Dural Closure in Confined Spaces of the Skull Base with Nonpenetrating Titanium Clips

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad A Glenn ◽  
Cordell M Baker ◽  
Joshua D Burks ◽  
Andrew K Conner ◽  
Adam D Smitherman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Dural Repair ◽  
Postoperative Imaging ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
Dural Closure ◽  
Skull Base Meningioma ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Dural Defects ◽  
Titanium Clips

Abstract BACKGROUND Dural repair in areas with limited operative maneuverability has long been a challenge in skull base surgery. Without adequate dural closure, postoperative complications, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and infection, can occur. OBJECTIVE To show a novel method by which nonpenetrating, nonmagnetic titanium microclips can be used to repair dural defects in areas with limited operative access along the skull base. METHODS We reviewed 53 consecutive surgical patients in whom a dural repair technique utilizing titanium microclips was performed from 2013 to 2016 at our institution. The repairs primarily involved difficult-to-reach dural defects in which primary suturing was difficult or impractical. A detailed surgical technique is described in 3 selected cases involving the anterior, middle, and posterior fossae, respectively. An additional 5 cases are provided in more limited detail to demonstrate clip artifact on postoperative imaging. Rates of postoperative CSF leak and other complications are reported. RESULTS The microclip technique was performed successfully in 53 patients. The most common pathology in this cohort was skull base meningioma (32/53). Additional surgical indications included traumatic dural lacerations (9/53), nonmeningioma tumors (8/53), and other pathologies (4/53). The clip artifact present on postoperative imaging was minor and did not interfere with imaging interpretation. CSF leak occurred postoperatively in 3 (6%) patients. No obvious complications attributable to microclip usage were encountered. CONCLUSION In our experience, intracranial dural closure with nonpenetrating, nonmagnetic titanium microclips is a feasible adjunct to traditional methods of dural repair.

scholarly journals Dural Closure In Confined Spaces of the Skull Base with Nonpenetrating Titanium Clips

2017 ◽  
Vol 78 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S1-S156
Author(s):  
Chad Glenn ◽  
Cordell Baker ◽  
Joshua Burks ◽  
Andrew Conner ◽  
Adam Smitherman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
Dural Closure ◽  
Titanium Clips

Pneumocephalus patterns following endonasal endoscopic skull base surgery as predictors of postoperative CSF leaks

2014 ◽  
Vol 121 (4) ◽  
pp. 961-975 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matei A. Banu ◽  
Oszkar Szentirmai ◽  
Lino Mascarenhas ◽  
Al Amin Salek ◽  
Vijay K. Anand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Curve ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Skull Base Surgery ◽  
Postoperative Management ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Histopathological Diagnosis ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Postoperative Imaging ◽  
Interhemispheric Fissure ◽  
Csf Leaks

Object Postoperative pneumocephalus is a common occurrence after endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (ESBS). The risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can be high and the presence of postoperative pneumocephalus associated with serosanguineous nasal drainage may raise suspicion for a CSF leak. The authors hypothesized that specific patterns of pneumocephalus on postoperative imaging could be predictive of CSF leaks. Identification of these patterns could guide the postoperative management of patients undergoing ESBS. Methods The authors queried a prospectively acquired database of 526 consecutive ESBS cases at a single center between December 1, 2003, and May 31, 2012, and identified 258 patients with an intraoperative CSF leak documented using intrathecal fluorescein. Postoperative CT and MRI scans obtained within 1–10 days were examined and pneumocephalus was graded based on location and amount. A discrete 0–4 scale was used to classify pneumocephalus patterns based on size and morphology. Pneumocephalus was correlated with the surgical approach, histopathological diagnosis, and presence of a postoperative CSF leak. Results The mean follow-up duration was 56.7 months. Of the 258 patients, 102 (39.5%) demonstrated pneumocephalus on postoperative imaging. The most frequent location of pneumocephalus was frontal (73 [71.5%] of 102), intraventricular (34 [33.3%]), and convexity (22 [21.6%]). Patients with craniopharyngioma (27 [87%] of 31) and meningioma (23 [68%] of 34) had the highest incidence of postoperative pneumocephalus compared with patients with pituitary adenomas (29 [20.6%] of 141) (p < 0.0001). The incidence of pneumocephalus was higher with transcribriform and transethmoidal approaches (8 of [73%] 11) than with a transsellar approach (9 of [7%] 131). There were 15 (5.8%) of 258 cases of postoperative CSF leak, of which 10 (66.7%) had pneumocephalus, compared with 92 (38%) of 243 patients without a postoperative CSF leak (OR 3.3, p = 0.027). Pneumocephalus located in the convexity, interhemispheric fissure, sellar region, parasellar region, and perimesencephalic region was significantly correlated with a postoperative CSF leak (OR 4.9, p = 0.006) and was therefore termed “suspicious” pneumocephalus. In contrast, frontal or intraventricular pneumocephalus was not correlated with postoperative CSF leak (not significant) and was defined as “benign” pneumocephalus. The amount of convexity pneumocephalus (p = 0.002), interhemispheric pneumocephalus (p = 0.005), and parasellar pneumocephalus (p = 0.007) (determined using a scale score of 0–4) was also significantly related to postoperative CSF leaks. Using a series of permutation-based multivariate analyses, the authors established that a model containing the learning curve, the transclival/transcavernous approach, and the presence of “suspicious” pneumocephalus provides the best overall prediction for postoperative CSF leaks. Conclusions Postoperative pneumocephalus is much more common following extended approaches than following transsellar surgery. Merely the presence of pneumocephalus, particularly in the frontal or intraventricular locations, is not necessarily associated with a postoperative CSF leak. A “suspicious” pattern of air, namely pneumocephalus in the convexity, interhemispheric fissure, sella, parasellar, or perimesencephalic locations, is significantly associated with a postoperative CSF leak. The presence and the score of “suspicious” pneumocephalus on postoperative imaging, in conjunction with the learning curve and the type of endoscopic approach, provide the best predictive model for postoperative CSF leaks.

scholarly journals Circumferential Watertight Dural Repair Using Nitinol U-Clips in Expanded Endonasal and Sublabial Approaches to the Cranial Base

2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (suppl_2) ◽  
pp. ons448-ons456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Acerbi ◽  
Eric Genden ◽  
Joshua Bederson
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Cranial Base ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Melanoma Metastasis ◽  
Dural Repair ◽  
Dural Closure ◽  
Tuberculum Sellae ◽  
Planum Sphenoidale ◽  
Sublabial Approach ◽  
Csf Leaks

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: In recent years, significant advances have been made in the field of expanded endonasal approaches that permit treatment of different cranial base intradural lesions. OBJECTIVE: To report our technique of cranial base dural repair by the application of nitinol U-Clips in endoscope-assisted extended endonasal or sublabial approaches. Closure techniques and postoperative cerebrospinal (CSF) leaks are reported. METHODS: We reviewed 11 patients with different kinds of cranial base tumors or vascular diseases (2 tuberculum sellae meningiomas, 1 planum sphenoidale meningioma, 4 craniopharyngiomas, 1 recurrent clival chordoma, 1 esthesioneuroblastoma, 1 ethmoidal melanoma metastasis, 1 basilar trunk aneurysm) who underwent an endoscope-assisted extended endonasal or sublabial approach. Dural repair was performed using nitinol U-Clips to circumferentially suture AlloDerm or fascia lata directly to the existing dural borders. Lumbar drainage was not used in 9 patients and was used in 2 patients for 5 days. Patients were evaluated for the appearance of CSF leaks. RESULTS: Postoperative CSF leak was observed in 1 patient (9%). This required a second transnasal repair. CONCLUSION: Circumferential dural closure with U-Clips is a useful adjunct to prevent CSF leaks after expanded endonasal or sublabial approaches to the cranial base for treatment of intracranial pathology.

Anterior Skull Base Meningioma: Surgical approach and complication avoidance

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhawan Nangarwal ◽  
Jaskaran Singh Gosal ◽  
Kuntal Kanti Das ◽  
Deepak Khatri ◽  
Kamlesh Singh Bhaisora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Anterior Skull Base ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Medical Complication ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Olfactory Groove ◽  
Skull Base Meningioma

Background: Endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) and keyhole transcranial approaches are being increasingly used in anterior skull base meningioma (ASBM) surgery. Objective: We compare tumor resection rates and complication profiles of EEA and supraorbital key hole approach (SOKHA) against conventional transcranial approaches (TCA). Methods: Fifty-four patients with ASBM [olfactory groove (OGM), n=19 and planum sphenoidale/tuberculum sellae (PS/TSM), n=35) operated at a single centre over 7 years were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The overall rate of GTR was higher in OGM (15/19, 78.9%) than PS-TSM group (23/35, 65.7%, p=0.37). GTR rate with OGM was 90% and 75% with TCA and EEA. Death (n=1) following medical complication (TCA) and CSF leak requiring re-exploration (n=2, one each in TCA and EEA) accounted for the major complications in OGM. For the PS/TSM group, the GTR rates were 73.3% (n=11/15), 53.8% (n=7/13) and 71.4% (n=5/7) with TCA, EEA and SOKHA respectively. Seven patients (20%) of PS-TSM developed major postoperative complications including 4 deaths (one each in TCA, SOKHA and 2 in EEA group) and 3 visual deteriorations. Direct and indirect vascular complications were common in lesser invasive approaches to PS-TSM especially if the tumor has encased intracranial arteries. Conclusions: No single approach is applicable to all ASBMs. TCA is still the best approach to obtain GTR but has tissue trauma related problems. SOKHA may be a good alternative to TCA in selected PS-TSMs while EEA may be an alternate option in some OGMs. A meticulous patient selection is needed to derive reported results of EEA for PS-TSM.

Closure of large skull base defects after endoscopic transnasal craniotomy

2009 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 371-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard J. Harvey ◽  
João F. Nogueira ◽  
Rodney J. Schlosser ◽  
Sunil J. Patel ◽  
Eduardo Vellutini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Dural Defect ◽  
Medical Centers ◽  
Dural Defects ◽  
Ventral Skull Base ◽  
Skull Base Defects ◽  
Reconstructive Techniques ◽  
Csf Leaks

Object The authors describe the utility of and outcomes after endoscopic transnasal craniotomy and skull reconstruction in the management of skull base pathologies. Methods The authors conducted a observational study of patients undergoing totally endoscopic, transnasal, transdural surgery. The patients included in the study underwent treatment over a 12-month period at 2 tertiary medical centers. The pathological entity, region of the ventral skull base resected, and size of the dural defect were recorded. Approach-related complications were documented, as well as CSF leaks, infections, bleeding-related complications, and any minor complications. Results Thirty consecutive patients were assessed during the study period. The patients had a mean age of 45.5 ± 20.2 years and a mean follow-up period of 182.4 ± 97.5 days. The dural defects reconstructed were as large as 5.5 cm (mean 2.49 ± 1.36 cm). One patient (3.3%) had a CSF leak that was managed endoscopically. Two patients had epistaxis that required further care, but there were no complications related to intracranial infections or bleeding. Some minor sinonasal complications occurred. Conclusions Skull base endoscopic reconstructive techniques have significantly advanced in the past decade. The use of pedicled mucosal flaps in the reconstruction of large dural defects resulting from an endoscopic transnasal craniotomy permits a robust repair. The CSF leak rate in this study is comparable to that achieved in open approaches. The ability to manage the skull base defects successfully with this approach greatly increases the utility of transnasal endoscopic surgery.

Primary Repair of Posteriorly Located Anterior Skull Base Dural Defects Using Nonpenetrating Titanium Clips in Cranial Trauma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille K. Milton ◽  
Bethany J. Andrews ◽  
Cordell M. Baker ◽  
Kyle P. O'Connor ◽  
Andrew K. Conner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Dura Mater ◽  
Primary Repair ◽  
Anterior Skull Base ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Olfactory Groove ◽  
Cranial Trauma ◽  
Repair Technique ◽  
Tuberculum Sellae ◽  
Dural Defects

Abstract Objective Primary repair of posteriorly located anterior skull base (ASB) dural defects following cranial trauma is made difficult by narrow operative corridors and adherent dura mater. Inadequate closure may result in continued cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and infectious sequelae. Here, we report surgical outcomes following the use of nonpenetrating titanium microclips as an adjunctive repair technique in traumatic anterior skull base dural defects extending from the olfactory groove to the tuberculum sellae. Methods All trauma patients who underwent a bifrontal craniotomy from January 2013 to October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with ASB defects located at posterior to the olfactory groove were analyzed. Patients with isolated frontal sinus fractures were excluded. All patients presented with CSF leak or radiographic signs of dural compromise. Patients were divided according to posterior extent of injury. Patient characteristics, imaging, surgical technique, and outcomes are reported. Results A total of 19 patients who underwent a bifrontal craniotomy for repair of posteriorly located ASB dural defects using nonpenetrating titanium microclips were included. Defects were divided by location: olfactory groove (10/19), planum sphenoidale (6/19), and tuberculum sellae (3/19). No patients demonstrated a postoperative CSF leak. No complications related to the microclip technique was observed. Clip artifact did not compromise postoperative imaging interpretation. Conclusion Primary repair of posteriorly located ASB dural defects is challenging due to narrow working angles and thin dura mater. Use of nonpenetrating titanium microclips for primary repair of posteriorly located dural defects is a reasonable adjunctive repair technique and was associated with no postoperative CSF leaks in this cohort.

scholarly journals The Endoscopic Endonasal Management of Anterior Skull Base Meningiomas

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (S 04) ◽  
pp. S300-S310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Guaraldi ◽  
Ernesto Pasquini ◽  
Giorgio Frank ◽  
Diego Mazzatenta ◽  
Matteo Zoli
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Frontal Sinus ◽  
Anterior Skull Base ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Olfactory Groove ◽  
Skull Base Meningioma ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Tuberculum Sellae ◽  
Skull Base Meningiomas

Introduction The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) might seem an “unnatural” route for intradural lesions such as meningiomas. The aim of this study is to critically revise our management of anterior skull base meningiomas to consider, in what cases it may be advantageous. Material and Methods Each consecutive case of anterior skull base meningioma operated on through an EEA or combined endoscopic–transcranial approach at our institution, between 2003 and 2017, have been included. Tumors were classified on the basis of their location and intra or extracranial extension. Follow-up consisted of an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and a clinical examination 3 months after the surgery and then repeated annually. Results Fifty-seven patients were included. The most common location was the tuberculum sellae (62%), followed by olfactory groove (14%), planum sphenoidale (12%), and frontal sinus (12%). Among these, 65% were intracranial, 7% were extracranial, and 28% both intra and extracranial. Radical removal was achieved in 44 cases (77%). Complications consisted in 10 CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leaks (17.6%), 1 overpacking (1.7%), and 1 asymptomatic brain ischemia (1.7%). Visual acuity and campimetric deficits improved respectively in 67 and 76% of patients. Recurrence rate was of 14%. Conclusions EEA presents many advantages in selected cases of anterior skull base meningioma. However, it is hampered by the relevant risk of CSF leak. We consider that it could be advantageous for planum/tuberculum sellae tumors. Conversely, for olfactory groove or frontal sinus meningiomas, it can be indicated for tumors with extracranial extension, while its role is still debatable for purely intracranial forms as considering our surgical results, it could be advantageous for midline planum/tuberculum sellae tumors. Conversely, it can be of first choice for olfactory groove or frontal sinus meningiomas with extracranial extension, while its role for purely intracranial forms is still debatable.

Use of a Novel Absorbable Hydrogel for Augmentation of Dural Repair: Results of a Preliminary Clinical Study

2005 ◽  
Vol 57 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 146-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeroen D. Boogaarts ◽  
J. André Grotenhuis ◽  
Ronald H.M.A. Bartels ◽  
Tjemme Beems
Keyword(s):  
Valsalva Maneuver ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Standard Laboratory ◽  
Dural Repair ◽  
Dural Closure ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Csf Leaks ◽  
Repair Techniques

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and performance of a synthetic dural sealant as an adjunct to standard surgical dural repair techniques to prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective, nonrandomized, single-center clinical trial. The dural sealant is a synthetic absorbable hydrogel. Consecutive series of patients scheduled for elective cranial and intradural spinal surgery were included until a total of 50 applications were achieved. It was used primarily as an adjunct to ensure watertight dural closure. The end point was defined as no leak with the Valsalva maneuver after dural sealant application. The patients were followed up for 3 months after surgery to check for CSF leakage, standard laboratory and neurological examinations, and possible adverse advents. RESULTS: Of the 49 patients, 46 were included and treated with the dural sealant because of spontaneous leak (n = 34; 69%) or leak after the Valsalva maneuver (n = 12; 25%). There was no leak in the other patients (n = 3; 6%). After application of the dural sealant, there was no leak in all 46 patients (100%). Of the 46 patients included, there was one case of overt CSF leak. One patient had a pseudomeningocele. There were no adverse events other than those related to the disease or to the surgical procedure itself. CONCLUSION: The dural sealant, a synthetic absorbable hydrogel, is a useful adjunct to achieve watertight dural closure. Application resulted in 100% closure of intraoperative CSF leaks. There are no evident adverse effects.

scholarly journals How long is the tail end of the learning curve? Results from 1000 consecutive endoscopic endonasal skull base cases following the initial 200 cases

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iyan Younus ◽  
Mina M. Gerges ◽  
Rafael Uribe-Cardenas ◽  
Peter F. Morgenstern ◽  
Mahmoud Eljalby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Learning Curve ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Clinical Trial Design ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Tumor Diameter ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Dural Closure

OBJECTIVEEndoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) to the skull base have evolved over the last 20 years to become an essential component of a comprehensive skull base practice. Many case series show a learning curve from the earliest cases, in which the authors were inexperienced or were not using advanced closure techniques. It is generally accepted that once this learning curve is achieved, a plateau is reached with little incremental improvement. Cases performed during the early steep learning curve were eliminated to examine whether the continued improvement exists over the “tail end” of the curve.METHODSA prospectively acquired database of all EEA cases performed by the senior authors at Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital was reviewed. The first 200 cases were eliminated and the next 1000 consecutive cases were examined to avoid the bias created by the early learning curve.RESULTSOf the 1000 cases, the most common pathologies included pituitary adenoma (51%), meningoencephalocele or CSF leak repair (8.6%), meningioma (8.4%), craniopharyngioma (7.3%), basilar invagination (3.1%), Rathke’s cleft cyst (2.8%), and chordoma (2.4%). Use of lumbar drains decreased from the first half to the second half of our series (p <0.05) as did the authors’ use of fat alone (p <0.005) or gasket alone (p <0.005) for dural closure, while the use of a nasoseptal flap increased (p <0.005). Although mean tumor diameter was constant (on average), gross-total resection (GTR) increased from 60% in the first half to 73% in the second half (p <0.005). GTR increased for all pathologies but most significantly for chordoma (56% vs 100%, p <0.05), craniopharyngioma (47% vs 0.71%, p <0.05) and pituitary adenoma (67% vs 75%, p <0.05). Hormonal cure for secreting adenomas also increased from 83% in the first half to 89% in the second half (p <0.05). The rate of any complication was unchanged at 6.4% in the first half and 6.2% in the latter half of cases, and vascular injury occurred in only 0.6% of cases. Postoperative CSF leak occurred in 2% of cases and was unchanged between the first and second half of the series.CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrates that contrary to popular belief, the surgical learning curve does not plateau but can continue for several years depending on the complexity of the endpoints considered. These findings may have implications for clinical trial design, surgical education, and patient safety measures.

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