Small amount of alcohol did not deteriorate microsurgical dexterity: a prospective laboratory study.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption has been reported to deteriorate surgical performance both immediately after consumption as well as on the next day. We studied the early effects of alcohol consumption on microsurgical manual dexterity in a laboratory setting. METHOD: Six neurosurgeons or neurosurgical residents (all male) performed micro- and macro suturing tasks after consuming variable amounts of alcohol. Each participant drank 0-4 doses of alcohol (14 g ethanol). After a delay of 60-157 min, he performed a macrosurgical and microsurgical task (with a surgical microscope). The tasks consisted of cutting and re-attaching a circular latex flap (diameter: 50 mm macrosuturing, 4 mm microsuturing) with eight interrupted sutures (4-0 multifilament macrosutures, 9-0 monofilament microsutures). We measured the time required to complete the sutures, and the amplitude and the frequency of physiological tremor during the suturing. In addition, we used a four-point ordinal scale to rank the quality of the sutures for each task. Each participant repeated the tasks several times on separate days varying the pre-task alcohol consumption (including one sober task at the end of the data collection). RESULTS: A total of 93 surgical tasks (47 macrosurgical, 46 microsurgical) were performed. The fastest microsurgical suturing (median 11 min 49 s, [interquartile range (IQR) 654 to 761 s]) was recorded after three doses of alcohol (median blood alcohol level 0.32‰). The slowest microsurgical suturing (median 15 min 19 s, [IQR 666 to 1121 s]) was observed after one dose (median blood alcohol level 0‰). The quality of sutures was the worst (mean 0.70 [standard deviation (SD) 0.48] quality points lost) after three doses of alcohol and the best (mean 0.33 [SD 0.52] quality points lost) after four doses (median blood alcohol level 0.44‰). CONCLUSIONS: Consuming small amount of alcohol did not deteriorate microsurgical performance in our study. An observed reduction in physiological tremor may partially explain this.

Three-Dimensional Exoscopic Versus Microscopic Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas: A Comparative Series.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical resection of vestibular schwannoma (VS) is highly challenging, especially because surgical treatment nowadays is mainly reserved for larger (Koos grade 3 and 4) tumors. OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of three-dimensional exoscope use in VS resection in comparison with the operative microscope. METHODS: Duration of surgery and clinical and radiological results were collected for 13 consecutive exoscopic schwannoma surgeries. Results were compared with 26 preceding microsurgical resections after acknowledging similar surgical complexity between groups by assessment of tumor size (maximum diameter and Koos grade), the presence of meatal extension or cystic components, and preoperative hearing and facial nerve function. RESULTS: Total duration of surgery was comparable between microscopically and exoscopically operated patients (264 minutes ± 92 vs 231 minutes ± 84, respectively; P = .276). However, operative time gradually decreased in consecutive exoscopic cases and in a multiple regression model predicting duration of surgery, and exoscope use was associated with a reduction of 58.5 minutes (95% CI -106.3 to -10.6; P = .018). Tumor size was identified as the main determinant of duration of surgery (regression coefficient = 5.50, 95% CI 3.20-7.80) along meatal extension and the presence of cystic components. No differences in postoperative hearing preservation and facial nerve function were noted between the exoscope and the microscope. CONCLUSION: Resection of VS using a foot switch-operated three-dimensional exoscope is safe and leads to comparable clinical and radiological results as resection with the operative microscope.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smokers with Acute Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An International Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking prevalence is twice as high among patients admitted to hospital because of the acute condition of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) as in the general population. Smoking cessation may improve the prognosis of aSAH, but nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) administered at the time of aSAH remains controversial because of potential adverse effects such as cerebral vasospasm. We investigated the international practice of NRT use for aSAH among neurosurgeons. METHODS: The online SurveyMonkey software was used to administer a 15-question, 5-min online questionnaire. An invitation link was sent to those 1425 of 1988 members of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) who agreed to participate in surveys to assess treatment strategies for withdrawal of tobacco smoking during aSAH. Factors contributing to physicians' posture towards NRT were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 158 physicians from 50 nations participated in the survey (response rate 11.1%); 68.4% (108) were affiliated with university hospitals and 67.7% (107) practiced at high-volume neurovascular centers with at least 30 treated aSAH cases per year. Overall, 55.7% (88) of physicians offered NRT to smokers with aSAH, 22.1% (35) offered non-NRT support including non-nicotine medication and counselling, while the remaining 22.1% (35) did not actively support smoking cessation. When smoking was not possible, 42.4% (67) of physicians expected better clinical outcomes when prescribing NRT instead of nicotine deprivation, 36.1% (57) were uncertain, 13.9% (22) assumed unaffected outcomes, and 7.6% (12) assumed worse outcomes. Only 22.8% (36) physicians had access to a local smoking cessation team in their practice, of whom half expected better outcomes with NRT as compared to deprivation. CONCLUSIONS: A small majority of the surveyed physicians of the EANS offered NRT to support smoking cessation in hospitalized patients with aSAH. However, less than half believed that NRT could positively impact clinical outcome as compared to deprivation. This survey demonstrated the lack of consensus regarding use of NRT for hospitalized smokers with aSAH.

Operative Anatomy of the Skull Base: 3D Exploration with a Highly Detailed Interactive Atlas.

Objective We evaluated the usefulness of a three-dimensional (3D) interactive atlas to illustrate and teach surgical skull base anatomy in a clinical setting. Study Design A highly detailed atlas of the adult human skull base was created from multiple high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans of a healthy Caucasian male. It includes the parcellated and labeled bony skull base, intra- and extracranial vasculature, cranial nerves, cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. We are reporting retrospectively on our experiences with employing the atlas for the simulation and teaching of neurosurgical approaches and concepts in a clinical setting. Setting The study was conducted at the University Hospital Mainz, Germany, and Hirslanden Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland. Participants Medical students and neurosurgical residents participated in this study. Results Handling the layered graphical user interface of the atlas requires some training; however, navigating the detailed 3D content from intraoperative perspectives led to quick comprehension of anatomical relationships that are otherwise difficult to perceive. Students and residents appreciated the collaborative learning effect when working with the atlas on large projected screens and markedly improved their anatomical knowledge after interacting with the software. Conclusion The skull base atlas provides an effective way to study essential surgical anatomy and to teach operative strategies in this complex region. Interactive 3D computer graphical environments are highly suitable for conveying complex anatomy and to train and review surgical concepts. They remain underutilized in clinical practice.

Coronary Sinus Ostial Obstruction in Single-Ventricle Congenital Heart Disease: Two Patients With Different Outcomes.

Coronary sinus ostial obstruction is an exceedingly rare anomaly that is particularly important to diagnose in patients with single-ventricle heart disease before surgical palliation. We present 2 cases, an infant and an adult, diagnosed with coronary sinus ostial obstruction, with different clinical outcomes due to timing of diagnosis. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

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.

Treatment of type II odontoid fracture in the elderly.

Odontoid fractures constitute the commonest cervical spinal fracture in the elderly. There are varied management approaches with paucity of robust evidence to guide decision-making. We review the case of a 92-years-old man with traumatic Grauer type II B odontoid fracture treated with anterior cannulated screw fixation. Postoperatively, he was noted to have dysphagia due to a zenker's diverticulum. Further history revealed repair of a zenker's diverticulum ~40 years prior. Cervical spine images and video fluoroscopy demonstrated a recurrent zenker's diverticulum. After re-excision of the recurrent zenker's diverticulum his dysphagia resolved. This unique case describes dysphagia due to recurrent zenker's diverticulum presenting after anterior cannulated screw fixation for type II B odontoid fracture. The dysphagia was diagnosed and treated in close collaboration with speech and language therapists and otorhinolaryngologist. This underscores the importance of holistic approach to the elderly patient with odontoid fractures.

Papillary meningioma: a rare cause of massive supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage.

Papillary meningioma (PM) represents a very rare histological subtype, which may present with massive intracerebral hemorrhage. Gross total tumor resection results in a lower recurrence rate and mortality. A 69-year-old man had been experiencing headache for 6 months. After exacerbating right frontal headache, he was brought to the emergency room. His Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 11/15 and he had a left-sided hemiparesis. A computed tomography brain scan revealed a massive right frontal intracerebral hematoma with transtentorial herniation. During right frontal craniotomy and blood clot evacuation, a fleshy, pigmented tissue was encountered. Histopathological findings were consistent with PM World Health Organization Grade III. Complete tumor resection, Simpson II was achieved with a second operation. The hemiparesis and GCS normalized subsequently. The diagnosis of PM relies largely on histopathology and is not commonly encountered preoperatively in emergency cases. Staged surgery in this case resulted in a good outcome.

Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.

Up-to-date management for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression is based on appropriate scoring systems. In this case, separation surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery achieved an optimized outcome. A 75-year-old man had thoracic band-like pain, left lower limb weakness and difficulty ambulating for 6 weeks. Spinal images showed a T4 metastatic epidural spinal cord compression with a pathological fracture of T4 and T10 and L3 lytic lesions. There was no other neoplastic lesion. The metastasized T4 was decompressed by a posterolateral right costotransversectomy, vertebrectomy and insertion of an expandable titanium cage. The spinal sagittal alignment was restored with T1-T7 pedicle screw fixation. Post-operatively the pain and motor power improved significantly so that the patient was discharged home. Separation surgery and adjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery of the spine successfully improved tumor burden, pain control and overall prognosis.

sEVD-smartphone-navigated placement of external ventricular drains.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the trajectory for insertion of an external ventricular drain (EVD) is mainly determined using anatomical landmarks. However, non-assisted implantations frequently require multiple attempts and are associated with EVD malpositioning and complications. The authors evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of a novel smartphone-guided, angle-adjusted technique for assisted implantations of an EVD (sEVD) in both a human artificial head model and a cadaveric head. METHODS: After computed tomography (CT), optimal insertion angles and lengths of intracranial trajectories of the EVDs were determined. A smartphone was calibrated to the mid-cranial sagittal line. Twenty EVDs were placed using both the premeasured data and smartphone-adjusted insertion angles, targeting the center of the ipsilateral ventricular frontal horn. The EVD positions were verified with post-interventional CT. RESULTS: All 20 sEVDs (head model, 8/20; cadaveric head, 12/20) showed accurate placement in the ipsilateral ventricle. The sEVD tip locations showed a mean target deviation of 1.73° corresponding to 12 mm in the plastic head model, and 3.45° corresponding to 33 mm in the cadaveric head. The mean duration of preoperative measurements on CT data was 3 min, whereas sterile packing, smartphone calibration, drilling, and implantation required 9 min on average. CONCLUSIONS: By implementation of an innovative navigation technique, a conventional smartphone was used as a protractor for the insertion of EVDs. Our ex vivo data suggest that smartphone-guided EVD placement offers a precise, rapidly applicable, and patient-individualized freehand technique based on a standard procedure with a simple, cheap, and widely available multifunctional device.

Lung transplantation in the Lung Allocation Score era: Medium-term analysis from a single center.

In 2005, the Lung Allocation Score (LAS) was implemented as the allocation system for lungs in the US. We sought to compare 5-year lung transplant outcomes before and after the institution of the LAS. Between 2000 and 2011, 501 adult patients were identified, with 132 from January 2000 to April 2005 (Pre-LAS era) and 369 from May 2005 to December 2011 (Post-LAS era). Kruskal-Wallis or chi-squared test was used to determine significance between groups. Survival was censored at 5 years. Overall, the post-LAS era was associated with more restrictive lung disease, higher LAS scores, shorter wait-list times, more preoperative immunosuppression, and more single lung transplantation. In addition, post-LAS patients had higher O2 requirements with greater preoperative pulmonary impairment. Postoperatively, 30-day mortality improved in post-LAS era (1.6% vs 5.3%, P = .048). During the pre- and post-LAS eras, 5-year survival was 52.3% and 55.3%, respectively (P = .414). The adjusted risk of mortality was not different in the post-LAS era (P = .139). Freedom from chronic lung allograft dysfunction was significantly higher in the post-LAS era (P = .002). In this single-center report, implementation of the LAS score has led to allocation to sicker patients without decrement in short- or medium-term outcomes. Freedom from CLAD at 5 years is improving after LAS implementation.

Reduction of thromboembolic events in meningioma surgery: a cohort study of 724 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Meningiomas are associated with the highest postoperative rate of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) among all intracranial tumors. The aim of this study is to compare two entirely different VTE prophylaxis regimens in 724 consecutive patients undergoing meningioma surgery. METHODS: Two cohorts at a single institution treated with different regimens to prevent VTE were reviewed retrospectively. Cohort A (n = 482; 314 females, mean age 57 years, range: 11-87 years) received our institutional regimen during the years 1999-2006, consisting of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and compression stockings. For cohort B (n = 242; 163 females, mean age 56.8 years, range: 16-90 years), during the years 2008-2010, the management included intraoperative 10°-20° leg elevation with intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), heparin and LMWH administration. We compared the incidence of the endpoints pulmonary embolism (PE), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), hemorrhage and death, taking into account several known associated risk factors. RESULTS: For all endpoints, we observed a more favorable outcome with the new regimen. The difference in incidence of PEs (cohort A: 38/482, 8%; cohort B: 6/242, 2.5%) reached statistical significance (p = 0.002). In general, patients with skull base meningiomas had a higher risk for PE (OR 2.77). Regarding VTE prophylaxis, an adjusted subgroup analysis suggests that the new regimen is particularly beneficial for patients with skull base meningiomas. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend perioperative prophylaxis using a management composed of intraoperative leg-elevation, IPC, early heparin administration and LMWH to reduce the risk for PE.

Use of assist devices and ECMO to bridge pediatric patients with cardiomyopathy to transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Pulsatile ventricular assist devices (VADs) are used to bridge adults with end-stage heart disease to transplantation. A combination of external implantable pulsatile and continuous-flow external mechanical support now can be used to bridge pediatric patients with end-stage cardiomyopathy to orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). METHODS: We reviewed consecutive pediatric patients with cardiomyopathy (n = 28) who required mechanical cardiac support from July 1995 to February 2001. All were OHT candidates with severe hemodynamic compromise despite maximal medical support. We excluded from this series patients who had undergone cardiotomy. RESULTS: Nineteen patients received support from external continuous-flow devices, either with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or with centrifugal VADs, and 9 patients received pulsatile support. Nineteen of 28 (68%) patients were successfully bridged to transplant (17) or weaned (2) from their devices after recovery. Of the patients successfully bridged to transplant or recovery, 89% are alive to date. Univariate analysis revealed that a lower bilirubin concentration after 2 days of support was associated with a favorable outcome (p = 0.006). As expected, the patients with pulsatile VADs had significantly higher rates of extubation and oral feeding. CONCLUSION: Pulsatile and continuous-flow devices can complement each other to significantly extend the lives of a wide range of pediatric patients with severe cardiomyopathies.