Retroperitoneal Extrapleural Approach for Corpectomy of the First Lumbar Vertebra : Technique and Outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Corpectomy of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) for the management of different L1 pathologies can be performed using either an anterior or posterior approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a retroperitoneal extrapleural approach through the twelfth rib for performing L1 corpectomy. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients underwent L1 corpectomy between 2010 and 2016. The retroperitoneal extrapleural approach through the 12th rib was used in all cases to perform single-stage anterior L1 corpectomy, reconstruction and anterior instrumentation, except for in two recurrent cases in which posterior fixation was added. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain intensity measurement and ASIA impairment scale for neurological assessment. The mean follow-up period was 14.5 months. RESULTS: The sample included 18 males and 12 females, and the mean age was 40.3 years. Twenty patients (67%) had sensory or motor deficits before the surgery. The pathologies encountered included traumatic fracture in 12 cases, osteoporotic fracture in four cases, tumor in eight cases and spinal infection in the remaining six cases. The surgeries were performed from the left side, except in two cases. There was significant improvement of back pain and radicular pain as recorded by VAS. One patient exhibited postoperative neurological deterioration due to bone graft dislodgement. All patients with deficits at least partially improved after the surgery. During the follow-up, no hardware failures or losses of correction were detected. CONCLUSION: The retroperitoneal extrapleural approach through the 12th rib is a feasible approach for L1 corpectomy that can combine adequate decompression of the dural sac with effective biomechanical restoration of the compromised anterior loadbearing column. It is associated with less pulmonary complication, no need for chest tube, no abdominal distention and rapid recovery compared with other approaches.

Surgical Resection of Cerebellopontine Epidermoid Cysts: Limitations and Outcome.

Objective Epidermoid cysts are benign slowly growing tumors commonly involving the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). The aim of this study was to analyze the surgical limitations, surgical strategies, complications, and outcome of resection of these lesions. Material and Methods The clinical data and outcome of 32 cases operated for CPA epidermoid between 2007 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 42.6 months, and all patients were followed up at least for a whole year. Results There were 15 males and 17 females. The median age was 37.6 years. Headache and cranial nerves dysfunction were the most common presenting symptoms. Surgery was performed in all patients using the standard lateral suboccipital retrosigmoid approach. In three cases, microvascular decompression of an arterial loop was performed in addition to tumor excision. Total resection was accomplished in 19 out of 32 cases (59.4%), subtotal resection in 7 cases (21.9%), and only partial excision was achieved in 6 cases (18.7%). There was no recurrence or regrowth of residual tumor during the follow-up period. We had a single postoperative mortality due to postoperative pneumonia and septic shock. New cranial nerves deficits occurred in 15.6% of cases but were transient in most of them. Conclusion The favorable outcome of total resection of CPA epidermoids should always be weighed against the critical risks that accompany it especially in the presence of tight adhesions to vital neurovascular structures. The retrosigmoid approach is suitable for the resection of these tumors even if they were large in size.

Outcome of single-trajectory rigid endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy in the management algorithm of pineal region tumors: a case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Tumors within the pineal region represent 1.5 to 8.5% of the pediatric brain tumors and 1.2% of all brain tumors. A management algorithm has been proposed in several publications. The algorithm includes endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and biopsy in cases presenting with hydrocephalus. In this series, we are presenting the efficacy of a single-trajectory approach for both ETV and biopsy. METHODS: Eleven cases were admitted to Alexandria main university hospital from 2013 to 2016 presenting with pineal region tumors and hydrocephalus. Mean age at diagnosis was 11 years (1-27 years). All cases had ETV and biopsy using rigid ventriculoscope through a single trajectory from a burr hole planned on preoperative imaging. Follow-up period was 7-48 months. RESULTS: All 11 cases presented with hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure manifestations. Histopathological diagnosis was successful in 9 out of 11 cases (81.8%). Three cases were germ-cell tumors, two cases were pineoblastomas, two cases were pilocytic astrocytomas, and two cases were grade 2 tectal gliomas. Five of the ETV cases (45.5%) failed and required VPS later on. Other complications of ETV included one case of intraventricular hemorrhage and a case with tumor disseminated to the basal cisterns. CONCLUSION: In our series, we were able to achieve ETV and biopsy through a single trajectory and a rigid endoscope with results comparable to other studies in the literature.

Surgery for spinal intramedullary tumors: technique, outcome and factors affecting resectability.

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) are relatively infrequent lesions with ependymomas and astrocytomas representing the most common types. Microsurgical resection is established as the treatment of choice for these challenging lesions. We reviewed the surgical outcome of 29 cases operated for IMSCTs by the same surgeon between 2009 and 2015. The median follow-up period was 31 months, and all patients were followed up at least for 1 year. Among these 29 cases, 5 patients were previously operated for partial resection elsewhere. Age ranged from 9 to 62 years with a median of 39 years. All patients were symptomatic before surgery. The most common pathology was ependymoma (16 cases), and the most common tumor location was the cervical spine (18 cases). Gross total resection was achieved in 20 out of 29 cases (68.9%). Tumors were totally excised in all cases of ependymoma except in two patients; one was previously operated and irradiated and the second had an extensive anaplastic ependymoma. Sixteen cases experienced immediate post-operative worsening which was temporary in all but one case. At 1-year follow up, 23 patients (79.3%) maintained their pre-operative McCormick grade, 5 patients (17.2%) had a better grade, and 1 patient (3.5%) deteriorated. Surgery still represents the mainstay in the management of IMSCT. Gross total resection can be achieved safely in many cases especially in the presence of an identifiable plane of cleavage between the tumor and the normal spinal cord.

Surgical management of symptomatic brain stem cavernoma in a developing country: technical difficulties and outcome.

Brain stem cavernomas (BSCs) are angiographically occult vascular malformations in an intricate location. Surgical excision of symptomatic BSCs represents a neurosurgical challenge especially in developing countries. We reviewed the clinical data and surgical outcome of 24 consecutive cases surgically treated for brain stem cavernoma at the Neurosurgery Department, Alexandria University, between 2006 and 2014. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months after surgery and the mean follow-up period was 45 months. All patients suffered from at least two clinically significant hemorrhagic episodes before surgery. There were 10 males and 14 females. The mean age was 34 years (range 12 to 58 years). Fourteen cases had pontine cavernomas, 7 cases had midbrain cavernomas, and in 3 cases, the lesion was found in the medulla oblongata. The most commonly used approach in this series was the midline suboccipital approach with or without telovelar exposure (9 cases). There was a single postoperative mortality in this series due to pneumonia. Fourteen cases (58.3 %) showed initial worsening of their preoperative neurological status, most of which was transient and only three patients had permanent new deficits and one case had a permanent worsening of her preoperatively existing hemiparesis. There was neither immediate nor long-term rebleeding in any of our cases. In spite of the significant associated risks, surgery for BSCs in properly selected patients can have favorable outcomes in most cases. Surgery markedly improves the risk of rebleeding and should be considered in patients with accessible lesions.

Supracerebellar infratentorial approach with paramedian expansion for posterior third ventricular and pineal region lesions.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for lesions in the posterior third ventricle is technically challenging. Surgical approaches to this area carries a risk of both venous and neural injury, with subsequent morbidity. Several approaches are used to reach the pineal region. The supracerebellar infratentorial approach is the commonly approach used for such lesions. OBJECTIVES: This work describes adding a paramedian expansion to the "classical median supracerebellar infratentorial approach" for posterior third ventricular and pineal region lesions with lateral expansion. This study discusses the results concerning the extent of removal and surgical complications for this procedure. Contralateral paramedian expansion is used for targeting lesions inside the posterior third ventricle extending to the lateral ventricular wall and thalamus. Ipsilateral paramedian expansion was used in resecting collicular lesions. METHODS: The authors operated on patients suffering from lesions in the pineal region using a paramedian expanded SCTT approach between 2007 and 2014. The prone position was used in 25 cases. A typical median suboccipital craniotomy with a paramedian expansion was performed. Ipsilateral expansion of the approach has been used for targeting lesions in the pineal region but outside the posterior third ventricle. Contralateral expansion provides a direct view of the lateral walls of the third ventricle. RESULTS: We encountered 28 cases of different pathologies: fourteen patients suffered from pineal body tumors while twelve had glial tumors, one case of cavernoma. Obstructive hydrocephalus was treated by CSF diversion before tumor surgery. Postoperative complications included ataxia, double vision, and Parinaud's syndrome. CONCLUSION: The merit of the expanded supracerebellar infratentorial approach is adding a unilateral paramedian expansion to the classical approach. This paramedian expansion offers a better lateral and inferior tumor resection. This approach does not add any risk of more postoperative complications or jeopardizing the neurological state than the classical midline approach. PRACTICE AND IMPLICATIONS: The paramedian expansion offers a better lateral and inferior tumor resection and a better view of the contralateral extension within the posterior third ventricle. Collicular lesions are better controlled using this approach by gentle inferior and lateral retraction of the cerebellum. The expanded supracerebellar infratentorial approach allows for working on the lateral tumor extension without jeopardizing the deep venous system.

Lumboperitoneal shunt for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: patients' selection and outcome.

Surgical treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) includes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedures most commonly lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt. LP shunt addresses the cause of both headache and papilledema more directly by effecting a global reduction of intracranial pressure. Twenty-two cases were included in the study. All patients underwent clinical, imaging, and CSF manometry evaluations. All patients showed failure or noncompliance to medical treatment and necessitated placement of an LP shunt. Analysis of data was conducted and evaluation of outcome was assessed. Among 22 patients who underwent LP shunt placement for IIH, 16 (72.8%) patients had severe and fulminant opening CSF pressures with values of more than 400 mmH(2)O. Among this group, 19 (86.4%) patients reported recovery of their headache and 16 (72.7%) patients showed complete resolution of papilledema. Shunt complications included two (9%) cases of shunt infection that required shunt extraction and antibiotic therapy, and six (27%) cases of shunt obstruction that required shunt revision. Manometric predictors for surgical treatment of IIH may include severe and fulminant opening CSF pressures as well as poor manometric response to repeated lumbar taps. Lumboperitoneal shunt is easy and effective for treating intractable headaches and visual impairment associated with IIH. Its usefulness can be optimized by meticulous technical placement of the shunt guided by rigorous protocols for shunt procedures.

Clinicopathologic features of aggressive meningioma emphasizing the role of radiotherapy in treatment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although meningiomas are typically benign, they occasionally behave in an aggressive fashion and carry a less favorable prognosis. The aim of this study was to review the clinical, radiologic and histopathologic features of these aggressive variants as well as the outcome after multimodality therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 16 patients with atypical meningiomas (n = 11) and anaplastic meningiomas (n = 5) were treated in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology at the University Hospital of Philipps University Marburg, Germany, between 1997 and 2003. Tumor grading was based on new WHO criteria. There were eleven men and five women with a mean age of 54 years. The median follow-up period was 34 months. RESULTS: A total of 24 surgical procedures were performed for these 16 patients. Only seven patients underwent postoperative fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. Patients with atypical meningioma received radiotherapy only for the recurrent disease. Six patients (37.5%) experienced tumor recurrence after a mean period of 27.2 months in spite of gross total resection. Radiographic findings suggestive of aggressiveness were observed mostly with WHO grade III meningiomas. By comparing the proliferation rate in four cases with atypical meningioma operated twice, the recurrent tumor had a higher proliferation rate than the first tumor in three cases. A special proliferation pattern was noticed in MIB-1 with anaplastic meningiomas. The mean overall survival period was 66.5 months. There was no mortality among patients with atypical meningioma, while four out of five patients with anaplastic meningioma died during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Considering the higher rate of recurrence in aggressive meningiomas even after radical surgical excision and the possibility that the recurrent tumor is more aggressive than the original one, surgery should be combined with postoperative fractionated radiotherapy to improve local tumor control. The peculiar focal expression patterns of anaplastic meningioma in MIB-1 might be a marker of such malignant development.

Immunohistochemical study in dural arteriovenous fistulas and possible role of local hypoxia for the de novo formation of dural arteriovenous fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: Although previous clinical and experimental studies investigated the pathogenesis of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), the biological process leading to intracranial DAVFs so far remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression of vascular growth factors in order to elucidate the possible role of these factors in the development of DAVFs. METHODS: We examined the histological features, proliferative and angiogenic capacities of the tissue specimens obtained from eight patients who underwent surgery at our institution. Immunohistochemical staining for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptors Flk-1 and Flt-1, transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha (Hif-1alpha), MIB-1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was performed using standard immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: A positive immunostaining was found for all antibodies studied except MIB-1, whereas nuclear endothelial expression of PCNA was observed in only 3/8 cases. Hif-1alpha and VEGF stained positive in all of the available specimens (7/7). Flk-1 showed a positive immunoreaction in only 2/8 cases and Flt-1 in 5/7 cases. TGFalpha and bFGF were expressed in the majority (6/8) of cases. CONCLUSION: These results indicate the possible role of local tissue hypoxia as the initial step causing neoangiogenesis and a low degree of endothelial proliferation in DAVFs. Such hypoxia might be caused by venous hypertension or venous thrombosis as it was previously suggested by other authors.