Efficiency of interlaminar uniportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy.

AIM: Prospective evaluation of the results of endoscopic lumbar discectomy. METHODS: 95 patients were consecutively enrolled in the study between 2017 and 2021. We monitored low back pain and sciatica according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the limitations in daily activities (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), overall satisfaction according to a 0-100 % scale, and the rate of surgical complications and reoperations. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the VAS values of low back pain and sciatica decreased significantly from 5 to 1 point and from 6 to 1 point, respectively, and the pain remained in the tolerable range (VAS 1-2) throughout the follow-up period. The ODI score improved significantly from severe disability (46 %), preoperatively, to moderate disability at discharge and one month after surgery (29 % and 22 %, respectively), down to minimal disability at 3 and 12 months after surgery (12 % and 14 %, respectively). Overall patient satisfaction improved significantly at all follow-up time points (46 %, 70 %, 77 %, 80 %, and 78 %, respectively). Reoperation rate was 6.3 %. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed in one case only (1.1 %). Transient postoperative perianogenital sensory impairment occurred in two patients (2.1 %). There was no evidence of surgical site infection or haematoma. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic discectomy provides significant pain relief and improves the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living, contributing to greater satisfaction. It is a safe method with a low risk of surgical and neurological complications (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 27).

Microsurgical versus endoscopic surgery for non-functioning pituitary adenomas: a retrospective study.

AIM: To compare microsurgical technique (mTSS) and endoscopic technique (eTSS) in the treatment of non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the charts of 50 patients who underwent either mTSS or eTSS for NFPA in the Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Hradec Kralove from 2013 to 2019. We enrolled all patients who were not treated by postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy and who underwent at least two regular postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests. We compared the groups in terms of the extent of resection, surgery duration, blood loss, complication rate, overall clinical effect on the endocrinological and ophthalmological deficit, and postoperative growth pattern of the residual tumor mass. RESULTS: The mTSS group had significantly shorter surgical time (75 min vs 127 min, P<0.001) and lower perioperative blood loss (156 mL vs 256 mL, P=0.027). The groups did not significantly differ in the extent of resection, overall clinical or hormonal effect, and the complication rate. The extent of resection did not correlate with tumor consistency, while the tumor growth rate did not correlate with age or Ki-67 expression. CONCLUSIONS: There was no major difference between the approaches in surgery radicality or safeness. However, eTSS remains the method of choice due to its potentially higher postoperative preservation of hormonal functions.

Medically induced CSF rhinorrhea following treatment of macroprolactinoma: case series and literature review.

PURPOSE: Although several reports have addressed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea following dopamine agonist (DA) therapy of macroprolactinomas, further study is warranted for this relatively uncommon entity. Toward this aim, our retrospective series and review of literature further clarifies recommendations in treatment of this rare problem. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all macroprolactinoma cases in our hospital for a 15-year period. Our systematic search of PubMed identified original articles and reviews of all macroprolactinoma cases with an associated medication-induced CSF leak. RESULTS: Five patients with drug-induced CSF leak were identified; four of these patients received cabergoline therapy an average of 6 weeks before the onset of rhinorrhea and then underwent surgical repair of the CSF leak. Of 35 published studies included, we identified 60 patients with medication-induced CSF leak. Medical therapy included bromocriptine in 34 patients, cabergoline in 21 patients, and use of both DAs in two patients. Three cases did include complete diagnostic and treatment data. Median time from initiation of the DA treatment to occurrence of rhinorrhea was 6 weeks. For CSF rhinorrhea, 49 patients underwent surgical repair (38 by the transnasal approach) and seven patients were treated nonoperatively. CONCLUSION: Baseline skull base erosion in macroprolactinomas in combination with subsequent tumor shrinkage induced by DA therapy may result in spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. Therefore, such patients should be advised about and monitored for this potential setback. Once CSF leak is diagnosed, prompt treatment must be carried out to avoid infectious complications. Transnasal surgery appears the most effective therapeutic approach.

Medial and Superior Orbital Decompression: Improving Access for Endonasal Endoscopic Frontal Sinus Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Visualization by Draf I-III endoscopic access to the frontal sinus via drainage pathways is sometimes inadequate. We compare lateral frontal sinus exposures by Draf approaches versus our modification of removing the medial-superior wall of the orbit while preserving the periorbita. METHODS: Twenty cadaveric heads dissected using Draf IIB, III, and modified Draf III with medial and superior orbital decompression (MSOD) underwent thin-cut computed tomography (CT) scanning. Under image guidance, measurements extended from the midline crista gali to the most lateral point of the frontal sinus. A case report shows the modified Draf III improved frontal sinus access. RESULTS: Comparing Draf IIB and III with Draf III with MSOD, respectively, distances between midline and most lateral point averaged 19.1 mm, 23.7 mm, and 30.4 mm (left) and 18.7 mm, 25.1 mm, and 32.2 mm (right). Differences between Draf III with/without MSOD were 6.65 mm (left) and 7.09 mm (right); 12 heads were excluded because of under-pneumatization of the sinuses. CONCLUSIONS: Draf III with MSOD extended surgical access to lateral regions of the frontal sinus. This extension achieved better visualization and instrumentation with minimal removal of the frontal bone's orbital segment anterior and superior to the anterior ethmoidal artery while preserving the periorbita.

The Need for Emphasis on Intracranial Hypertension Management in Spontaneous Skull Base Meningoencephaloceles.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an analysis of patients with spontaneous skull base meningoencephaloceles (MECs) to determine whether definitive surgical treatment requires management of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). METHODS: Data of 10 subjects with spontaneous MECs were collected and retrospectively evaluated. Measurement of ICP, prior interventions, treatment with acetazolamide, and characteristics of long-term elevated ICP, among others, were analyzed. Our own indications for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion and use of postoperative external lumbar drain were analyzed as well. RESULTS: The sphenoid region was the most common location of MECs. CSF leak was diagnosed in all subjects. The most common graphical signs of elevated ICP were empty sella and arachnoid pits, both of which were present in 90% of cases. Lumbar puncture with opening pressure measurement was performed in 7 patients. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion was indicated in 4 cases before skull base repair and in 2 cases after skull base repair. Two postoperative CSF leaks were managed with external lumbar drain and subsequent shunt installation. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous MECs are often associated with CSF leak. ICP assessment should be a standard of care to ensure successful operative repair of MECs. Insertion of a CSF diversion device must be considered where direct or indirect signs of intracranial hypertension are present.

Speed and quality of interbody fusion in porous bioceramic Al2O3 and polyetheretherketone cages for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this prospective randomized monocentric study is to compare the speed and quality of interbody fusion of implanted porous Al2O3 (aluminium oxide) cages with PEEK (polyetheretherketone) cages in ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 111 patients were enrolled in the study, which was carried out between 2015 and 2021. The 18-month follow-up (FU) was completed in 68 patients with an Al2O3 cage and 35 patients with a PEEK cage in one-level ACDF. Initially, the first evidence (initialization) of fusion was evaluated on computed tomography. Subsequently, interbody fusion was evaluated according to the fusion quality scale, fusion rate and incidence of subsidence. RESULTS: Signs of incipient fusion at 3 months were detected in 22% of cases with the Al2O3 cage and 37.1% with the PEEK cage. At 12-month FU, the fusion rate was 88.2% for Al2O3 and 97.1% for PEEK cages, and at the final FU at 18 months, 92.6% and 100%, respectively. The incidence of subsidence was observed to be 11.8% and 22.9% of cases with Al2O3 and PEEK cages, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Porous Al2O3 cages demonstrated a lower speed and quality of fusion in comparison with PEEK cages. However, the fusion rate of Al2O3 cages was within the range of published results for various cages. The incidence of subsidence of Al2O3 cages was lower compared to published results. We consider the porous Al2O3 cage as safe for a stand-alone disc replacement in ACDF.

Expression of neuroendocrine markers in meningeal and extrameningeal solitary fibrous tumors: a potential diagnostic pitfall.

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) may show unusual morphologies, and in such circumstances, an unexpected immunoprofile can be misleading. Following an index case of myxoid meningeal SFT with a neuroendocrine immunoprofile, we decided to assess a neuroendocrine profile in SFTs from various locations. The cohort of 9 meningeal and 28 extrameningeal SFTs was evaluated for CNS WHO grade (G1-G3) and 4-tiered Demicco risk stratification. Immunohistochemical detection of synaptophysin, chromogranin, INSM1, CD56, and CD57 was performed in each case and semiquantitatively assessed (0: no expression; 1+: <10% positive; 2+: 11-50%; and 3+: >51%); whole sections (meningeal SFTs) or tissue microarray (extrameningeal SFTs) were used for immunohistochemistry. The cohort included 13 men and 24 women. Meningeal SFTs included 5 WHO G1, 3 WHO G2, and 1 WHO G3 tumors. Extrameningeal SFTs included 21 low-risk, 4 intermediate-risk, and 2 high-risk tumors. INSM1 immunoreactivity was observed in 12 of 37 cases (32%; 8 cases 1+, 3 cases 2+, and 1 case 3+); synaptophysin was positive in 6 of 35 cases (19%; 5 cases 1+ and 1 case 2+); CD56 was positive in 20 of 37 cases (54%; 16 cases 1+, 3 cases 2+, and 1 case 3+); and CD57 was expressed in 14 of 36 cases (39%; 5 cases 1+, 4 cases 2+, and 5 cases 3+). Chromogranin positivity was not observed. No significant association was observed between expression of neuroendocrine markers and tumor grade, Demicco risk group or meningeal and extrameningeal location. Extrapleural SFTs showed a tendency for positivity of INSM1 (P = .014, χ2) and CD57 (P = .017, χ2) compared to pleural SFTs.

Optical coherence tomography and visual evoked potentials in evaluation of optic chiasm decompression.

Chiasmal compression is a known cause of visual impairment, often leading to surgical decompression of the optic chiasm (OC). A prospective study was held at University Hospital in Hradec Králové to explore sensitivity of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) to OC compression and eventual changes after a decompression. 16 patients with OC compression, caused by different sellar pathologies, were included. The main inclusion criterion was the indication for decompressive surgery. Visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF), retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness, and peak time and amplitude of pattern-reversal (P-VEPs) and motion-onset VEPs (M-VEPs) were measured pre- and postoperatively. The degree of OC compression was determined on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. For M-VEPs, there was a significant postoperative shortening of the peak time (N160) (p < 0.05). P100 peak time and its amplitude did not change significantly. The M-VEPs N160 amplitude showed a close relationship to the VF improvement. Thinner preoperative RNFL does not present a statistically important limiting factor for better functional outcomes. The morphological status of the sellar region should be taken into consideration when one evaluates the chiasmal syndrome. M-VEPs enable detection of functional changes in the visual pathway better than P-VEPs.

Endoscopic, endonasal variability in the anatomy of the internal carotid artery.

BACKGROUND: Classic three-dimensional schemas of the internal carotid artery (ICA) for transcranial approaches do not necessarily apply to two-dimensional endoscopic views. Modifying an existing ICA segment classification, we define endoscopic orientation for the lacerum (C3) to clinoid (C5) segments through an endonasal approach. METHODS: In 20 cadaveric heads, we classified endoscopic appearance based on shape and angulation of C3 to C5 segments. Distances were measured between both arteries, and between the ICA and pituitary gland. RESULTS: We identified 4 common ICA patterns: types I through III matched side-to-side, whereas type IV was asymmetric. In 80% of specimens, the pituitary gland had direct contact with the ICA. In 20% of specimens, a space existed between the pituitary gland and the cavernous segment. Access to the posterior aspect of the cavernous sinus medial to the cavernous segment was possible without retraction of the artery or pituitary gland. Spaces between the lacerum and cavernous segments were trapezoid (80%) and hourglass (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Distinguishing which ICA type courses between the lacerum and clinoid segments can help clarify the relationships between the artery and its surrounding structures during endoscopic approaches. Adapting the classic terminology of ICA segments provided consistency of endoscopic relevance, defined potential endoscopic corridors, and highlighted the critical step of arterial contact.