Endoscopic endonasal surgery to treat intrinsic brainstem lesions: correlation between anatomy and surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has been proposed as an alternative in the surgical removal of ventral brainstem lesions. However, the feasibility and limitations of this approach to treat such pathologies are still poorly understood. This study aimed to report our experience in five consecutive cases of intrinsic brainstem lesions that were managed via an EEA, as well as the specific anatomy of each case. METHODS: All patients were treated in a single center by a multidisciplinary surgical team between 2015 and 2019. Before surgery, a dedicated anatomical analysis of the brainstem safe entry zone was performed, and proper surgical planning was carried out. Neurophysiological monitoring was used in all cases. Anatomical dissections were performed in three human cadaveric heads using 0° and 30° endoscopes, and specific 3D reconstructions were executed using Amira 3D software. RESULTS: All lesions were located at the level of the ventral brainstem. Specifically, one mesencephalic cavernoma, two pontine ca- vernomas, one pontine gliomas, and one medullary diffuse midline glioma were reported. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was the major complication that occurred in one case (medullary diffuse midline glioma). From an anatomical standpoint, three main safe entry zones were used, namely the anterior mesencephalic zone (AMZ), the peritrigeminal zone (PTZ, used in two cases), and the olivar zone (OZ). Reviewing the literature, 17 cases of various brainstem lesions treated using an EEA were found. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this was the first preliminary clinical series of intrinsic brainstem lesions treated via an EEA presented in the literature. The EEA can be considered a valid surgical alternative to traditional transcranial approaches to treat selected intra-axial brainstem lesions located at the level of the ventral brainstem. To achieve good results, surgery must involve comprehensive anatomical knowledge, meticulous preoperative surgical planning, and intraoperative neurophysiological moni- toring.

Long-term remission and recurrence rate in a cohort of Cushing's disease: the need for long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: Transsphenoidal surgery is the procedure of choice in Cushing disease (CD), with immediate post-operative remission rates ranging between 59 and 94% and recurrence rates between 3 and 46%, both depending upon the definition criteria and the duration of the follow-up. Our aim was to assess the rate of remission, recurrence and persistence of the disease after the first treatment and to identify predictors of remission in the CD population of our center. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of the patients diagnosed of CD and with follow-up in our center between 1974 and 2011. We analyzed 41 patients (35 women and 6 men) with a mean age at diagnosis of 34 ± 13 years. The mean follow-up was 14 ± 10 years (range 1-37 years) and the median of follow-up period was 6.68 years. RESULTS: Thirty-five (85.4%) patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery as first treatment option. Histopathological evidence of a pituitary adenoma was registered in 17 (48.5%) patients. Thirty-two (78%) patients achieved disease remission after the first treatment, 21 (65.6%) of them presented disease recurrence. Persistent disease was observed in 9 (22%) patients. Twelve (29.3%) subjects developed post-surgical adrenal insufficiency, 7 of which (70%) achieved stable remission. Two parameters were found to be significant predictors of remission after the first treatment: age at disease diagnosis and the development of adrenal insufficiency (cortisol <3 µg/dl) in the immediate post-operative state. CONCLUSIONS: We report a high recurrence rate, at least partially attributable to the long follow-up time. Early post-surgery adrenal insufficiency predicts remission. Hypopituitarism was also very prevalent, and strongly associated with radiotherapy. These results lead us to the conclusion that CD needs a life-long strict follow-up.

The ventral route to intracranial aneurysm: from the origin towards modern transsphenoidal surgery. An historical review and current perspective.

OBJECTIVE: A review of the main studies that have explored the use of the ventral pathway for treatment of intracranial aneurysms,including the recent reported extended transsphenoidal approaches. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed using the PubMed database. We recovered 48 cases of cerebral aneurysms, approached via the transcervical-transclival, transoral-transclival, transfacial-transclival ventral pathways and the extended transsphenoidal route. The overall rates of complications and surgical success were evaluated and compared for both traditional ventral and transsphenoidal approaches. RESULTS: For traditional routes, the overall complications and surgical success rates were 74% (26/35) and 87% (13115), respectively.For extended transsphenoidal approaches were 44% (4/9) and 78% (7 /9), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our paper is a reconnaissance of what has been done via "the anterior route" and a notification of the existence of this "surgical window': Present and future of cerebral aneurysm treatment is represented by the endovascular technique. A few selected cases in specialized centers, where transsphenoidal approaches with the aid of the endoscope are routinely performed,may be treated with such techniques alone or in combination with other different procedures. Further studies in large numbers of patients will be required to validate the full benefit of this approach.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery for skull base tumours: technique and preliminary results in a consecutive case series report.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of the endoscope in transsphenoidal surgery has allowed access to lesions located in complex regions of the skull base under direct visual control. With the application of this technique, our group started treating pituitary tumours and from 2009 onwards began treating skull base lesions through extended endoscopic endonasal approaches. The AIM OF THE PRESENT STUDY is to report our experience with extended endoscopic approaches. Indications, results, limitations and complications of this new technique are also discussed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2007 to January 2012, the endonasal approach was used in 40 patients with different cancerous lesions. RESULTS: Total tumour removal, as assessed by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging, occurred in 30/ 40 patients (75%), but in 10 patients only partial removal was possible. Major complications, including cerebrospinal fluid leak, were observed in 5/40 patients (8%). One patient died 3 months after surgery due to a severe systemic sepsis. CONCLUSION: The extended endoscopic endonasal approach could be used as a minimally invasive and innovative technique for the removal of selected skull base lesions.

Accidente cerebrovascular con transformación hemorrágica en una paciente con tratamiento antiagregante intervenida de macroadenoma hipofisario / Cerebrovascular accident with haemorrhagic transformation in a patient on antiplatelet treatment subjected to surgery of a hypophyseal macroadenoma

Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 51 años, propuesta para resección endoscópica endonasal transesfenoidal de macroadenoma hipofisario diagnosticado en el contexto de un ictus isquémico transitorio sufrido 10 semanas antes de la fecha de la intervención. Durante este tiempo había seguido tratamiento con antiagregantes plaquetarios, que se retiraron 5 días antes de la cirugía. La intervención se realizó sin incidencias. En el segundo día del postoperatorio, la paciente presentó un infarto isquémico del hemisferio cerebeloso izquierdo con signos de hidrocefalia y posterior transformación hemorrágica, con muerte encefálica a los 5 días de la intervención. No existen guías definitivas respecto al uso de antiagregantes en el peroperatorio neuroquirúrgico. Por otro lado, tampoco existe acuerdo respecto al tiempo a esperar entre un evento cerebrovascular y la cirugía, aunque parece que entre 4 y 12 semanas sería lo más aconsejable. Se resalta la importancia de una evaluación individual de cada paciente ante una cirugía, y se revisa el manejo del paciente antiagregado con riesgo trombótico en el contexto de neurocirugía y sus posibles complicaciones postoperatorias(AU)

The importance of an individual assessment of each patient before surgery is emphasised, as well as a review of the antiplatelet management of the patient with a risk of thrombosis in the context of neurosurgery, and their possible postoperative complications. The case is presented of a 51 year-old woman, proposed for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of a hypophyseal macroadenoma diagnosed in the context of a stroke suffered 10 weeks before the date of the surgery. During this time, she had been treated with antiplatelet drugs, which were withdrawn 5 days before the surgery. The surgical procedure was performed without any incidents. On the second day after the surgery, the patient had an ischaemic infarction of the left cerebellar hemisphere, with signs of hydrocephaly and a posterior haemorrhagic transformation, with brain death 5 days after the operation. There are no definitive guidelines on the use of antiplatelet drugs in the perioperative period of neurosurgery. Also, there is no agreement as regards the waiting time between a cerebrovascular event and surgery, it appears that between 4 and 12 weeks would be the most advisable. The importance of an individual assessment of each patient before surgery is emphasised, as well as a review of the antiplatelet management of the patient with a risk of thrombosis in the context of neurosurgery, and their possible postoperative complications(AU)

[Cerebrovascular accident with haemorrhagic transformation in a patient on antiplatelet treatment subjected to surgery of a hypophyseal macroadenoma]. / Accidente cerebrovascular con transformación hemorrágica en una paciente con tratamiento antiagregante intervenida de macroadenoma hipofisario.

The case is presented of a 51 year-old woman, proposed for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of a hypophyseal macroadenoma diagnosed in the context of a stroke suffered 10 weeks before the date of the surgery. During this time, she had been treated with antiplatelet drugs, which were withdrawn 5 days before the surgery. The surgical procedure was performed without any incidents. On the second day after the surgery, the patient had an ischaemic infarction of the left cerebellar hemisphere, with signs of hydrocephaly and a posterior haemorrhagic transformation, with brain death 5 days after the operation. There are no definitive guidelines on the use of antiplatelet drugs in the perioperative period of neurosurgery. Also, there is no agreement as regards the waiting time between a cerebrovascular event and surgery, it appears that between 4 and 12 weeks would be the most advisable. The importance of an individual assessment of each patient before surgery is emphasised, as well as a review of the antiplatelet management of the patient with a risk of thrombosis in the context of neurosurgery, and their possible postoperative complications.

Experiencia con el uso de la mascarilla laríngea Proseal en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de derivación ventrículo peritoneal / Experience with the Proseal laryngeal mask in ventriculoperitoneal shunting

Objetivo: Transmitir la experiencia con el uso de la mascarilla laríngea Proseal (MLP) en el manejo de la vía aérea de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de derivación ventrículo peritoneal, en cuanto a su utilidad, eficacia y seguridad. Pacientes y métodos: Revisamos retrospectivamente las historias de todos los pacientes sometidos a derivación ventrículo peritoneal y ventilados con MLP entre enero del 2006 y octubre del 2009. Registramos las características demográficas de los pacientes, valoración de la vía aérea, tipo de anestesia, calidad de ventilación y complicaciones perioperatorias. Resultados: Se incluyeron 43 pacientes, 8 (18,6%) cumplían algún criterio de vía aérea difícil (VAD). La inserción de la MLP fue posible en todos los pacientes. La ventilación fue óptima en 39 pacientes (91%), manteniendo valores entre 35-40 mmHg de CO2 telespiratorio y presiones de vía aérea por debajo de 25 cmH2O durante todo el procedimiento. Tres pacientes (7%) presentaron fugas en la vía aérea al ser colocados en la posición quirúrgica cervical lateral forzada y precisaron intubación orotraqueal para iniciar la cirugía. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 53 minutos. La educción ocurrió sin incidentes en todos los casos. Conclusiones: La MLP es útil en el manejo de la vía aérea de los pacientes intervenidos de derivación ventriculoperitoneal, aunque debido a la posición forzada del cuello, puede ser necesario ajustar la colocación de la mascarilla, y en algunos casos la intubación orotraqueal. Como en otros usos avanzados se requiere experiencia en su uso y tener disponible el material de VAD(AU)

Objective: To describe the use, utility, safety, and effectiveness of the Proseal laryngeal mask for airway management in patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients in whom the Proseal laryngeal mask was used during ventriculoperitoneal shunting between January 2006 and October 2009. Patient demographic characteristics, airway assessments, type of anesthesia, quality of ventilation, and perioperative complications were recorded. Results: Of the 43 patients included, 8 (18.6%) had at least 1 difficult airway criterion. We were able to insert the Proseal laryngeal mask in all patients. Ventilation was optimal in 39 (91%) patients, with maintenance of end-expiratory carbon dioxide pressures between 35 and 40 mm Hg and airway pressures above 25 cm H2O throughout the procedures. Air leaks developed in 3 cases (7%) when the patient was placed in a lateralcervical position for surgery; these patients required orotracheal intubation before surgery could begin. Mean duration of surgery was 53 minutes. Awakening occurred without incident in all cases. Conclusions: The Proseal laryngeal mask is useful for airway management in patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Due to the forced position of the neck, however, it may be necessary to reposition the mask or even proceed to orotracheal intubation in some cases. As is the case for other advanced uses, experience with the device is necessary. Material for managing a difficult airway should be on hand(AU)

[Experience with the proseal laryngeal mask in ventriculoperitoneal shunting]. / Experiencia con el uso de la mascarilla laríngea Proseal en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de derivación ventrículo peritoneal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use, utility, safety, and effectiveness of the Proseal laryngeal mask for airway management in patients undergoing ventriculoperitonea shunting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients in whom the Proseal laryngeal mask was used during ventriculoperitoneal shunting between January 2006 and October 2009. Patient demographic characteristics, airway assessments, type of anesthesia, quality of ventilation, and perioperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 43 patients included, 8 (18.6%) had at least 1 difficult airway criterion. We were able to insert the Proseal laryngeal mask in all patients. Ventilation was optimal in 39 (91%) patients, with maintenance of end-expiratory carbon dioxide pressures between 35 and 40 mm Hg and airway pressures above 25 cm H2O throughout the procedures. Air leaks developed in 3 cases (7%) when the patient was placed in a lateral-cervical position for surgery; these patients required orotracheal intubation before surgery could begin. Mean duration of surgery was 53 minutes. Awakening occurred without incident in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The Proseal laryngeal mask is useful for airway management in patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Due to the forced position of the neck, however, it may be necessary to reposition the mask or even proceed to orotracheal intubation in some cases. As is the case for other advanced uses, experience with the device is necessary. Material for managing a difficult airway should be on hand.

Neurosurgeon-otolaryngologist collaboration in endonasal approaches to the clivus and suprasellar region.

Lesions in the clivus and suprasellar region are rare but challenging pathologies for physicians. The most common tumours are chordomas and chondrosarcomas, but a wide variety of histopathological tumours can be found in these areas. Their deep location in the midline and their close relationship to important neurovascular structures frequently make total removal difficult. Neurosurgeons are often required to perform aggressive external-approach surgical therapy, which is usually associated with high levels of morbidity and a discouraging tendency for recurrence during long-term follow-up. Fortunately, over the past few years, close collaboration between otorhinolaryngologists and neurosurgeons has led to the development of minimally invasive surgery along the entire neuraxis, with endoscopy being used as the primary visualisation tool. This has been further augmented by the concept of team surgery: ENT surgeons and neurosurgeons working simultaneously throughout all phases of the surgery (approach, resection, and reconstruction). This concept has also changed the surgical approach as a whole, making the endonasal route the main approach for treating these types of lesions in carefully selected patients and external approaches the second-place option. The endonasal approach has revolutionised skull base surgery as it enables less aggressive surgery (reaching deep-seated structures without the need for craniotomy and brain retraction). It is therefore associated with lower morbidity and an absence of visible scars, with encouraging initial oncological prognosis. The aims of this paper are to describe the anatomical landmarks for this approach, to relate our experiences and to provide a literature review.

[Intraoperative videoangiography using green indocyanine during aneurysm surgery]. / Videoangiografía intraoperatoria con verde de indocianina durante la cirugía de aneurismas cerebrales. Experiencia inicial en 10 intervenciones quirúrgicas.

OBJECTIVE: The authors' objective is to report the initial appreciations on the use of the intraoperative near-infrared indocyanine green videoangiography during aneurysm surgery in our center. METHOD: 10 surgical procedures have been made in 9 patients, 5 males and 4 females between 27 and 61 years old with an average of age of 49 years during a time of 10 months between March, 2008 and January, 2009. 10 surgical procedures were performed and 11 aneurysms were clipped. Intravenous indocyanine green and surgical microscope Leica OH4 with module of vascular fluorescence intraoperating Leica FL800, with camera infrared Sony (Heerbrugg-Switzerland) were used. The information offered by this technique during the intervention is compared with the images of the postoperative angiography performed during the first 24 hours. The partial or complete occlusion and the respect to the near vessels were evaluated. RESULTS: The findings of the intraoperative videoangiography were the complete occlusion and absence of complications in all the cases. These results corresponded completely with the postoperative results of the angiography postoperative, except in a case where the angiography demonstrated vasoespasmo moderate without clinical repercussion that during the videoangiografía intraoperatoria was not perceived. Clinically no patient presented neurological added deficits. CONCLUSIONS: The intraoperative videoangiography is a tool of easy application that offers valuable information as for the complete occlusion of the aneurysm and the permeability of the adjacent vessels.

Videoangiografía intraoperatoria con verde de indocianina durante la cirugía deaneurismas cerebrales. Experiencia inicial en 10 intervenciones quirúrgicas / No disponible

Objetivo. El objetivo de los autores es reportar nuestra experiencia inicial sobre la utilización de la videoangiografía intraoperatoria con verde de indocianina durante la cirugía de aneurismas cerebrales en nuestrocentro. Material y métodos. Se han realizado 10 procedimientos quirúrgicos en 9 pacientes, 5 varones y 4 mujeres entre 27 y 61 años con una media de edad de 49 años durante un tiempo de 10 meses entre marzo de 2008 y enero de2009. Se realizaron 10 intervenciones y se cliparon 11aneurismas, de los cuales 5 fueron diagnosticados tras su ruptura y 6 no. Se utilizaron verde de indocianina intravenosa y microscopio quirúrgico Leica OH4 con módulo de fluorescencia vascular intraoperatoria Leica FL800, con cámara infrarroja Sony (Heerbrugg-Suiza).Se recoge la información ofrecida por esta técnica durante la intervención y se compara con las imágenes de la arteriografía postoperatoria a las 24 horas. Se valoraron la oclusión total o parcial de la lesión aneurismática así como la preservación o no de la vascularización adyacente. Resultados. Los hallazgos de la videoangiografía intraoperatoria sobre las lesiones aneurismáticas fueron de oclusión completa en todos los casos y permeabilidad de los vasos vecinos. Estos resultados se corresponden completamente con los de la arteriografía postoperatoria,excepto en un caso donde la arteriografía evidenció vasoespasmo moderado-grave sin repercusión clínica que durante la videoangiografía intraoperatoriano fue percibido. Clínicamente ningún paciente presentó déficits neurológicos añadidos.Conclusiones. La videoangiografía intraoperatoria es una herramienta de fácil aplicación que ofrece información valiosa en cuanto a la oclusión completa del saco aneurismático y la permeabilidad de los vasos adyacentesa éste (AU)

Objective. The authors’ objective is to report the initialappreciations on the use of the intraoperative near infraredindocyanine green videoangiography during aneurysm surgery in our center.Method. 10 surgical procedures have been made in 9 patients, 5 males and 4 females between 27 and 61 years old with an average of age of 49 years during a time of 10 months between March, 2008 and January, 2009. 10 surgical procedures were performed and 11 aneurysms were clipped. Intravenous indocyanine green and surgical microscope LeicaOH4 with module of vascular fluorescence intraoperating Leica FL800, with camera infrared Sony (Heerbrugg-Switzerland)were used. The information offered by this techniqueduring the intervention is compared with the images of the postoperative angiography performed during the first 24hours. The partial or complete occlusion and the respect to the near vessels were evaluated. Results. The findings of the intraoperative videoangiography were the complete occlusion and absence of complications in all the cases. These results corresponded completely with the postoperative results of the angiography postoperative, except in a case where the angiography demonstrated vasoespasmo moderate without clinical repercussion that during the videoangiografía intraoperatoria was not perceived. Clinically no patient presented neurological added deficits.Conclusions. The intraoperative videoangiographyis a tool of easy application that offers valuable informationas for the complete occlusion of the aneurysmand the permeability of the adjacent vessels (AU)

[Prospective comparative study on 50 patients between microsurgical sublabial transsphenoidal approach and endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach]. / Comparación del abordje transesfenoidal microquirúrgico frente al abordaje endonasal transesfenoidal endosócpico. Estudio prospectivo de 50 pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the standard transsphenoidal sublabial microscopic approach with the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach concerning the tumoral invasiveness and resection, complications of the approaches and time of post operative hospitalisation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We realized a prospective, non randomised study with 50 patients. They were operated between 2002 and 2006. All the patients had sellar lesions with different grades of invasiveness of the cavernous sinus as classified by Knosp. The variables included in our study were tumoral invasiveness and operative resection (total, subtotal and partial), optic nerve lesion, postoperative panhypopituitarism, CSF fistula, cranial nerves deficits, epistaxis, meningitis, diabetes insipidus and carotid artery lesion. Our series included 27 males and 23 females ranging from 19 to 80 years old (48 mean). In 23 patients we used the standard sublabial microscopic approach (two patients were excluded) and for 25 patients we used the endoscopic approach. The mean follow up was of 12 months. RESULTS: In our experience the endoscopic technique presents a higher percentage of total resection comparing to the sublabial microscopic approach (60% versus 34.8%) and higher percentage of subtotal resections (32% versus 26%) with a statistical significant difference (p=0.033). The time of hospitalisation was significant shorter for the endoscopic approach group (p=0.001), diminishing by half of the time (3 days) of the microscopic approach group. Concerning the tumoral invasiveness and complications we did not appreciate any significant dissimilarity. We appreciated that a higher grade of invasiveness augments by 3.59 the risk of an unsuccessful surgery. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our experience the endoscopic technique may favour a better tumoral resection and shorter time of hospitalisation. We did not appreciate differences concerning the complications.

Comparación del abordaje sublabial transesfenoidal microquirúrgico frente al abordaje endonasal transesfenoidal endoscópico. Estudio prospectivo de 50 pacientes / Prospective comparative study on 50 patients between microsurgical sublabial transsphenoidal approach and endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach

Objetivos. Comparar el abordaje transesfenoidal endonasal endoscópico con el abordaje transesfenoidal sublabial microquirúrgico. Valoración del grado de resección tumoral, grado de invasividad tumoral, complicaciones y estancia postoperatoria de ambos grupos. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo no randomizado de 50 pacientes intervenidos en nuestro centro entre 2002 y 2006 de lesiones en la región selar con diferentes grados de invasión del seno cavernoso según la clasificación de Knosp. Entre las variables a estudio se incluyeron los grados de invasión, los grados de resección postoperatoria (total, subtotal y parcial), lesión del nervio óptico, panhipopituitarismo postoperatorio, fístula de LCR, déficit de pares craneales, epistaxis, meningitis, diabetes insípida y lesión de arteria caró- tida. Nuestra serie consta de 27 hombres y 23 mujeres, con una edad media de 48 años (19-80 años). En 23 casos se utilizó una vía transesfenoidal sublabial microquirúrgica (2 pacientes fueron excluidos) y en 25 casos se realizó un abordaje transesfenoidal endoscópico. El seguimiento medio fue de 12 meses. Resultados. En nuestra experiencia la técnica endoscópica presenta un porcentaje de exéresis completa superior al de la técnica clásica (60% frente a 34,8%) que también se hace evidente en el caso de la resección subtotal (32% frente 26%) existiendo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p=0,033). En contraposición no encontramos diferencias en cuanto a complicaciones. También hemos evidenciado que existe una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en cuanto a la estancia postoperatoria (p=0,001), reduciéndose ésta a la mitad (3 días) con la técnica endoscópica. Si bien no hemos encontrado diferencias significativas en cuanto al grado de invasividad tumoral y al grado de resección, un mayor grado de invasividad aumenta en 3,59 veces el riesgo de poco éxito de la cirugía. Discusión y conclusiones. En nuestra experiencia con la técnica endoscópica obtenemos un mayor grado de resección quirúrgica y una estancia postoperatoria menor. No hemos observado diferencias en cuanto a complicaciones (AU)

Objective. Compare the standard transsphenoidal sublabial microscopic approach with the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach concerning the tumoral invasiveness and resection, complications of the approaches and time of post operative hospitalisation. Material and methods. We realized a prospective, non randomised study with 50 patients. They were operated between 2002 and 2006. All the patients had sellar lesions with different grades of invasiveness of the cavernous sinus as classified by Knosp. The variables included in our study were tumoral invasiveness and operative resection (total, subtotal and partial), optic nerve lesion, postoperative panhypopituitarism, CSF fistula, cranial nerves deficits, epistaxis, meningitis, diabetes insipidus and carotid artery lesion. Our series included 27 males and 23 females ranging from 19 to 80 years old (48 mean). In 23 patients we used the standard sublabial microscopic approach (two patients were excluded) and for 25 patients we used the endoscopic approach. The mean follow up was of 12 months. Results. In our experience the endoscopic technique presents a higher percentage of total resection comparing to the sublabial microscopic approach (60% versus 34,8%) and higher percentage of subtotal resections (32% versus 26%) with a statistical significan difference (p=0,033). The time of hospitalisation was significant shorter for the endoscopic approach group (p=0,001), diminishing by half of the time (3 days) of the microscopic approach group. Concerning the tumoral invasiveness and complications we did not appreciate any significant dissimilarity. We appreciated that a higher grade of invasiveness augments by 3,59 the risk of an unsuccessful surgery. Discussion and conclusion. In our experience the endoscopic technique may favour a better tumoral resection and shorter time of hospitalisation. We did not appreciate differences concerning the complications (AU)

[Diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties in neurocysticercosis: presentation of 6 cases and review of the literature]. / Dificultades diagnósticas y terapéuticas en la neurocisticercosis: presentacion de 6 casos y revisión de la literatura.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of neurocysticercosis (NCC) is increasing currently in developed countries due to the migration movements from endemic countries. Due to NCC polymorphism, treatment would be individualized in each case. Countries not used to this disease have to deal with. GOALS: To set up diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines in all sorts of NCC and choose the correct treatment would be challenging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To perform a descriptive and retrospective analysis of six cases of NCC seen in the Neurosurgery Department of the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona from 1992 to 2000 (both included). We have performed a revision of the literature about diagnostic and therapeutic methods. DISCUSSION: Definitive or probable diagnosis of NCC is based on clinical, imaging, immunological, and epidemiological criteria. In patients with inactive disease only symptomatic treatment is indicated. In active parenchymal forms there are not consensus if antiparasitic treatment is indicated. However, in extraparenchymal active disease aggressive treatment with antiparasitic agents and steroids is recommended. In cases of intracranial hypertension, neurological deficits or hydrocephalus surgery is the treatment of choice.

Dificultades diagnósticas y terapéuticas en la neurocisticercosis: presentacion de 6 casos y revisión de la literatura / Diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties in neurocysticercosis: presentation of 6 cases and review of the literature

Introducción La neurocisticercosis (NCC) es una patología emergente en países desarrollados debido principalmente, al aumento de la inmigración desde áreas endémicas. El gran poliformismo de la NCC hace necesaria la individualización del tratamiento en cada caso. La toma de decisiones en países no habituados a esta patología puede ser compleja. Objetivos. Establecer unas pautas diagnósticas y terapéuticas en los diferentes tipos de NCC. Material y métodos. Se ha realizado un análisis descriptivo y retrospectivo de seis casos de neurocisticercosis atendidos en el Servicio de Neurocirugía del Hospital Clínic de Barcelona desde 1992 al 2000 (ambos incluidos).Se realiza una revisión de la literatura sobre los métodos diagnósticos y terapéuticos actuales en las diferentes modalidades de NCC. Discusión. El diagnóstico definitivo o probable de NCC se realiza en función de criterios clínicos, inmunológicos, radiológicos y epidemiológicos. En pacientes con enfermedad inactiva se recomienda únicamente tratamiento sintomático. No hay datos concluyentes sobre el beneficio del tratamiento con antiparasitarios en la enfermedad activa parenquimatosa, sin embargo, los pacientes con enfermedad activa extraparenquimatosa se pueden beneficiar del tratamiento antihelminítico asociado a corticoides durante los primeros días. El tratamiento quirúrgico está indicado en lesiones que provocan focalidad neurológica progresiva, hipertensión endocraneal o hidrocefalia

Introduction. The incidence of neurocysticercosis (NCC) is increasing currently in developed countries due to the migration movements from endemic countries. Due to NCC polymorphism, treatment would behind invidualized in each case. Countries not used to this disease have to deal with. Goals. To set up diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines n all sorts of NCC and choose the correct treatment would be challenging. Patients and methods. To perform a descriptive and retrospective analysis of six cases of NCC seen in the Neurosurgery Department of the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona from 1992 to 2000 (both included). We have performed a revision of the literature about diagnostic and therapeutic methods .Discussion. Definitive or probable diagnosis of NCCis based on clinical, imaging, immunological, and epidemiological criteria. In patients with inactive disease only symptomatic treatment is indicated. In active parenchy malforms there are not consensus if antiparasitic treatment is indicated. However, in extra parenchymal active disease aggressive treatment with antiparasitic agents and steroids is recommended. In cases of intracranial hypertension, neurological deficits or hydrocephalus surgery is the treatment of choice

Valor predictivo de la clasificación de Knosp en el grado de resección quirúrgica de los macroadenomas invasivos. Estudio prospectivo de una serie de 23 casos / Predicitve value of the Knosp classification in the staging of invasive pituitary macroadenomas. A Prospective study of 23 cases

Objetivos. Analizar y valorar el grado de resección y las complicaciones de la cirugía transesfenoidal en una serie de 23 casos de macroadenomas con invasión del seno cavernoso evaluados mediante la clasificación de Knosp. Material, métodos y resultados. Estudio prospectivo de 22 pacientes (23 operaciones) intervenidos en nuestro centro entre Mayo del 2002 y Diciembre del 2004 de macroadenomas hipofisarios con diferentes grados de invasión del seno cavernoso según la clasificación de Knosp15. Entre las variables del estudio se incluyeron los grados de invasión y de resección postoperatoria con un seguimiento radiológico medio a largo plazo de 15 meses. Nuestra serie consta de 15 varones y 7 mujeres, con una edad media de 48 años (27 - 75 años). Todos ellos presentaban macroadenomas con afectación de uno o ambos senos cavernosos. De acuerdo con la clasificación de Knosp 4 pacientes fueron grado 1, 2 grado 2, 1 grado 3 y 16 grado 4. En 20 casos se utilizó una vía transesfenoidal clásica y en tres casos se hizo un abordaje transesfenoidal endoscópico. Según la RMN postoperatoria los grados de resección fueron: completo o total en todos los pacientes con grados 1 y 2 y en sólo 2 pacientes con grado 4; subtotal (>80%) en 1 paciente con grado 3 y en 6 pacientes con grado 4 y parcial (<80%) en 7 pacientes con grado 4 de Knosp. Se compararon los grados de resección versus los grados de invasión mediante el Test exacto de Fsiher y las diferencias no fueron estadísticamente significativas (p=0,12). Discusión y conclusiones. Si bien únicamente la clasificación radiológica de Knosp por si sola no puede predecir el comportamiento biológico del tumor o si la pared medial del seno cavernoso está infiltrado o desplazada, en nuestra serie los tumores de grado 4 han sido los que han presentado un peor resultado de acuerdo al grado de resección. En los tumores que invaden el seno cavernoso, incluso en los caos donde la carótida está englobada en posible realizar resecciones completas con una morbimortalidad aceptable (AU)

Objective. To evaluate our experience regarding the treatment of pituitary macroadenomas with cavernous sinus invasion in a series of 23 cases of transphenoidal resection. Materials, methods and results. Twenty two patients, fifteen males and seven females, with ages ranging from 27 to 75 (mean of 48), were operated under protocol by a single surgeon between May of 2002 and December of 2004. Preoperatively all lesions were diagnosed by MRI and staged according to the Knosp classification. All tumors had extension to one or both cavernous sinuses. Four patients were considered to be grade 1, two grade 2, one grade 3 and sixteen grade 4. Twenty three operations were performed on twenty-two patients. Twenty cases were the standard transsphenoidal approach, and three were endoscopic. Postoperatively, the excision was classified as Complete or Total, Subtotal or Partial. Mean follow up was 15 months. The variables considered for analysis include invasion and resection grades. All six patients with graded 1 and 2 lesions and two patients with grade 4 lesions underwent a complete resection. Subtotal (greater than 80%) excision was achieved in one patient with a grade 3 tumor and six patients with grade 4 tumors. The remaining seven patients with grade 4 adenomas had a Partial (less than 80%) excision. We compare de resection grade versus invasion grade with exact Fisher test. And there is not estadistical difference (p=0.12). Conclusion. The Knosp classification alone cannot predict the behavior of these tumors. In our experience, despite tumor extension to the cavernous sinus, pituitary macroadenomas can be safely resected with low morbidity and mortality (AU)

[Predictive value of the Knosp classification in grading the surgical resection of invasive pituitary macroadenomas. A prospective study of 23 cases]. / Valor predictivo de la clasificación de Knosp en el grado de resección quirúrgica de los macroadenomas invasivos. Estudio prospectivo de una serie de 23 casos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate our experience regarding the treatment of pituitary macroadenomas with cavernous sinus invasion in a series of 23 cases of transphenoidal resection. MATERIALS, METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty two patients, fifteen males and seven females, with ages ranging from 27 to 75 (mean of 48), were operated under protocol by a single surgeon between May of 2002 and December of 2004. Preoperatively all lesions were diagnosed by MRI and staged according to the Knosp classification. All tumors had extension to one or both cavernous sinuses. Four patients were considered to be grade 1, two grade 2, one grade 3 and sixteen grade 4. Twenty three operations were performed on twenty-two patients. Twenty cases were the standard transsphenoidal approach, and three were endoscopic. Postoperatively, the excision was classified as Complete or Total, Subtotal or Partial. Mean follow up was 15 months. The variables considered for analysis include invasion and resection grades. All six patients with graded 1 and 2 lesions and two patients with grade 4 lesions underwent a complete resection. Subtotal (greater than 80%) excision was achieved in one patient with a grade 3 tumor and six patients with grade 4 tumors. The remaining seven patients with grade 4 adenomas had a Partial (less than 80%) excision. We compare de resection grade versus invasion grade with exact Fisher test. And there is not estadistical difference (p=0.12). CONCLUSION: The Knosp classification alone cannot predict the behavior of these tumors. In our experience, despite tumor extension to the cavernous sinus, pituitary macroadenomas can be safely resected with low morbidity and mortality.