Residual and Recurrent Disease Following Endoscopic Endonasal Approach as a Reflection of Anatomic Limitation for the Resection of Midline Anterior Skull Base Meningiomas.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) to anterior skull base meningiomas have grown in popularity, though anatomic limitations remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To show the anatomic limits of EEA for meningiomas. METHODS: Retrospective chart review for all patients that underwent EEA for anterior skull base meningiomas from 2005 to 2014. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients averaged follow-up of 46.9 mo (24-100 mo). A total of 35 patients (35%) had olfactory groove, 33 planum sphenoidale (33%), and 32 tuberculum sella (32%) meningiomas. The average diameter was 2.9 cm (0.5-8.1 cm). Vascular encasement was seen in 11 patients (11%) and calcification in 20 (20%). Simpson Grade 1 (SG1) resection was achieved in 64 patients (64%). Only calcification impacted degree of resection (40% SG1, P = .012). The most common residual was on the anterior clinoid dura (11 patients [11%]). Six (6%) had residual superior/lateral to the optic nerve. Residual tumor was adherent to the optic apparatus or arteries in 5 patients (5%) each, and 3 patients (3%) had residual lateral to the mid-orbit. Rates of residual decreased over time. A total of 11 patients (11%) had tumor recurrence (mean of 40 mo): 4 (4%) on the anterior clinoid, 2 (2%) each on the lateral orbital roof, adherent to optic apparatus and superolateral to the optic nerve, and 1 (1%) was at the anterior falx. CONCLUSION: Anterior skull base meningiomas can effectively be approached via EEA in most patients; tumors extending to the anterior clinoid, anterior falx, or superolateral to the optic nerve or orbital roof, especially if calcified, may be difficult to reach via EEA.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Craniopharyngiomas with Intraventricular Extension: Case Series, Long-Term Outcomes, and Review.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, craniopharyngiomas with intraventricular extension were approached transcranially; however, endoscopic approaches are now increasingly used. We sought to study the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) in the setting of complex craniopharyngiomas with intraventricular extension and to compare it with existing literature. METHODS: Patients undergoing EEA for resection of craniopharyngioma with ventricular involvement from 2002 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes were compared with previously published EEA and transcranial approach (TCA) studies for all craniopharyngioma locations. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were included. Average tumor and intraventricular volume were 13.93 cm3 and 2.61 cm3, respectively. Patients presented with visual impairment, endocrinopathy, and, headache. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 47% of all cases and increased to 77% after 2012 Approximately 98% experienced improvement or stability of vision. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and meningitis rates were 19% and 8.1%, respectively. However, nasoseptal flap (NSF) use reduced CSF leak rate to 10%. Six (9.6%) patients required shunting before resection and 25% were shunted postoperatively. Seven of 10 patients (70%) treated before NSF use required shunting, whereas only 7 of 46 (15%) required shunting with NSF reconstruction. Review demonstrated similar outcomes between the present cohort and EEA or TCA for all craniopharyngioma locations. TCA had a greater GTR, however, with large study variation. EEA showed improved visual outcomes but also increased CSF leaks. CONCLUSIONS: EEA for craniopharyngiomas with intraventricular extension shows similar outcomes to TCA and EEA for all craniopharyngiomas, expanding this anatomic limit. Given ventricular involvement, CSF leak rates are expectedly high. GTR increased and CSF leak rates dramatically decreased with time, suggestive of the steep learning curve to complex resection.

Evaluation of Intranasal Flap Perfusion by Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography.

BACKGROUND: Vascularized intranasal flaps are the primary reconstructive option for endoscopic skull base defects. Flap vascularity may be compromised by injury to the pedicle or prior endonasal surgery. There is currently no validated technique for intraoperative evaluation of intranasal flap viability. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared angiography in predicting the viability of pedicled intranasal flaps during endoscopic skull base surgery through a pilot study. METHODS: ICG near-infrared fluorescence endoscopy was performed during endoscopic endonasal surgery for skull base tumors. Intraoperative and postoperative data were collected regarding enhancement of the flap body and pedicle. Fluorescence was rated qualitatively. Postoperatively, flap perfusion was evaluated via MRI-contrast enhancement in addition to clinical outcomes (cerebrospinal fluid leak and endoscopic flap appearance). RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients underwent ICG fluorescence angiography. Both the body and pedicle enhanced in 20 patients (53%), while the pedicle only enhanced for 12 patients (32%), the body only for 3 (8%), and neither for 3 (8%). When both the pedicle and body enhanced with ICG, the rate of postoperative MRI contrast enhancement was 100% and the rate of flap necrosis was 0%. The sensitivity and specificity of flap pedicle ICG enhancement for predicting postoperative flap MRI enhancement were 97% and 67%, respectively. Two of 3 patients without enhancement developed flap necrosis. CONCLUSION: ICG fluorescence angiography of intraoperative flap perfusion is feasible and correlates well with outcomes of postoperative MRI flap enhancement and flap necrosis. Additional study is needed to further refine the imaging technique and optimally characterize the clinical utility.

Management of Thoracic Disc Herniations via Posterior Unilateral Modified Transfacet Pedicle-Sparing Decompression With Segmental Instrumentation and Interbody Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case series. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this case series was to demonstrate the safety of a modified transfacet pedicle-sparing decompression and instrumented fusion in patients with thoracic disc herniations (TDHs). METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing operative management of TDH from July 2007 to December 2011 using a posterior unilateral modified transfacet pedicle-sparing approach were identified. All patients underwent open or minimally invasive modified transfacet pedicle-sparing discectomy and segmental instrumentation with interbody fusion, performed by four different surgeons. Pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, Nurick grade, and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) were analyzed from a retrospective chart review. Estimated blood loss and complications were also obtained. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were included that had operations for TDH. Thirty-nine patients had single level decompression and 12 had multilevel decompression. The total number of levels operated on was 64. Five patients were treated with minimally invasive surgery. A herniated disc level of T11-12 (n = 17) was treated most often. One major complication of epidural hematoma occurred. Minor complications such as malpositioned hardware, postoperative hematoma, wound infection, pseudoarthrosis, and pulmonary complications occurred in a few patients. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 46 months with 1 patient lost to follow-up. From preoperative to final postoperative: mean VAS scores improved from 8.31 to 4.05, AIS in all patients remained stable or improved, and Nurick scores improved from 3 to 2.6 on average. No intraoperative or permanent neurological deficit occurred. CONCLUSION: In our surgical series, 51 consecutive patients underwent modified transfacet pedicle-sparing approach to TDHs and experienced improvement of functional status as well as improvement of objective pain scales with no neurological complications. The posterior unilateral modified transfacet pedicle-sparing decompression and instrumented fusion approach to the thoracic spine is a safe and reproducible procedure for the treatment of TDHs.

Repair of Frontoethmoidal Encephalocele in the Philippines: An Account of 30 Cases Between 2008-2013.

BACKGROUND: Frontoethmoidal encephalocele is a congenital abnormality of the anterior skull base involving herniation of cranial contents through a midline skull defect. Patency of the foramen cecum, along with other multifactorial variables, contributes to the development of frontoethmoidal encephaloceles. Because of limited resources, financial constraints, and lack of surgical expertise, repair of frontoethmoidal encephaloceles is limited in developing countries. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2013 an interdisciplinary team composed of neurosurgeons, craniofacial surgeons, otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, and nursing personnel, conducted surgical mission trips to Davao City in Mindanao, Philippines. All patients underwent a combined extracranial/intracranial surgical approach, performed in tandem by a neurosurgeon and a craniofacial surgeon, to detach and remove the encephalocele. This procedure was followed by reconstruction of the craniofacial defects. RESULTS: A total of 30 cases of frontoethmoidal encephalocele were repaired between 2008 and 2013 (20 male; 10 female). The average age at operation was 8.7 years, with 7 patients older than 17 years. Of the 3 subtypes, the following breakdown was observed in patients: 18 nasoethmoidal; 9 nasofrontal; and 3 naso-orbital. Several patients showed concurrent including enlarged ventricles, arachnoid cysts (both unilateral and bilateral), and gliotic changes, as well as orbit and bulbus oculi (globe) deformities. There were no operative-associated mortalities or neurologic deficits, infections, or hydrocephalus on follow-up during subsequent trips. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of performing advanced surgery in a developing country, the combined interdisciplinary surgical approach has offered effective treatment to improve physical appearance and psychological well-being in afflicted patients.

Fully Endoscopic Retrosigmoid Vestibular Nerve Section for Refractory Meniere Disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to report our results and technical details of fully endoscopic retrosigmoid vestibular nerve section. DESIGN: A prospective observational study was conducted. SETTING: A single academic, tertiary institution involving neurosurgery and neurotology. PARTICIPANTS: Previously diagnosed patients with Meniere disease, refractory to medical therapy, who underwent fully endoscopic vestibular nerve section. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative improvement in vertiginous symptoms as well as hearing preservation, based on the American Association of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgeons score and the Gardener and Robertson-Modified Hearing Classification. Facial nerve preservation based on the House-Brackman (HB) score. RESULTS: Symptoms improved or resolved in 38 of 41 (92.2%) patients with only 1 of 41 (2.4%) reporting worsening symptoms. All 41 patients (100%) had a postoperative HB score of 1/6, demonstrating full facial nerve preservation. Hearing was stable or improved in 34 of 41 (82.9%) patients. Three complications took place for a rate of 7.3%, one cerebrospinal fluid leak, and two wound infections. CONCLUSION: The fully endoscopic approach to vestibular nerve sections is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of medically refractory Meniere disease. This technique also utilizes smaller incisions, minimal cranial openings, and no cerebellar retraction with improved visualization of the cerebellopontine angle neurovascular structures.

Fully Endoscopic Resection of Cerebellopontine Angle Meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our operative technique and results from patients who underwent fully endoscopic resection of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningiomas. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: A single academic institution that includes both neurosurgery and neuro-otology. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven consecutive patients who underwent fully endoscopic resection of a CPA meningioma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hearing preservation, based on the American Association of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgeons score as well as facial nerve preservation base on the House-Brackmann (HB) score. In addition, the extent of resection and complication rates was studied. RESULTS: All 11 patients underwent successful gross total resection, Simpson grade 2, of their meningioma, seen both intraoperatively and on postoperative imaging. Overall, 100% of patients maintained normal facial nerve function (HB 1/6). Audiometric testing revealed that 10 of 11 patients maintained either stable or improved hearing postoperatively based on Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hearing Preservation in Acoustic Neuroma grade with the remaining patient retaining serviceable hearing. Tumor size ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 cm (mean: 1.54 cm). Mean operative time was 166 minutes (range: 122-207 minutes); estimated blood loss averaged 54.5 mL. Hospital length of stay ranged from 2 to 6 days (mean: 3.1 days), and a superficial wound infection was the only complication seen in one patient. CONCLUSION: Fully endoscopic techniques can be used in CPA meningioma resection with excellent clinical results as an alternative to the traditional open microscopic approach.

C1-C2 cryptic cerebrospinal fluid leak directly identified by pressurized radionuclide cisternography: Case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic postural headaches may suffer from spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Trauma, degenerative disc spurring and connective tissue disorders are documented risk factors; in most cases there is no inciting event. Despite sophisticated means of evaluating the neuraxis, many cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are radiographically occult and treatment is focused on thoracic and cervical-thoracic regions. Although lumbar epidural blood patch (EBP) is the initial treatment of choice after failed conservative management, several studies document the need for treatment aimed at the specific leak area. CASE DESCRIPTION: This report describes the case of a 42-year-old female with scleroderma and sudden onset postural headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement suggestive of intracranial hypotension. Computed tomographic myelography demonstrated a collection of fluid ventral to the cervical thecal sac; an exact location for CSF egress was not identified. Conservative measures followed by lumbar EBP failed to alleviate her symptoms. The patient underwent placement of a lumbar drain and dynamic radionuclide cisternography (RIC). Panoramic images of the spine were taken at the time of the pressurized saline injection. The CSF leak was clearly visualized at C1-2. Treatment was focused at this region using percutaneous injection of autologous blood and fibrin glue. CONCLUSION: SIH is disabling if left untreated. Spinal CSF leaks are often discrete and difficult to identify using static imaging. The use of pressurized, RIC by lumbar drain injection allows for the real-time evaluation of CSF dynamics and can more precisely identify slow flow leaks often missed with static imaging.

Endoscopic Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas.

Objective To report our results and the technical details of fully endoscopic resection of vestibular schwannomas. Design Prospective observational study. Setting A single academic institution involving neurosurgery and neurotology. Participants Twelve consecutive patients who underwent fully endoscopic resection of a vestibular schwannoma. Main Outcome Measures Hearing preservation, based on the American Association of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgeons (AAO-HNS) score as well as the Gardener and Robertson Modified Hearing Classification (GR). Facial nerve preservation based on the House-Brackmann (HB) score. Results All patients successfully underwent gross total resection. Facial nerve preservation rate was 92% with 11 of 12 patients retaining an HB score of 1/6 postoperatively. Hearing preservation rate was 67% with 8 of 12 patients maintaining a stable AAO-HNS grade and GR score at follow-up. Mean tumor size was 1.5 cm (range: 1-2 cm). No patients experienced postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, infection, or cranial nerve palsy for a complication rate of 0%. Mean operative time was 261.6 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 56.3 mL and average length of hospital stay of 3.6 days. Conclusion A purely endoscopic approach is a safe and effective option for hearing preservation surgery for vestibular schwannomas in appropriately selected patients.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Biventricular Hydrocephalus Caused by a Giant Basilar Apex Aneurysm via a Staged Combination of Endoscopy and Endovascular Embolization: A Case Report.

Biventricular hydrocephalus caused by a Giant Basilar Apex Aneurysm (GBAA) is a rare finding that presents unique and challenging treatment decisions. We report a case of GBAA causing a life-threatening biventricular hydrocephalus in which both the aneurysm and hydrocephalus were given definitive treatment through a staged, minimally invasive approach. An obtunded 82-year-old male was found to have biventricular hydrocephalus caused by an unruptured GBAA obstructing the foramina of Monro. The patient was treated via staged, minimally invasive technique that first involved endoscopic fenestration of the septum pellucidum to create communication between the lateral ventricles. A programmable ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was then placed with a high-pressure setting. The patient was then loaded with dual anti-platelet therapy prior to undergoing endovascular coiling of the GBAA with adjacent stenting of the Posterior Cerebral Artery. He remained on dual anti-platelet therapy and the shunt setting was lowered at the bedside to treat the hydrocephalus. At 6-month follow up, the patient had returned to his cognitive baseline, speaking fluently and appropriately. Biventricular hydrocephalus caused by a GBAA can successfully be treated in a minimally invasive fashion utilizing a combination of endoscopy and endovascular therapy, even when a stent-assisted coiling is needed.

Endoscopic vascular decompression for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: clinical outcomes and technical note.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to describe the operative technique and clinical outcomes in a series of 57 patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated with endoscopic vascular decompression (EVD) alone without the use of microscopy at any point. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed on 57 consecutive patients treated with EVD alone for trigeminal neuralgia from October 2005 to October 2010. Patient outcomes were evaluated with respect to pain abatement, complication rate, length of hospital stay, and overall operative time. Pain outcome was graded using the Barrow Neurological Institute pain intensity score (BNI), with BNI 1 considered an excellent result and BNI 2 or 3 considered a good result. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 72 months, with a mean of 32 months. In addition to reporting these cases, our operative technique for EVD is described in detail. RESULTS: All 57 patients reported severe preoperative pain (BNI 5); 100% of patients achieved immediate postoperative pain control or complete pain relief (BNI 1 to 3), with 82% obtaining an excellent result of BNI 1, and 18% of patients reported good results of BNI 2 or 3. At follow-up, 56 of 57 patients (98%) reported complete relief or well controlled pain (BNI 1 to 3), with 75% obtaining an excellent result of BNI 1; 23% of patients obtained a good result of BNI 2 or 3. The complication rate was 4%, with no mortality. Mean length of hospital stay was 1.6 days, with a range of 1 to 5 days; mean operative time was 133 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: EVD is a safe and highly effective alternative to the more traditional open microvascular decompression or the more recently developed endoscopically assisted microvascular decompression.