Interaction of sensory processing and balance in adult cochlear implant users.

PUROPSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory processing skills, quality of life and balance performance in adult cochlear implant users. METHODS: A sample of 40 individuals was studied in two groups; 20 normal hearing individuals (37.84 ± 15.39 years old) and 20 cochlear implant users (35.58 ± 11.22 year old). Balance performance was assessed by Computerized Dynamic Posturography. The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile completed by the individual was used to assess sensory processing skills. Finally, quality of life was assessed with the Short Form-36. RESULTS: Among the different sensory processing parameters in the adolescent/adult sensory profile, a significant difference was found between the two groups in the parameters of low registration, sensory sensitivity and sensory avoidance (p < .05). Visual, vestibular and composite scores were found to be lower in cochlear implant users by Computerised Dynamic Posturography assessment (p < .05). When assessing quality of life, emotional well-being and social functioning parameters were found to be lower in cochlear implant users (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Factors such as the inability to reach sufficient auditory stimuli due to hearing loss and the occurrence of vestibular problems after cochlear implant surgery limit the quantity and quality of sensory stimuli from the environment. Individuals with cochlear implants may prefer to live isolated from society because they cannot adequately process incoming sensory stimuli due to hearing/balance problems, and this may negatively affect the quality of life of individuals. Our findings revealed the necessity of multisensory assessment and therapy protocols when rehabilitating individuals with cochlear implants.

Effect of endoscopic endonasal skull base approaches on olfactory function and facial development in children.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic approaches for skull base pathologies are increasingly being performed, and the subsequent complications, especially in the long term, have also been partially clarified. However, there is no information on the effects of endoscopic endonasal skull base surgeries (EESBS) in children on odor and facial development in parallel with long-term development. We conducted this study to investigate postoperative olfactory function and facial development in pediatric patients who underwent skull base surgery using the endoscopic endonasal method. METHODS: We evaluated the smell test, sinonasal symptoms, and facial development of pediatric patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery after long-term follow-up. Odor was evaluated using the "Sniffin' Sticks" test kit, which assessed the T (odor threshold), D (odor discrimination), and I (odor identification) parameters. Sinonasal symptoms were evaluated using the SNOT-22 (sinus-nose outcome test) questionnaire. SNA (sella-nasion-A point), SNB (sella-nasion-B point), and ANB (A point-nasion-B point) angles were calculated from maxillofacial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) to evaluate facial development. Data were compared with those of the healthy control group. RESULTS: We included 30 patients comprising 19 (63.3%) boys and 11 (36.7%) girls, with no age difference between case and control groups. The mean follow-up period was 7 years. Odor test data, cephalometric measurements, and SNOT-22 analysis results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is a comprehensive study with the longest follow-up period in terms of evaluation of facial development after EESBS in children to analyze odor using the Sniffin' Sticks test kit and the quality of life using SNOT-22. Olfactory function, facial development, and quality of life remained unaffected after long-term follow-up after EESBS  in children. Although this surgical approach is minimally invasive, we recommend considering the possibility of complications, and the procedure should be performed by an experienced surgical team with adequate equipment.

Investigation of Head Shake Sensory Organization Test (HS-SOT) in three planes: Test-retest reliability and age-related differences.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, it has been determined that SOT sensitivity is insufficient in patients who develop vestibular compensation and therefore the Head Shake Sensory Organization Test (HS-SOT) has been developed. RESEARCH QUESTION: How differs the balance performance of healthy adults that is tested with HS-SOT according to age and test planes? What is the test-retest reliability level of the HS-SOT in three planes? METHODS: Our prospective study, which has a methodological research design, included 80 participants divided into three groups by age range (Group 1: 20-39 years (n = 30); Group 2: 40-49 years (n = 30) and Group 3: 50-64 years (n = 20)). SOT and HSSOT ( yaw, pitch, roll) were performed to all participants. To investigate the testretest reliability of the HS-SOT, a total of 27 participants were re-evaluated one week later. The HS-SOT performance of the participants was compared between age groups and test planes. Intra-class correlation coefficient and minimum detectable change values (MDC) was calculated to test-retest reliability of HS-SOT. RESULTS: HS-SOT scores (HS-2 and HS-5) did not differ significantly between age groups. The balance performance of individuals for the pitch plane was lower than other planes. Only the HS-5 score showed a significant difference between the sessions. HS-5 scores were higher in the re-test; for the first group in the pitch plane and for the third group in the yaw plane. The test-retest reliability level of these conditions was "moderate-good" for both groups. The corresponding MDC value was highest (14.01) for the HS-5 (yaw) score of the elderly group. SIGNIFICANCE: The findings from this study demonstrated that the test plane influences the HS-SOT, a learning/practice effect may occur because of repeated HS-SOT evaluation, and this effect is more explicit in the elderly. This study provides a perspective for the evaluation and follow-up processes of patients with balance problems.

Endoscopic diving technique for hearing preservation in managing labyrinth-invading cholesteatomas.

PURPOSE: Complete removal of the matrix over the existing fistula in the event of an extensive cholesteatoma with labyrinth invasion can result in total deafness. This study aimed to present a novel method of underwater endoscopic labyrinth dissection using continuous steroid irrigation (CSI) and systemic steroid administration for hearing preservation. METHODS: The endoscopic diving technique (EDT) was used to dissect semicircular canals, revealing the underwater anatomy of membranous labyrinth structures, in two cadaver temporal bones. EDT with CSI was used in three clinical cases with extensive cholesteatoma. RESULTS: On cadaver temporal bones, the anatomy of the lateral (LSC), superior (SSC), and posterior membranous semicircular canals with their respective ampullas and common crus was documented. In the first case managed with transcanal EDT, the LSC was eroded across almost its entire length. The fallopian canal was circumferentially eroded at the second genu and part of the mastoid segment. The cholesteatoma matrix was completely removed, and the membranous LSC was preserved. In the second and third cases, we were able to remove the cholesteatoma matrix along the eroded bony semicircular canals while keeping the membranes intact. No sensorineural hearing loss was detected in the postoperative masked pure-tone audiometry at a mean follow-up time of 12 months or cholesteatoma recurrence at the follow-up imaging. CONCLUSIONS: EDT with CSI can be safely utilized in the course of temporal bone labyrinth dissections and provides advantages during cholesteatoma removal over the eroded labyrinth on preservation of the membranous structures, and thus may help preserve cochlear function.

Purely Endonasal Endoscopic Approaches for Extracranial Trigeminal Nerve Schwannoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of purely endonasal endoscopic resection of extracranial trigeminal schwannomas (TGSs), with assessment of surgical and clinical outcomes in order to identify optimal candidates for an endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA). METHODS: A retrospective review of patient's records operated for TGSs between 2008 and 2021 was conducted. Patients operated with a purely EEA were included in this study. Pictures from a frozen fresh cadaver head dissection were used to demonstrate the surgical approach and to show anatomic relationships, complexity of the surgical area and safe corridors for surgery. RESULTS: A total of 5 patients (4 females and 1 male) were operated for TGS. All patients had facial numbness (100%) as a presenting symptom, followed by facial pain in 2 patients (40%), and orbital pain in 1 (20%). Also, 3 patients (60%) had a tumor originating at the level of the foramen ovale and 2 (40%) at the foramen rotundum. The mean tumor diameter was 3,7 ± 2 cm. Gross total resection were achieved in all cases. Postoperatively, 1 patient had severe mastication problems, 1 had blurred vision, and in the long-term follow-up, 1 had frontal sinusitis. The mean follow up was 106.6 (min:49, max:132, SD: 29.82) months. No recurrences were detected. CONCLUSIONS: In cases with the extradural TGS having limited extension into Posterior Cranial Fossa, or located in the Middle Cranial Fossa, a purely EEA is possible even for tumors bigger in size. Unilateral endonasal corridors are adequate for resection in most cases.

Audiological involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate hearing loss in patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to investigate the relation between hearing loss, subtypes of the disease, its duration and clinical findings, and antibody positivity. METHODS: The study included 47 patients with SSc and 44 healthy controls. Audiometric, tympanometric, and otoacoustic emission measurements were applied to both groups. RESULTS: The evaluation of the participants medical history showed that among the patients with SSc, 19.1% experienced ear fullness, 27.7% experienced vertigo, and 36.2% experienced tinnitus. Hearing loss was detected in 23.4% of the patients with SSc. The corresponding result was 4.3% in the control group with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). Transient-evoked otoacoustic emission amplitude values were significantly lower in the patients' both ears with SSc than the control group (p < 0.005). Duration of disease was significantly longer, and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide values were significantly higher in the patients with SSc and sensorineural hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found that the incidence of hearing loss was significantly higher in the study group than in the healthy control group. In addition to other organ involvements, cochlear involvement occurs in these patients, and further studies are required.

Endonasal Endoscopic Removal of a Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis from Far Lateral Frontal Sinus.

Introduction: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease in adults, and it is even uncommon in pediatric populations, affecting only 1-2 people per million. A LCH located in the frontal sinus is exceptionally unusual. We present a case of LCH located in the far lateral of the frontal sinus and discuss management as well as surgical techniques to control this far lateral frontal sinus lesion. Case Presentation: A 39 year old female, presented with a history of progressive headaches and purulent nasal discharge for three months. Computed tomography (CT) of the sinuses showed an approximately 15 × 10 mm soft tissue with osteolytic bony changes located in lateral wall of the frontal sinus on the left side. Total tumor removal was achieved by minimally invasive endonasal endoscopic surgery with a periorbital suspension technique. Histopathologic analysis revealed LCH and the patient was referred to a hematologist for further treatment. Conclusion: LCH is a rare hematological pathology. It should be diagnosed timely and treated with a multidisciplinary approach. To get a definitive diagnosis a biopsy is mandatory. Having LCH in the far lateral frontal sinus can be challenging for a biopsy even for experienced surgeons. Using curved instruments while performing an endonasal periorbital suspension technique makes it possible to access the lateral wall of the frontal sinus safely and provides an effective surgical route similar to traditional open approaches without causing any external scars.

Appropriateness for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeons in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or childbearing potential: Yo-IFOS and CEORL-HNS joint clinical consensus statement.

PURPOSE: SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are a key step in fighting the pandemic. Nevertheless, their rapid development did not allow for testing among specific population subgroups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, or elaborating specific guidelines for healthcare personnel working in high infection risk specialties, such as otolaryngology (ORL). This clinical consensus statement (CCS) aims to offer guidance for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to this high-risk population based on the best evidence available. METHODS: A multidisciplinary international panel of 33 specialists judged statements through a two-round modified Delphi method survey. Statements were designed to encompass the following topics: risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection and use of protective equipment in ORL; SARS-Cov-2 infection and vaccines and respective risks for the mother/child dyad; and counseling for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pregnant, breastfeeding, or fertile healthcare workers (PBFHW). All ORL PBFHW were considered as the target audience. RESULTS: Of the 13 statements, 7 reached consensus or strong consensus, 2 reached no consensus, and 2 reached near-consensus. According to the statements with strong consensus otorhinolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or with childbearing potential should have the opportunity to receive SARS-Cov-2 vaccination. Moreover, personal protective equipment (PPE) should still be used even after the vaccination. CONCLUSION: Until prospective evaluations on these topics are available, ORL-HNS must be considered a high infection risk specialty. While the use of PPE remains pivotal, ORL PBFHW should be allowed access to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination provided they receive up-to-date information.

First Reported Cochlear Implantation in a Child with Total Artificial Heart.

We report a case of 15-year-old boy with postlingual bilateral total hearing loss following ototoxic medication during his pediatric intensive care unit stay. The patient received the SynCardia total artificial heart implant (50 mL; SynCardia Systems, Inc., Tucson, AZ, USA) for end-stage biventricular heart failure as a bridge to heart transplant. During his time on the urgent heart transplant wait list, he underwent successful cochlear implantation following optimized coagulation and hemostasis status and appropriate anesthetic preparation. Our case represents the world's first successful cochlear implant in a pediatric patient who received an artificial heart. Despite complexities in this patient population, elective surgical procedures can be performed safely with acceptable morbidity using a collaborative approach with the heart transplant team, including input from cardiovascular surgery, pediatric cardiology, anes thesiology, consultation-liaison psychiatry, physical therapy and rehabilitation, infectious diseases and clinical microbiology, and intensive care unit staff.

Comparison of Three Surgical Approaches for Frontobasal Meningiomas: Purely Endoscopic Endonasal, Purely Microscopic Bifrontal Transcranial, and Combined Endoscopic and Microscopic Supraorbital Transciliary Approaches.

ABSTRACT: Surgical removal of frontobasal meningiomas (FBMs) can be achieved using different techniques, including endoscopic, transcranial, and combined approaches. The advantages and disadvantages of the outcomes of these approaches should be compared to provide the most convenient surgical treatment to the patient. This study aimed to compare 3 surgical approaches for FBMsin terms of outcomes and determine the superiority of each on the basis of anatomical, surgical, and clinical efficacy. Systematic review was performed to identify studies comparing techniques for the surgical removal of FBMs. Each group included 13 patients; 39 patients with FBMshad undergone surgery. These groups were endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA), microscopic bifrontal transcranial approach (MTA), and endoscopic plus microscopic combined supraorbital transciliary approach (STA) groups. Data on the demographics of patient population, pre- and post-operative neurological examination, tumor properties, imaging studies, and surgical complications were extracted. The mean age at the time of surgery for the patient population was 53.2 years. Among the groups, no statistically significant differences were observed with regard to sex (P = 0.582). The mean follow-up time was 56.7 months. A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean tumor volume among the groups; the MTA group showed the highest mean tumor volume. However, no significant difference was found in the mean tumor volume between EEA and STA groups. Regarding operation duration, the STA group had the shortest operation time (mean = 281.5 minutes), whereas the average surgical duration in MTA group was the longest (mean = 443.8 minutes). The average bleeding volume was highest in the MTA group (mean = 746.2 ml) and lowest in the EEA group (mean = 320.8 ml). Tumor removal was incomplete in three patients (two in the EEA group and one in the MTA group). Recurrence was detected in two cases. One patient with recurrence was operated using the endoscopic surgical approach, whereas the other patient underwent the microscopic bifrontal approach. Post-operative hyposmia/anosmia or decreased olfactory function was the most common complication observed in 5 patients, 2 patients each in the EEA and MTA groups and one in the STA group. The second most common complication was wound infection in one patient in the MTA group and two patients in the STA group (7.7%). Both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and meningitis were present in two patients (5.1%), one patient each from the EEA and STA groups. Pre-operative visual disturbances were reported in 13 patients (33.3%), all of which resolved post-operatively No statistical differences were found among the groups. Mortality occurred in a patient in the MTA group (2.6%) caused by cardiac arrest on post-operative day 1. This is the first study comparing the surgical outcomes of three surgical approaches for FBMs. Although recent literature suggests that both endoscopic and transcranial approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages, the authors showed that none of the surgical approaches have obvious superiority over the others with regard to outcomes. Thus, the selection of the ideal surgical approach should be based on surgical experience and tumor characteristics.

International Consensus Statement: Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea.

BACKGROUND: The association between spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak/rhinorrhea and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been increasingly recognized over the last years. However, considerable variability of opinion regarding the assessment, investigations, and management of patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea remains. METHODS: A consensus group was formed from experts from Europe, Asia, Australia, South and North America. Following literature review and open discussions with members of the panel, a set of 61 statements was produced. A modified Delphi method was used to refine expert opinion with 3 rounds of questionnaires and a consensus group meeting in Santo-Rhino meeting in September 2019. RESULTS: Fifty statements (82% of total) on spontaneous CSF leak and IIH reached consensus. In 38 of 50 statements, the median response was 7 (strongly agree) and in the 12 remaining statements the median response was 6 (agree). Eleven statements were excluded because they did not reach consensus and one new statement was added during SantoRhino meeting. The final statements refer to patient history and clinical examination ("History taking should include presence of headache, tinnitus and visual defects"), investigations (role of Thin Slice Computed Tomography and CISS/FLAIR sequences in Magnetic Resonance Imaging), principles of management (watchful waiting or measures to reduce ICP are supplementary but cannot subsitute surgical closure), surgical technique, intraoperative, early postoperative and long term management. CONCLUSION: We present fifty consensus statements on the diagnosis, investigation, and management of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea based on the currently available evidence and expert opinion. Although by no means comprehensive and final, we believe they can contribute to the standardization of clinical practice. Early diagnosis, prompt surgical closure of the defect, assesment for and treatment of potentially co-existing idiopathic intracranial hypertension in a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach are essential in order to successfully manage spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, reduce associated morbidity and prevent recurrence.

Endoscopic Transnasal Skull Base Surgery in Pediatric Patients.

Introduction In pediatric patients, endoscopic transnasal surgery (ETNS) poses challenges because of the small size of the developing skull and narrow endonasal corridors. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ETNS in children by assessing our experience of endoscopic skull base surgery. Materials and Methods All pediatric patients ( n = 54) who were eligible for surgery using only the endonasal endoscopic approach at our tertiary center between 2012 and 2018 were included in this study. The surgeries were performed simultaneously by an endoscopic skull base team of neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists. Hormonal analyses were conducted before and after surgery in all patients with sellar/parasellar lesions. Patients older than 8 years underwent smell and visual testing. Results In the 54 patients aged 1 to 17 years who underwent surgery, craniopharyngioma was the most common pathology (29.6%), followed by pituitary adenoma (22.2%). Gross total resection was achieved in 33 (76.7%) of 41 patients who underwent surgery because of the presence of tumors. All visual deficits improved, although one patient sustained olfactory deterioration. Sixteen (29.6%) patients presented with complications such as transient diabetes insipidus and temporary visual loss. Conclusions Despite anatomy-related challenges in children, adequate results can be achieved with high rates of success, and the functional and anatomical integrity of the developing skull and nose of children can be preserved. In pediatric patients, ETNS is a safe and effective option for addressing various lesions along the skull base.

Endonasal endoscopic management of the craniopharyngeal canal meningoencephalocele using a nasoseptal flap in a 6-month-old infant.

Endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA) has become a routine and effective method for the management of large skull base defects in adults and increasingly in older pediatric populations despite their challenging narrow transnasal corridors. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of a large craniopharyngeal canal (CC) meningoencephalocele in a 6-month-old infant managed purely through EEA, also by utilizing a pedicled nasoseptal flap (PNF).

Functional and Oncological Outcomes of Open Partial Laryngectomy vs. Transoral Laser Surgery in Supraglottic Larynx Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the presented study was to evaluate the outcomes of open partial laryngectomy (OPL) versus transoral laser surgery (TLS) in patients operated on for supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma based on functional parameters (duration of hospitalization, oral nutritional status and duration of transition to oral feeding, weaning status and duration after tracheotomy, and postoperative voice results) and oncological results (overall survival rate, disease-specific survival rate, recurrence, and presence of second primary tumors) in both groups. METHODS: All laryngeal carcinoma patients who had undergone either OPL or TLS in the period from January 2012 to March 2017 in our center and were followed-up at least for 36 months were included in the study. Statistical analyses were carried out using the t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test to compare the means, and the Kaplan-Meier test for survival analysis. RESULTS: Fifty patients (44 males and 6 females) met the study criteria, of whom 31 had undergone OPL and 19 TLS. Patients that underwent TLS had less tracheotomy needs, needed shorter hospitalization periods, and transitioned to oral feeding earlier, compared to those that underwent OPL. There were no significant differences between the two groups based on oral feeding rates and voice outcomes. The impact of TLS and OPL on organ preservation in supraglottic laryngeal cancer were comparable. For local recurrences, repeated endolaryngeal laser surgeries and adjuvant treatments could be used in the TLS patient group. There were no significant differences between the two groups based on overall survival rate and disease specific survival rate. CONCLUSION: Although no significant differences were found in our study between the two surgical procedures in terms of oncological outcomes, TLS appeared to produce better functional outcomes in supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma than OPL.

Endonasal Endoscopic Management of Pterigopalatine Fossa Hydatid Cyst.

Hydatid cyst (echinococcosis) is an infectious disease caused mainly by Echinococcus granulosus, a parasite transmitted by dogs and encountered first in the liver and then in the lungs. Involvement in the head and neck region is uncommon, and pterygopalatine fossa disease resulting from hydatid cyst is extremely rare, with only 4 reported patients. In this report, the authors present a patient with exophthalmus caused by a primary hydatid cyst and involving the pterygopalatine fossa which treated only with endoscopic endonasal approach.

Sellar Embryonal Tumor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are aggressive, poorly differentiated tumors in children and young adults. However, the embryonal tumor group did not include the central nervous system (CNS) PNET title and ependymoblastoma subtitle in the 2016 World Health Organization CNS tumor classification. Here, we report the case of a 6-year-old boy with a sellar embryonal tumor and present a review of the related literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of an endoscopically operated sellar embryonal tumor in the pediatric age group.

Preference and Perception of Enhanced Images During Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery.

Image enhancement is used widely in endoscopic sinonasal surgery. It is yet to be established whether image enhancement has advantages over white-light endoscopy. The authors aimed to evaluate the preferences and subjective visual perception of image enhancement in diagnostic images acquired at the beginning of endonasal endoscopic surgeries. An online survey consisting of 12 endoscopic images, 4 enhanced with Clara mode, 4 enhanced with Chroma mode, and 4 enhanced with Clara+Chroma mode, was distributed. The enhanced images were randomly presented with nonenhanced white-light images. These images were captured at the beginning of endonasal endoscopic surgeries for septal perforation, septal deviation, and chronic rhinosinusitis. Survey respondents (n = 205) included 81 otorhinolaryngologists, 94 other specialty physicians (35 endoscopy/laparoscopy users and 59 nonusers), and 30 nonmedical image experts. They were asked to choose superior images according to brightness, contrast and sharpness, depth of field, and overall preference. A quantitative study was also conducted to evaluate different enhancement modes. The authors found that Clara enhanced brightness and Chroma enhanced contrast and sharpness significantly (P < 0.001). Overall, 91.8% chose Clara and 91.7% chose Clara+Chroma-enhanced images for brightness enhancement. For contrast and sharpness, 87% chose Clara+Chroma and 86.7% chose Chroma. There was no significant difference between perception scores among the groups. Our survey group showed a significantly high overall preference for enhanced images. This preference was independent of profession or experience, but closely related to the quantitative enhancement of the specific mode. Continuous use of image enhancement in endonasal surgery may have advantages over white-light endoscopy.

Pure Robotic Surgery for Odontoid Tumor: First Case.

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery has been used successfully to assist many surgical procedures. Here, we report its first use as pure robotic surgery, applied to excise an odontoid metastatic mass. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 48-year-old woman was hospitalized due to a lesion consistent with metastasis that extended to the pharyngeal constrictor muscles and that had completely destroyed the odontoid bone. Occipitocervical fixation was performed initially, and transoral surgery took place 5 days later. The da Vinci Surgical System Robot was used to resect the tumor. The patient was discharged with a very good general condition. CONCLUSIONS: This article presents the first pure robotic surgery for odontoid. The increasing number of robot-assisted cases will demonstrate the necessity of this evolution in neurosurgery and should accelerate the process.

Single-Center Surgical Experience of the Treatment of Craniopharyngiomas With Emphasis on the Operative Approach: Endoscopic Endonasal and Open Microscopic Transcranial Approaches.

This study aimed to report the authors' single-center clinical experience about craniopharyngiomas and discuss surgical outcomes of these patients according to the type of surgical approach (endoscopic endonasal or open microscopic transcranial approach).Twenty-four patients diagnosed with craniopharyngiomas between May 2013 and April 2017 were considered for inclusion. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical approach (open transcranial microscopic approach [group A] and endoscopic endonasal approach [group B]). These groups were compared in terms of postoperative surgical outcome scores (extent of tumor removal, visual deficit, hydrocephalus, metabolic disorders, and Glasgow coma scale) and hospitalization interval.There was no patient of mortality in both groups. In this study, 4 of the 13 patients in group A and 9 of the 11 patients in group B underwent gross total resection. However, 1 patient in group B underwent repair because of cerebrospinal fluid leakage postoperatively. In addition, 1 patient in group A had a wound healing problem postoperatively. The postoperative outcome scores were 9.5 in group A and 11.5 in group B. The hospitalization interval in group A (range, 7-9 days) was longer than that in group B (range, 5-7 days).The endoscopic endonasal approach should be considered the first-line surgical treatment modality in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of craniopharyngioma in terms of low complication risk, minimal invasiveness, and better outcome scores. Open microscopic transcranial procedures may be combined with this approach in a single session for challenging cases.