Superiorly Based Middle Turbinate Flap for Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study and Case Series.

Objectives Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the anterior cranial base are frequently repaired with endonasal, multilayered reconstructions. Vascularized tissue flaps are superior to free mucosal grafts and biomaterials in many cases. Limitations of previously described flaps include reach, rotation, pedicle availability, and postoperative sinonasal morbidity. The objective of this study is to describe the superiorly based middle turbinate flap, a novel vascularized mucosal reconstruction option, and to present a case series demonstrating flap utility. Design Cadaveric feasibility study with technical description and illustrative case series. Setting Tertiary medical center. Participants Three silicone-injected cadaveric specimens (6 sides); 7 patients with CSF rhinorrhea from bony dehiscence of the anterior cranial fossa repaired with a superiorly based middle turbinate flap. Outcome Measures Cadaveric feasibility, in vivo repair outcomes, sinonasal symptoms, and postoperative healing. Results Cadaveric dissection demonstrated a consistent vascular plexus arising from the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries, originating at the superior attachment of the middle turbinate and traveling inferiorly to supply the mucosa of the middle turbinate. Mean surface area of the flap was 776.67 ± 114.60 mm 2 . The clinical series of 7 patients involved leaks around the cribriform plate and fovea ethmoidalis. There were no instances of repair failure. All cases showed rapid and complete remucosalization without significant sinonasal morbidity. Conclusion The superiorly based middle turbinate flap is a reliable, versatile, and effective option for a vascularized mucosal flap onlay that can be used in anterior skull base reconstruction. This flap is particularly useful in the repair of defects involving the cribriform plate and fovea ethmoidalis.

Evolution of Surgical Outcomes in Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Craniopharyngiomas.

Introduction Wide variations exist in the management of craniopharyngiomas, including pituitary stalk preservation/sacrifice. This study examines the practice patterns over 16 years using the endoscopic endonasal approach for the resection of craniopharyngiomas and it examines the effects of stalk preservation. Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted for 66 patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for resection of craniopharyngiomas. Patients were stratified into three epochs: 2005 to 2009 ( N = 20), 2010 to 2015 ( N = 23), and 2016 to 2020 ( N = 20), to examine the evolution of surgical outcomes. Subgroup analysis between stalk preservation/stalk sacrifice was conducted for rate of gross total resection, anterior pituitary function preservation, and development of new permanent diabetes insipidus. Results Gross total resection rates across the first, second, and third epochs were 20, 65, and 52%, respectively ( p = 0.042). Stalk preservation across epochs were 100, 5.9, and 52.6% ( p = 0.0001). New permanent diabetes insipidus did not significantly change across epochs (37.5, 68.4, 71.4%; p = 0.078). Preservation of normal endocrine function across epochs was 25, 0, and 23.8%; ( p = 0.001). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks significantly decreased over time (40, 4.5, and 0%; [ p = 0.0001]). Stalk preservation group retained higher normal endocrine function (40.9 vs. 0%; p = 0.001) and less normal-preoperative to postoperative panhypopituitarism (18.4 vs. 56%; p = 0.001). Stalk sacrifice group achieved higher GTR (70.8 vs. 28%, p = 0.005). At last follow-up, there was no difference in recurrence/progression rates between the two groups. Conclusion There is a continuous evolution in the management of craniopharyngiomas. Gross total resection, higher rates of pituitary stalk and hormonal preservation, and low rates of postoperative CSF leak can be achieved with increased surgical experience.

Sleep Subdomain of the Sinonasal Outcome Test as a Potential Screening Tool for Sleep Apnea in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 20% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients with undiagnosed OSA are at high risk for perioperative complications. The Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22) Questionnaire is commonly administered to CRS patients, whereas OSA screening tools are less routinely employed. This study compared SNOT-22 sleep subdomain (Sleep-SNOT) scores among non-OSA CRS versus OSA-CRS patients undergoing ESS, and assessed sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the Sleep-SNOT for OSA screening. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients that underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS from 2012 to 2021. Patients either carried a reported OSA diagnosis and completed the SNOT-22, or had undocumented OSA status and completed both STOP-BANG and SNOT-22. Demographics, questionnaire scores, and OSA status were collected. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve assessed cutoff scores, sensitivity, and specificity of the Sleep-SNOT for OSA screening. RESULTS: Of 600 patients reviewed, 109 were included. 41% had comorbid OSA. OSA patients had a higher BMI (32.1 ± 7.7 vs. 28.35 ± 6.7 kg/m2 ; p = 0.02), Sleep-SNOT (21.96 ± 12.1 vs. 16.8 ± 11.2; p = 0.021) and STOP-BANG (3.1 ± 1.44 vs. 2.06 ± 1.27; p = 0.038) scores. A Sleep-SNOT score of 17.5 had a sensitivity of 68.9%, specificity of 55.7%, and diagnostic accuracy of 63% for OSA detection (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep-SNOT scores are greater for CRS-OSA patients. The Sleep-SNOT ROC curve demonstrates a high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for OSA screening in CRS patients. A Sleep-SNOT score of ≥17.5 should prompt further OSA evaluation. The Sleep-SNOT may be considered as a surrogate OSA screening tool when other validated tools are not employed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective chart review, Level 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2029-2034, 2023.

Orbital resection by intranasal technique (ORBIT): A new classification system for reporting endoscopically resectable primary benign orbital tumors.

BACKGROUND: The Cavernous Hemangioma Exclusively Endonasal Resection (CHEER) staging system has become the gold standard for outcomes reporting in endoscopic orbital surgery for orbital cavernous hemangiomas (OCHs). A recent systematic review demonstrated similar outcomes between OCHs and other primary benign orbital tumors (PBOTs). Therefore, we hypothesized that a simplified and more comprehensive classification system could be developed to predict surgical outcomes of other PBOTs. METHODS: Patient and tumor characteristics as well as surgical outcomes from 11 international centers were recorded. All tumors were retrospectively assigned an Orbital Resection by Intranasal Technique (ORBIT) class and stratified based on surgical approach as either exclusively endoscopic or combined (endoscopic and open). Outcomes based on approach were compared using chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests. The Cochrane-Armitage test for trend was used to analyze outcomes by class. RESULTS: Findings from 110 PBOTs from 110 patients (age 49.0 ± 15.0 years, 51.9% female) were included in the analysis. Higher ORBIT class was associated with a lower likelihood of gross total resection (GTR). GTR was more likely to be achieved when an exclusively endoscopic approach was utilized (p < 0.05). Tumors resected using a combined approach tended to be larger, to present with diplopia, and to have an immediate postoperative cranial nerve palsy (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment of PBOTs is an effective approach, with favorable short-term and long-term postoperative outcomes as well as low rate of adverse events. The ORBIT classification system is an anatomic-based framework that effectively facilitates high-quality outcomes reporting for all PBOTs.

Nasopharyngectomy Without Maxillary Swing via a Combined Open Lateral and Endoscopic Approach.

Nasopharyngeal tumors in the proximity of the internal carotid artery are often difficult to dissect. Here, we describe a combined transcervical and endoscopic endonasal approach that provides improved internal carotid artery protection and confident tumor resection. Laryngoscope, 133:105-108, 2023.

Effect of p16 Status on Survival Outcomes in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of p16 status on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) undergoing treatment with curative intent; and to assess how p16 status may affect patterns of recurrence. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary medical center. METHODS: Patients with sinonasal SCC treated with curative intent from 2012 to 2018 were identified. Independent variable of interest was p16 status, which was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) with a 70% staining cutoff for positivity. Kaplan Meier survival curve was plotted to assess correlation between p16 status and DFS and OS. Association between recurrence patterns and p16 status was conducted using chi square and fisher's exact tests. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis was conducted to assess association between independent variables and DFS. RESULTS: Fifty patients with sinonasal SCC met inclusion criteria. Patients were p16 positive in 28/50 (56%) of cases. Kaplan Meier survival curve revealed no statistically significant association between p16 status and DFS or OS survival (P = .780, P = .474). There was no difference in recurrence patterns in patients with p16 positive versus negative tumors. CONCLUSION: p16 status did not have prognostic value on DFS and OS in our cohort of patients with sinonasal SCC undergoing treatment with curative intent. There was no difference in recurrence patterns between the 2 populations. Based on the results of this study, p16 status should not impact counseling of patients as it relates to their prognosis from SNM.

Minimally invasive endoscopic approaches to pediatric skull base pathologies.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic endonasal approaches to pediatric skull base lesions are rare, challenging, and present distinct considerations from adult pathology. In this study, we describe our endoscopic technical approach to various skull base lesions demonstrating the efficacy and nuances of these approaches in pediatric patients. METHODS: Pediatric patients underwent endoscopic approach for skull base lesions from January of 2015 to April of 2021 were included in the study. Presenting symptoms, indications for surgery, surgical outcomes, intraoperative and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and length of follow-up were documented. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients (median age 12, age-range 1-15, 53% male) underwent 19 endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures. The pathologies included craniopharyngioma (N = 5), biopsy for an unknown disease (n = 2; orbital meningioma and pituitary lymphocytic hypophysitis), pituitary adenoma (N = 2; ACTH-secreting and non-functional), Rathke's cleft cyst (n = 2), CSF leak repairs (n = 2; post-traumatic and spontaneous meningocele), juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (n = 3, 1 patient had 2 procedures) and rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 1). GTR was achieved in 11 out of 15 procedures (73.3%). Out of 10 patients with a sellar lesion, 6 patients had intraoperative CSF leak (60%). No patients experienced post-operative CSF leak. The median follow-up for all patients was 14 months (1-36 months). CONCLUSION: Anterior and middle skull base pathology in pediatric patients can be effectively operated via an endoscopic approach across a wide variety of patient ages and conditions. Minimally invasive techniques with middle turbinate and nasal septum preservation can be achieved without compromising outcomes. A wide variety of surgical repair strategies can be successfully utilized.

Surgical Outcomes of Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Adenoma Resection in Elderly Versus Younger Patients.

Introduction Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are one of the most common types of intracranial neoplasm with increased incidence in elderly patients. The outcomes of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) specifically on elderly patients remain unclear. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study to compare elderly patients (age ≥65 years) with nonelderly patients (age <65 years) who underwent ETS for PA from January 2005 to December 2020. Surgical outcomes, including extent of resection, complication profile, length of stay, and endocrinopathy rates, were compared between elderly and nonelderly patients. Results A total of 690 patients were included, with 197 (29%) being elderly patients. Elderly patients showed higher rates of hypertension ( p < 0.05), myocardial infarction ( p < 0.01), and atrial fibrillation ( p = 0.01) but not other comorbidities. Elderly patients also had more frequent optic nerve involvement (72 vs. 61% of cases, p = 0.01). Tumor characteristics and other patient variables were otherwise similar between younger and elderly patients. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks (2 vs. 2%, p = 0.8), 30-day readmission, reoperation, postoperative complications, and postoperative endocrinopathies were similar between younger and older patients. Subdividing patients into age <65, 65 to 79, and >80 years also did not demonstrate a worsening of surgical outcomes with age. Conclusion For well-selected elderly patients in experienced endoscopic skull base centers, good surgical outcomes similarly to younger patients may be achieved.

A Single Layer Synthetic Dural Substitute Inlay is an Effective Sellar Reconstruction Technique in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery.

Objectives A variety of endonasal sellar repair techniques have been described; many are complex, multilayered, and carry potential morbidity. We propose an effective, technically simple single-layer repair for select sellar defects, including those with an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Our technique utilizes only a synthetic dural substitute inlay and dural sealant glue without packing or lumbar drainage. Design This is a retrospective review-based study. Setting This study was conducted at tertiary care center. Participants Patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma and sellar reconstruction with the aforementioned inlay technique. Patients were selected for this technique if they had an identified intraoperative CSF leak, a patulous diaphragm (expanded and thinned diaphragma sella), or a comorbidity excluding them from a simpler onlay only reconstruction. Outcome Measures Postoperative CSF leak and sinonasal morbidity included in the study. Results A total of 409 subjects were identified; 368 were initial resections. Gross total resection of the pituitary adenoma was achieved in 356 (87.0%) cases. Average tumor size was 2.6 ± 1.1 cm. Average tumor volume was 10.8 ± 12.1 cm 3 . There were 135 intraoperative CSF leaks and 196 patulous diaphragms. There were five postoperative CSF leaks (1.2%), all of which occurred in the first half of our series. Pre- and postoperative sino-nasal outcomes test-22 scores were 19.2 ± 18.2 and 18.8 ± 21.3 ( p = 0.492), respectively. Conclusion A synthetic dural substitute inlay and dural sealant glue is an excellent single-layer repair for sellar defects, even those with an intraoperative CSF leak. This technique is highly effective in preventing postoperative CSF leaks and does not utilize packing or lumbar drainage. It also avoids the potential cost and morbidity associated with more complex and multilayered closures.

An algorithm for sellar reconstruction following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma: A review of 582 cases.

BACKGROUND: Several sellar reconstruction algorithms stratify patients based on risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Many proposed algorithms employ techniques that are overly complex and confer morbidity. We review our experience with sellar reconstruction following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery and propose a highly effective, yet simple and low morbidity, algorithm. METHODS: A retrospective review of 582 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma by a single neurosurgeon between 2005 and 2020 was performed. Patients without an intraoperative CSF leak and without a patulous diaphragm were repaired with an oxidized cellulose onlay (group 1). Patients with a low-flow intraoperative CSF leak or a patulous diaphragm were repaired with a synthetic dural substitute inlay (group 2). Patients with a persistent leak around the inlay repair or a high-flow leak were reconstructed with a synthetic dural substitute inlay and a nasoseptal flap onlay (group 3). RESULTS: There was an overall leak rate of 1.5% (9/582) to 1.0% (2/197) in group 1, 1.7% (6/347) in group 2, and 2.6% (1/38) in group 3. Group 3 had the highest rate of postoperative morbidity, including sinusitis (23.7% vs. 8.6% and 15.0% in groups 1 and 2, p = 0.018) and crusting (42.1% vs. 4.6% and 6.3% in groups 1 and 2, p < 0.001). All techniques healed equally well radiographically. CONCLUSION: The proposed algorithm for sellar reconstruction is highly effective and minimizes complexity and morbidity, primarily utilizing single-layer reconstructions without the addition of packing material or lumbar drainage.

Evaluation of early postoperative day 1 discharge after endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma resection.

OBJECTIVE: While multiple studies have evaluated the length of stay after endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for pituitary adenoma, the potential for early discharge on postoperative day 1 (POD 1) remains unclear. The authors compared patients discharged on POD 1 with patients discharged on POD > 1 to better characterize factors that facilitate early discharge after ETS. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients undergoing ETS for pituitary adenoma at a single tertiary care academic center from February 2005 to February 2020. Discharge on POD 1 was defined as a discharge within 24 hours of surgery. RESULTS: A total of 726 patients (mean age 55 years, 52% male) were identified, of whom 178 (24.5%) patients were discharged on POD 1. These patients were more likely to have pituitary incidentaloma (p = 0.001), require dural substitutes and DuraSeal (p = 0.0001), have fewer intraoperative CSF leaks (p = 0.02), and have lower postoperative complication rates (p = 0.006) compared with patients discharged on POD > 1. POD 1 patients also showed higher rates of macroadenomas (96.1% vs 91.4%, p = 0.03) and lower rates of functional tumors (p = 0.02). POD > 1 patients were more likely to have readmission within 30 days (p = 0.002), readmission after 30 days (p = 0.0001), nasal synechiae on follow-up (p = 0.003), diabetes insipidus (DI; 1.7% vs 9.8%, p = 0.0001), postoperative hypocortisolism (21.8% vs 12.1%, p = 0.01), and postoperative steroid usage (44.6% vs 59.7%, p = 0.003). The number of patients discharged on POD 1 significantly increased during each subsequent time epoch: 2005-2010, 2011-2015, and 2016-2020 (p = 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, DI (OR 7.02, 95% CI 2.01-24.57; p = 0.002) and intraoperative leak (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.25-3.28; p = 0.004) were associated with increased risk for POD > 1 discharge, while operation epoch (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.3-0.71; p = 0.0001) was associated with POD 1 discharge. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that discharge on POD 1 after ETS for pituitary adenomas was safe and feasible and without increased risk of 30-day readmission. On multivariate analysis, surgical epoch was associated with decreased risk of prolonged length of stay, while factors associated with increased risk of prolonged length of stay included DI and intraoperative CSF leak. These findings may help in selecting patients who are deemed reasonable for safe, early discharge after pituitary adenoma resection.

Management of Coincident Pituitary Macroadenoma and Cavernous Carotid Aneurysm: A Systematic Literature Review.

Introduction Pituitary adenomas are a common intracranial pathology with an incidence of 15 to 20% in the population while cerebral aneurysms are less common with a prevalence of 1:50 patients. The incidence of aneurysms in patients with pituitary adenoma has been estimated at 2.3 to 5.4% of patients; however, this remains unclear. Equally, the management of concomitant lesions lacks significant understanding. Methods A case report is presented of a concomitant cerebral aneurysm and pituitary adenoma managed by minimally invasive endovascular and endoscopic methods, respectively. A systematic review of the literature for terms "pituitary adenoma" and "aneurysm" yielded 494 studies that were narrowed to 19 relevant articles. Results We report a case of a 67-year-old patient with an enlarging pituitary macroadenoma, cavernous carotid aneurysm, and unilateral carotid occlusion. After successful treatment of the aneurysm by a pipeline flow diverter, the pituitary adenoma was surgically resected by an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Conclusion The use of a pipeline flow diverter and endonasal approach was feasible in the treatment of our patient. This is the first report to our knowledge of the use of pipeline flow diversion in the management of a cavernous carotid aneurysm prior to pituitary adenoma treatment.

Postoperative Oral Antibiotics and Sinonasal Outcomes Following Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors Study: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative prophylactic antibiotics are commonly used in pituitary surgery, but evidence supporting their use is lacking, which has implications for antibiotic stewardship. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether receipt of postoperative oral antibiotics results in superior sinonasal quality of life (QOL) compared with placebo among patients who undergo endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive either oral placebo or cefdinir (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in patients intolerant to cefdinir) for 7 d after surgery. They were monitored for 12 wk. The primary outcome measure was sinonasal QOL at 2 wk on the Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12. Supplementary end points included sinonasal QOL reported on the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 and objective endoscopy scores to assess nasal healing according to the Lund-Kennedy method. RESULTS: A total of 461 patients were screened, 131 were randomized, and 113 (placebo arm: 55; antibiotic arm: 58) were analyzed. There was no clinically meaningful or statistically significant difference in sinonasal QOL at any measured time point (P ≥ .24) using either instrument. Nasal cavity endoscopy scores were not significantly different at 1 to 2 wk after surgery (P = .25) or at 3 to 4 wk after surgery (P = .08). CONCLUSION: Postoperative prophylactic oral antibiotics did not result in superior sinonasal QOL compared with placebo among patients who underwent standard endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

Assessment of the Validity of the Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22 in Pituitary Surgery: A Multicenter Prospective Trial.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22 (SNOT-22) is used widely as a patient-reported sinonasal quality-of-life (QOL) instrument for endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery. However, it has never been validated in this population. This study explores the psychometric validity of SNOT-22 to determine if it is a valid scale in patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter prospective trial. METHODS: Adult patients (n = 113) with pituitary tumors undergoing endoscopic surgery were enrolled in a multicenter study. Patient-reported QOL was assessed using SNOT-22 and the Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12. Face validity, internal consistency, responsiveness to clinical change, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity were determined using standard statistical methods. RESULTS: Internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha at baseline and 2 weeks postoperatively were 0.911 and 0.922, indicating SNOT-22 performed well as a single construct. Mean QOL scores were significantly worse at 2 weeks than baseline (16.4 ± 15.1 vs. 23.1 ± 16.4, P < .001), indicating the scale is responsive to clinical change. However, only 11/22 items demonstrated significant changes in mean scores at 2 weeks. Correlation between scores at 2 and 3 weeks was high, suggesting good test-retest reliability, r(107) = 0.75, P < .001. Factor analysis suggests the five-factor solution proposed for the SNOT-22 in rhinosinusitis patients is not valid in pituitary surgery patients. CONCLUSIONS: The SNOT-22 is a valid QOL instrument in patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery. However, because it includes 22 items, can be applied only as a single construct, 50% of the items do not demonstrate changes after surgery, and is not as sensitive to change as other scales, shorter instruments developed specifically for this patient population may be preferable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 131:E2757-E2763, 2021.

A Simple Onlay Sellar Reconstruction Does Not Increase the Risk of Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Well-Selected Patients.

Objective A variety of endonasal sellar repair techniques have been described; many of which are complex, expensive, and carry potential morbidity but are felt to be necessary to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. We propose an effective, technically simple repair for select sellar defects utilizing an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose. Design Retrospective review of patients from a single neurosurgeon who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma and sellar reconstruction with only an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose. Patients were selected for this repair technique based on the absence of: (1) intraoperative identification of a CSF leak, (2) patulous diaphragm (expanded diaphragm sella herniating to or through sellar floor defect), and (3) other prohibiting comorbidities. Setting The present study was conducted at a tertiary care center. Participants In this study, pituitary adenoma patients were the participants. Outcome Measures Main outcome measure of the study is postoperative CSF leak. Results A total of 172 patients were identified. Of these, 153 were initial resections of pituitary adenomas. Gross total resection was achieved in 142 (82.6%) cases. Average tumor size was 2.2 ± 1.1 cm. Average tumor volume was 10.4 ± 19.8 cm 3 . No patients had intraoperative CSF leaks. All cases were repaired with only an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose. There were two postoperative CSF leaks (1.16%). Pre and postoperative SNOT-22 scores were 12.9 ± 11.9 and 14.3 ± 14.9 ( p = 0.796), respectively. Conclusion The use of an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose alone is an effective repair technique for select sellar defects. This technique does not result in increased postoperative CSF leak rates and avoids the higher relative cost and potential morbidity associated with more complex, multilayered closures.

Surgery with Post-Operative Endoscopy Improves Recurrence Detection in Sinonasal Malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: The mainstay of treatment in sinonasal malignancy (SNM) is surgery, and when combined with chemoradiation therapy, often leads to the best overall prognosis. Nasal endoscopy is essential for post-treatment surveillance along with physical exam and radiologic evaluation. The ability to directly visualize the sinus cavities after surgery may also improve early detection of tumor recurrence and is another reason to potentially advocate for surgery in these patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of medical records of patients with pathologically proven SNM was conducted from 2005 to 2019. RESULTS: The nasal cavity and maxillary sinus were the most common primary tumor sub-sites. The most common pathology was squamous cell carcinoma (42%). The median time to recurrence was 9.8 months. Recurrence was initially detected endoscopically in 34.3% patients, by imaging in 62.7% patients, and by physical exam in 3.0% patients. 67 (29%) total recurrences were detected on follow-up, of which 46 (68.7%) were local. Twenty-three of the local recurrences were identified via nasal endoscopy. Thirteen recurrences were identified via endoscopic surveillance within the surgically patent paranasal sinuses while 13 were identified within the nasal cavity; 5 patients had multiple sites of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Local recurrence of SNM is the most common site for recurrent disease and nasal endoscopy identified half of these cases. 50% of these recurrences were within the paranasal sinuses and would not have been easily identified if the sinuses were not open for inspection. Thus, open sinus cavities aid in the detection of tumor recurrence and is another advantage of surgery in the management of SNM.

Free tissue transfer for central skull base defect reconstruction: Case series and surgical technique.

OBJECTIVES: Local reconstruction of central skull base defects may be inadequate for large defects or reoperative cases; free tissue transfer may be necessary. Inset of the flap and management of the pedicle can be challenging. We report our experience and approaches. METHODS: Retrospective review identifying seven patients with central skull base defects who underwent free flap reconstruction from 2016 to 2020. RESULTS: Four patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, one with recurrent craniopharyngioma, one with clival-cervical chordoma, and one with meningioma of the middle cranial fossa were analyzed. Six defects were closed with an anterolateral thigh free flap and one with a radial forearm free flap. In two patients, the flap was secured in an onlay fashion to the defect via a Caldwell-Luc transmaxillary approach. In one patient, the flap was passed transorally, and the pedicle was delivered into the neck via Penrose drain. In two patients, a parapharyngeal technique and in two others, a retropharyngeal was used for nasopharyngeal inset with endoscopic assistance. There were no flap failures, with an average follow-up time of 20.1 (range 3.2-47.1) months. One patient required flap repositioning on postoperative day three due to midline shift and intracranial contents compression. The transoral inset flap necessitated flap repositioning on postoperative day 13 to improve the nasopharyngeal airway. CONCLUSION: Free flap reconstruction of the central skull base is challenging, but transmaxillary, transoral, parapharyngeal, and retropharyngeal approaches can be used with endoscopic assistance to ensure secure inset flap and avoid airway obstruction.

Straws Don't Suck: Are Straws Dangerous after Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery?

Objective Patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal surgery have historically been restricted from using straws postoperatively, due to the concern that this activity generates negative pressure. The objective of this study is to evaluate the pressure dynamics in the sinonasal cavity associated with the use of a straw. Methods Intracranial pressure catheters were placed in the nasal cavity of 20 healthy individuals. Pressure measurements were then recorded while participants drank liquids of different viscosities from a cup and from a straw. Measurements were recorded with and without subjects occluding their nose to simulate postoperative nasal obstruction. Results The average pressure in the nasal cavity while drinking water from a cup was -0.86 cmH 2 O, from a straw was -1.09 cmH 2 O, and while occluding the nose and using a straw was -0.81 cmH 2 O. The average pressure in the nasal cavity while drinking a milkshake from a cup was -0.98 cmH 2 O, from a straw was -1.88 cmH 2 O, and while occluding the nose and using a straw was -1.37 cmH 2 O. There was no statistically significant difference in pressure measurements when comparing either task or consistency ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Straw use is not associated with the generation of significant negative pressure in the nasal cavity. The pressure generated when drinking from a straw is not significantly different from that of drinking from a cup. This data suggest that straw use may be safe for patients following endoscopic skull base surgery, but further investigation is warranted.