American Rhinologic Society expert practice statement part 1: Skull base reconstruction following endoscopic skull base surgery.

The goal of this American Rhinologic Society expert practice statement (EPS) is to summarize the best available evidence for technical factors that optimize outcomes in skull base reconstruction following endoscopic skull base surgery for intradural pathologies. These topics include the use of free mucosal grafts versus vascularized pedicled nasoseptal flaps; the use of autologous versus synthetic grafts; and the roles of lumbar drains, dural sealants, and nasal packing. This EPS was developed following the recommended methodology and approval process as previously outlined. As there are a myriad of techniques and limited agreement on the accepted principles of skull base reconstruction, this EPS aims to summarize the existing evidence and provide clinically meaningful guidance on these divergent practices. Following a modified Delphi approach, five statements were developed, four of which reached consensus and one of which reached near consensus. These statements and the accompanying evidence are summarized along with an assessment of future needs.

Efficacy of EDS-FLU for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Two Randomized Controlled Trials (ReOpen1 and ReOpen2).

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent inflammatory disease. No medications are Food and Drug Administration-approved for the most common form, CRS without nasal polyps (also called "chronic sinusitis"). Novel biomechanics of the exhalation delivery system deliver fluticasone (EDS-FLU; XHANCE) to sinonasal areas above the inferior turbinate, especially sinus drainage pathways not reached by standard-delivery nasal sprays. OBJECTIVE: Assess EDS-FLU efficacy for CRS (irrespective of nasal polyps). METHODS: Two randomized, EDS-placebo-controlled trials in adults with CRS irrespective of polyps (ReOpen1) or exclusively without polyps (ReOpen2) were conducted at 120 sites in 13 countries. Patients received EDS-FLU 1 or 2 sprays/nostril, or EDS-placebo, twice daily for 24 weeks. Coprimary measures were composite symptom score through week 4 and ethmoid/maxillary sinus percent opacification by computed tomography at week 24. RESULTS: ReOpen1 (N = 332) composite symptom score least-squares mean change for EDS-FLU 1 or 2 sprays/nostril versus EDS-placebo was -1.58 and -1.60 versus -0.62 (P < .001, P < .001); ReOpen2 (N = 223), -1.54 and -1.74 versus -0.81 (P = .011, P = .001). In ReOpen1, sinus opacification least-squares mean change for EDS-FLU 1 or 2 sprays/nostril versus EDS-placebo was -5.58 and -6.20 versus -1.60 (P = .045, P = .018), and in ReOpen2, -7.00 and -5.14 versus +1.19 (P < .001, P = .009). Acute disease exacerbations were reduced by 56% to 66% with EDS-FLU versus EDS-placebo (P = .001). There were significant, and similar magnitude, symptom reductions in patients using standard-delivery nasal steroid products just before entering the study (P < .001). Adverse events were similar to standard-delivery intranasal steroids. CONCLUSIONS: EDS-FLU is the first nonsurgical treatment demonstrated to reduce symptoms, intrasinus opacification, and exacerbations in replicate randomized clinical trials in CRS, regardless of polyp status.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to Intraconal Orbital Tumors: Outcomes and Lessons Learned.

BACKGROUND: Lesions involving the intraconal space of the orbit are rare and challenging to manage. Operative techniques and outcomes for the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) to tumors in the medial intraconal space (MIS) remain poorly characterized. OBJECTIVE: We present our experience with a wide range of isolated intraconal pathology managed via an EEA. METHODS: A retrospective review of all cases (2014-2021) performed by a single skull base team in which the EEA was employed for the management of an intraconal orbital lesion. RESULTS: Twenty patients (13 men, 7 women) with a mean age of 59 years (range, 40-89 years) were included. All lesions were isolated to the MIS, pathology addressed included: cavernous hemangioma (6), schwannoma (4), lymphoma (4), inflammatory pseudotumor (2), chronic invasive fungal sinusitis (2), and metastatic disease (2). Either a biopsy (10/20) or a complete resection (10/20) was performed. In all cases, the MIS was accessed via an endonasal corridor between the medial and inferior rectus muscles. Retraction and safe, intra-orbital dissection of the lesion was performed using a two-surgeon, multi-handed technique. Gross total resection of benign lesions was achieved in 90% (9/10) of cases; a pathologic diagnosis was achieved in 100% (10/10) of biopsy cases. No orbital reconstruction was required. Visual acuity returned to normal in 80% (8/10) of planned resection cases and postoperative diplopia resolved by 3 months in 90%. Mean follow-up was 15 months. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the EEA is safe and effective for accessing lesions in the MIS. This technique affords very favorable outcomes with minimal postoperative morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:47-55, 2024.

Emergency department visits following endoscopic skull base surgery: An opportunity for improvement.

BACKGROUND: Readmissions are major healthcare expenditures, key hospital metrics, and are often preceded by an evaluation in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this study was to analyze ED visits within 30 days of endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS), risk factors for readmission once in the ED, and ED-related evaluation and outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective review from January 2017 to December 2022 at a high-volume center of all ESBS patients who presented to the ED within 30 days of surgery. RESULTS: Of 593 ESBS cases, 104 patients (17.5%) presented to the ED following surgery within 30 days, with a median presentation of 6 days post-discharge (IQR 5-14); 54 (51.9%) patients were discharged while 50 (48.1%) were readmitted. Readmitted patients were significantly older than discharged patients (median 60 years, IQR 50-68 vs. 48 years, 33-56; p < 0.01). Extent of ESBS was not associated with readmission or discharge from the ED. The most common discharge diagnoses were headache (n = 13, 24.1%) and epistaxis (n = 10, 18.5%); the most common readmitting diagnoses were serum abnormality (n = 15, 30.0%) and altered mental status (n = 5, 10.0%). Readmitted patients underwent significantly more laboratory testing than discharged patients (median 6, IQR 3-9 vs. 4, 1-6; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of patients who presented to the ED following ESBS were discharged home but underwent significant workup. Follow-up within 7 days of discharge, risk-stratified endocrine care pathways, and efforts to address the social determinants of health may be considered to optimize postoperative ESBS care.

Endoscopic multiport resection of a transspatial, retromaxillary tumor.

Tumors of the retromaxillary tissues can grow to involve multiple deep, skull base spaces, including the pterygopalatine fossa, infratemporal fossa, and the parapharyngeal space. Management of these tumors must account for heterogeneous pathology as well as the critical neurovasculature in and surrounding these spaces. Traditionally, these tumors have been approached the open skull base or anterior craniofacial approaches. Modern endoscopic endonasal and multiport approaches have increasingly become favored for certain tumors in the retromaxillary skull base region. In this report, we present the case of a 42-year-old male presented with refractory headache and was found to have a left-sided 5.0 cm tumor of the retromaxillary spaces with widening of foramen ovale. Differential diagnosis included schwannoma of the mandibular nerve, paraganglioma, salivary gland tumor, or soft tissue tumor. The tumor was approached via an expanded endoscopic approach to the pterygopalatine fossa and augmented with a Caldwell-Luc maxillotomy, to access the posterolateral extent of the tumor. A 2-surgeon team utilized visualization and instrumentation through both the transnasal and transmaxillotomy corridors to completely mobilize and remove the tumor. Post-resection imaging demonstrated complete removal of the tumor and pathology confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. Custom, multiport surgery can be a safe, less invasive approach for successful management of well selected retromaxillary skull base tumors.

Fascia Lata: Another Workhorse for Complex Skull Base Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Multiple methods exist for skull base reconstruction of defects created by expanded endonasal approaches. While the nasoseptal flap (NSF) has been well established as the workhorse of mucosal reconstruction in complex skull base defects in multi-layered closures, a variety of options exist for the inner layer of multilayer reconstruction, including fascia lata (FL). OBJECTIVE: To present our experience and outcomes in utilizing FL in multiple ways to reconstruct a wide variety of complex skull base defects. METHODS: Retrospective review was performed from May 2017 to February 2022 to identify 50 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic skull base reconstruction using FL. RESULTS: FL was employed for reconstruction in 50 patients included in the study: 37 undergoing primary expanded endonasal skull base surgery and 13 revision cases. A wide range of complex pathology was treated, with meningioma and craniopharyngioma being the two most common. FL was utilized as a "button" graft (34/50, 68.0%), free graft inlay/onlay (13/50, 26.0%), and as a button graft combined with onlay (3/50, 6.0%). Expanded surgery defects addressed included tuberculum sella/sphenoid planum (36/50, 72.0%), clivus (6/50, 12.0%), and cribriform/planum (8/50, 16.0%). Successful reconstruction with fascia lata was accomplished in 46/50 cases (92%), with only 4 cases (8%) requiring revision for post-op CSF leak. Donor-site complications were rare with only 1 case (2.0%) of post-op seroma. CONCLUSION: FL, usually with NSF, offers a versatile option for the reconstruction of challenging defects with excellent outcomes and minimal morbidity. FL is emerging as a workhorse for reconstruction of the inner layer of complex skull base defects.

Biologics for Nasal Polyps: Synthesizing Current Recommendations into a Practical Clinical Algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) has been traditionally managed with a combination of topical and systemic medical therapy as well as endoscopic sinus surgery. The emergence of biologic therapies that target specific aspects of the inflammatory cascade has ushered in a potentially new paradigm in the management options available for CRSwNP. PURPOSE: To summarize the current literature and recommendations supporting the use of available biologic therapies for CRSwNP and to develop an algorithm to aid clinical decision-making regarding treatment selection. METHODS: A review of available literature and studies that demonstrated the clinical efficacy of biologic agents for the treatment of CRSwNP informing current CRSwNP consensus algorithms. RESULTS: Current biologic medications target immunoglobulin E, interleukins, or interleukin receptors implicated in the Th2 inflammatory cascade. Institution of biologic therapy is now an option for patients who have disease refractory to topical medical therapy and endoscopic sinus surgery, those who cannot tolerate surgery, or patients with other comorbid Th2 diseases. Response to treatment should be monitored at 4-6 months and 1 year after initiating therapy. Across multiple indirect comparisons, dupilumab appears to have the largest therapeutic benefit across multiple subjective and objective outcomes. The choice of therapeutic agent also depends on drug availability, patient tolerance, presence of comorbid illnesses, and cost. CONCLUSIONS: Biologics are emerging as an important option in the management of patients with CRSwNP. While more data is required to fully inform indications, treatment selection, and health economics related to their use, biologics may offer robust symptom relief to patients who have failed other interventions.

Efficacy of the exhalation delivery system with fluticasone in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps whose symptoms recur after sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Sinus surgery removes inflamed tissue, restores airflow, and improves delivery of medication into surgically opened spaces. The exhalation delivery system with fluticasone (EDS-FLU; XHANCE® ) uses a novel delivery system to create closed-palate, positive-pressure, bidirectional mechanics that significantly alter the deposition of the topically acting anti-inflammatory medication. We ask whether EDS-FLU efficacy differs for patients with recurrent symptoms after sinus surgery versus patients without surgery. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare EDS-FLU treatment responses in patients with recurrent symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and patients who have never had sinus surgery. METHODS: Data were pooled from two large, controlled trials (NAVIGATE I and II) for exploratory analyses. Chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms, polyp grade, and quality-of-life measures were compared between patients with prior ESS and those without prior ESS. RESULTS: Patients with prior ESS (exhalation delivery system-placebo [n = 53], EDS-FLU 186 µg [n = 52], and EDS-FLU 372 µg [n = 49]) and unoperated patients (exhalation delivery system-placebo [n = 108], EDS-FLU 186 µg [n = 108], and EDS-FLU 372 µg [n = 111]) treated with EDS-FLU reported similar and substantial benefits as measured by multiple symptom and quality-of-life/functioning outcomes (congestion score, 22-Item Sinonasal Outcomes Test [SNOT-22], Rhinosinusitis Disability Index [RSDI], Patient Global Impression of Change) and by nasal polyp grade. In previously operated patients, unlike surgery-naive patients, multiple outcomes (SNOT-22, RSDI, polyp grade) consistently showed numerically but not statistically greater responses to the higher dose. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with recurrent symptoms after sinus surgery who were treated with EDS-FLU demonstrated significant symptom and quality-of-life improvement. Unlike unoperated patients, patients with prior ESS had a numerically but not statistically greater response to the higher dose of EDS-FLU (two sprays per nostril twice a day).

Free Tissue Transfer for Skull Base Osteoradionecrosis: A Novel Approach in the Endoscopic Era.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the skull base and craniovertebral junction is a challenging complication of radiation therapy (RT). Severe cases often require surgical intervention through a multi-modal approach. With the evolution in endoscopic surgery and advances in skull base reconstruction, there is an increasing role for microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT). We describe an endoscopic-assisted approach for the management of ORN of the skull base using fascia lata for MFTT. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Between 2017 and 2021, a review of all cases in which fascia lata MFTT was utilized for skull base ORN was performed. Patient demographics, preoperative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes with long-term follow-up were reviewed. RESULTS: Five patients were identified. Mean duration to onset of ORN was 17 months following RT. A trial of antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), and/or limited debridement was attempted without success. Refractory pain and progressive osteomyelitis were unifying symptoms. All patients underwent endoscopic debridement of the affected region of ORN prior to MFTT. Vascularized fascia lata was inset through a combined endonasal and transoral corridor. There was improvement in chronic pain in the postop setting with no patients requiring continued antibiotics or HBO therapy. Mean post-op follow-up was 23 months. CONCLUSIONS: With continued evolution in endoscopic, minimally invasive approaches, there is an expanding indication for early surgical management in refractory ORN. Fascia lata MFTT is a novel and effective strategy for the management of ORN of the skull base and upper cervical spine with excellent postoperative outcomes and limited patient morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:562-568, 2023.

Predictive Factors for Postoperative Opioid Use in Elective Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: In 2017, the United States opioid epidemic was declared a public health emergency. Increased efforts have been made to understand and reduce patient opioid use in neurosurgery. However, the factors associated with postoperative opioid use remain understudied in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EESBS). We identified the demographic and surgical factors associated with postoperative opioid use in EESBS. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent elective EESBS between January 2015 and December 2020. Patient demographics, relevant clinical history, and operative data were collected and analyzed. Total opioid use was calculated 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with opioid use. RESULTS: There were 454 patients included. A history of anxiety/depression and younger patient age were associated with a significant increase in opioid use at 24 (28.2 MME, p < 0.001), 48 (53.4 MME, p < 0.001), and 72 (89.4 MME, p < 0.001) hours after surgery. Nasoseptal flap use was significantly associated with increased opioid use at 24 (12.8 MME, p < 0.49) and 48 (19.6 MME, p < 0.048) h postoperatively while controlling for intraoperative variables and surgical approach (trans-sellar vs. expanded). No significant association was observed for patient sex, history of migraines, preoperative opioid use, length of surgery, or surgical approach. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing EESBS, patient history of anxiety/depression, younger patient age, and nasoseptal flap use are associated with increased postoperative opioid use. Knowledge of these risk factors may guide perioperative prescribing patterns to both adequately control postoperative pain and reduce opioid use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:494-499, 2023.

Use of Radiofrequency Technology in Endonasal Skull Base and Transcranial Procedures.

Objective Radiofrequency ablation is widely utilized in otorhinolaryngology. It is used for ablation, coagulation and resection, and hemostasis. It causes tissue destruction through a chemical interaction of ions. The potential benefit is to cause less thermal injury to surrounding tissues compared with other coagulative tools. In this article, we present novel uses of radiofrequency ablation in endoscopic endonasal, and transcranial surgery. This is the first study to describe its use in transcranial cases. Design, Setting, and Participants This is a retrospective study of patients between 2016 and 2018 who underwent either endoscopic endonasal or transcranial surgery where radiofrequency ablation was used. Main Outcome Measures We looked at indication for usage, blood loss, postoperative imaging to identify any stroke or edema, and clinical outcomes of these patients. Results The radiofrequency device was used in eight endoscopic endonasal cases and four craniotomies. Four cases were for encephalocele repair and eight were for various intracranial pathologies. In endonasal encephalocele repair, the radiofrequency ablation helped in shrinking the herniated brain while minimizing thermal injury to the surrounding tissue. In tumors resection, the combination of ablation and coagulation effect was particularly effective for highly vascularized tumors. There were no vascular or major neurologic injuries. Postoperative periencephalocele edema was noted in one case. Conclusion Initial experience with radiofrequency ablation showed that it was a safe technique to use in both endonasal skull-base and transcranial procedures. It seemed particularly useful for highly vascularized tumors but a greater experience is needed to further clarify its role in these procedures.

Preoperative Workup for Patients with Pituitary Lesions.

The pituitary gland plays a vital role in hormonal regulation. Pituitary lesions include tumors, cysts, and inflammatory processes that require multidisciplinary care from endocrinologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons, and otolaryngologists. Treatment is typically aimed at controlling hormonal hypersecretion, decompressing the optic apparatus, and reducing tumor volume, and surgery is a common first-line approach. In this article, we provide a background on the function of the pituitary gland, common pituitary lesions, and their clinical presentations, as well as a summary of the history and physical, laboratory testing, and imaging required for the workup of a pituitary lesion.

Systematic review of olfactory outcomes after nasoseptal flap harvest for endoscopic skull base surgery: Does using cold steel or olfactory strip preservation matter?

BACKGROUND: Several studies have described techniques aimed at mitigating olfactory dysfunction after nasoseptal flap (NSF) harvest for endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). No consensus exists as to whether popular methods including using cold steel (CS) versus electrocautery (EC) or septal olfactory strip (SOS) preservation offer an advantage. This systematic review was performed to examine the impact of these two technical variations of NSF harvest on postoperative olfactory outcomes. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for articles reporting olfactory outcomes in ESBS cases employing an NSF. Original articles focusing on technique variations of the NSF and reporting at least one objective olfactory measure were included. RESULTS: Nine studies comprising 610 patients were included. Various, olfactory testing outcomes were reported, and postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 12 months. Three studies, including a randomized controlled trial, compared the use of CS and EC for the superior incision of the NSF. No significant difference was found in objective olfactory function (p > 0.05) when comparing these techniques. Five studies comprising 504 patients reported results from SOS-sparing. SOS-sparing technique in NSF harvest demonstrated smell preservation in the postoperative setting when compared with preoperative measures (p > 0.05); however, no direct comparison to non-SOS-sparing techniques was made. CONCLUSION: The use of CS as opposed to EC for the superior NSF incision does not appear to confer an advantage in preserving postoperative olfactory function (grade B evidence). SOS preservation may be associated with better olfactory outcomes in NSF harvest (grade C evidence).

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.