Staged Gamma Knife radiosurgery for a rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor of the fourth ventricle: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor (RGNT) is a rare slow-growing neoplasm with mixed glial and neurocytic components. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, whereas the role of adjuvant radiation therapies for residual or recurrent tumors has been poorly investigated. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a patient with a recurrent fourth ventricular RGNT who was treated with two-staged Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). GKRS was effective in controlling tumor growth and safe up to seven years from treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that GKRS may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with recurrent or residual RGNT.

Primary Endoscopic Endonasal Management of Giant Pituitary Adenomas: Outcome and Pitfalls from a Large Prospective Multicenter Experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate factors influencing clinical and radiological outcome of extended endoscopic endonasal transtuberculum/transplanum approach (EEA-TTP) for giant pituitary adenomas (GPAs). METHODS: We recruited prospectively all consecutive GPAs patients undergoing EEA-TTP between 2015 and 2019 in 5 neurosurgical centers. Preoperative clinical and radiologic features, visual and hormonal outcomes, extent of resection (EoR), complications and recurrence rates were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Of 1169 patients treated for pituitary adenoma, 96 (8.2%) had GPAs. Seventy-eight (81.2%) patients had visual impairment, 12 (12.5%) had headaches, 3 (3.1%) had drowsiness due to hydrocephalus, and 53 (55.2%) had anterior pituitary insufficiency. EoR was gross or near-total in 46 (47.9%) and subtotal in 50 (52.1%) patients. Incomplete resection was associated with lateral suprasellar, intraventricular and/or cavernous sinus extension and with firm/fibrous consistence. At the last follow-up, all but one patient (77, 98.7%) with visual deficits improved. Headache improved in 8 (88.9%) and anterior pituitary function recovered in 27 (50.9%) patients. Recurrence rate was 16.7%, with 32 months mean recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: EEA-TTP is a valid option for GPAs and seems to provide better outcomes, lower rate of complications and higher EoR compared to one- or multi-stage microscopic, non-extended endoscopic transsphenoidal, and transcranial resections.

Microsurgical versus endoscopic trans-sphenoidal approaches for clivus chordoma: a pooled and meta-analysis.

Chordoma is a rare slow-growing neoplastic bone lesion. However, they show an invasive local growth and high recurrence rate, leading to an overall survival rate of 65% at 5 years and 35% at 10 years. We conducted a pooled and meta-analysis comparing recurrence rate, post-operative-complications, and survival in patients undergoing either microsurgical (MA) or endoscopic approaches (EA). Search of literature was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify surgical series of clivus chordomas published between January 1990 and March 2018 on Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane. Two different statistical analyses have been performed: a pooled analysis and a single-arm meta-analysis of overall recurrence rate and subgroup meta-analysis of complications in the subgroups open surgery and endoscopic surgery. After full-text screening, a total of 58 articles were included in the pooled analysis and 27 studies were included for the study-level meta-analysis. Pooled analysis-the extent of resection was the only association that remained significant (subtotal: HR = 2.18, p = 0.004; partial: HR = 4.40, p < 0.001). Recurrence was more prevalent among the surgical patients (45.5%) compared to endoscopic ones (23.7%). Meta-analysis-results of the cumulative meta-analysis showed an overall rate of recurrence of 25.6%. MA recurrence rate was 31.8% (99% CI 14-52.8), EA recurrence rate was 19.4% (5.4-39.2). CSF leak rate for the endoscopic group was 10.3% (99%CI 5-17.3) and 9.5% (99%CI 1.2-24.6) for the open surgery group. The partial removal versus total removal has an influence on recurrence rate (p < 0.001). MA recurrence rate was 31.8%; EA recurrence rate was 19.4%. The extent of resection is confirmed as a statistically significant factor affecting the risk for recurrence both with the pooled analysis and with the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrated that older patients tend to recur more than young patients, especially in surgical group.

Endoscopic Transseptal Approach with Posterior Nasal Spine Removal: A Wide Surgical Corridor to the Craniovertebral Junction and Odontoid: Technical Note and Case Series.

BACKGROUND: The transnasal approach to lesions involving the craniovertebral junction represents a technical challenge because of limited inferior exposure. The endoscopic transseptal approach (EtsA) with posterior nasal spine (PNS) removal is described. This technique can create a wide exposure of the craniovertebral junction, thereby increasing the caudal exposure. METHODS: On patients undergoing anterior craniovertebral junction decompression, we calculated the degree of exposure on the sagittal plan through a paraseptal route, an EtsA without and with PNS removal. The horizontal exposure and working area with the latter approach were also evaluated. RESULTS: Five patients underwent the transnasal procedure. The age of patients ranged from 34-71 years. All patients harbored basilar impression. The mean postoperative Nurick grade (1, 8) was improved versus the average preoperative grade (3). The average follow-up duration was 16 months. All patients underwent occipitocervical fixation. The mean vertical distances, from the clinoid recess to the inferior most limit with the paraseptal approach, EtsA without and with PNS removal were 38.52, 44.12, and 51.16 mm, respectively. The difference between our approach and a standard paraseptal route was statistically significant (P = 0.041; P< 0.05). The mean horizontal distances were 31.68 mm (mononostril entry) and 35.37 mm (binostril entry). The mean working area was 1795.53 mm2. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic endonasal approaches to the craniovertebral junction are increasing, but the downward extension on the anterior cervical spine represents a limit. Therefore, many surgeons prefer transoral or transcervical approaches. The EtsA with PNS removal allows for a more caudal exposure than the standard paraseptal approach, with reduced nasal trauma.

VITOM 3D: Preliminary Experience in Cranial Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Optimal vision and ergonomics are important factors contributing to achievement of good results during neurosurgical interventions. The operating microscope and the endoscope have partially filled the gap between the need for good surgical vision and maintenance of a comfortable posture during surgery. Recently, a new technology called video-assisted telescope operating monitor or exoscope has been used in cranial surgery. The main drawback with previous prototypes was lack of stereopsis. We present the first case report of cranial surgery performed using the VITOM 3D, an exoscope conjugating 4K resolution view and three-dimensional technology, and discuss advantages and disadvantages compared with the operating microscope. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 50-year-old patient with vertigo and headache linked to a petrous ridge meningioma underwent surgery using the VITOM 3D. Complete removal of the tumor and resolution of symptoms were achieved. The telescope was maintained over the surgical field for the duration of the procedure; a video monitor was placed at 2 m from the surgeons; and a control unit allowed focusing, magnification, and repositioning of the camera. CONCLUSIONS: VITOM 3D is a video system that has overcome the lack of stereopsis, a major drawback of previous exoscope models. It has many advantages regarding ergonomics, versatility, and depth of field compared with the operating microscope, but the holder arm and the mechanism of repositioning, refocusing, and magnification need to be ameliorated. Surgeons should continue to use the technology they feel confident with, unless a distinct advantage with newer technologies can be demonstrated.