Critical appraisal of minimally invasive keyhole surgery for intracranial meningioma in a large case series.

BACKGROUND: Meningioma surgery has evolved over the last 20 years with increased use of minimally invasive approaches including the endoscopic endonasal route and endoscope-assisted and gravity-assisted transcranial approaches. As the "keyhole" concept remains controversial, we present detailed outcomes in a cohort series. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was done for all patients undergoing meningioma removal at a tertiary brain tumor referral center from 2008-2021. Keyhole approaches were defined as: use of a minimally invasive "retractorless" approach for a given meningioma in which a traditional larger approach is often used instead. The surgical goal was maximal safe removal including conservative (subtotal) removal for some invasive locations. Primary outcomes were resection rates, complications, length of stay and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). Secondary outcomes were endoscopy use, perioperative treatments, tumor control and acute MRI FLAIR/T2 changes to assess for brain manipulation and retraction injury. RESULTS: Of 329 patients, keyhole approaches were utilized in 193(59%) patients (mean age 59±13; 30 (15.5%) had prior surgery) who underwent 213 operations; 205(96%) were skull base location. Approaches included: endoscopic endonasal (n = 74,35%), supraorbital (n = 73,34%), retromastoid (n = 38,18%), mini-pterional (n = 20,9%), suboccipital (n = 4,2%), and contralateral transfalcine (n = 4,2%). Primary outcomes: Gross total/near total (>90%) resection was achieved in 125(59%) (5% for petroclival, cavernous sinus/Meckel's cave, spheno-cavernous locations vs 77% for all other locations). Major complications included: permanent neurological worsening 12(6%), CSF leak 2(1%) meningitis 2(1%). There were no DVTs, PEs, MIs or 30-day mortality. Median LOS decreased from 3 to 2 days in the last 2 years; 94% were discharged to home with favorable 90-day KPS in 176(96%) patients. Secondary outcomes: Increased FLAIR/T2 changes were noted on POD#1/2 MRI in 36/213(17%) cases, resolving in all but 11 (5.2%). Endoscopy was used in 87/139(63%) craniotomies, facilitating additional tumor removal in 55%. Tumor progression occurred in 26(13%) patients, mean follow-up 42±36 months. CONCLUSIONS & RELEVANCE: Our experience suggests minimally invasive keyhole transcranial and endoscopic endonasal meningioma removal is associated with comparable resection rates and low complication rates, short hospitalizations and high 90-day performance scores in comparison to prior reports using traditional skull base approaches. Subtotal removal may be appropriate for invasive/adherent meningiomas to avoid neurological deficits and other post-operative complications, although longer follow-up is needed. With careful patient selection and requisite experience, these approaches may be considered reasonable alternatives to traditional transcranial approaches.

Complication avoidance protocols in endoscopic pituitary adenoma surgery: a retrospective cohort study in 514 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of using consistent complication-avoidance protocols in patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary adenoma surgery including techniques for avoiding anosmia, epistaxis, carotid artery injury, hypopituitarism, cerebrospinal fluid leaks and meningitis. METHODS: All patients undergoing endoscopic adenoma resection from 2010 to 2020 were included. Primary outcomes included 90-day complication rates, gland function outcomes, reoperations, readmissions and length of stay. Secondary outcomes were extent of resection, short-term endocrine remission, vision recovery. RESULTS: Of 514 patients, (mean age 51 ± 16 years; 78% macroadenomas, 19% prior surgery) major complications occurred in 18(3.5%) patients, most commonly CSF leak (9, 1.7%) and meningitis (4, 0.8%). In 14 of 18 patients, complications were deemed preventable. Four (0.8%) had complications with permanent sequelae (3 before 2016): one unexplained mortality, one stroke, one oculomotor nerve palsy, one oculoparesis. There were no internal carotid artery injuries, permanent visual worsening or permanent anosmia. New hypopituitarism occurred in 23/485(4.7%). Partial or complete hypopituitarism resolution occurred in 102/193(52.8%) patients. Median LOS was 2 days; 98.3% of patients were discharged home. Comparing 18 patients with major complications versus 496 without, median LOS was 7 versus 2 days, respectively p < 0.001. Readmissions occurred in 6%(31/535), mostly for hyponatremia (18/31). Gross total resection was achieved in 214/312(69%) endocrine-inactive adenomas; biochemical remission was achieved in 148/209(71%) endocrine-active adenomas. Visual field or acuity defects improved in 126/138(91.3%) patients. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that conformance to established protocols for endoscopic pituitary surgery may minimize complications, re-admissions and LOS while enhancing the likelihood of preserving gland function, although there remains opportunity for further improvements.

Streamlining brain tumor surgery care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic forced a reconsideration of surgical patient management in the setting of scarce resources and risk of viral transmission. Herein we assess the impact of implementing a protocol of more rigorous patient education, recovery room assessment for non-ICU admission, earlier mobilization and post-discharge communication for patients undergoing brain tumor surgery. METHODS: A case-control retrospective review was undertaken at a community hospital with a dedicated neurosurgery and otolaryngology team using minimally invasive surgical techniques, total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and early post-operative imaging protocols. All patients undergoing craniotomy or endoscopic endonasal removal of a brain, skull base or pituitary tumor were included during two non-overlapping periods: March 2019-January 2020 (pre-pandemic epoch) versus March 2020-January 2021 (pandemic epoch with streamlined care protocol implemented). Data collection included demographics, preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, tumor pathology, and tumor resection and remission rates. Primary outcomes were ICU utilization and hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were complications, readmissions and reoperations. FINDINGS: Of 295 patients, 163 patients were treated pre-pandemic (58% women, mean age 53.2±16 years) and 132 were treated during the pandemic (52% women, mean age 52.3±17 years). From pre-pandemic to pandemic, ICU utilization decreased from 92(54%) to 43(29%) of operations (p<0.001) and hospital LOS≤1 day increased from 21(12.2%) to 60(41.4%), p<0.001, respectively. For craniotomy cohort, median LOS was 2 days for both epochs; median ICU LOS decreased from 1 to 0 days (p<0.001), ICU use decreased from 73(80%) to 29(33%),(p<0.001). For endonasal cohort, median LOS decreased from 2 to 1 days; median ICU LOS was 0 days for both epochs; (p<0.001). There were no differences pre-pandemic versus pandemic in ASA scores, resection/remission rates, readmissions or reoperations. CONCLUSION: This experience suggests the COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for implementing a brain tumor care protocol to facilitate safely decreasing ICU utilization and accelerating discharge home without an increase in complications, readmission or reoperations. More rigorous patient education, recovery room assessment for non-ICU admission, earlier mobilization and post-discharge communication, layered upon a foundation of minimally invasive surgery, TIVA anesthesia and early post-operative imaging are possible contributors to these favorable trends.

Endoscopic Endonasal and Supraorbital Removal of Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas: Anatomic Guides and Operative Nuances for Keyhole Approach Selection.

BACKGROUND: With growing worldwide endoscopy experience, endonasal and supraorbital removal of tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSM) has increased. OBJECTIVE: To describe anatomic factors for guiding approach selection and outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing endonasal or supraorbital TSM resection: approach criteria, clinical outcomes, acute magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR)/T2 changes. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2020, 33 patients (mean age 55 ± 11 yr) were identified: 20 (61%) had endonasal and 13 (39%) supraorbital removal. Comparing endonasal and supraorbital approaches, mean tumor volume (3.7 ± 3.5 cm3 vs 7.7 ± 8.5 cm3, P = .07); percent tumor above planum (42% vs 65%, P = .02), and lateral tumor beyond supraclinoid internal carotid arteries (1.4 ± 2.0 mm vs 4.0 ± 3.2 mm, P = .006) were greater for supraorbital route. Sellar depth was greater for endonasal route tumors (12.2 ± 2.6 mm vs 9.3 ± 2.4 mm, P = .003). Endoscopy, used in 10/13(77%) supraorbital cases, was helpful in additional tumor removal in 4/10(40%). Gross total removal and mean volumetric tumor resection were 16/20(80%) and 97.5% by endonasal, and 5/13(39%) and 96% by supraorbital route. Vision improved in 12/17 (71%) endonasal, 6/8 (75%) supraorbital operations, and worsened in 1 (3%) supraorbital case. Endonasal approach with optic canal decompression increased over study period: 15/20 (75%) endonasal patients vs 1/13(8%) supraorbital (P < .001). Postoperative FLAIR/T2 MRI changes occurred in 2/12 supraorbital and 0/20 endonasal cases. CONCLUSION: In our experience, both endonasal and supraorbital routes are safe and effective for TSM removal. Greater tumor extension below planum and medial optic canal invasion favor endonasal route, while larger size and lateral extension favor supraorbital route. Given high frequency of TSM growth into optic canals and better access for medial optic canal tumor removal, endonasal route may be preferred for most TSMs.

Pituitary adenomas in older adults (≥ 65 years): 90-day outcomes and readmissions: a 10-year endoscopic endonasal surgical experience.

INTRODUCTION: Longer lifespan and newer imaging protocols have led to more older adults being diagnosed with pituitary adenomas. Herein, we describe outcomes of patients ≥ 65 years undergoing endoscopic adenoma removal. To address selection criteria, we also assess a conservatively managed cohort. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 90-day outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary adenomectomy from 2010 to 2019 by a neurosurgical/ENT team was performed. Tumor subtype, cavernous sinus invasion, extent of resection/early remission, endocrinology outcomes, complications, re-operations and readmissions were analyzed. A comparator cohort ≥ 65 years undergoing clinical surveillance without surgery was also analyzed. RESULTS: Of 468 patients operated on for pituitary adenoma, 123 (26%) were ≥ 65 years (range 65-93 years); 106 (86.2%) had endocrine-inactive adenomas; 18 (14.6%) had prior surgery. Of 106 patients with endocrine-inactive adenomas, GTR was achieved in 70/106 (66%). Of 17 patients with endocrine-active adenomas, early biochemical remission was: Cushing's 6/8; acromegaly 1/4; prolactinomas 1/5. Gland function recovery occurred in 28/58 (48.3%) patients with various degrees of preoperative hypopituitarism. New anterior hypopituitarism occurred in 3/110 (2.4%) patients; permanent DI in none. Major complications in 123 patients were: CSF leak 2 (1.6%), meningitis 1 (0.8%), vision decline 1 (0.8%). There were no vascular injuries, operative hematomas, anosmia, deaths, MIs, or thromboembolic events. Median length of stay was 2 days. Readmissions occurred in 14/123 (11.3%) patients, 57% for delayed hyponatremia. Intra-cohort analysis by age (65-69, 70-74, 75-79, ≥ 80 years) revealed no outcome differences. Cavernous sinus invasion (OR 7.7, CI 1.37-44.8; p = 0.02) and redo-surgery (OR 8.5, CI 1.7-42.8; p = 0.009) were negative predictors for GTR/NTR. Of 105 patients evaluated for presumed pituitary adenoma beginning in 2015, 72 (69%) underwent surgery, 8 (7%) had prolactinomas treated with cabergoline and 25 (24%) continue clinical surveillance without surgery, including two on new hormone replacement. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that elderly patients carefully selected for endoscopic adenoma removal can have excellent short-term outcomes including high resection rates, low complication rates and short length of stay. Our experience supports a multidisciplinary approach and the concept of pituitary centers of excellence. Based on our observations, approximately 25% of elderly patients with pituitary adenomas referred for possible surgery can be monitored closely without surgery.

Correction to: Rathke's cleft cysts: a 6-year experience of surgery vs. observation with comparative volumetric analysis.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained errors in legend numbers of Figure 2 caption.

Rathke's cleft cysts: a 6-year experience of surgery vs. observation with comparative volumetric analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are common sellar lesions. Their management remains controversial, particularly when small or asymptomatic. Herein we review a consecutive series of RCC patients managed with surgery or observation. METHODS: All patients with a new diagnosis of presumed RCC, based on MRI, from February 2012-March 2018 were retrospectively divided into observational and surgical cohorts based on an intent-to-treat model. The cohorts were compared for clinical presentation, and cyst volume. The observational cohort was followed for change in cyst size. The surgical cohort was followed for changes in endocrinopathy, visual symptoms, headache and recurrence. RESULTS: Of 90 patients (mean age 36.7 ± 19.4 years; 68% female), 60% (n = 54) were in the observational cohort and 40% (n = 36) in the surgical cohort. Average follow-up was 13 ± 23 months in the observational cohort and 24 ± 19 months in the surgical group. In comparing the cohorts, mean ages were similar with more women in the surgical group (81% vs. 56%, p = 0.04). Most patients in the observational cohort had incidentally-discovered RCCs (n = 50, 88%) as opposed to the surgical cohort (n = 6, 17%). The surgical cohort had higher rates of headache (89% vs 26%, p < 0.001), endocrinopathy (36% vs 0%, p < 0.001), and visual dysfunction (19% vs 0%, p = 0.001). Mean cyst volume and maximal cyst dimensions were greater in the surgical cohort (0.94 ± 0.77 cm3 and 14.2 ± 4.1 mm), compared to the observational cohort (0.1 ± 0.14 cm3 and 6.4 ± 3 mm), (p < 0.001). Among the 53% (n = 30/54) of patients in the observational group with follow-up, 3 (10%) had spontaneous RCC shrinkage, 1 (3%) had modest asymptomatic growth (at 10 months from initial MRI), and 87% had stable cyst size. Of the 36 patients recommended to have surgery, 89% (n = 32) did so. Post-operatively, complete or partial resolution of headache, endocrinopathy and visual dysfunction were documented in 90% (n = 28/30), 75% (n = 10/12), and 100% (n = 7/7), respectively. On follow-up MRI, 8 (22%) patients had some cyst reaccumulation, of whom 3 (8%) were symptomatic and underwent uneventful reoperation. No major complications such as hematoma, CSF leak, new endocrinopathy or visual deficits occurred. CONCLUSION: From this consecutive series, a majority (60%) of RCCs do not appear to warrant surgical intervention and have a low risk of cyst progression. However, surgical cyst removal appears to be indicated and safe for patients with larger, symptomatic RCCs. Simple cyst drainage has a high rate of improvement in pituitary gland function, visual function and headache resolution with low complication rates and symptomatic recurrence risk. These findings stress the importance of careful case selection and potential utility of volumetric assessment for patients with RCCs.

Early Recognition and Initiation of Temozolomide Chemotherapy for Refractory, Invasive Pituitary Macroprolactinoma with Long-Term Sustained Remission.

OBJECTIVE: Invasive, medically refractory, and multiply recurrent pituitary adenomas pose a rare, but nevertheless significant, challenge for conventional management modalities. Temozolomide (TMZ) has been reported to be useful as an adjunctive treatment for some patients. We describe the efficacy of TMZ when used early in the management of invasive prolactinoma. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 56-year-old man presented with an invasive, refractory macroprolactinoma for which long-term dopamine agonists, stereotactic radiosurgery, and multiple transsphenoidal surgical resections had failed. He had experienced persistent hyperprolactinemia and tumor progression. Thus, TMZ was started. During the 11 cycles of TMZ therapy, the patient's prolactin level decreased from 696 ng/mL to 15.2 ng/mL, with a >90% decrease in tumor size. Nearly 6 years after discontinuing chemotherapy, the patient remained in sustained remission (prolactin level, 3.1 ng/mL) requiring only 1.5 mg of cabergoline weekly, without radiographic or clinical evidence of tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that TMZ can be efficacious in the management of medically and surgically refractory, invasive atypical prolactinomas, resulting in normalization of the prolactin levels and control of the tumor size. We encourage the inclusion of TMZ in the management of refractory, recurrent, and invasive prolactinomas, as a fourth-line treatment strategy, after dopamine agonist treatment, transsphenoidal resection, and radiation therapy. We especially advocate the early use of TMZ for aggressive and otherwise refractory prolactinomas.

Evolution of the graded repair of CSF leaks and skull base defects in endonasal endoscopic tumor surgery: trends in repair failure and meningitis rates in 509 patients.

Objective: The authors previously described a graded approach to skull base repair following endonasal microscopic or endoscope-assisted tumor surgery. In this paper they review their experience with skull base reconstruction in the endoscopic era. Methods: A retrospective review of a single-institution endonasal endoscopic patient database (April 2010­April 2017) was undertaken. Intraoperative CSF leaks were graded based on size (grade 0 [no leak], 1, 2, or 3), and repair technique was documented across grades. The series was divided into 2 epochs based on implementation of a strict perioperative antibiotic protocol and more liberal use of permanent and/or temporary buttresses; repair failure rates and postoperative meningitis rates were assessed for the 2 epochs and compared. Results: In total, 551 operations were performed in 509 patients for parasellar pathology, including pituitary adenoma (66%), Rathke's cleft cyst (7%), meningioma (6%), craniopharyngioma (4%), and other (17%). Extended approaches were used in 41% of cases. There were 9 postoperative CSF leaks (1.6%) and 6 cases of meningitis (1.1%). Postoperative leak rates for all 551 operations by grade 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 0%, 1.9%, 3.1%, and 4.8%, respectively. Fat grafts were used in 33%, 84%, 97%, and 100% of grade 0, 1, 2, and 3 leaks, respectively. Pedicled mucosal flaps (78 total) were used in 2.6% of grade 0­2 leaks (combined) and 79.5% of grade 3 leaks (60 nasoseptal and 6 middle turbinate flaps). Nasoseptal flap usage was highest for craniopharyngioma operations (80%) and lowest for pituitary adenoma operations (2%). Two (3%) nasoseptal flaps failed. Contributing factors for the 9 repair failures were BMI ≥ 30 (7/9), lack of buttress (4/9), grade 3 leak (4/9), and postoperative vomiting (4/9). Comparison of the epochs showed that grade 1­3 repair failures decreased from 6/143 (4.1%) to 3/141 (2.1%) and grade 1­3 meningitis rates decreased from 5 (3.5%) to 1 (0.7%) (p = 0.08). Prophylactic lumbar CSF drainage was used in only 4 cases (< 1%), was associated with a higher meningitis rate in grades 1­3 (25% vs 2%), and was discontinued in 2012. Comparison of the 2 epochs showed increase buttress use in the second, with use of a permanent buttress in grade 1 and 3 leaks increasing from 13% to 55% and 32% to 76%, respectively (p < 0.001), and use of autologous septal/keel bone as a permanent buttress in grade 1, 2, and 3 leaks increasing from 15% to 51% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A graded approach to skull base repair after endonasal surgery remains valid in the endoscopic era. However, the technique has evolved significantly, with further reduction of postoperative CSF leak rates. These data suggest that buttresses are beneficial for repair of most grade 1 and 2 leaks and all grade 3 leaks. Similarly, pedicled flaps appear advantageous for grade 3 leaks, while CSF diversion may be unnecessary and a risk factor for meningitis. High BMI should prompt an aggressive multilayered repair strategy. Achieving repair failure and meningitis rates lower than 1% is a reasonable goal in endoscopic skull base tumor surgery.

Impact of selective pituitary gland incision or resection on hormonal function after adenoma or cyst resection.

OBJECTIVE: With the resection of pituitary lesions, the anterior pituitary gland often obstructs transsphenoidal access to the lesion. In such cases, a gland incision and/or partial gland resection may be required to obtain adequate exposure. We investigate this technique and determine the associated risk of post-operative hypopituitarism. METHODS: All patients who underwent surgical resection of a pituitary adenoma or Rathke cleft cyst (RCC) between July 2007 and January 2013 were analyzed for pre- and post-operative hormone function. The cohort of patients with gland incision/resection were compared to a case-matched control cohort of pituitary surgery patients. Total hypophysectomy patients were excluded from outcome analysis. RESULTS: Of 372 operations over this period, an anterior pituitary gland incision or partial gland resection was performed in 79 cases (21.2 %). These include 53 gland incisions, 12 partial hemi-hypophysectomies and 14 resections of thinned/attenuated anterior gland. Diagnoses included 64 adenomas and 15 RCCs. New permanent hypopituitarism occurred in three patients (3.8 %), including permanent DI (3) and growth hormone deficiency (1). There was no significant difference in the rate of worsening gland dysfunction nor gain of function. Compared to a control cohort, there was a significantly lower incidence of transient DI (1.25 vs. 11.1 %, p = 0.009) but no significant difference in permanent DI (3.8 vs. 4.0 %) in the gland incision group. CONCLUSION: Selective gland incisions and gland resections were performed in over 20 % of our cases. This technique appears to minimize traction on compressed normal pituitary gland during removal of large lesions and facilitates better visualization and removal of cysts, microadenomas and macroadenomas.

Endonasal management of sellar arachnoid cysts: simple cyst obliteration technique.

OBJECT: Symptomatic sellar arachnoid cysts (ACs) have typically been treated via the transsphenoidal route. After sellar cyst wall fenestration, some authors have advocated cyst wall resection and increasing communication between the AC and suprasellar subarachnoid space (SAS). This study is a report of the authors' experience using a simplified approach to reinforce a defective diaphragma sellae or unseen arachnoid diverticulum by deliberately not enlarging the AC-SAS communication and obliterating the cyst cavity with adipose tissue followed by skull base reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent an endonasal transsphenoidal obliteration of symptomatic ACs with a fat graft and skull base repair. RESULTS: Between July 1998 and September 2010, 8 patients with a sellar AC were identified (6 women and 2 men, mean age 57 years). Clinical presentation included headache, pituitary dysfunction, and visual dysfunction (4 patients each group). Maximal cyst diameter averaged 22 mm (range 15-32 mm). In all cases the sellar communication to the SAS was deliberately not enlarged. The endoscope was used for visualization in 8 of 9 procedures. Postoperatively, headache improved in all 4 patients, vision in all 4 patients, and partial resolution of endocrine dysfunction (hyperprolactinemia and/or recurrent hyponatremia) occurred in 3 (75%) of 4 patients. No new endocrinopathy, CSF leak, meningitis, or neurological deficits occurred. Two patients experienced cyst reaccumulation: 1 symptomatic recurrence was treated with reoperation at 43 months postsurgery, and 1 asymptomatic partial recurrence continued to be monitored at 29 months postsurgery. CONCLUSIONS: Sellar ACs can be effectively treated using endonasal fenestration and obliteration with fat with resultant reversal of presenting symptoms in the majority of patients. This simplified technique of AC cavity obliteration without enlarging communication to the SAS has a low risk of CSF leakage, and in most cases appears to effectively disrupt cyst progression, although longer follow-up is required to monitor for cyst recurrence.