[Autologous fibrin glue for endoscopic skull base repair in patients with cerebrospinal fluid leakage]. / Primenenie autologichnogo fibrinovogo kleya v endoskopicheskoi plastike defektov osnovaniya cherepa pri nazal'nykh likvoreyakh.

The main stages of endoscopic skull base repair in patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage are identification of bone boundaries of the fistula and its closure by auto- and allografts. Fibrin glue can be used to fix plastic materials and additionally seal skull base defect. OBJECTIVE: To analyze efficacy and safety of Vivostat autologous fibrin glue for endoscopic skull base repair in patients with nasal CSF leakage and to compare postoperative outcomes after defect closure by Vivostat fibrin glue and allogeneic fibrin glue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retro- and prospective analysis included 56 patients with nasal CSF leakage who were treated at the Burdenko Neurosurgery Center between January 2021 and June 2022. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Vivostat fibrin glue (n=27, 48.2%) and allogeneic fibrin glue (n=29, 51.8%). Demographic and clinical perioperative data were analyzed. RESULTS: No early postoperative recurrence of CSF leakage was registered in both groups, whereas meningitis occurred in 2 cases in each group. Recurrent CSF leakage in delayed postoperative period occurred in 1 patient (3.4%) of the control group (p>0.05). Incidence of perioperative complications, subfebrile temperature in early postoperative period, surgery time and hospital-stay were similar. CONCLUSION: Vivostat autologous fibrin glue is a safe and effective method for fixing the grafts in endoscopic skull base repair. The advantages of this approach are easy application, elimination of the risk of allergic, immunological and infectious complications, as well as acceleration of tissue regeneration.

[Endoscopic endonasal reconstruction of skull base defects in the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus: evaluation of computed tomograms for planning operations]. / Endoskopicheskaya endonazal'naya plastika defektov osnovaniya cherepa v oblasti lateral'nogo karmana klinovidnoi pazukhi: otsenka komp'yuternykh tomogramm dlya planirovaniya operatsii.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the influence of the anatomical features and sizes of the lateral pocket with a defect on the choice of surgical access and the quality of the performed plastics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of computed tomograms of 38 patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Burdenko National Medical Research Center for Neurosurgery of the Ministry of Health of Russia about defects of the skull base in the area of the lateral pocket of the sphenoid sinus. The patients were divided into three groups depending on the approach used (the 1st group), the recurrence rate (the 2nd group), and the characteristics of intraoperative visualization of the defect (the 3rd group). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in anatomical features in patients who underwent trans-pterygoid and transsphenoidal approaches, as well as in patients of the 2nd group. Patients of the 3rd group (with visualization features) showed statistically significant differences between the distance from the defect to the VR line (p=0.007). In patients with good visualization of the defect using direct optics, this distance was shorter than in patients in whom the defect was visualized with an angled endoscope. No other anatomical differences were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical features of the lateral pocket structure (type of pneumatization, size and volume) did not affect the choice of access to the defect and the frequency of recurrence. When comparing the approaches, it was noted that the trans-pterygoid access, providing direct visualization of defects, minimizes the risk of recurrence in the postoperative period. An objective anatomical indicator for choosing an access to the defects of the lateral pocket can be the distance from the defect to the VR line: at a distance of more than 0.7 cm, it is advisable to perform a trans-pterygoid approach; at a distance of less than 0.7 cm, it is possible to achieve direct visualization of the defect and perform high-quality plastic surgery with a transsphenoidal access.

[Modern aspects of surgical treatment of nasal liquorrhea with localization of defect in frontal sinus]. / Sovremennye aspekty khirurgicheskogo lecheniia nazal'noi likvorei s lokalizatsiei defekta v lobnoi pazukhe.

Defects localized in the frontal sinus are difficult for surgical treatment, since there is a large number of anatomical variations in the structure of the naso-frontal canal and the sinus itself. With the development of endoscopic technology and paying attention to the modern tendency of minimal invasive surgery, new invasive approaches to reach frontal sinus, such as endoscopic approach according to Draf I-III and combined approaches were developed and put into practice. OBJECTIVE: To summarize and to analyze the results of treatment of nasal liquorrhea with localization of the defect in the frontal sinus using endoscopic endonasal and combined intra-extranasal approaches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a series of 43 cases of nasal liquorrhea with a frontal sinus defect being treated at the NMRCN Burdenko during the period from 2001 to 2017. To select access, a classification of frontal sinus defects according to their localization was developed. The analysis of demographic and clinical data of patients, as well as intraoperative and postoperative data analysis were done. RESULTS: In the series of 43 patients, endoscopic endonasal approach was performed in 28 (65%) cases. Combined approach was performed at 15 (35%) patients. The success rate of plastic surgery with endoscopic endonasal approach was 86% (24 of 28), with combined approach - 93% (14 of 15). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic endonasal and combined approaches are the methods of choice for plastic surgery of defects of the skull base in the frontal sinus as they are effective and safe. The choice of approach depends on anatomical features of the frontal sinus and on the localization of defect.

[Experience of treating patients with lateral sphenoid sinus recess CSF leak]. / Nash opyt lecheniia patsientov s nazal'noi likvoreei iz lateral'nogo karmana klinovidnoi pazukhi.

According to various authors, the rate of sphenoid sinus defects ranges from 15 to 26%. In the sphenoid sinus, the most common defect localization is the lateral recess - 35.3%. Regardless of the etiology and pathogenesis of lateral sphenoid sinus recess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, the treatment approach is aimed at plastic closure of the defect. Surgery in this area is associated with a high rate of recurrences (25%) due to a complex anatomical landscape and inapplicability of a direct approach. PURPOSE: The study purpose was to analyze our own experience in treating patients with CSF leak and meningoencephalocele in the lateral sphenoid sinus recess and, based on the obtained results, develop an algorithm for the treatment of this pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a series of 89 patients with CSF leak and meningoencephalocele in the lateral sphenoid sinus recess who were treated at the Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute in the period between 2001 and 2017. The demographic characteristics of patients, clinical data, and aspects of surgical treatment were analyzed. Treatment outcomes were assessed based on analysis of recurrences and postoperative complications. The obtained data were compared to the literature data. RESULTS: In the series of 89 patients with CSF leak and meningoencephalocele in the lateral sphenoid sinus recess, the mean age was 49 years. Surgery through the transsphenoid approach was performed in 89 (74%) patients. There were 25 (28%) recurrences in this group. Nine (7%) patients underwent repair of a complex skull base defect using the transethmoidal approach; there were 3 (33%) recurrences. The transpterygoid approach was used in 22 (17%) patients; there were 3 (14%) recurrences in this group. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic endonasal repair is an effective technique for treating complex skull base defects in the lateral sphenoid sinus recess. The choice of an approach to the defect depends on the degree of pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus, surgeon's experience, and availability of the necessary equipment and tools. The endoscopic transpterygoid approach is advisable to use in cases of excessive pneumatisation of the sinus with developed lateral processes and recurrent nasal CSF leak. This enables visualization of the defect edges in this hard-to-reach area and adequate repair.

[A modern approach to the diagnosis of nasal liquorrhea]. / Sovremennyi podkhod k diagnostike nazal'noi likvorei.

Nasal liquorrhea is cerebrospinal fluid leakage from cerebrospinal fluid spaces of the cerebral cavity into the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses due to congenital or acquired abnormalities of the skull base bones and meninges of various etiologies. The severity of liquorrhea varies from hidden manifestations to profuse leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the nasal cavity. The diagnosis of overt nasal liquorrhea is not problematic, but the diagnosis of latent liquorrhea is a challenge. In this case, the disease leads to potentially fatal complications, such as meningitis (the risk amounts to 10-37%), pneumocephaly, pneumonia, etc. These peculiarites give rise to two main tasks: early diagnosis confirming liquorrhea and accurate identification of the CSF fistula location when planning further surgical management. PURPOSE: The study purpose was to review and comparatively analyze all modern methods of diagnosing nasal liquorrhea as well as to substantiate the most effective and promising approaches and algorithms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included papers in English and Russian found in the Pubmed database and related to the diagnosis of basal liquorrhea of different etiology and localization. RESULTS: This review demonstrates that diagnostic tests vary widely in sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, invasiveness, and cost. Given all the criteria, detection of beta-2 transferrin or beta-trace protein is the best method for confirming nasal liquorrhea, and high-resolution computed tomography is the best technique for localization of the abnormality. CONCLUSION: Based on the review, we suggest a diagnostic algorithm for nasal liquorrhea. However, the evidence presented in this review is unfortunately not very reliable, which indicates the existing need for more accurate studies.

[Endoscopic endonasal diagnosis and treatment of skull base meningoencephalocele]. / Éndoskopicheskaia éndonazal'naia diagnostika i lechenie meningoéntsefalotsele osnovaniia cherepa.

PURPOSE: The study purpose was to determine the successful outcome rate of endoscopic endonasal reconstruction of skull base CSF fistulas with removal of meningocele as well as analyze disease relapses. The second purpose of the study was to describe the treatment outcomes, depending on the type, location, and size of meningocele as well as on a technique used to reconstruct the skull base defect. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three hundred and eleven patients diagnosed with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea who underwent surgery at the Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute in the period between 2007 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Meningocele was detected in 141 (45.3%) of all patients with CSF rhinorrhea. The diagnosis was made before surgery and verified during endoscopic endonasal reconstructive closure of skull base defects. Therefore, the analysis group included all cases of meningocele and meningoencephalocele verified during surgery. The study analyzed the gender, age of surgery, follow-up period, comorbidities, use of lumbar drainage, etiology of the defect, localization, type of reconstructive material, complications, and disease relapses. We defined the efficacy of endoscopic endonasal meningocele resection with fistula reconstruction as the absence of signs of CSF rhinorrhea and a hernia sac based on the data of control CT and endoscopy performed in the late postoperative period. The follow-up period ranged from 1 month to 5 years. RESULTS: All patients underwent endoscopic endonasal reconstruction of the skull base defect. The treatment efficacy was 110 (78%) patients for primary surgery and 26 (84%) patients for repeated surgery. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive technique for treatment of meningocele and meningoencephalocele, which enables resection of a hernia sac and reconstruction of dura mater and skull base defects.

[Modern diagnosis and treatment in children with congenital basal encephalocele]. / Sovremennye metody diagnostiki i lecheniia detei s vrozhdennymi bazal'nymi cherepno-mozgovymi gryzhami.

Basal encephalocele is a rare disease that predominantly occurs in children. Its most common symptoms include nasal liquorrhea, difficulty in nasal breathing, and deformity of the naso-orbital region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 19 patients with basal encephalocele, aged 2 months to 18 years. Ten (59%) patients were operated on through a transnasal endoscopic approach; 3 (17.5%) patients were operated on through a transcranial approach; 4 (23.5%) patients were operated on using a combined approach: the patients underwent simultaneous elimination of a cranio-orbital region deformity using the basal transcranial approach as well as hernial sac resection and hernioplasty using the transnasal endoscopic approach. Two children had no surgery due to minimal symptoms and a lack of cerebrospinal fluid leak. RESULTS: Application of the algorithms for diagnosis and treatment of encephalocele, suggested by the authors, enabled making the timely diagnose, defining the optimal surgical tactics, and achieving good treatment results. CONCLUSION: A differentiated approach to the choice of a surgical technique for basal encephalocele, the use of auto-tissues for skull base reconstruction, intraoperative and postoperative lumbar drainage, and simultaneous elimination of deformity of the fronto-naso-orbital region enable avoiding complications and achieving good functional and aesthetic results.

[First experience of CyberKnife stereotactic radiotherapy for glomus jugulare tumors].

Glomus jugulare tumors (GJT) (AKA paraganglioma or chemodecroma) make 0.6% of head and neck tumors and 80% of jugular foramen lesions. Recently different types of stereotactic radiotherapy are actively used in their treatment. The given paper summarizes our first experience of using CyberKnife system in management of patients with paragangliomas. Since April 2009 till September 2011 34 patients with GJT were treated in department for radiation therapy of Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute using CyberKnife system. Mean age was 50.5 years (range 26-75 years). Mean volume of treated lesions was 14.6 +/- 10.96 cm3 (range--1.04-37.4 cm3). Stereotactic radiosurgery was performed in 4 patients. Mean prescribed dose was 17 +/- 3.1 Gy (13.7-22 Gy). 30 patients received hypofractionation treatment (3-7 fractions with total dose 18-35 Gy). Mean follow-up period in our series was 8 months (1-20 months). Control of tumor growth reached 100% because none of the patients needed any additional therapy (microsurgical resection or repeated radiotherapy). Persistent trigeminal neuropathy was observed in 1 case (5%). There were no constant impairment of VII, IX, X, XII and XIII cranial nerves in the series. Stabilization of auditory function was present in 9 (82%) of 11 patients with initially preserved hearing. Preservation of effective hearing was observed in 75% of patients. Stereotactic radiosurgery and hypofractionation using CyberKnife system are effective modalities in management of such complex neurosurgical disease as GJT. Neurological deterioration after radiation treatment is extremely rare and in most cases is transient.

[Principles of diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus]. / Printsipy diagnostiki i lecheniya shuma v ushakh.

Tinnitus is one of the most common otological symptoms and can be defined as the conscious perception of sound lasting more than 5 minutes in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. Based on the review of articles, a comparative analysis of modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus was carried out in order to substantiate the most effective and promising algorithms for providing care to patients. Diagnosis of tinnitus includes taking anamnesis, assessing the severity of tinnitus using questionnaires, otoscopy, hearing examination, and performing additional tests. In case of secondary murmur, etiotropic therapy should be started as soon as possible to prevent hearing loss and other complications. For primary noise, the most effective treatments are cognitive-behavioral therapy, tinnitus maskers and sound therapy, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, and biofeedback. Magnetic stimulation, invasive neuromodulation, drug therapy have a lower level of effectiveness and evidence base.