Surgical Resection of a Foramen Magnum Meningioma—A Rarely Encountered Skull Base Tumour in Trinidad

Tumours of the foramen magnum are infrequent compared to other locations within the neuraxis. Meningiomas are one of the most frequently encountered tumours of the nervous system, but only 1.8 to 3.2% actually originate within the foramen magnum. However, they account for almost 50% of all tumours in this region. We report a case of a large foramen magnum meningioma in a 16-year-old female, the diagnostic difficulty it presents due to its rarity and indolent course, and the surgical strategies employed to manage this case. This was the first performance of a far-lateral craniotomy in San Fernando General Hospital. The use of a staged procedure to facilitate this skull base tumour resection resulted in an excellent outcome.

Skull base repair following endonasal pituitary and skull base tumour resection: a systematic review

Purpose Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea (CSFR) remains a frequent complication of endonasal approaches to pituitary and skull base tumours. Watertight skull base reconstruction is important in preventing CSFR. We sought to systematically review the current literature of available skull base repair techniques. Methods Pubmed and Embase databases were searched for studies (2000–2020) that (a) reported on the endonasal resection of pituitary and skull base tumours, (b) focussed on skull base repair techniques and/or postoperative CSFR risk factors, and (c) included CSFR data. Roles, advantages and disadvantages of each repair method were detailed. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed where possible. Results 193 studies were included. Repair methods were categorised based on function and anatomical level. There was absolute heterogeneity in repair methods used, with no independent studies sharing the same repair protocol. Techniques most commonly used for low CSFR risk cases were fat grafts, fascia lata grafts and synthetic grafts. For cases with higher CSFR risk, multilayer regimes were utilized with vascularized flaps, gasket sealing and lumbar drains. Lumbar drain use for high CSFR risk cases was supported by a randomised study (Oxford CEBM: Grade B recommendation), but otherwise there was limited high-level evidence. Pooled CSFR incidence by approach was 3.7% (CI 3–4.5%) for transsphenoidal, 9% (CI 7.2–11.3%) for expanded endonasal, and 5.3% (CI 3.4–7%) for studies describing both. Further meaningful meta-analyses of repair methods were not performed due to significant repair protocol heterogeneity. Conclusions Modern reconstructive protocols are heterogeneous and there is limited evidence to suggest the optimal repair technique after pituitary and skull base tumour resection. Further studies are needed to guide practice.

PEDIATRIC CRANIOFACIAL DISFIGUREMENT WITH AUTOLOGOUS RIBS BONE GRAFT RECONSTRUCTION

Pediatric reconstruction of the cranial defect is a challenging task, the standard reconstruction method has been bone grafting. The reconstruction of complex facial defects should satisfy both aesthetic and functional requirements. In the case of large defects, the use of craniofacial prostheses using autogenous bone is the material of choice because of its potential for revascularization and its osteoconductive properties. A 3-year-old patient has facial disfgurement as result from bone defciency following anterior skull base tumour resection. To minimize the associated functional and cosmetic problems, a number of reconstructive options are available to the surgeon including the use of autogenous and alloplastic implants. A computed tomography (CT) 3-dimensional reconstruction scan showed a large craniofacial defect as residual radical skull base tumour resection. A transcranial approach by a neurosurgeon and plastic surgery was performed to reconstruct the defect using autologous rib bone graft. Six months after the reconstruction surgery, a defect of the craniofacial was narrowing without cranial nerve defcits.Complex reconstructions of extensive defects in craniofacial area can be achieved using autologous bone grafts. They yield reasonable functional and aesthetic outcomes and noticeably improves the qualityof life.