Endovascular coiling versus neurosurgical clipping in the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in the elderly: a multicenter cohort study.

The comparability of endovascular coiling over neurosurgical clipping has not been firmly established in elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). Data were obtained from all patients with aSAH aged ≥60 across three tertiary hospitals in Singapore from 2014 to 2019. Outcome measures included modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 and at 6 months, and in-hospital mortality. Of the 134 patients analyzed, 84 (62.7%) underwent coiling and 50 (37.3%) underwent clipping. The endovascular group showed a higher incidence of good mRS score 0-2 at 3 months (OR = 2.45 [95%CI:1.16-5.20];p = 0.018), and a lower incidence of in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.31 [95%CI:0.10-0.91];p = 0.026). There were no significant difference between the two treatment groups in terms of good mRS score at 6 months (OR = 1.98 [95%CI:0.97-4.04];p = 0.060). There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications, such as aneurysm rebleed, delayed hydrocephalus, delayed ischemic neurological deficit and venous thromboembolism between the two treatment groups. However, fewer patients in the coiling group developed large infarcts requiring decompressive craniectomy (OR = 0.32 [95%CI:0.12-0.90];p = 0.025). Age, admission WFNS score I-III, and coiling were independent predictors of good functional outcomes at 3 months. Only age and admission WFNS score I-III remained significant predictors of good functional outcomes at 6 months. Endovascular coiling, compared with neurosurgical clipping, is associated with significantly better short term outcomes in carefully selected elderly patients with aSAH. Maximal intervention is recommended for aSAH in the young elderly age group and those with favorable WFNS scores.

Diagnostic dilemma in acute neurological presentation of spinal arachnoid cysts: A case report.

Background: Spinal arachnoid cysts are relatively uncommon, cerebrospinal fluid-filled sacs formed by arachnoid membranes that can be either idiopathic or acquired. The neurological presentation of these cysts is varied. Advances in imaging techniques have allowed an improved characterization of these entities and excluded other possible causes of clinical manifestation. Their presentation remains varied, ranging from pain to progressive neurological deficits. Here, we present two cases of patients with thoracic arachnoid cysts that posed a diagnostic dilemma at initial presentation because of their acute neurological deficit, and their eventual recovery after surgical intervention. Case description: The first case is of a patient with end-stage renal failure, which prevented the administration of contrast during the workup. The differential diagnosis ranged from intradural abscess to arachnoid cyst. The second patient presented with non-remitting back pain that progressed to an acute neurological deficit. Both patients recovered well after decompression of the cyst. Conclusion: The decision to intervene is still patient-dependent and based on the extent of neurological deterioration at the time of presentation due to the relatively benign nature and lack of understanding of the temporal presentation of neurological symptoms, which are rapidly and almost completely reversed after surgery. However, further studies need to be done to understand the acute presentation of these cysts, which are apparently long-standing.

Impact of time to resumption of antithrombotic therapy on outcomes after surgical evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma: A multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The decision to resume antithrombotic therapy after surgical evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) requires judicious weighing of the risk of bleeding against that of thromboembolism. This study aimed to investigate the impact of time to resumption of antithrombotic therapy on outcomes of patients after CSDH drainage. METHODS: Data were obtained retrospectively from three tertiary hospitals in Singapore from 2010 to 2017. Outcome measures analyzed were CSDH recurrence and any thromboembolic events. Logistic and Cox regression tests were used to identify associations between time to resumption and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 621 patients underwent 761 CSDH surgeries. Preoperative antithrombotic therapy was used in 139 patients. 110 (79.1%) were on antiplatelets and 35 (25.2%) were on anticoagulants, with six patients (4.3%) being on both antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy. Antithrombotic therapy was resumed in 84 patients (60.4%) after the surgery. Median time to resumption was 71 days (IQR 29 - 201). Recurrence requiring reoperation occurred in 15 patients (10.8%), of which 12 had recurrence before and three after resumption. Median time to recurrence was 35 days (IQR 27 - 47, range 4 - 82 days). Recurrence rates were similar between patients that were restarted on antithrombotic therapy before and after 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 days, respectively. Thromboembolic events occurred in 12 patients (8.6%), of which five had the event prior to restarting antithrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Time to antithrombotic resumption did not significantly affect CSDH recurrence. Early resumption of antithrombotic therapy can be safe for patients with a high thromboembolic risk.

Development of a prognostic scoring system to predict risk of reoperation for contralateral hematoma growth after unilateral evacuation of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma.

Bilateral chronic subdural hematoma (bCSDH) is frequently drained unilaterally when the contralateral CSDH is small and asymptomatic. However, reoperation rates for contralateral CSDH growth can be high. We aimed to develop a prognostic scoring system to guide the selection of suitable patients for unilateral drainage of bCSDH. Data were collected retrospectively across three tertiary hospitals from 2010 to 2017 on all consecutive bCSDH patients aged 21 or above. Predictors of reoperation were identified using multivariable logistic regression. A prognostic score was developed and internally validated. 240 bCSDH patients were analyzed. 98 (40.8%) underwent unilateral and 142 (59.2%) underwent bilateral evacuation. Clinical outcomes were comparable between the unilateral and bilateral evacuation groups. Within the unilateral evacuation group, 4 (4.1%) had a reoperation for contralateral CSDH growth. Reoperation for contralateral CSDH was predicted by preoperative use of anticoagulants (OR = 15.0, 95% CI: 1.49-169.15, p = 0.017). Complete resolution of contralateral CSDH was predicted by its preoperative maximum width, with a cut-off of 9 mm producing the highest sensitivity and specificity (OR = 4.17 for ≤9 mm, 95% CI: 1.54-11.11, p = 0.004). Using our prognostic score, reoperation rate for contralateral CSDH was 1.6%, 3.6%, 16.7%, and 50.0% in low-risk, moderate-risk, high-risk and very high-risk patients, respectively. With each increase of 1 in the prognostic score, patients were 4 times as likely to undergo reoperation for contralateral CSDH (OR = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.36-13.53, p = 0.013). Our proposed risk score may be used as an adjunct in clinical decision making for bCSDH patients undergoing unilateral evacuation.

Outcomes of Subdural Versus Subperiosteal Drain After Burr-Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the use of a postoperative drain after burr-hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is known to improve surgical outcomes, the superiority of subdural over subperiosteal drains has not been firmly established. Evidence comparing these 2 drain types is largely restricted to single-center series with limited numbers. Using a multicenter cohort study, we aimed to show noninferiority of subperiosteal drains vis-à-vis subdural drains after burr-hole evacuation of CSDH. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with CSDH aged 21 years and older who had undergone burr-hole craniostomy across 3 tertiary hospitals from 2010 to 2017. Primary outcome measures included CSDH recurrence and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 6 months. Outcomes of patients in the subdural and subperiosteal drain groups were analyzed and confounders were adjusted for using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 570 cases analyzed, 329 (57.7%) received a subdural drain and 241 (42.3%) received a subperiosteal drain. There was no significant difference between the 2 drain groups in CSDH recurrence (13.1% in the subdural group vs. 11.2% in the subperiosteal group; P = 0.502) or 6-month mRS score (27.2% with mRS 4-6 in the subdural group vs. 20.4% in the subperiosteal group; P = 0.188). Independent predictors of CSDH recurrence identified on multivariate analysis included premorbid mRS score 0-3 (P = 0.021), separated CSDH type on preoperative computed tomography scan (P = 0.002), and postoperative pneumocephalus of ≥15 mm (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of subdural and subperiosteal drains after burr-hole craniostomy for CSDH are largely equivalent based on our findings.

Fractionated External-beam Radiation Therapy For Incompletely Resected Intracranial Extra-axial Cavernous Haemangioma: A Case Report.

We report a case of a cavernous haemangioma arising from the left trigeminal nerve causing mass effect, midline shift and hydrocephalus. Surgical resection was attempted after immediate insertion of bilateral extra-ventricular drains, but complete resection was not achieved, with residual disease at the superior orbital fissure and cavernous sinus. Stereotactic radiosurgery was deemed unsuitable in view of proximity to the left optic nerve and optic chiasm, and the patient was hence treated with fractionated external-beam radiation therapy (RT) to a total dose of 40 Gy in 20 daily fractions over four weeks. The patient tolerated RT well, with no significant toxicity. MRI done eighteen months after completion of RT showed the continued decrease in the size of the lesion with reduced mass effect on the optic chiasm.

Body mass index and the risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak following transsphenoidal surgery in an Asian population.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a serious complication following transsphenoidal surgery for which elevated body mass index (BMI) has been implicated as a risk factor, albeit only in two recent North American studies. Given the paucity of evidence, we sought to determine if this association holds true in an Asian population, where the BMI criteria for obesity differ from the international standard. METHODS: A retrospective study of 119 patients who underwent 123 transsphenoidal procedures for sellar lesions between May 2000 and May 2012 was conducted. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the impact of elevated BMI and other risk factors on postoperative CSF leak. RESULTS: 10 (8.1%) procedures in ten patients were complicated by postoperative CSF leak. The median BMI of patients with postoperative leak following transsphenoidal procedures was significantly higher than that of patients without postoperative CSF leak (27.0 kg/m2 vs. 24.6 kg/m2; p = 0.018). Patients categorised as either moderate or high risk under the Asian BMI classification were more likely to suffer from a postoperative leak (p = 0.030). Repeat procedures were also found to be significantly associated with postoperative CSF leak (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Elevated BMI is predictive of postoperative CSF leak following transsphenoidal procedures, even in an Asian population, where the definition of obesity differs from international standards. Thus, BMI should be considered in the clinical decision-making process prior to such procedures.

Improvement in cerebral hemodynamic parameters and outcomes after superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass in patients with severe stenoocclusive disease of the intracranial internal carotid or middle cerebral arteries.

OBJECT: Both the older and the recent extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass trials for symptomatic carotid occlusion failed to demonstrate a reduction in stroke recurrence. However, the role of superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass in patients with symptomatic intracranial stenoocclusive disease has been rarely evaluated. The authors evaluated serial changes in various cerebral hemodynamic parameters in patients with severe stenoocclusive disease of the intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) and impaired cerebral vasodilatory reserve (CVR), treated by STA-MCA bypass surgery or medical treatment. METHODS: Patients with severe stenoocclusive disease of the intracranial ICA or MCA underwent transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography and CVR assessment using the breath-holding index (BHI). Patients with impaired BHI (< 0.69) were further evaluated with acetazolamide-challenge technitium-99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime ((99m)Tc HMPAO) SPECT. STA-MCA bypass surgery was offered to patients with impaired CVR on SPECT. All patients underwent TCD and SPECT at 4 ± 1 months and were followed up for cerebral ischemic events. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients were included. This total included 73 men, and the mean age of the entire study population was 56 years (range 23-78 years). (99m)Tc HMPAO SPECT demonstrated impaired CVR in 77 patients (69%). Of these 77 patients, 46 underwent STA-MCA bypass while 31 received best medical treatment. TCD and acetazolamide-challenge (99m)Tc HMPAO SPECT repeated at 4 ± 1 months showed significant improvement in the STA-MCA bypass group. During a mean follow-up of 34 months (range 18-39 months), only 6 (13%) of 46 patients in the bypass group developed cerebral ischemic events, as compared with 14 (45%) of 31 patients receiving medical therapy (absolute risk reduction 32%, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: STA-MCA bypass surgery in carefully selected patients with symptomatic severe intracranial stenoocclusive disease of the intracranial ICA or MCA results in significant improvement in hemodynamic parameters and reduction in stroke recurrence.

Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar burst fracture: a Singapore experience.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes, and safety and efficacy of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures treated with PPSF in a single hospital from 2010 to 2011. Baseline data included patient demographics, mechanism of injuries, fracture level, neurologic status and the number of percutaneous screws inserted. Kyphotic angle correction, vertebral body height restoration and mid-sagittal canal diameter improvement were used to assess radiological outcome. Screw misplacement, operative complications, functional improvement (ASIA score) and pain score on visual analogue scale were used to assess safety and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: 21 patients with 25 thoracolumbar burst fractures were treated with 134 percutaneous screws. There was significant improvement in kyphotic angle correction (mean difference 6.1 degrees, p = 0.006), restoration of anterior and posterior vertebral height (mean difference 19.7%, p < 0.01 and mean difference 6.6%, p = 0.007, respectively) and mid-sagittal canal diameter (mean difference 15.6%, p = 0.007) on discharge. These improvements remained statistically significant at six months post operation for restoration of anterior vertebral body height (mean difference 9.8%, p = 0.05) and mid-sagittal diameter (mean difference 30.0%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In this first local review, we have shown that PPSF is a relatively safe and effective technique for treating selected thoracolumbar burst fractures, and that it yields satisfactory results. However, its long-term outcome and efficacy need to be further evaluated.

External ventricular drain infections: successful implementation of strategies to reduce infection rate.

INTRODUCTION: External ventricular drain (EVD) infections can cause serious complications. We performed an audit of EVD infections within our neurosurgical unit. Through this study, we aimed to reduce the incidence of external ventricular drain-related infection, including ventriculities in neurosurgical patients. METHODS: We conducted an audit of the EVD infections in our institution observed over a one-and-a-half year period. This was conducted in three phases. A baseline EVD infection rate was determined for Phase I, from January to June 2007. We introduced the following measures to reduce EVD infection rate in Phase II, from July to December 2007: (1) For Neurosurgery doctors: performing proper surgical techniques to minimise intra-operative infections; educating junior doctors on proper CSF sampling from the EVD; and minimising the number of days the EVD is maintained in situ; (2) For Neurosurgery nurse clinicians: developing Standard Operating Procedures on nursing management of EVDs; conducting EVD care workshops for nurses working in neurosurgical wards; and competency skill checks on the management of EVDs for nurses working in the neurosurgical wards. Silver-coated EVDs were introduced in Phase III of the study from January to June 2008. RESULTS: The EVD infection rate decreased from a baseline of 6.1% to 3.8% in Phase II; a further reduction from 3.8% to 0% was achieved during Phase III. CONCLUSION: Good teamwork among doctors and nurses is essential for reducing EVD infection rate. We managed to reduce EVD infections substantially and would continue to strive to remain infection-free in the future.

Migration of the abdominal catheter of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt into the mouth: a rare presentation.

A 1-year-old boy with a history of exomphalos and hydrocephalus had surgeries to correct these pathologies. The ventriculopleural (VP(L)) shunt inserted for hydrocephalus was complicated by pleural effusion, for which a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was inserted on the contralateral side. He subsequently presented with protrusion of the distal VP shunt tip from the mouth due to perforation through the gastrointestinal tract. The child also had a history of peritonitis post-exomphalos repair, which may have predisposed him to this relatively uncommon shunt complication. Probable causes and risk factors of the perforation are discussed.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: safe implementation of successful strategies to reduce conversion rates.

INTRODUCTION: A higher rate of conversion to open surgery is a well-known problem in patients with acute cholecystitis undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study is to analyze factors which may impact on conversion rates, and to analyze our outcomes following implementation of a departmental strategy in reducing conversion rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 122 patients with acute cholecystitis were considered for laparoscopic cholecystectomy from July 2003 to July 2007. An audit of the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done in July 2005 and a departmental strategy aimed at reducing the conversion rates was introduced. The strategies included early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (within 72 hours of admission), performed or supervised by specialist hepatobiliary surgeons, and modifications of operative techniques. This study compares the conversion rates before and after that audit. Forty-eight patients (group A) were from the preaudit period and the remaining 74 (group B) were from the postaudit period. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for conversion to open surgery and whether the strategies implemented resulted in decrease in conversion rates. RESULTS: In the group A patients, there was a conversion rate of 29.2%. Gallbladder wall thickness of greater than 5 mm was found to be a statistically significant (p = 0.028) risk factor for conversion to open surgery. In group B patients, the conversion rates were significantly lower at 6.75% (p = 0.001). Analyzing both groups of patients, using multivariate analysis, gallbladder wall thickness, increasing age, and preaudit operative period were found to be independently associated with conversion to open surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that, with specific strategies to decrease conversion and with technical improvements, the conversion rates can be decreased with no demonstrable difference in postoperative complications. Gallbladder wall thickness and increasing age are risk factors for conversion to open surgery.