scholarly journals The learning curve in endoscopic endonasal resection of craniopharyngiomas

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. E9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varun R. Kshettry ◽  
Hyunwoo Do ◽  
Khaled Elshazly ◽  
Christopher J. Farrell ◽  
Gurston Nyquist ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE There is a paucity of literature regarding the learning curve associated with performing endoscopic endonasal cranial base surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent a learning curve might exist for endoscopic endonasal resection in cases of craniopharyngiomas. METHODS A retrospective review was performed for all endoscopic endonasal craniopharyngioma resections performed at Thomas Jefferson University from 2005 to 2015. To assess for a learning curve effect, patients were divided into an early cohort (2005–2009, n = 20) and a late cohort (2010–2015, n = 23). Preoperative demographics, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, extent of resection, complications, tumor control, and visual and endocrine outcomes were obtained. Categorical variables and continuous variables were compared using a 2-sided Fisher's exact test and t-test, respectively. RESULTS Only the index operation performed at the authors' institution was included. There were no statistically significant differences between early and late cohorts in terms of patient age, sex, presenting symptoms, history of surgical or radiation treatment, tumor size or consistency, hypothalamic involvement, or histological subtype. The rate of gross-total resection (GTR) increased over time from 20% to 65% (p = 0.005), and the rate of subtotal resection decreased over time from 40% to 13% (p = 0.078). Major neurological complications, including new hydrocephalus, meningitis, carotid artery injury, or stroke, occurred in 6 patients (15%) (8 complications) in the early cohort compared with only 1 (4%) in the late cohort (p = 0.037). CSF leak decreased from 40% to 4% (p = 0.007). Discharge to home increased from 64% to 95% (p = 0.024). Visual improvement was high in both cohorts (88% [early cohort] and 81% [late cohort]). Rate of postoperative panhypopituitarism and permanent diabetes insipidus both increased from 50% to 91% (p = 0.005) and 32% to 78% (p = 0.004), which correlated with a significant increase in intentional stalk sacrifice in the late cohort (from 0% to 70%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS High rates of near- or total resection and visual improvement can be achieved using an endoscopic endonasal approach for craniopharyngiomas. However, the authors did find evidence for a learning curve. After 20 cases, they found a significant decrease in major neurological complications and significant increases in the rates of GTR rate and discharge to home. Although there was a large decrease in the rate of postoperative CSF leak over time, this was largely attributable to the inclusion of very early cases prior to the routine use of vascularized nasoseptal flaps. There was a significant increase in new panhypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus, which is attributable to increase rates of intentional stalk sacrifice.

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A H Zamanipoor Najafabadi ◽  
D Z Khan ◽  
I S Muskens ◽  
M L D Broekman ◽  
N L Dorward ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction The extended endoscopic approach (EEA) provides direct access for resection of tuberculum sellae (TSM) and olfactory groove meningiomas (OGM) but is associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in up to 25% of patients. To evaluate the impact of improved skull base reconstructive techniques, we assessed published CSF leak percentages in EEA over the last two decades. Method Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for studies published between 2004-2020. Outcomes assessed were CSF leak, gross total resection, visual improvement, intraoperative arterial injury and 30-day mortality. For the main analyses, publications were pragmatically grouped based on publication year in three categories: 2004-2010, 2011-2015, and 2016-2020. Results We included 29 studies describing 540 TSM and 115 OGM patients. CSF leak incidence dropped over time from 22% (95% CI: 6-43%) in studies published between 2004 and 2010, to 16% (95% CI: 11-23%) between 2011 and 2015, and 4% (95% CI: 1-9%) between 2016 and 2020. Outcomes of gross total resection, visual improvement, intraoperative arterial injury, and 30-day mortality remained stable over time Conclusions We report a noticeable decrease in CSF leak over time, which might be attributed to the development of reconstructive techniques (e.g., hadad bassagasteguy flap, and gasket seal), refined multilayer repair protocols, and selected lumbar drain usage.


2017 ◽  
Vol 127 (2) ◽  
pp. 397-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazem M. Negm ◽  
Rafid Al-Mahfoudh ◽  
Manish Pai ◽  
Harminder Singh ◽  
Salomon Cohen ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVERegrowth of the lesion after surgical removal of pituitary adenomas is uncommon unless subtotal resection was originally achieved in the first surgery. Treatment for recurrent tumor can involve surgery or radiotherapy. Locations of residual tumor may vary based on the original approach. The authors evaluated the specific sites of residual or recurrent tumor after different transsphenoidal approaches and describe the surgical outcome of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal reoperation.METHODSThe authors analyzed a prospectively collected database of a consecutive series of patients who had undergone endoscopic endonasal surgeries for residual or recurrent pituitary adenomas after an original transsphenoidal microscopic or endoscopic surgery. The site of the recurrent tumor and outcome after reoperation were noted and correlated with the primary surgical approach. The chi-square or Fisher exact test was used to compare categorical variables, and the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare continuous variables between surgical groups.RESULTSForty-one patients underwent surgery for residual/recurrent pituitary adenoma from 2004 to 2015 at Weill Cornell Medical College. The previous treatment was a transsphenoidal microscopic (n = 22) and endoscopic endonasal (n = 19) surgery. In 83.3% patients (n = 30/36) there was postoperative residual tumor after the initial surgery. A residual tumor following endonasal endoscopic surgery was less common in the sphenoid sinus (10.5%; 2/19) than it was after microscopic transsphenoidal surgery (72.7%; n =16/22; p = 0.004). Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 58.5%, and either GTR or near-total resection was achieved in 92.7%. Across all cases, the average extent of resection was 93.7%. The rate of GTR was lower in patients with Knosp-Steiner Grade 3–4 invasion (p < 0.0005). Postoperative CSF leak was seen in only one case (2.4%), which stopped with lumbar drainage. Visual fields improved in 52.9% (n = 9/17) of patients and were stable in 47% (n = 8/17). Endocrine remission was achieved in 77.8% (n = 14/18) of cases, 12 by surgery alone and 2 by adjuvant medical (n = 1) and radiation (n = 1) therapy. New diabetes insipidus occurred in 4.9% (n = 2/41) of patients—in one of whom an additional single anterior hormonal axis was compromised—and 9.7% (n = 4/41) of patients had a new anterior pituitary hormonal insufficiency.CONCLUSIONSEndonasal endoscopic reoperation is extremely effective at removing recurrent or residual pituitary adenomas that remain after a prior surgery, and it may be preferable to radiation therapy particularly in symptomatic patients. Achievement of GTR is less common when lateral cavernous sinus invasion is present. The locations of residual/recurrent tumor were more likely sphenoidal and parasellar following a prior microscopic transsphenoidal surgery and sellar following a prior endonasal endoscopic surgery.


Author(s):  
Amir H. Zamanipoor Najafabadi ◽  
Danyal Z. Khan ◽  
Ivo S Muskens ◽  
Marike L. D. Broekman ◽  
Neil L. Dorward ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The extended endoscopic approach provides unimpaired visualization and direct access to ventral skull base pathology, but is associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in up to 25% of patients. To evaluate the impact of improved surgical techniques and devices to better repair skull base defects, we assessed published surgical outcomes of the extended endoscopic endonasal approach in the last two decades for a well-defined homogenous group of tuberculum sellae and olfactory groove meningioma patients. Methods Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for studies published between 2004 (first publications) and April 2020. We evaluated CSF leak as primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were gross total resection, improvement in visual outcomes in those presenting with a deficit, intraoperative arterial injury, and 30-day mortality. For the main analyses, publications were pragmatically grouped based on publication year in three categories: 2004–2010, 2011–2015, and 2016–2020. Results We included 29 studies describing 540 patients with tuberculum sellae and 115 with olfactory groove meningioma. The percentage patients with CSF leak dropped over time from 22% (95% CI: 6–43%) in studies published between 2004 and 2010, to 16% (95% CI: 11–23%) between 2011 and 2015, and 4% (95% CI: 1–9%) between 2016 and 2020. Outcomes of gross total resection, visual improvement, intraoperative arterial injury, and 30-day mortality remained stable over time Conclusions We report a noticeable decrease in CSF leak over time, which might be attributed to the development and improvement of new closure techniques (e.g., Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap, and gasket seal), refined multilayer repair protocols, and lumbar drain usage.


2014 ◽  
Vol 121 (4) ◽  
pp. 961-975 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matei A. Banu ◽  
Oszkar Szentirmai ◽  
Lino Mascarenhas ◽  
Al Amin Salek ◽  
Vijay K. Anand ◽  
...  

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiejun Zhang ◽  
Jihu Yang ◽  
Yan Huang ◽  
Yufei Liu ◽  
Lei Chen ◽  
...  

Objective: Rathke cleft cysts (RCC) are benign sellar lesions, and endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for symptomatic RCC is becoming increasingly popular, but total resection or partial resection (TR or PR) of the cyst wall is still inconclusive. The aim of this study was to review the complications and clinical prognoses associated with total and partial resection of the cyst wall by EES.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a series of 72 patients with symptomatic RCC treated by EES from -January 2011 to June 2019 at Shenzhen University First Affiliated Hospital. For these 72 cases, 30 were treated with TR and 42 were treated with PR. Intra- and post-operative complications and clinical prognosis were investigated.Results: All 72 patients underwent a pure EES. In the TR group, 10 patients (33.3%) had intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CSF leak), three patients (10%) had postoperative CSF leak, eight patients (26.7%) had postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI), eight patients (26.7%) had postoperative electrolyte disturbance, and 12 patients (40%) had temporary hypopituitarism postoperatively. While in the PR group, three patients (7.1%) had intraoperative CSF leak, two patients (4.8%) had postoperative DI, three patients (7.1%) had postoperative electrolyte disturbance, four patients (9.5%) had temporary hypopituitarism postoperatively, and no cases experienced postoperative CSF leak. The intra- and post-operative complications were significantly higher in TR group then PR group (P IntraoperativeCSFleak = 0.004, P Post−operativeCSFleak =0.036, P TransientDI = 0.008, P Temporaryhypopituitarism = 0.002, P Permanenthypopituitarism = 0.036, P Electrolytedisturbance = 0.023). No significant differences in post-operative improvement and recurrence.Conclusions: EES is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of symptomatic RCC. Complete sucking out the cyst contents and partial resection of the cyst wall may be sufficient for treatment, and total resection of the cyst wall is associated with a higher incidence of complications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. V12
Author(s):  
Mostafa Shahein ◽  
Thiago Albonette-Felicio ◽  
Giuliano Silveira-Bertazzo ◽  
Rafael Martinez-Perez ◽  
Marcus Zachariah ◽  
...  

Chordomas are rare tumors that occur at an incidence rate of 0.8 per 100,000. Thirty-five percent of chordomas occur in the spheno-occipital region. We present a case of a clival chordoma that had severe brainstem compression. The patient had a 1-year history of slurred speech and left facial weakness (House-Brackmann 3). The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach gave a panoramic view of the region without the necessity of brain retraction or manipulation of the surrounding cranial nerves. Gross-total resection was achieved and no CSF leak was encountered postoperatively. The left facial weakness improved to House-Brackmann 1.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/DzW9Q6ckTHw.


2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 1163-1171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar G. Ordóñez-Rubiano ◽  
Jonathan A. Forbes ◽  
Peter F. Morgenstern ◽  
Leopold Arko ◽  
Georgiana A. Dobri ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEGross-total resection (GTR) of craniopharyngiomas (CPs) is potentially curative and is often the goal of surgery, but endocrinopathy generally results if the stalk is sacrificed. In some cases, GTR can be attempted while still preserving the stalk; however, stalk manipulation or devascularization may cause endocrinopathy and this strategy risks leaving behind small tumor remnants that can recur.METHODSA retrospective review of a prospective cohort of patients who underwent initial resection of CP using the endoscopic endonasal approach over a period of 12 years at Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, was performed. Postresection integrity of the stalk was retrospectively assessed using operative notes, videos, and postoperative MRI. Tumors were classified based on location into type I (sellar), type II (sellar-suprasellar), and type III (purely suprasellar). Pre- and postoperative endocrine function, tumor location, body mass index, rate of GTR, radiation therapy, and complications were reviewed.RESULTSA total of 54 patients who had undergone endoscopic endonasal procedures for first-time resection of CP were identified. The stalk was preserved in 33 (61%) and sacrificed in 21 (39%) patients. GTR was achieved in 24 patients (73%) with stalk preservation and 21 patients (100%) with stalk sacrifice (p = 0.007). Stalk-preservation surgery achieved GTR and maintained completely normal pituitary function in only 4 (12%) of 33 patients. Permanent postoperative diabetes insipidus was present in 16 patients (49%) with stalk preservation and in 20 patients (95%) following stalk sacrifice (p = 0.002). In the stalk-preservation group, rates of progression and radiation were higher with intentional subtotal resection or near-total resection compared to GTR (67% vs 0%, p < 0.001, and 100% vs 12.5%, p < 0.001, respectively). However, for the subgroup of patients in whom GTR was achieved, stalk preservation did not lead to significantly higher rates of recurrence (12.5%) compared with those in whom it was sacrificed (5%, p = 0.61), and stalk preservation prevented anterior pituitary insufficiency in 33% and diabetes insipidus in 50%.CONCLUSIONSWhile the decision to preserve the stalk reduces the rate of postoperative endocrinopathy by roughly 50%, nevertheless significant dysfunction of the anterior and posterior pituitary often ensues. The decision to preserve the stalk does not guarantee preserved endocrine function and comes with a higher risk of progression and need for adjuvant therapy. Nevertheless, to reduce postoperative endocrinopathy attempts should be made to preserve the stalk if GTR can be achieved.


2019 ◽  
Vol 130 (5) ◽  
pp. 1599-1608
Author(s):  
Jonathan A. Forbes ◽  
Matei Banu ◽  
Kurt Lehner ◽  
Malte Ottenhausen ◽  
Emanuele La Corte ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEEpidermoid cysts (ECs) commonly extend to involve the ventral cisterns of the cranial base. When present, symptoms arise due to progressive mass effect on the brainstem and adjacent cranial nerves. Historically, a variety of open microsurgical approaches have been used for resection of ECs in this intricate region. In recent years, the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has been proposed as an alternative corridor that avoids crossing the plane of the cranial nerves. To date, there is a paucity of data in the literature regarding the safety and efficacy of the EEA in the treatment of ECs of the ventral cranial base.METHODSThe authors reviewed a prospectively acquired database of EEAs for resection of ECs over 8 years at Weill Cornell, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. All procedures were performed by the senior authors. Standardized clinical and radiological parameters were assessed before and after surgery. Statistical tests were used to determine the impact of previous surgery and tumor volume on extent of resection and recurrence as well as the method of closure on rate of CSF leak.RESULTSBetween January 2009 and February 2017, 7 patients (4 males and 3 females; age range 16–70 years) underwent a total of 8 surgeries for EC resection utilizing the EEA. Transplanum and transclival extensions were performed in 3 and 5 patients, respectively. Methods of closure incorporated a gasket seal in 6 of 8 procedures and a nasoseptal flap in 7 of 8 procedures. Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 43% of patients, and near-total resection (> 95%) was obtained in another 43%. Complications included diabetes insipidus (n = 2), postoperative CSF leak (n = 2), transient third cranial nerve palsy (n = 1), and epistaxis (n = 1). With a mean follow-up of 43.5 months, recurrence has been observed in 2 of 7 patients. In 1 case, reoperation for recurrence was required 71 months following the initial surgery. Use of the gasket-seal technique with nasoseptal flap coverage significantly correlated with the absence of postoperative CSF leakage (p = 0.018). GTR was achieved in 25% of the patients who had prior surgeries and in 50% of patients without previous resections. The mean volume of cysts in which GTR was achieved (4.3 ± 1.8 cm3) was smaller than that in which subtotal or near-total resection was achieved (12.2 ± 11 cm3, p = 0.134).CONCLUSIONSThe EEA for resection of ECs of the ventral cranial base is a safe and effective operative strategy that avoids crossing the plane of the cranial nerves. In the authors’ experience, gasket-seal closure with nasoseptal flap coverage has been associated with a decreased risk of postoperative CSF leakage.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Radovanovic ◽  
Amir R Dehdashti ◽  
Mazda K Turel ◽  
Joao Paulo Almeida ◽  
Bruno L Godoy ◽  
...  

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe role of expanded endonasal endoscopic surgery for primary and recurrent craniopharyngioma is not yet fully established.OBJECTIVETo report and evaluate our experience with the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for the resection of primary and recurrent craniopharyngiomas.METHODSThis is a retrospective cohort analysis of 43 consecutive EEA procedures in 40 patients operated from September 2006 to February 2012 for suprasellar craniopharyngiomas. In 21 patients (48.8%) the disease was recurrent. We have assessed the surgical results, visual, endocrinological, and functional outcomes and resection rates in this patient cohort.RESULTSAt presentation, 31 (72.1%) patients had visual deficits, 15 patients (34.9%) complained of headaches, 25 patients (58.1%) had anterior pituitary insufficiency, and 14 (32.5%) had diabetes insipidus. Total resection was achieved in 44.2% surgeries, of which 77.3% were in primary lesions and 9.5% in recurrent lesions (P < .001). Vision improved in 92.6% patients and worsened in 2.3%. Complications other than vision were encountered in 25.6% including 9/43 cerebrospinal fluid leak, 2/43 meningitis. A total of 51.9% of patients with preoperative residual anterior pituitary function had new anterior pituitary deficiencies and 42.8% had new diabetes insipidus. There was no mortality. Six patients (14%) had recurrence of disease during the follow-up period (mean 56.8 mo), 5 of which required repeat surgery.CONCLUSIONThe EEA can be integrated in the overall management of both primary and recurrent craniopharyngiomas with good results; however, in our series recurrent surgery was associated with significantly lower rates of gross total resection.


2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-23
Author(s):  
Shamsul Alam ◽  
ATM Mosharef Hossain ◽  
AN Wakil Uddin ◽  
Tariqul Islam ◽  
Rezaul Amin ◽  
...  

Background: The use of endoscope for the management of pituitary adenoma is not new. The better magnification and illumination provided by the endoscope gives better outcome than microscopic pituitary surgery. Objective: To find out the benefits of endoscope in relation to microscopic surgery. Materials and Methods: We performed 45 cases of pituitary adenoma surgery by endoscopic endonasal approach from July 2008 to July 2010. Results: Forty five cases underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Gross total removal was done in 35 cases and subtotal removal was done in 10 cases. Residual tumours were seen in 10 cases (22%) in postoperative follow-up MRI scan. Visual improvement was satisfactory, and hormonal improvement of functional adenoma was nice. Postoperative visual acuity and visual field were improved in 75% cases. There were 37% cases of temporary diabetes insipidus and about 4.5% cases of permanent diabetes insipidus. The average duration of follow-up was 20 months. One patient required reexploration to correct visual deterioration in the immediate postoperative period. There were 4.5% cases of CSF leak and 6.6% mortality. Mortality was due to electrolyte imbalance and improper management of infection and hydrocephalus. Conclusion: Endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery now has become a gold standard surgery for most of the pituitary adenomas because of its better advantages in relation to microscopic surgery and less complications and less hospital stay. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v3i1.13869 J Enam Med Col 2013; 3(1): 18-23


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