Stereotactic radio-neurosurgery for jugular foramen schwannomas.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) represents a minimally invasive and valuable alternative for jugular foramen schwannomas (JFS), both as upfront and/or adjuvant treatment (in hybrid approaches). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of our cases treated at the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) from June 2010 to October 2023. Eleven patients underwent SRS, among whom three had prior surgery, two in our center in the frame of a planned combined approach and one in another center. Two patients received "volume-staged" SRS. The mean age at SRS was 60 years (median 68; range 29-83). Cranial nerve (CN) symptoms were present in six patients, while five were asymptomatic. The mean tumor volume at SRS was 2.1 cc (median 1.2; range 0.068-7.3 cc), with a 12 Gy marginal dose prescribed in all cases. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 3.9 years (median 2, range 1-7). Cranial nerve function improved after SRS in six patients, while five remained stable. At the last follow-up, all tumors showed a decrease in volume, except for one patient, who underwent surgery at 18 months after SRS, for volumetric increase at 6 and 12 months, with further XII-th CN palsy and medulla oblongata compression. Although tumor decreased at 18 months, such patient needed microsurgical resection for symptom persistence and was further controlled. The mean tumor volume at 1 year post-SRS was 1.6 cc (median 0.55; range 0.028-7.77 cc), at 2 years was 1.31 cc (median 0.76; range 0.19-5), and at 3 years was 1.32 cc (median 0.59; range 0.23-4.8). No adverse radiation events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic radiosurgery is considered a safe and effective treatment for jugular foramen schwannomas, ensuring high rates of tumor control in all patients over the long term. The cranial nerve function improved after SRS in the 6 patients who had deficits and the other 5 patients who had no deficits remained asymptomatic. For larger tumors, combined/hybrid approaches can be a valuable alternative, to obtain tumor control and to preserve neurological function.

Proton beam radiation therapy for vestibular schwannomas-tumor control and hearing preservation rates: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Proton beam therapy is considered, by some authors, as having the advantage of delivering dose distributions more conformal to target compared with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of proton beam for VSs, evaluating tumor control and cranial nerve preservation rates, particularly with regard to facial and hearing preservation. METHODS: We reviewed, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) articles published between 1968 and September 30, 2022. We retained 8 studies reporting 587 patients. RESULTS: Overall rate of tumor control (both stability and decrease in volume) was 95.4% (range 93.5-97.2%, p heterogeneity= 0.77, p<0.001). Overall rate of tumor progression was 4.6% (range 2.8-6.5%, p heterogeneity < 0.77, p<0.001). Overall rate of trigeminal nerve preservation (absence of numbness) was 95.6% (range 93.5-97.7%, I2 = 11.44%, p heterogeneity= 0.34, p<0.001). Overall rate of facial nerve preservation was 93.7% (range 89.6-97.7%, I2 = 76.27%, p heterogeneity<0.001, p<0.001). Overall rate of hearing preservation was 40.6% (range 29.4-51.8%, I2 = 43.36%, p heterogeneity= 0.1, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Proton beam therapy for VSs achieves high tumor control rates, as high as 95.4%. Facial rate preservation overall rates are 93%, which is lower compared to the most SRS series. Compared with most currently reported SRS techniques, proton beam radiation therapy for VSs does not offer an advantage for facial and hearing preservation compared to most of the currently reported SRS series.

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol for the perioperative management of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors/pituitary adenomas.

OBJECTIVE: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal perioperative care pathway that has radically modified the management of patients in multiple surgical specialties. Until now, no ERAS Society guidelines have been formulated for the management of cranial pathologies. During the process of ERAS certification for their neurosurgical department, the authors formulated an ERAS protocol for the perioperative care of patients with pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET), along with a compliance checklist to monitor the adherence to it and its feasibility. The authors describe the protocol and checklist and report the results, including a cost-minimization analysis, with the application of the ERAS philosophy. METHODS: The steps that led to the development of this ERAS protocol, including items concerning the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative period, are detailed. The authors report their preliminary results through the comparison of the care practice of a historical cohort with a consecutive surgical cohort of patients with PitNET who underwent operation after the implementation of this ERAS protocol. A compliance checklist with key performance indicators was useful to monitor the adherence to the protocol and the changes in the perioperative management. RESULTS: Following the introduction of this ERAS protocol, the authors significantly shortened the duration of the antibiotic therapy (p < 0.00001) and increased the use of mechanical (p < 0.00001) and pharmacological measures to prevent deep venous thrombosis (p = 0.002). The median length of hospital stay was significantly shorter for the ERAS group (p = 0.00014), and there was no increase in readmission rate or postoperative complications. The documentation and data tracking strongly improved in the ERAS cohort and the authors were more attentive in pain evaluation (p = 0.001), postoperative hormonal supplementation (p = 0.001) and early feeding and mobilization (p = 0.0008 and p < 0.00001, respectively). More patients were discharged on day 3 after surgery in the ERAS group (p < 0.00001). The compliance to the whole process increased from 64.2% to 89.5% (p = 0.016), and the compliance per patient was also found to have significantly increased (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of a standardized ERAS protocol for the perioperative management of patients with PitNET allowed the authors to improve the multidisciplinary management of these patients. With the application of simple cost-effective interventions and with the avoidance of unnecessary measures, gains were made in terms of early mobilization and feeding, thereby resulting in a shorter in-hospital stay.

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol for the surgical management of craniosynostosis: Lausanne experience.

OBJECTIVE: Over the past decade, the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program has demonstrated its effectiveness and efficiency in improving postoperative care and enhancing recovery across various surgical fields. Preliminary results of ERAS protocol implementation in craniosynostosis surgery are presented. METHODS: An ERAS protocol was developed and implemented for cranial pediatric neurosurgery, focusing on craniosynostosis repair. The study incorporated a pre-ERAS group consisting of a consecutive series of patients who underwent craniosynostosis repair surgery prior to the implementation of the ERAS protocol; the results were compared with a consecutive group of patients who had been prospectively collected since the introduction of the ERAS for craniosynostosis protocol. The safety, feasibility, and efficiency of the ERAS protocol in pediatric neurosurgery was evaluated, through the collection of clinical data from the pre-, intra-, and postoperative phase. Surgery-related complications were evaluated according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Costs of the stays were obtained using a microcosting approach. RESULTS: A total of 35 pre-ERAS patients and 10 ERAS patients were included. Scaphocephaly was the most common pathology in both groups. The overall compliance with the pre-, intra-, and postoperative criteria significantly increased-from 35.5%, 64.4%, and 54.7%, respectively, in each phase to 94%, 90%, and 84% (p < 0.001). The authors noticed a reduction in the average opioid dose used per patient in the ERAS group (p = 0.004), and they observed a trend toward a decreased mean length of stay from 5.2 days in the pre-ERAS group to 4.6 days in the ERAS group, without an increase of the rate of readmission within 30 days of surgery. The rate of complications decreased but this difference was not statistically significant. The hospital costs lowered significantly: from 21,958 Confederatio Helvetica Francs (CHF) in the pre-ERAS group to 18,936 CHF in the ERAS group (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The ERAS protocol represents a safe and cost-effective tool for the perioperative management of craniosynostosis. It showed its positive impact on the analgesia provided and on the reduction of in-hospital costs for these patients. ERAS protocols may thus be interesting options in the pediatric neurosurgical field.

Implementation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) program in neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) guidelines have been proven to simplify postoperative care and improve recovery in several surgical disciplines. The authors set out to create and launch an ERAS® program for cranial neurosurgery that meets official ERAS® Society standards. The authors summarize the successive steps taken to achieve this goal in two specific neurosurgical conditions and describe the challenges they faced. METHODS: Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (Pit-NET) resected by a transsphenoidal approach and craniosynostosis (Cs) repair were selected as appropriate targets for the implementation of ERAS® program in the Department of Neurosurgery. A multidisciplinary team with experience in managing these pathologies was created. A specialized ERAS® nurse coordinator was hired. An ERAS® certification process was performed involving 4 seminars separated by 3 active phases under the supervision of an ERAS® coach. RESULTS: The ERAS® Pit-NET team included 8 active members. The ERAS® Cs team included 12 active members. Through the ERAS® certification process, areas for improvement were identified, local protocols were written, and the ERAS® program was implemented. Patient-centered strategies were developed to increase compliance with the ERAS® protocols. A prospective database was designed for ongoing program evaluation. Certification was achieved in 18 months. Direct costs and time requirements are reported. CONCLUSION: Successful ERAS® certification requires a committed multidisciplinary team, an ERAS® coach, and a dedicated nurse coordinator.

Herniation World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Scale Improves Prediction of Outcome in Patients With Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Favorable outcomes are seen in up to 50% of patients with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade V aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Therefore, the usefulness of the current WFNS grading system for identifying the worst scenarios for clinical studies and for making treatment decisions is limited. We previously modified the WFNS scale by requiring positive signs of brain stem dysfunction to assign grade V. This study aimed to validate the new herniation WFNS grading system in an independent prospective cohort. METHODS: We conducted an international prospective multicentre study in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients comparing the WFNS classification with a modified version-the herniation WFNS scale (hWFNS). Here, only patients who showed positive signs of brain stem dysfunction (posturing, anisocoric, or bilateral dilated pupils) were assigned hWFNS grade V. Outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale score 6 months after hemorrhage. The primary end point was the difference in specificity of the WFNS and hWFNS grading with respect to poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 4-6). RESULTS: Of the 250 patients included, 237 reached the primary end point. Comparing the WFNS and hWFNS scale after neurological resuscitation, the specificity to predict poor outcome increased from 0.19 (WFNS) to 0.93 (hWFNS) (McNemar, P<0.001) whereas the sensitivity decreased from 0.88 to 0.37 (P<0.001), and the positive predictive value from 61.9 to 88.3 (weighted generalized score statistic, P<0.001). For mortality, the specificity increased from 0.19 to 0.93 (McNemar, P<0.001), and the positive predictive value from 52.5 to 86.7 (weighted generalized score statistic, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The identification of objective positive signs of brain stem dysfunction significantly improves the specificity and positive predictive value with respect to poor outcome in grade V patients. Therefore, a simple modification-presence of brain stem signs is required for grade V-should be added to the WFNS classification. REGISTRATION: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02304328.

Radiological evolution of autograft fat used for skull base reconstruction after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

PURPOSE: Cerebro-spinal fluid leak after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas may be prevented by skull base reconstruction with fat autograft. However, graft changes may interfere with the interpretation of postoperative images. Our aim is to describe the radiological evolution of the fat autograft. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed, including patients undergoing a transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas with a fat autograft for skull base reconstruction. Clinical and radiological data were collected, with assessment of fat autograft and extent of resection. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank test while Spearman's Rho was used to analyze the relationship between variables. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were included. Macroadenomas were diagnosed in 62 cases (86.1%) and in 21 cases an invasion of the cavernous sinus was described (29%). Gross total resection was achieved in 84.7% of cases. The volume of the fat graft significantly decreased between 3 months and 1 year after surgery (p = 0.01) and between 1 year and the last follow-up (mean 4.63 years, p < 0.01). Fat signal ratio significantly diminished between 3 months and 1 year in unenhanced and enhanced T1-weighted sequences (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02 respectively). Volume reduction was related to the decrease in signal ratio in unenhanced T1 sequences (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Fat resorbs with time: almost 50% of the fat volume is lost during the first year after surgery and 60% is resorbed at 4.6 years. T1-signal, before and after gadolinium injection, also decreases during the first year, probably because of the progressive fibrosis of the graft. This information will contribute to the interpretation of postoperative images.

Occipito-transtentorial approach for falcotentorial meningiomas: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Falcotentorial meningiomas are rare tumors that arise at the junction of the dural folds of the tentorium and falx cerebri, at the junction of the vein of Galen with the straight sinus with possible extensions along the course of the straight sinus. Surgery of falcotentorial meningiomas remains challenging due to the intimate neurovascular relationships in the posterior incisural space. METHODS: We describe the key steps of the occipito-transtentorial approach for falcotentorial meningiomas with a video illustration. The surgical anatomy is described along with the advantages and limitations of this approach. CONCLUSION: The occipito-transtentorial approach offers good surgical exposure and outcomes in carefully selected patients harboring falcotentorial meningiomas. Precise understanding of the relationship between the tumor and the internal cerebral veins, basal veins, and vein of Galen should be thoroughly analyzed as these structures may be infiltrated or displaced.

Extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach for tentorial arteriovenous fistula associated with a giant venous ectasia: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Surgery of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) associated with large ectatic vein remains challenging due to the intimate neurovascular relationships in the incisural space. Interruption of the arterialized vein requires a good knowledge of the regional anatomy and a precise preoperative evaluation. METHODS: We describe the key steps extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial (ELSI) approach for tentorial DAVF with a video illustration. The surgical anatomy is described along with the advantages and limitations of this approach. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of tentorial DAVF where the foot of the arterialized vein is located in the infratentorial compartment, ELSI offers good surgical exposure and outcomes.

Incidence and Outcome of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The Swiss Study on Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (Swiss SOS).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess nationwide incidence and outcomes of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The Swiss SOS (Swiss Study on Subarachnoid Hemorrhage) was established in 2008 and offers the unique opportunity to provide this data from the point of care on a nationwide level. METHODS: All patients with confirmed aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage admitted between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2014, within Switzerland were recorded in a prospective registry. Incidence rates were calculated based on time-matched population data. Admission parameters and outcomes at discharge and at 1 year were recorded. RESULTS: We recorded data of 1787 consecutive patients. The incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in Switzerland was 3.7 per 100 000 persons/y. The number of female patients was 1170 (65.5%). With a follow-up rate of 91.3% at 1 year, 1042 patients (58.8%) led an independent life according to the modified Rankin Scale (0-2). About 1 in 10 patients survived in a dependent state (modified Rankin Scale, 3-5; n=185; 10.4%). Case fatality was 20.1% (n=356) at discharge and 22.1% (n=391) after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The current incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in Switzerland is lower than expected and an indication of a global trend toward decreasing admissions for ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03245866.

Repeat stereotactic radiosurgery for progressive vestibular schwannomas after previous radiosurgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are slow-growing intracranial extraaxial benign tumors, developing from the vestibular part of the eight cranial nerves. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has now a long-term scientific track record as first intention treatment for small- to medium-sized VS. Though its success rate is very high, SRS for VS might fail to control tumor growth in some cases. However, the literature on repeat SRS after previously failed SRS remains scarce and reported in a low number of series with a limited number of cases. Here, we aimed at performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on repeat SRS for VS. Using PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed manuscripts published between January 1990 and October 2020 and referenced in PubMed. Tumor control and cranial nerve outcomes were evaluated with separate meta-analyses. Eight studies comprising 194 patients were included. The overall rate of patients treated in repeat SRS series as per overall series with first SRS was 2.2% (range 1.2-3.2%, p < 0.001). The mean time between first and second SRS was 50.7 months (median 51, range 44-64). The median marginal dose prescribed at first SRS was 12 Gy (range 8-24) and at second SRS was 12 Gy (range 9.8-19). After repeat SRS, tumor stability was reported in 61/194 patients, i.e., a rate of 29.6% (range 20.2-39%, I2 = 49.1%, p < 0.001). Tumor decrease was reported in 83/194 patients, i.e., a rate of 54.4% (range 33.7-75.1%, I2 = 89.1%, p < 0.001). Tumor progression was reported in 50/188 patients, i.e., a rate of 16.1% (range 2.5-29.7%, I2 = 87.1%, p = 0.02), rarely managed surgically. New trigeminal numbness was reported in 27/170 patients, i.e., a rate of 9.9% (range 1.4-18.3%, p < 0.02). New facial nerve palsy of worsened of previous was reported in 8/183 patients, i.e., a rate of 4.3% (range 1.4-7.2%, p = 0.004). Hearing loss was reported in 12/22 patients, i.e., a rate of 54.3% (range 24.8-83.8%, I2 = 70.7%, p < 0.001). Repeat SRS after previously failed SRS for VS is associated with high tumor control rates. Cranial nerve outcomes remain favorable, particularly for facial nerve. The rate of hearing loss appears similar to the one related to first SRS.

Surgery for diaphragma sellae meningioma: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for diaphragma sellae meningiomas (DSM) remains challenging due to the intimate neurovascular relationships of the tumor. Excision of DSM along with a decompression of the optic apparatus requires a good knowledge of the skull base anatomy and a precise preoperative evaluation of the tumor extensions. METHOD: We describe the key steps of transcranial approach for DSM with a video illustration. The surgical anatomy is described along with the advantages and limitations of this approach. CONCLUSIONS: The transcranial approach allows a safe tumor excision with an early and adequate control of the neurovascular structures, while minimizing postoperative CSF rhinorrhea.

Unilateral prefrontal lobotomy for epilepsy: technique and surgical anatomy.

OBJECTIVE: Surgery for frontal lobe epilepsy remains a challenge because of the variable seizure outcomes after surgery. Disconnective procedures are increasingly applied to isolate the epileptogenic focus and avoid complications related to extensive brain resection. Previously, the authors described the anterior quadrant disconnection procedure to treat large frontal lobe lesions extending up to but not involving the primary motor cortex. In this article, they describe a surgical technique for unilateral disconnection of the prefrontal cortex, while providing an accurate description of the surgical and functional anatomy of this disconnective procedure. METHODS: The authors report the surgical treatment of a 5-month-old boy who presented with refractory epilepsy due to extensive cortical dysplasia of the left prefrontal lobe. In addition, with the aim of both describing the subcortical intrinsic anatomy and illustrating the different connections between the prefrontal lobe and the rest of the brain, the authors dissected six human cadaveric brain hemispheres. These dissections were performed from lateral to medial and from medial to lateral to reveal the various tracts sectioned during the three different steps in the surgery, namely the intrafrontal disconnection, anterior callosotomy, and frontobasal disconnection. RESULTS: The first step of the dissection involves cutting the U-fibers. During the anterior intrafrontal disconnection, the superior longitudinal fasciculus in the depth of the middle frontal gyrus, the uncinate fasciculus, and the inferior frontooccipital fasciculus in the depth of the inferior frontal gyrus at the level of the anterior insular point are visualized and sectioned, followed by sectioning of the anterior limb of the internal capsule. Once the frontal horn is reached, the anterior callosotomy can be performed to disconnect the genu and the rostrum of the corpus callosum. The intrafrontal disconnection is deepened toward the falx, and at the medial surface, the cingulum is sectioned. The frontobasal disconnection involves cutting the anterior limb of the anterior commissure. CONCLUSIONS: This technique allows selective isolation of the epileptogenic focus located in the prefrontal lobe to avoid secondary propagation. Understanding the surface and white matter fiber anatomy is essential to safely perform the procedure and obtain a favorable seizure outcome.

Implementation of cisternostomy as adjuvant to decompressive craniectomy for the management of severe brain trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of an adjuvant cisternostomy (AC) to decompressive craniectomy (DC) for the management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). METHODS: A single-center retrospective quality control analysis of a consecutive series of sTBI patients surgically treated with AC or DC alone between 2013 and 2018. A subgroup analysis, "primary procedure" and "secondary procedure", was also performed. We examined the impact of AC vs. DC on clinical outcome, including long-term (6 months) extended Glasgow outcome scale (GOS-E), the duration of postoperative ventilation, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, mortality, Glasgow coma scale at discharge, and time to cranioplasty. We also evaluated and analyzed the impact of AC vs. DC on post-procedural intracranial pressure (ICP) and brain tissue oxygen (PbO2) values as well as the need for additional osmotherapy and CSF drainage. RESULTS: Forty patients were examined, 22 patients in the DC group, and 18 in the AC group. Compared with DC alone, AC was associated with significant shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, as well as better Glasgow coma scale at discharge. Mortality rate was similar. At 6-month, the proportion of patients with favorable outcome (GOS-E ≥ 5) was higher in patients with AC vs. DC [10/18 patients (61%) vs. 7/20 (35%)]. The outcome difference was particularly relevant when AC was performed as primary procedure (61.5% vs. 18.2%; p = 0.04). Patients in the AC group also had significant lower average post-surgical ICP values, higher PbO2 values and required less osmotic treatments as compared with those treated with DC alone. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary single-center retrospective data indicate that AC may be beneficial for the management of severe TBI and is associated with better clinical outcome. These promising results need further confirmation by larger multicenter clinical studies. The potential benefits of cisternostomy should not encourage its universal implementation across trauma care centers by surgeons that do not have the expertise and instrumentation necessary for cisternal microsurgery. Training in skull base and vascular surgery techniques for trauma care surgeons would avoid the potential complications associated with this delicate procedure.

Surgical management for large vestibular schwannomas: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and consensus statement on behalf of the EANS skull base section.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The optimal management of large vestibular schwannomas continues to be debated. We constituted a task force comprising the members of the EANS skull base committee along with international experts to derive recommendations for the management of this problem from a European perspective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of MEDLINE database, in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines, was performed. A subgroup analysis screening all surgical series published within the last 20 years (January 2000 to March 2020) was performed. Weighted summary rates for tumor resection, oncological control, and facial nerve preservation were determined using meta-analysis models. This data along with contemporary practice patterns were discussed within the task force to generate consensual recommendations regarding preoperative evaluations, optimal surgical strategy, and follow-up management. RESULTS: Tumor classification grades should be systematically used in the perioperative management of patients, with large vestibular schwannomas (VS) defined as > 30 mm in the largest extrameatal diameter. Grading scales for pre- and postoperative hearing (AAO-HNS or GR) and facial nerve function (HB) are to be used for reporting functional outcome. There is a lack of consensus to support the superiority of any surgical strategy with respect to extent of resection and use of adjuvant radiosurgery. Intraoperative neuromonitoring needs to be routinely used to preserve neural function. Recommendations for postoperative clinico-radiological evaluations have been elucidated based on the surgical strategy employed. CONCLUSION: The main goal of management of large vestibular schwannomas should focus on maintaining/improving quality of life (QoL), making every attempt at facial/cochlear nerve functional preservation while ensuring optimal oncological control, thereby allowing to meet patient expectations. Despite the fact that this analysis yielded only a few Class B evidences and mostly expert opinions, it will guide practitioners to manage these patients and form the basis for future clinical trials.

Surgical management of craniopharyngiomas in adult patients: a systematic review and consensus statement on behalf of the EANS skull base section.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Craniopharyngiomas are locally aggressive neuroepithelial tumors infiltrating nearby critical neurovascular structures. The majority of published surgical series deal with childhood-onset craniopharyngiomas, while the optimal surgical management for adult-onset tumors remains unclear. The aim of this paper is to summarize the main principles defining the surgical strategy for the management of craniopharyngiomas in adult patients through an extensive systematic literature review in order to formulate a series of recommendations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The MEDLINE database was systematically reviewed (January 1970-February 2019) to identify pertinent articles dealing with the surgical management of adult-onset craniopharyngiomas. A summary of literature evidence was proposed after discussion within the EANS skull base section. RESULTS: The EANS task force formulated 13 recommendations and 4 suggestions. Treatment of these patients should be performed in tertiary referral centers. The endonasal approach is presently recommended for midline craniopharyngiomas because of the improved GTR and superior endocrinological and visual outcomes. The rate of CSF leak has strongly diminished with the use of the multilayer reconstruction technique. Transcranial approaches are recommended for tumors presenting lateral extensions or purely intraventricular. Independent of the technique, a maximal but hypothalamic-sparing resection should be performed to limit the occurrence of postoperative hypothalamic syndromes and metabolic complications. Similar principles should also be applied for tumor recurrences. Radiotherapy or intracystic agents are alternative treatments when no further surgery is possible. A multidisciplinary long-term follow-up is necessary.

Thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis of postoperative outcomes and management.

PURPOSE: TSH-secreting pituitary adenomas are rare pituitary tumors. An efficient treatment is essential to limit the mortality and morbidity in untreated patients. The aim of this study is to summarize the evidence about the postoperative outcomes and management of this rare pathology. METHODS: A systematic search and meta-analysis of surgical series was performed. RESULTS: Our analysis included 23 articles (536 patients). No sex difference was observed and mean age at diagnosis was 45 years. Hyperthyroidism was reportedly clinical in 67% and biochemical in 90% of patients. Co-secretion of other pituitary hormones was present in 42% of cases. Macroadenomas were found in 79% of patients, showing in 44% and 30% of cases respectively extrasellar extension and cavernous sinus invasion. The pooled rate of postoperative biochemical remission was 69.7% and a gross total resection (GTR) was observed in 54% of patients. The extent of resection was significantly increased in microadenomas (p < 0.001) and cavernous sinus invasion was predictive of lower GTR rate (p < 0.001). A biochemical remission was achieved in 66% of patients after adjuvant radiation therapy and in 76% after adjuvant medical treatment. The combination of both allowed remission in 67% of cases. At final follow-up the overall biochemical remission rate was significantly improved (85.8%) when compared to the postoperative biochemical remission (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: When compared to the early postoperative period, at last follow-up biochemical remission was significantly greater (p < 0.001). GTR was achieved in half of patients; the size of tumor and cavernous sinus invasion determined the extent of resection.

EEG lateralization and seizure outcome following peri-insular hemispherotomy for pediatric hemispheric epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether preoperative non-lateralizing scalp electroencephalography (EEG) influences seizure outcome following peri-insular hemispherotomy (PIH) in pediatric hemispheric epilepsy. METHODS: Retrospective data was collected on all 45 pediatric patients who underwent PIH between 2005 and 2016. All underwent a basic pre-surgical evaluation consisting of detailed history and examination, neuropsychological assessment, MRI, and EEG. SPECT/PET, fRMI, or Wada testing were done in only eight patients. Seizure outcome was assessed using the Engel classification. RESULTS: Among those who underwent hemispherotomy, 20 (44%) were females. Mean age at surgery was 8 ± 4.3 years and mean duration of symptoms was 5.2 ± 3.7 years. The most common etiologies of hemispheric epilepsy were hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia epilepsy syndrome, Rasmussen encephalitis, and post-encephalitic sequelae, together comprising 27 (60%) patients. Among the 44 patients with follow-up data (mean duration 48 ± 33 months), seizure freedom (Engel class I) was attained by 41 (93.2%). Anti-epileptic medications were stopped or decreased in 36 (82%). Seventeen (38.6%) patients had non-lateralizing EEG. Seizure outcome was not related to lateralization of EEG activity. CONCLUSIONS: PIH provides excellent long-term seizure control in patients despite the presence of non-lateralizing epileptiform activity, although occurrence of acute postoperative seizures may be higher. Routine SPECT/PET may not be required in patients with a non-lateralizing EEG if there is good clinico-radiological concordance.

Correction to: Ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms: epidemiology, patterns of care, and outcomes from the Swiss SOS national registry.

The name of Roy Thomas Daniel was incorrectly captured in the original manuscript.

Ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms: epidemiology, patterns of care, and outcomes from the Swiss SOS national registry.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms remains challenging despite progresses in the endovascular and neurosurgical techniques. OBJECTIVE: To provide epidemiological characterization of subjects presenting with ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms in Switzerland and thereby assessing the treatment patterns and neurological outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of the Swiss SOS registry for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients were divided in 3 groups (upper, lower, and middle third) according to aneurysm location. Clinical, radiological, and treatment-related variables were identified and their impact on the neurological outcome was determined. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2014, we included 264 patients with ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms. Endovascular occlusion was the most common treatment in all 3 groups (72% in the upper third, 68% in the middle third, and 58.8% in the lower third). Surgical treatment was performed in 11.3%. Favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 3) was found in 56% at discharge and 65.7% at 1 year. No significant difference in the neurological outcome were found among the three groups, in terms of mRS at discharge (p = 0.20) and at 1 year (p = 0.18). High WFNS grade, high Fisher grade at presentation, and rebleeding before aneurysm occlusion (p = 0.001) were all correlated with the risk of unfavorable neurological outcome (or death) at discharge and at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, endovascular occlusion was the principal treatment, with a favorable outcome for two-thirds of patients at discharge and at long term. These results are similar to high volume neurovascular centers worldwide, reflecting the importance of centralized care at specialized neurovascular centers.