Acta Neurochirurgica最新文献

Neuroplasticity is well established in low grade glioma patients. Less is known about functional plasticity in glioblastomas. A 56-year-old lady presented with a recurrent speech deficit seventeen months after her initial craniotomy for a language eloquent glioblastoma (GBM). Pre-operative navigated trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (n-TMS) for language mapping, tractography and intra-operative language mapping were performed. During her second admission, preoperative n-TMS revealed positive responses anterior and posterior to the tumour recurrence. Tractography revealed a decrease in the anterior extension of the Arcuate Fasciculus (AF) in the inferior frontal gyrus and a more anterior component of the Frontal-Aslant Tract (FAT) showed anterior to the tumour itself. A second resection was carried out and the patient was discharged with no language deficit for second line treatment with Lomustine. Intraoperatively, speech arrest was found in a new position posterior to the previous surgical cavity and away from tumour recurrence (where speech arrest was previously located). This case report shows language function neuroplasticity in glioblastoma. This is supported by preoperative cortical and subcortical mapping.

Background

Endoscopic transorbital approach (eTOA) has been recently proposed as an alternative skull base approach. However, its feasibility for deeper lesions can be hampered by a reduced surgical maneuverability. Aim of this study is to consider how its extension through orbital rim resection can overcome this limitation, and to compare two different techniques for its removal.

Methods

Both sides of seven cadaveric fresh frozen head were dissected. Three different surgical approaches were performed consequentially (standard eTOA, its expansion with lateral orbital rim hinge removal, and with its complete resection). Distance to target and angle of attack have been measured for superior orbital fissure (SOF), lateral wall of cavernous sinus (LWCS), anterior clinoid process (ACP), foramen rotudum (FR) and foramen ovale (FO).

Results

The angle of attack to the SOF (p = 0.01), to the LWCS (p = 0.001), to the ACP (p = 0.01), to the FR (p = 0.01) and to FO (p = 0.01) resulted larger in extended approaches with orbital rim resection, as well as the distance to target of LWCS (p = 0.04). Particularly, we observed that hinge lateral orbital rim removal improved the angle of attack to SOF (p = 0.02), APC (p = 0.01), FR (p = 0.01 and FO (p = 0.01) in comparison to the standard eTOA.

Conclusion

Our study confirms that the lateral orbital rim resection could significantly expand the surgical room and the instruments maneuverability for the considered target skull base targets. Its hinge removal could balance the clinical outcome with the increase of the angles of attack for the more medial and deeper structures.

Background

Endoscopic hematoma evacuation is an efficient and secure minimally invasive procedure for intracerebral hemorrhages, characterized by a greater evacuation rate and reduced complications.

Method

Pure endoscopic surgery without decompressive craniectomy was used to remove the clot in individuals with large putaminal intracerebral hemorrhage. The intracranial pressure was monitored after surgery.

Conclusion

Endoscopic hematoma evacuation without decompressive craniectomy is safe and effective for patients with large putaminal intracerebral hemorrhage.

Purpose

Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) techniques have paved the way for single-step resections and cranio-orbital reconstructions with patient specific implants in spheno-orbital tumors. Here, we present our interdisciplinary maxillofacial and neurosurgical workflow and a case series of patients treated with this integrated approach.

Methods

Patients, who underwent single-step resection of benign spheno-orbital tumors and cranio-orbital reconstruction with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) patient specific implants (PSI) from 2019 to 2024 in our institution were included. Three dimensional models of the tumor, the skull, the implants and the cutting guides were integrated into intraoperative neuronavigation and 3D printed at the point of care (POC) for surgical planning. Clinical data was retrospectively analyzed, pre- and postoperative Exophthalmic index (EI) was radiologically determined.

Results

Eleven patients met inclusion criteria. Meningioma WHO grade 1 was the most common tumor entity (81.8%). In a majority of patients, exophthalmos was the presenting sign (63.6%). Postoperative cranial imaging revealed an optimal position of the PEEK implants with regredient EI in 88.9%. Four (36.4%) patients, of whom two (50%) had undergone prior tumor resections, suffered from surgical complications. The most commonly recorded complication was impaired wound healing (n = 2). Tumor recurrence was observed in one (9.1%) patient at six months follow-up.

Conclusions

Single-step resection and reconstruction in spheno-orbital tumors with PEEK PSIs is feasible and combines surgical expertise, virtual implant design and 3D printing techniques. Favorable aesthetical, visual and oncological outcomes were achieved in this cohort, despite a significant risk for postoperative complications.

Background

Studies on complications following titanium mesh cranioplasty have predominantly focused on patients with cranial defects after decompressive craniectomy. This study investigates possible risk factors for complications using titanium mesh for smaller cranial defects.

Methods

All patients treated with titanium mesh cranioplasty over a 5-year period at Copenhagen University Hospital were identified. Demographics, comorbidities, and active smoking and drinking status were recorded in addition to indication for cranioplasty and operative findings. Severe complications recorded included superficial and deep infection, delayed wound defects, postoperative hematomas, and death within 30 days postoperatively. Minor complications recorded included skin atrophy, cosmetic complaints, pain, and loosening of the mesh. The management of complications was also documented.

Results

A total of 247 patients with primary titanium mesh cranioplasty were included in the study. The overall complication rate was 17.4%. 15.0% suffered from severe complications and 2.4% developed minor complications. Elderly smokers, patients previously treated with radiation, and patients operated via a posterolateral approach to the skull base had the strongest association with complications. The complication rate was not higher in patients with cranioplasty after postoperative infections or in those with a frontobasal approach to the skull base compared with patient operated on for smaller cranial tumors.

Conclusion

The risk of complications following titanium mesh for smaller cranial defects is higher in elderly smokers, patients with a history of radiation, and those undergoing a posterolateral approach to the skull base.

Background

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is a well-established treatment for residual or growing pituitary adenomas (PAs) post-partial resection. However, some PAs grow even after initial GKRS, for which the efficacy of repeat GKRS is unclear. The primary objective of this study was to determine long-term progression-free survival (PFS) following repeated GKRS in patients with PA. The secondary objective was to determine predictors of tumor progression in these patients.

Methods

Single-center, population-based consecutive cohort study of patients with recurrent PAs treated with repeated GKRS due to tumor progression between 1999 and 2022 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. PFS and predictors of tumor growth were assessed.

Results

23 patients were included, with a median follow-up time of 6.3 years. The 5-year PFS rate was 57%, and the median duration from repeat GKRS to tumor progression was 2.6 years. Tumor growth after repeat GKRS occurred exclusively within the first three years post-treatment. Older age at the time of repeat GKRS was a significant predictor of continued tumor growth (OR 1.09, p = 0.036).

Conclusion

Repeat GKRS is a feasible treatment alternative for PAs that exhibit growth following initial GKRS.

Background

This study describes the management of patients on oral anticoagulation (OAC) undergoing endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) and analyzes the risk of postoperative hematoma and epistaxis following treatment of pituitary adenoma (PA).

Methods

Patients with OAC prior to EETS for PA were analyzed in a single center retrospective case series of consecutive patients with PA, who were treated between December 2008 and July 2022. Patient data (age, sex, clinical, endocrinology, tumor histology) were entered into a SPSS^® database. The rate of postoperative hemorrhage (intracranial and epistaxis) and other perioperative complications were assessed.

Results

Of 305 patients, 20 patients were on OAC prior to EETS for PA. Indications included non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) in 10 patients and previous venous thromboembolic event (VTE) in 8 patients, in 2 patients had overlapping indications. Twelve patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) paused medication 1–3 days (43.6 ± 23.6 h) before surgery, while phenprocoumon was paused 234 ± 123.55 h (min 6, max 22 days) before surgery. Baseline characteristics such as age, sex, tumor growth direction, tumor volume, and largest diameter showed no significant differences. No significant increase in postoperative hemorrhage was observed in patients with OAC compared to those without. One patient on apixaban paused 48 h before surgery experienced postoperative epistaxis. Among patients without OAC, one experienced intracranial hemorrhage and seven experienced epistaxis.

Conclusion

Patients with OAC prior to EETS for PA have no increased risk for postoperative hematoma when OAC is paused based on individual risk assessment and recent general recommendations.

Purpose

Attention to motor evoked potential (MEP) stimulation intensity is necessary to avoid false negative MEP results during intracranial procedures. Observing ipsilateral (crossover) MEP responses has been hypothesized to indicate inappropriately strong stimulation intensity. We describe a case where persistent crossover MEP responses falsely suggested that stimulus intensity was too high and describe an alternative method to guide the selection of MEP stimulation intensity.

Methods

A patient undergoing a suboccipital craniotomy for tumor resection had bilateral transcranial electrical MEP monitoring under total intravenous anesthesia. MEP results were obtained from left and right hand using C4-Cz and C3-Cz stimulation montages respectively. Selection of an appropriately superficial stimulus intensity was guided using MEP onset latencies.

Results

MEP acquisition proceeded normally for contralateral left hand (C4-Cz montage). However, using the C3-Cz montage, persistent crossover responses were noted at stimulation intensities as low as threshold for contralateral right hand MEP (94 V/166 mA). Appropriate MEP stimulus intensity for subsequent monitoring (approximately 96 V/172 mA) was determined utilizing onset latency measurements from contralateral hand MEP responses. The stimulus intensity chosen was predicated on onset latency being ≥ 2 ms longer than latency at maximal stimulus level (shortest latency). A stimulus intensity-latency plot was generated offline to illustrate this important relationship for intracranial MEP use. MEP acquisition proceeded without incident and gross total resection was achieved without postoperative motor deficits.

Conclusion

Despite crossover appearance contralateral hand MEP were quantitatively validated for intraoperative application using onset latency guidance.

Background

Intraventricular tumors present significant surgical challenges due to their deep location and proximity to critical neuroanatomical structures. Surgical strategies include the transtemporal, interhemispheric and transparietal approaches, each carrying specific risks. Recently, a paramedian transparietal approach to a lateral ventricle meningioma in the dominant hemisphere was described. 

Methods

We propose a mini-craniotomy, mixed reality-assisted paramedian transparietal approach via a trans-sulcal route for safe tumor resection while preserving critical white matter tracts.

Conclusions

This technique enhances the safety and efficacy of intraventricular tumor resection, particularly in young patients with dominant hemisphere lesions.