Use of complementary therapies and supportive measures of patients with intracranial gliomas-a prospective evaluation in an outpatient clinic.

PURPOSE: Patients with intracranial gliomas frequently seek for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), in addition to guideline-directed therapy. In this study, we therefore assessed patients' information needs regarding treatment and support, and evaluated their attitudes toward experimental trials and alternative therapies. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive survey was conducted in our center. We developed an interview focusing on how patients obtain further information about therapy and the use of alternative/complementary therapies. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients participated in the survey. 50% (n = 51) of patients reported that they had not attempted any additional therapies. When patients attempted self-therapy, it was most commonly in the areas of nutrition (25%, n = 26) and dietary supplements (17%, n = 17). Alternative or complementary therapies were used by 14% (n = 14) of the patients. Younger age (Odds ratio (OR) 0.96 (95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.92-0.99, p = 0.012) and tumor entity (OR 5.01 (95% CI 1.66-15.11, p = 0.004) for grade 4 vs. 3 tumors and OR 7.22 (95% CI 1.99-26.28) for grade 4 vs. other tumors p = 0.003) were significantly associated with a greater interest in CAM. CONCLUSIONS: Interest in complementary and alternative medicine, as well as nutrition and dietary supplements is high (51%) among glioma patients, and significantly higher among younger patients and those with a worse diagnosis (WHO grade 4). A comprehensive approach to information, including paramedical topics, is needed to provide optimal patient counseling and care for glioma patients.

How do spine surgeons cope with psychological distress: results of a cross-sectional study.

Cross Sectional Study/Online Survey. In this study, we sought to assess stress, psychological distress, resilience, and coping strategies among spine surgeons in German-speaking countries. Recent studies have reported high rates of stress and burnout among surgeons. A survey via Survey Monkey™ was conducted among spine surgeons practicing in German-speaking countries using validated questionnaires for perceived stress, mental burden, resilience, and quality of life. Data on working situation and demographics were also collected. 582 surgeons responded to the survey, representing 15% of those surveyed. 79% of respondents were satisfied with their professional success. Mental burden was higher than in the general population, as was perceived stress. Chairpersons were exposed to the lowest levels of perceived stress and mental burden. Mental distress was high (GHQ ≥ 12) in 59% of residents and 27% chairpersons. Self-reported psychological resilience was higher than levels found in the general population and highest among chairpersons. Quality of life was comparable to levels reported in the general population. There were statistically significant correlations between perceived stress and mental burden scores (r s = 0.65, p < 0.001). Career level (senior physicians vs. residents, OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.10-0.66), perceived stress (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.33-1.77), self-reported resilience (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.33-0.84), and mental composite score (SOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.83-0.90) were predictors of high mental burden. There was no interaction between perceived stress and resilience on mental burden (p = 0.835). Spine surgeons are exposed to higher levels of stress than the general population, which are associated with higher mental distress. More professional experience and higher levels of psychological resilience are associated with lower levels of stress.

Surgery as first-line treatment for prolactinoma? Discussion of the literature and results of a consecutive series of surgically treated patients.

Initial treatment for prolactinoma is usually conservative with dopamine agonists. However, the duration of treatment is often lifelong and can be associated with significant side effects. Surgical outcomes are usually favorable and treatment complications low, raising the question whether surgical therapy should be included earlier in the treatment of prolactinoma. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of surgical resection of prolactinomas at our institution, to compare it with other published surgical and conservative series and to discuss the role of surgery in modern prolactinoma therapy. The authors reviewed a database of single-center consecutively operated prolactinoma cases and analyzed the extent of resection (EOR), endocrinological and neurological outcomes, and complications. Thirty patients were analyzed. Mean patient age was 37.2 ± 15.5 years (range 16-76) and consisted of 17 (56.7%) females and 13 (43.3%) males. Twenty-one patients (70%) failed medical therapy, the main reasons being intolerable side effects in 11 cases (52.4%) and insufficient response in 10 cases (47.6%). Nine patients (30%) received no medical treatment prior to surgery, of which five (55.6%) were operated because of pituitary apoplexy, two (22.2%) because of acute visual deterioration and two (22.2%) refused medical treatment and opted for surgery as first-line treatment. Of the 30 operated tumors, 56.7% (n = 17) were microadenomas, 30% (n = 9) were macroadenomas (≥ 10 mm), and 13.3% (n = 4) were giant adenomas (≥ 40 mm). GTR was achieved in 75% (n = 21) of cases. The overall remission rate was 63.3%. MRI showed a residual tumor in seven patients (25%), typically with invasive growth. Postoperative CSF leaks did not occur. Mean follow-up was 34.9 ± 60.3 months (range 0-246 months). Endocrine remission was defined as a morning fasting basal PRL level of 22.3 < ng/mL and measured at the last available follow-up. Postoperative Prolactine levels were missing in three patients. Our analysis describes a highly selected sample with a disproportionate number of larger, invasive tumors and emergency cases. Nevertheless, the results are satisfactory and comparable with other published series. The consistently good results of transphenoidal surgery, especially for microprolactinomas, have led to a greater acceptance of surgery in the treatment of prolactinomas in recent years. The timing of surgery in each individual case must be determined by a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcome.

Glucosylceramide Synthase Inhibitors Induce Ceramide Accumulation and Sensitize H3K27 Mutant Diffuse Midline Glioma to Irradiation.

H3K27M mutant (mut) diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a lethal cancer with no effective cure. The glycosphingolipids (GSL) metabolism is altered in these tumors and could be exploited to develop new therapies. We tested the effect of the glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors (GSI) miglustat and eliglustat on cell proliferation, alone or in combination with temozolomide or ionizing radiation. Miglustat was included in the therapy protocol of two pediatric patients. The effect of H3.3K27 trimethylation on GSL composition was analyzed in ependymoma. GSI reduced the expression of the ganglioside GD2 in a concentration and time-dependent manner and increased the expression of ceramide, ceramide 1-phosphate, sphingosine, and sphingomyelin but not of sphingosine 1-phosphate. Miglustat significantly increased the efficacy of irradiation. Treatment with miglustat according to dose recommendations for patients with Niemann-Pick disease was well tolerated with manageable toxicities. One patient showed a mixed response. In ependymoma, a high concentration of GD2 was found only in the presence of the loss of H3.3K27 trimethylation. In conclusion, treatment with miglustat and, in general, targeting GSL metabolism may offer a new therapeutic opportunity and can be administered in close proximity to radiation therapy. Alterations in H3K27 could be useful to identify patients with a deregulated GSL metabolism.

Analysis of PMMA versus CaP titanium-enhanced implants for cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy: a retrospective observational cohort study.

Numerous materials of implants used for cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy (DC) have been investigated to meet certain demanded key features, such as stability, applicability, and biocompatibility. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of biocompatible calcium-phosphate (CaP) implants for cranioplasty compared to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) implants. In this retrospective observational cohort study, the medical records of all patients who underwent cranioplasty between January 1st, 2015, and January 1st, 2022, were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and diagnostic data were collected. Eighty-two consecutive patients with a mean age of 52 years (range 22-72 years) who received either a PMMA (43/82; 52.4%) or CaP (39/82; 47.6%) cranial implant after DC were included in the study. Indications for DC were equally distributed in both groups. Time from DC to cranioplasty was 143.8 ± 17.5 days (PMMA) versus 98.5 ± 10.4 days (CaP). The mean follow-up period was 34.9 ± 27.1 months. Postoperative complications occurred in 13 patients with PMMA and 6 in those with CaP implants (13/43 [30.2%] vs. 6/39 [15.4%]; p = 0.115). Revision surgery with implant removal was necessary for 9 PMMA patients and in 1 with a CaP implant (9/43 [20.9%] vs. 1/39 [2.6%]; p = 0.0336); 6 PMMA implants were removed due to surgical site infection (SSI) (PMMA 6/43 [14%] vs. CaP 0/39 [0%]; p = 0.012). In this study, a biocompatible CaP implant seems to be superior to a PMMA implant in terms of SSI and postoperative complications. The absence of SSI supports the idea of the biocompatible implant material with its ability for osseointegration.

Endoscopic treatment of sagittal suture synostosis - a critical analysis of current management strategies.

While many centers nowadays offer minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of single suture synostosis, surgical techniques and patient management vary significantly. We provide an overview of how scaphocephaly treated with endoscopic techniques is managed in the reported series and analyze the crucial steps that need to be dealt with during the management process. We performed a review of the published literature including all articles that examined sagittal-suture synostosis treated with endoscopic techniques as part of single- or multicenter studies. Fourteen studies reporting results of 885 patients were included. We identified 5 key steps in the management of patients. A total of 188 patients were female and 537 male (sex was only specified in 10 articles, for 725 included patients, respectively). Median age at surgery was between 2.6 and 3.9 months with a total range from 1.5 to 7.0 months. Preoperative diagnostics included clinical and ophthalmologic examinations as well as neuropsychological and genetic consultations if needed. In 5 publications, a CT scan was routinely performed. Several groups used anthropometric measurements, mostly the cephalic index. All groups analyzed equally recommended to perform endoscopically assisted craniosynostosis surgery with postoperative helmet therapy in children < 3 months of age, at least for non-syndromic cases. There exist significant variations in surgical techniques and patient management for children treated endoscopically for single suture sagittal synostosis. This heterogeneity constitutes a major problem in terms of comparability between different strategies.

Implementation, relevance, and virtual adaptation of neuro-oncological tumor boards during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide provider survey.

PURPOSE: Neuro-oncology tumor boards (NTBs) hold an established function in cancer care as multidisciplinary tumor boards. However, NTBs predominantly exist at academic and/or specialized centers. In addition to increasing centralization throughout the healthcare system, changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic have arguably resulted in advantages by conducting clinical meetings virtually. We therefore asked about the experience and acceptance of (virtualized) NTBs and their potential benefits. METHODS: A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed via a web-based platform. Specialized neuro-oncological centers in Germany were identified based on the number of brain tumor cases treated in the respective institution per year. Only one representative per center was invited to participate in the survey. Questions targeted the structure/organization of NTBs as well as changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 65/97 institutions participated in the survey (response rate 67%). In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, regular conventions of NTBs were maintained by the respective centers and multi-specialty participation remained high. NTBs were considered valuable by respondents in achieving the most optimal therapy for the affected patient and in maintaining/encouraging interdisciplinary debate/exchange. The settings of NTBs have been adapted during the pandemic with the increased use of virtual technology. Virtual NTBs were found to be beneficial, yet administrative support is lacking in some places. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual implementation of NTBs was feasible and accepted in the centers surveyed. Therefore, successful implementation offers new avenues and may be pursued for networking between centers, thereby increasing coverage of neuro-oncology care.

Recent Nationwide Impact of Mechanical Thrombectomy on Decompressive Hemicraniectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background and Purpose- The treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke has been revolutionized by endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT), leading to dramatically improved outcomes. Here, we analyzed the impact of recent changes in stroke management on nationwide trends in patient characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Methods- The National Inpatient Sample was analyzed using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Editions, Clinical Modification codes to identify adult stroke patients with anterior-circulation, large-vessel occlusion in the pre- (2012-2014) and the post-MT trial period (2015-2016). Univariate and multivariable predictors of decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) were ascertained in patients developing malignant cerebral edema. Results- The nationwide query identified 519 320 adult stroke patients with annually increasing volume (92 320 to 129 340), stroke severity, and treatment at urban teaching centers. DHC was performed in 9.5% of patients developing malignant cerebral edema (n=33 530) and was associated with a high rate of discharge to long-term nursing care (65%) and mortality (23%). Over time, the rate of MT (3.4% to 9.8%) increased whereas the rate of DHC for malignant cerebral edema declined from 11.4% to 4.8% (P<0.001). In a binary logistic regression model controlling for potential confounders (eg, age, severity of illness), MT patients were 43% less likely to require DHC (odds ratio, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9). Conclusions- Nationwide trends indicated that successful reperfusion of penumbra with MT in stroke patients leads to a declining indication for DHC whereas stroke volume increases over time.

Intradural spinal tumors in adults-update on management and outcome.

Among spinal tumors that occur intradurally, meningiomas, nerve sheath tumors, ependymomas, and astrocytomas are the most common. While a spinal MRI is the state of the art to diagnose intradural spinal tumors, in some cases CT scans, angiography, CSF analyses, and neurophysiological examination can be valuable. The management of these lesions depends not only on the histopathological diagnosis but also on the clinical presentation and the anatomical location, allowing either radical resection as with most extramedullary lesions or less invasive strategies as with intramedullary lesions. Although intramedullary lesions are rare and sometimes difficult to manage, well-planned treatment can achieve excellent outcome without treatment-related deficits. Technical advances in imaging, neuromonitoring, minimally invasive approaches, and radiotherapy have improved the outcome of intradural spinal tumors. However, the outcome in malignant intramedullary tumors remains poor. While surgery is the mainstay treatment for many of these lesions, radiation and chemotherapy are of growing importance in recurrent and multilocular disease. We reviewed the literature on this topic to provide an overview of spinal cord tumors, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Typical cases of extra- and intramedullary tumors are presented to illustrate management options and outcomes.

Anterior communicating artery division in the endoscopic endonasal translamina terminalis approach to the third ventricle: an anatomical feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Endonasal endoscopic approaches (EEA) to the third ventricle are well described but generally use an infrachiasmatic route since the suprachiasmatic translamina terminalis corridor is blocked by the anterior communicating artery (AComA). The bifrontal basal interhemispheric translamina terminalis approach has been facilitated with transection of the AComA. The aim of the study is to describe the anatomical feasibility and limitations of the EEA translamina terminalis approach to the third ventricle augmented with AComA surgical ligation. METHODS: Endoscopic dissections were performed on five cadaveric heads injected with colored latex using rod lens endoscopes attached to a high-definition camera and a digital video recorder system. A stepwise anatomical dissection of the endoscopic endonasal transtuberculum, transplanum, translamina terminalis approach to the third ventricle was performed. Measurements were performed before and after AComA elevation and transection using a millimeter flexible caliper. RESULTS: Multiple comparison statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in vertical exposure between the control condition and after AComA elevation, between the control condition and after AComA division and between the AComA elevation and division (p < 0.05). The mean difference in exposed surgical area was statistically significant between the control and after AComA division and between elevation and AComA division (p < 0.01), whereas it was not statistically significant between the control condition and AComA elevation (NS). CONCLUSION: The anatomical feasibility of clipping and dividing the AComA through an EEA has been demonstrated in all the cadaveric specimens. The approach facilitates exposure of the suprachiasmatic optic recess within the third ventricle that may be a blind spot during an infrachiasmatic approach.

BRAF V600E mutant papillary craniopharyngiomas: a single-institutional case series.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical, radiographic and surgical outcomes in a cohort of patients with BRAF V600E mutant papillary craniopharyngiomas. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify all patients with a histological diagnosis of CP operated upon at a single institution between 2005 and 2017. All cases with adequate material were sequenced to confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in the present study. Approach was endoscopic endonasal (EEA) in 14 and transcranial (TCA) in 2. All patients were adult with an average age of 50 years (24-88). Radiographic review demonstrated that the majority (93.7%) were suprasellar and twelve (75%) had third ventricular involvement. No tumor showed evidence of calcifications and 68.7% were mixed solid-cystic. All patients had some evidence of hypopituitarism and 62.5% had hypothalamic disturbances. GTR was achieved in 11/14 (78.6%) EEA and 0/2 (0%) TCA (p < 0.05). The mean length of stay was 17.5 days in the TCA group and 7.6 days in the EEA group (p < 0.05). There were no CSF leaks. Post-operatively, eleven (68.7%) developed new DI or new hypopituitarism. Nine increased their BMI with a mean increase of 12.3%, whereas six patients lost weight with a mean decrease of 5.3%. CONCLUSIONS: BRAF V600E mutant papillary tumors represent a clearly distinct clinical-pathological entity of craniopharyngiomas. These are generally non-calcified suprasellar tumors that occur in adults. These distinct characteristics may someday lead to upfront chemotherapy. When surgery is necessary, EEA may be preferred over TCA.

Decision-making algorithm for minimally invasive approaches to anterior skull base meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE Anterior skull base meningiomas are benign lesions that cause neurological symptoms through mass effect on adjacent neurovascular structures. While traditional transcranial approaches have proven to be effective at removing these tumors, minimally invasive approaches that involve using an endoscope offer the possibility of reducing brain and nerve retraction, minimizing incision size, and speeding patient recovery; however, appropriate case selection and results in large series are lacking. METHODS The authors developed an algorithm for selecting a supraorbital keyhole minicraniotomy (SKM) for olfactory groove meningiomas or an expanded endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for tuberculum sella (TS) or planum sphenoidale (PS) meningiomas based on the presence or absence of olfaction and the anatomical extent of the tumor. Where neither approach is appropriate, a standard transcranial approach is utilized. The authors describe rates of gross-total resection (GTR), olfactory outcomes, and visual outcomes, as well as complications, for 7 subgroups of patients. Exceptions to the algorithm are also discussed. RESULTS The series of 57 patients harbored 57 anterior skull base meningiomas; the mean tumor volume was 14.7 ± 15.4 cm3 (range 2.2-66.1 cm3), and the mean follow-up duration was 42.2 ± 37.1 months (range 2-144 months). Of 19 patients with olfactory groove meningiomas, 10 had preserved olfaction and underwent SKM, and preservation of olfaction in was seen in 60%. Of 9 patients who presented without olfaction, 8 had cribriform plate invasion and underwent combined SKM and EEA (n = 3), bifrontal craniotomy (n = 3), or EEA (n = 2), and one patient without both olfaction and cribriform plate invasion underwent SKM. GTR was achieved in 94.7%. Of 38 TS/PS meningiomas, 36 of the lesions were treated according to the algorithm. Of these 36 meningiomas, 30 were treated by EEA and 6 by craniotomy. GTR was achieved in 97.2%, with no visual deterioration and one CSF leak that resolved by placement of a lumbar drain. Two patients with tumors that, based on the algorithm, were not amenable to an EEA underwent EEA nonetheless: one had GTR and the other had a residual tumor that was followed and removed via craniotomy 9 years later. CONCLUSIONS Utilizing a simple algorithm aimed at preserving olfaction and vision and based on maximizing use of minimally invasive approaches and selective use of transcranial approaches, the authors found that excellent outcomes can be achieved for anterior skull base meningiomas.

Hamartoma of the optic nerve in a young child­case report and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Hamartomas are well described but yet incompletely understood sporadic benign lesions that can arise in various locations. Hypothalamic hamartomas of infancy are often associated with severe developmental disturbances. We present a case of an infant boy with a hamartoma that arises from the optic nerve and lead to progressive unspecific seizure activity, behavioral problems and precautious puberty. METHODS: A 1-year-old male patient was presented with horizontal nystagmus and developmental retardation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast revealed an isointense mass ventral of the chiasm consistent with a hamartoma. Soon after the MRI, the mother of the patient reported gelastic-like seizures. The patient was evaluated by an interdisciplinary team, and surgery was recommended. Intraoperatively, a firm attachment to the optic nerve was recognized and a thin remnant layer of tissue was left behind. RESULTS: After an uncomplicated near total resection, the patient improved significantly. After 6 months, the frequency of seizures reoccurred, which were again unresponsive to antiepileptic medication. In a second operation, a complete resection of the remnants was performed, and the patient showed lasting clinical improvement. CONCLUSION: We conclude that hamartomas mimicking hypothalamic symptoms can also arise from the optic pathway and that a reoperation, if feasible, of even small remnants is essential in order to achieve lasting symptom relieve.

Functional preoperative and intraoperative mapping and monitoring: increasing safety and efficacy in glioma surgery.

Greater extent of resection (EOR) of low-grade gliomas is associated with improved survival. Proximity to eloquent cortical regions often limits resectability and elevates the risk of surgery-related deficits. Therefore, functional localization of eloquent cortex or subcortical fiber tracts can enhance the EOR and functional outcome. Imaging techniques such as functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging fiber tracking, and neurophysiological methods like navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation and magnetoencephalography, make it possible to identify eloquent areas prior to resective surgery and to tailor indication and surgical approach but also to assess the surgical risk. Intraoperative monitoring with direct cortical stimulation and subcortical stimulation enables surgeons to preserve essential functional tissue during surgery. Through tailored pre- and intraoperative mapping and monitoring the EOR can be maximized, with reduced rates of surgery-related deficits.

Expanding the borders: the evolution of neurosurgical approaches.

In this article the authors discuss the development of neurosurgical approaches and the advances in science and technology that influenced this development throughout history. They provide a broad overview of this interesting topic from the first attempts of trephination by ancient cultures to the work of the pioneers of neurosurgery and the introduction of microsurgery.

Industry progress report on neuro-oncology: Biotech update 2013.

For the second time, The Brain Tumor Center of the Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, in collaboration with Voices Against Brain Cancer, hosted The Brain Tumor Biotech Summit in New York City in June 2013. After a very successful first summit in 2012, this innovative event has established a platform for intensive networking between neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, members of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical communities, members of the financial community and leaders of non-profit organizations. This year's summit highlighted dendritic cell vaccines, novel antibody, heat shock protein and targeted therapies as well as exosome technologies, MRI-guided therapies and other novel drug delivery tools. This report presents a short overview of the current progress in brain tumor research and therapy as presented at the 2013 Brain Tumor Biotech Summit.

Multiple myeloma presenting as a cervical intraforaminal tumor: A case report and review of literature.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy with characteristic clonal plasma cell proliferation and production of monoclonal immunoglobulins. Although it can often metastasize to the bony spine, completely extravertebral and extra-/intradural manifestations are exceedingly rare. In this case report, we describe a 51-year-old male patient with cervical extradural and intraforaminal MM who was surgically treated in our department. Clinical findings and radiological images were retrieved from medical records and an imaging system. This unusual localization of MM and similar cases in the literature are reviewed in detail. The patient underwent tumor resection via a ventral approach, and postoperative MRI demonstrated a sufficient decompression of neural structures. No new neurological deficits were observed at subsequent follow-ups. Although 7 cases of extramedullary extradural manifestations of multiple myeloma have been described in the literature so far, this is the first case of intraforaminal extramedullary multiple myeloma located in the cervical spine and treated by surgery.

Pituitary Surgery in Germany - Findings from the European Pituitary Adenoma Surgery Survey.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is, next to medical and radiation therapy, the mainstay therapy for pituitary adenomas. While scientific consensus regarding the key aspects of pituitary surgery exists among neurosurgeons, procedures are not standardized and might vary significantly between hospitals and surgeons. OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of how neurosurgical departments in Germany manage pituitary surgery. METHODS: Responses from the European Pituitary Adenoma Surgery Survey were analyzed. The survey contained 60 questions regarding demographics, training, surgical and endocrinological aspects, and patient management. RESULTS: Sixty neurosurgical centers from Germany responded to the survey. Among the centers, 35.3% (n=18) exclusively use the microscopic and 31.1% (n=14) the endoscopic technique; all other centers (n=28) use both approaches. Of responding centers, 20% (n=12) perform less than 10 transsphenoidal pituitary surgeries per year, and 1.7% (n=1), more than 100 operations. The number of transcranial pituitary operations is significantly smaller, with 53.3% of centers performing only 0-2 per year, 35% performing 3-5, and only one center (1.7%) performing more than 15 transcranial operations per year. In 8 centers (13.3%), surgeries are always performed together with an ENT surgeon; in 29 centers (48.4%) ENT surgeons are never involved. In most centers (n=54, 90%) intraoperative MRI is not available. Image guidance (with preoperative CT and/or MRI data) is used by 91.7% of respondents (n=55). Forty-two centers (72.4%) routinely prescribe hydrocortisone after pituitary surgery, and 75% (n=45) have pituitary board meetings with endocrinologists, radiologists, and radiosurgeons. Fifty-two (86.7%) respondents perform the first follow-up scan by MRI 3-4 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The data showed differences as well as similarities between centers and could help to discuss the standardization of methods and the formation of networks and certification to improve patient care.

Craniovertebral Junction Instability after Oncological Resection: A Narrative Review.

The craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a complex transition area between the skull and cervical spine. Pathologies such as chordoma, chondrosarcoma and aneurysmal bone cysts may be encountered in this anatomical area and may predispose individuals to joint instability. An adequate clinical and radiological assessment is mandatory to predict any postoperative instability and the need for fixation. There is no common consensus on the need for, timing and setting of craniovertebral fixation techniques after a craniovertebral oncological surgery. The aim of the present review is to summarize the anatomy, biomechanics and pathology of the craniovertebral junction and to describe the available surgical approaches to and considerations of joint instability after craniovertebral tumor resections. Although a one-size-fits-all approach cannot encompass the extremely challenging pathologies encountered in the CVJ area, including the possible mechanical instability that is a consequence of oncological resections, the optimal surgical strategy (anterior vs posterior vs posterolateral) tailored to the patient's needs can be assessed preoperatively in many instances. Preserving the intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments, principally the transverse ligament, and the bony structures, namely the C1 anterior arch and occipital condyle, ensures spinal stability in most of the cases. Conversely, in situations that require the removal of those structures, or in cases where they are disrupted by the tumor, a thorough clinical and radiological assessment is needed to timely detect any instability and to plan a surgical stabilization procedure. We hope that this review will help shed light on the current evidence and pave the way for future studies on this topic.

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 measures on patient samples and complication rates in spine surgery - A single center analysis.

Objective: Over the past two years during the pandemic, the German health system has taken drastic measures, like the continuous use of face masks for all staff, restrictions of hospital visits as well as cancellation of elective surgical procedures. As a potential side effect of these measures, a significant reduction of surgical site infections was reported for neurosurgical patients. The purpose of our study was to analyze the impact of these measures on spinal surgery. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis to compare patient samples, procedures and infection rates before (January 2019 - March 2020) and during (April 2020 - June 2021) the pandemic to evaluate the impact of the measures mentioned above. Demographic and clinical data were collected and correlated with the occurrence of postoperative complications, especially infection. Results: Our analysis showed no relevant decrease of spine surgeries (838 surgeries in non-pandemic group vs. 831 surgeries pandemic group). The most common postoperative complication was wound infection in both groups, followed by urinary tract infection and pneumonia. In both patient groups, infections were more prevalent in surgeries of multilevel posterior instrumentation. Comparing the two groups of patients, a slight, non-significant (0.5%) reduction of overall postoperative complications in the pandemic group was observed. However, the number of spinal surgeries classified as emergencies in our institution increased by 10.2% during the last 15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with this finding the urgent transfer of patients from smaller hospitals increased by 14.2%, compared to previous years. Conclusion: The volume of spinal surgeries remained high and complication rates stable during the pandemic. A reason why complication rates did not drop as reported previously might be a significant change in patient sample due to the increase of emergency surgeries. A decrease of complication rates, especially infections by the measures of infection prevention for the pandemic was not observed.