoscope System for Microneurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: The operative microscope and endoscope have significantly advanced modern neurosurgery. These devices are nonetheless limited by high costs and suboptimal optics, ergonomics, and maneuverability. A recently developed extracorporeal telescope ("exoscope") operative system combines characteristics from both the operative microscope and endoscope and provides an affordable, portable, high-definition operative experience. Widespread use of exoscopes in neurosurgery has previously been limited by a lack of stereopsis with 2-dimensional(2-D) monitors. OBJECTIVE: To assess the surgical potential of a novel, 3-D, high-definition (4K-HD) exoscope system. METHODS: Assess dissection time and visualization of critical structures in a series of human cadaveric cranial neurosurgical approaches with the 3-D 4K-HD exoscope as compared to a standard operating microscope. RESULTS: Dissection times and visualization of critical structures was comparable with the 3-D 4K-HD exoscope and a standard operating microscope. The low-profile exoscope nonetheless allowed for larger operative corridors, enhanced instrument maneuverability, and less obstruction in passing instrumentation. The large monitor also resulted in an immersive surgical experience, and gave multiple team members the same high-quality view as the primary operator. Finally, the exoscope possessed a more ergonomically favorable setup as compared to the traditional microscope, allowing the surgeon to be in a neutral position despite the operative angle. CONCLUSION: The novel 3-D 4K-HD exoscope system possesses favorable optics, ergonomics, and maneuverability as compared to the traditional operating microscope, with the exoscope's shared surgical view possessing obvious educational and workflow advantages. Further clinical trials are justified to validate this initial cadaveric experience.

What happens after discharge? An analysis of long-term survival in cardiac surgical patients requiring prolonged intensive care.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgical patients with postoperative complications frequently require prolonged intensive care yet survive to hospital discharge. METHODS: From January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2007, 11,541 consecutive patients underwent cardiac operations at a single academic institution. Of these, 11,084 (95.9%) survived to hospital discharge and comprised the study sample. Patients were retrospectively categorized into four groups according to intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS): <3 days, three to seven days, 7 to 14 days, and >14 days. Survival at 12 months was determined using the Social Security Death Index. Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling (hazard ratio, HR) were used to analyze group differences in survival. RESULTS: One-year survival among the four groups according to ICU LOS was: <3 days, 97.0% (8407/8666); three to seven days, 91.2% (1481/1625); 7 to 14 days, 87.9% (356/405); and >14 days, 68.3% (265/388) (p < 0.001). Using multivariable regression analysis, adjusted overall mortality was significantly greater in patients with ICU LOS of three to seven days (HR = 1.51), 7 to 14 days (HR = 1.40), and >14 days (HR = 1.90) compared to patients with ICU LOS <3 days. Mortality among patients who survived more than six months postsurgery was significantly greater in patients with ICU LOS of three to seven days (HR = 1.37), 7 to 14 days (HR = 1.34), and >14 days (HR = 1.63). CONCLUSIONS: Although cardiac surgery patients with major postoperative complications frequently survive to hospital discharge, survival after discharge is significantly reduced in patients requiring prolonged ICU care. Reduced survival in patients with a high risk of complications and anticipated long ICU stays should be considered when discussing surgical versus nonsurgical options.