Craniotomy For Tumor Resection Research Articles

Evaluation of the Safety of Liberalized Systolic Blood Pressure Goals in the Postoperative Period After Intracranial Tumor Resection.

Postoperative intracranial hemorrhage (POH) is a serious neurosurgical complication occurring in approximately 1.4% of patients after intracranial tumor resection. The convention across the United States is to maintain an immediate postoperative systolic blood pressure (SBP) of < 140 mm Hg to minimize this risk; however, this SBP goal lacks support in the literature despite widespread adoption. This study aims to investigate the safety of SBP liberalization to 160 mm Hg in the immediate postoperative setting after intracranial tumor resection. A retrospective review was conducted on consecutive patients, aged 18 to 75 years, undergoing craniotomy for intracranial tumor resection from October 2020 until June 2023. Data were gathered from the electronic medical record per Institutional Review Board guidelines regarding demographics, operative details, perioperative vital signs, resource utilization, and complications. Pharmaceutical prices and insurance charges were approximated from costs provided by the institution's pharmacy. POH was defined as symptomatic hemorrhage within 48 hours requiring intervention. The study included 147 patients, with 104 in the liberalized cohort (SBP <160 mm Hg) and 43 in the standard cohort (SBP <140 mm Hg). The average age was 54.5 ± 14.9 years and 57.6 ± 10.6 years in the liberalized and standard groups, respectively (P = .23). Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were not significantly different between groups. The liberalized group used $81.88 ± $280.19 (95% CI $53.01-$110.75) on as-needed antihypertensive medications vs $108.39 ± $215.91 (95% CI $75.96-$140.82) in the standard (P = .29), with significantly lower labetalol (P = .04). There was no POH in either cohort. Liberalization of SBP goals to <160 mm Hg appears safe in the immediate postoperative period after craniotomy for tumor resection without an increased POH risk. Liberalized SBP parameters may allow reduced antihypertensive medication usage, thereby avoiding excess hospital cost and medication side effects.

Safety of the immediate use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after adult craniotomy for tumor.

Poor pain control has a negative impact on postoperative recovery and patient satisfaction. However, overzealous pain management, particularly with opioids, can confound serial neurological assessments, increase morbidity, and predispose patients to long-term dependence. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective in treating postoperative pain and can limit opioid intake, but their use has been limited in patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumor resection due to concerns of an increased hemorrhage risk. Herein, the authors aim to 1) address the safety of NSAID use in the immediate postoperative setting and 2) determine whether NSAID administration decreases opioid use following craniotomy for tumor resection in adult patients. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients 18 years and older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 60 ml/min/body surface area who had undergone craniotomy for tumor resection at their institution between 2019 and 2021. NSAID use in the first 48 hours following surgery was recorded. Primary outcomes were postoperative hemorrhage requiring a return to the operating room before hospital discharge and within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes were more-than-minimal hemorrhage that did not require reoperation, acute kidney injury, and total opioid use within 48 hours after craniotomy. Among 1765 reviewed patient records, 1182 were eligible for inclusion in this analysis. Amid these records were 114 patients (9.6%) who had received at least one dose of an NSAID within 48 hours of their craniotomy. Four (0.3%) patients experienced bleeding requiring a return to operating room, one of whom was from the NSAID-treated group (RR 3.12, 95% CI 0.33-29.77, p = 0.30). No significant difference in nonoperative intracranial hemorrhage (RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.54-3.35, p = 0.53), postoperative acute kidney injury, or clinically significant extracranial bleeding was found between the NSAID and no-NSAID groups. Patients in the NSAID group had significantly higher oral morphine equivalent use (median 68 vs 30, p < 0.001). Postoperative NSAID use following craniotomy for tumor resection was not associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage requiring a return to the operating room. The authors noted higher opioid use in the patients treated with NSAIDs, which may reflect underlying reasons for the decision to treat patients with NSAIDs in the immediate postoperative period. These data warrant further investigation of NSAIDs as a safe, opioid-sparing postoperative pain management strategy in patients with normal kidney function who are undergoing intracranial tumor resection.

Perioperative Care and Outcomes of Patients with Brain Tumors Undergoing Elective Craniotomy: Experience from an Ethiopian Tertiary-Care Hospital

To describe patients, perioperative care, and outcomes undergoing supratentorial and infratentorial craniotomy for brain tumor resection in a tertiary-care hospital in Ethiopia. A retrospective cohort study of patients consecutively admitted between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, was performed. We characterized patients, perioperative care, and outcomes. The final sample comprised 153 patients; 144 (94%) 18 years and over, females (n= 48, 55%) with primarily American Society of Anesthesiologists physical class II (n=97 (63.4%) who underwent supratentorial (n= 114, 75%), or infratentorial (n=39, 25%) tumor resection. Patients were routinely admitted (95%) to floor/wards before craniotomy; Inhaled anesthetic (isoflurane 88%/halothane 12%) was used for maintenance of general anesthesia, 3) Propofol (n=93, 61%; n=72), mannitol (n=73, 48%, n=54l), and cerebrospinal fluid drain (n=28, 18%, were used facilitate intraoperative brain relaxation, while the use of hyperventilation was rate (n=1). The average estimated blood loss was 1040+727 ml; 37 (24%) patients received tranexamic acid, and 57 (37%) received a blood transfusion. Factors associated with extubation were a) infratentorial tumor location: relative risk RR 0.45 (95% CI 0.29-0.69), preoperative hydrocephalus: RR 0.51, (95% CI 0.34-0.79), shorter total anesthesia duration: 277.8+8.8 vs. 426.77+13.1 minutes, p < 0.0001, lower estimated blood loss: 897+68 ml vs. 1361.7+100 ml, p=0.0002, and CSF drainage to facilitate brain relaxation: RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.32-0.84). Approximately one in ten patients experienced postoperative obstructive hydrocephalus, surgical site infections, or pneumonia. These findings suggest that certain factors may impact patient outcomes following craniotomy for tumor resection. By identifying these factors, healthcare providers may be better equipped to develop individualized treatment plans and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of postoperative monitoring and management to prevent complications.

Do the indices of deprivation or smoking affect post-operative 1-year mortality in patients undergoing a craniotomy for a brain tumour in a public healthcare system?

We sought to determine the 1-year survival following craniotomy for tumour resection in a public healthcare system and analyse the effect of indices of multiple deprivation (IMD) as well as smoking, alcohol, BMI, ASA grade and medical co-morbidities on post-operative morbidity and mortality. This is a retrospective, single-centre study in a high volume neurosurgical centre, over a 2-year period. All patients undergoing a craniotomy for a brain tumour were included. Data was collected from the neuro-oncology database and electronic patient records. Individual patient IMD data was obtained using their postcode from a national government database. Each English postcode being ranked from 1 to 32,844, with 1 being the most deprived and 32,844 the most affluent. Descriptive results are described along with further data analysis using multiple linear and logistic regression analyses. 630 patients underwent an elective or urgent craniotomy for tumour. 10% of all patients underwent urgent surgery. 68% (95% CI: 64 to 71%) survived at least 1-year post-surgery. Our study found that social deprivation (IMD postcode rank) was not associated with mortality at 1year after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Those from decile 1 had the lowest risk of death at 12months for all tumour types (p = 0.0070). Previous smokers carried an increased risk of death at 12months when compared with people who had never smoked RR 1.40 CI 1.10-1.78 (p = 0.006) but this risk was not evident in current smokers RR 0.92 CI 0.65-1.31 (p = 0.64). Increasing age and male gender were also found to be associated with higher mortality at 1year (p = < 0.001). In the UK despite the discrepancy in the health of the general population between the north and south, social deprivation does not appear to be detrimental to neurooncological outcomes although smoking status, advancing age and male sex are.

Predictors of extended length of stay related to craniotomy for tumor resection

BackgroundHospital length of stay (LOS) related to craniotomy for tumor resection (CTR) is a marker of neurosurgical quality of care. Limiting LOS benefits both patients and hospitals. This study examined which factors contribute to extended LOS (eLOS) at our academic center. MethodsRetrospective medical record review of 139 consecutive CTRs performed between July 2020 and July 2021. Univariate and multivariable analyses determined which factors were associated with an eLOS (≥8 days). ResultsMedian LOS was 6 days (IQR 3–9 days). Fifty-one subjects (36.7%) experienced an eLOS. Upon univariate analysis, potentially modifiable factors associated with eLOS included days to occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and case management clearance (p < .001); and discharge disposition (p < .001). Multivariable analysis revealed that pre-operative anti-coagulant use (OR 10.74, 95% CI 2.64–43.63, p = .001), Medicare (OR 4.80, 95% CI 1.07–21.52, p = .04), ED admission (OR 26.21, 95% CI 5.17–132.99, p < .001), transfer to another service post-surgery (OR 30.00, 95% CI 1.56–577.35, p = .02), and time to post-operative imaging (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.27–6.65, p = .01) were associated with eLOS. Extended LOS was not significantly associated with ED visits (p = .45) or unplanned readmissions within 30 days of surgery (p = .35), and both (p = .04; p = .04) were less likely following a short LOS (<5 days). ConclusionWhile some factors driving LOS related to CTR are uncontrollable, expedient pre- and post-operative management may reduce LOS without compromising care.

Octogenarian Brain Tumor Registry: Single-Institution Surgical Outcomes and Mortality Study.

Surgical intervention for brain tumor patients aged 80 to 89 years is controversial, as the comorbidities and physiology associated with aging are often thought to increase surgical risks. Surgical outcomes, however, are not well characterized for octogenarians. This review therefore assessed the outcomes and mortality risk associated with tumor removal in octogenarians at our academic institution. Retrospective review of patients aged 80 to 89 who underwent craniotomy for tumor resection (CTR) at our institution between 2004-2021 and who were diagnosed with meningioma, glioblastoma, or metastatic disease. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Sixty-one CTRs were included in analysis. Median age was 83 (interquartile range 81-85) years, and the most common preoperative comorbidity was hypertension (n=44). Most patients (n=35) had a preoperative modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score between 0-2. Seventeen (27.9%) patients experienced postoperative complications (i.e., urinary tract infection, deep venous thrombosis, etc.), and 26.2% (n=16) experienced new-onset neurologic deficits postoperatively (i.e., aphasia, motor deficits, etc.). Upon discharge, most patients (n=43) had an mRS score of 3-4. Within 30 days of surgery, 14.8% (n=9) of patients were readmitted to the hospital and 8.2% (n=5) of patients died: 2 with meningioma, 1 with glioblastoma, and 2 with metastatic disease. The most common cause of death was intracranial hemorrhage (n=3). Three-month mortality was 23.0% (n=14). Mean survival after surgery was 33 months for meningioma patients, 6.9 months for glioblastoma patients, and 15 months for patients with metastatic lesions. Our review found a 30-day mortality rate of 8.2% across all tumor types, and mean survival was similar to that previously reported for patients across all age groups. Surgical intervention for octogenarian tumor patients is therefore feasible, safe, and likely worthwhile for extending and improving lives.

NCOG-46. PERSONALIZED, PARCEL-GUIDED RTMS FOR NEURO-REHABILITATION AFTER TUMOR NEUROSURGERY: SAFETY AND PROOF OF CONCEPT

Abstract Deficits in neurological and psychocognitive function are common for patients who have undergone surgical removal of primary tumors. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an emerging non-invasive tool used for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. We present a retrospective review of individualized, targeted rTMS in thirteen patients who presented with post-operative neurological deficits following craniotomy for tumor resection. Multiple cortical targets were selected based on the patient’s neurological disorder, the networks associated with the deficit, and anomalies in the functional connectivity of the patient’s brain as determined by machine-learning. TMS treatment was performed for 5 consecutive days. EuroQol quality of life (EQ-5D), functional extremity scales, and neuropsychiatric questionnaires related to the patient’s deficit were assessed prior to rTMS treatment, after treatment, and during follow-up. Five patients (38.5%) had glioblastomas; four patients (30.8%) had oligodendrogliomas; two patients (15.4%) had astrocytoma; one patient (7.7%) had ganglioglioma; and one patient (7.7%) had a pineal cyst. All thirteen patients reported significantly improved quality of life after rTMS treatment (p = 0.0065) and during follow-up (p = 0.0038) as compared to baseline. For patients with functional deficits, lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was significantly improved one week after rTMS treatment (p = 0.0205). Upper extremity function scale (UEFS) showed non-significant trend in improvement after rTMS treatment (p = 0.0777). In the two patients who developed post-craniotomy depression, they showed a 26% and 88% reduction in depressive symptoms based on the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) at two-month follow-up. These results suggest that the personalized, functional connectivity approach to rTMS target and treatment may be effective for patients with post-craniotomy functional impairments and neuropsychiatric disorders. This method of post-operative interventional neuro-rehabilitation is safe, noninvasive, and allows for the simultaneous treatment of multiple symptoms.

S2429 A Rare Case of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Presenting as an Isolated Brain Lesion 6 Years After Treatment

Introduction: Esophageal adenocarcinomas account for ∼1% of all cancers in the U.S. The prevalence of central nervous system (CNS) metastases associated with these cancers is around 1.8%. Response rates to standard of care are poor and prognosis is dismal. Often CNS involvement is associated with widely metastatic disease, herein, we present a case of a solitary brain lesion from esophageal adenocarcinoma at first recurrence. Case Description/Methods: A 72-year-old-male with a 40 pack-year smoking presented with progressive dysphagia in March 2015. Contrast enhanced CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis revealed a constricting mass at the esophagogastric junction that led to endoscopy guided biopsy revealing esophageal adenocarcinoma. He underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (cisplatin/5-fluorouracil) and radiation therapy followed by esophagogastrectomy in July of 2015 where diagnosis of stage IIIBT3N2cM0 esophageal adenocarcinoma was confirmed. Clinical and imaging surveillance for 6 years had not shown any progression of cancer. However, in June of 2021, he presented with altered mental status that led to contrast enhanced brain MRI showing a T2 hyperintense left parietal lobe mass with an 8 mm midline shift and surrounding vasogenic edema (Figure). FDG PET-CT head to toes did not show extracranial recurrence. He underwent left posterior temporal craniotomy for resection of tumor confirming the diagnosis of metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma. IHC showed positivity of cytokeratin7, CDX2 and SATB2. Whole exome sequencing revealed mutations in ARID1A, FH, and TP53 with variants of unknown significance of ATM and CDH. Tumor displayed proficient mismatch repair protein, a combined positive score of 15 for PD-L1, and negative Her2/Neu. Further sequencing showed tumor mutational burden of 4, no genomic loss of heterozygosity, and stable microsatellite repeats. He received gamma-knife radiation to the solitary left temporal lobe lesion. Patient continues to maintain his quality of life with no evidence of clinical and radiographic recurrence. Discussion: Isolated brain metastasis from esophageal adenocarcinoma is a very rare phenomenon. Limited data suggests that the survival of patients with isolated CNS lesions is < 1 year, however, achieving pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemo-radiation therapy has shown to improve survival. These esophageal cancers with isolated CNS metastases may share a unique genomic profile and more research is required to understand their alterations.Figure 1.: MRI of the brain. 1A- Pre-op axial OLEA of L. temporal lobe tumor (06/2021), 1B- Pre-op axial coronal T1 (06/2021), 1C- Follow-up T2 MRI.

Duration of Prophylactic Levetiracetam After Surgery for Brain Tumor: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

Levetiracetam is commonly used as a prophylactic antiseizure medication in patients undergoing surgical resection of brain tumors. To quantitate side effects experienced in patients treated with 1 week vs 6 weeks of prophylactic levetiracetam using validated measures for neurotoxicity and depression. Patients undergoing surgical resection of a supratentorial tumor with no seizure history were randomized within 48 hours of surgery to receive prophylactic levetiracetam for the duration of either 1 or 6 weeks. Patients were given oral levetiracetam extended release 1000 mg during the first part of this study. Owing to drug backorder, patients enrolled later in this study received levetiracetam 500 mg BID. The primary outcome was the change in the neurotoxicity score 6 weeks after drug initiation. The secondary outcome was seizure incidence. A total of 81 patients were enrolled and randomized to 1 week (40 patients) or 6 weeks (41 patients) of prophylactic levetiracetam treatment. The neurotoxicity score slightly improved in the overall cohort between baseline and reassessment. There was no significant difference between groups in neurotoxicity or depression scores. Seizure incidence was low in the entire cohort of patients with 1 patient in each arm experiencing a seizure during the follow-up period. The use of prophylactic levetiracetam did not result in significant neurotoxicity or depression when given for either 1 week or 6 weeks. The incidence of seizure after craniotomy for tumor resection is low regardless of duration of therapy.

Infrastructural Limitations in Establishing Neurosurgical Specialty Services in Liberia.

IntroductionLiberia recently employed the first neurosurgeon in the country’s history. In a country with a population of 4.7 million people and staggering rates of cranial and spine trauma, as well as hydrocephalus and neural tube defects, neurosurgery is considered a luxury. Our study documents the experience of a team of neurosurgeons, critical care nurses, scrub technicians, nurses, and biomedical engineers who carried out a series of neurosurgical clinics and complex brain and spine surgeries in Liberia. Specifically, we aim to highlight some of the larger obstacles, beyond staff and equipment, facing the development of a neurosurgical or any other specialty practice in Liberia. MethodsOur institutions, in collaboration with the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation, spent 10 days in Liberia, based in Tappita, and performed 18 surgeries in addition to seeing several hundred clinic patients. This is a retrospective review of the cases performed along with outcomes to investigate obstacles in providing neurosurgical services in the country.ResultsBefore arriving in Liberia, we evaluated, planned, and supplied staff and materials for treating complex neurosurgical patients. Sixteen patients underwent 18 surgeries at a hospital in Tappita, Liberia, in November 2018. Their ages ranged from 1 month to 72 years (average 20 years). Five patients (28%) were female. Ten patients (56%) were under the age of 18. Surgeries included ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VP-shunt), lumbar myelomeningocele repair, encephalocele repair, laminectomy, and a craniotomy for tumor resection. Ten patients (55%) underwent VP-shunting. Two patients (11%) had a craniotomy for tumor resection. Three patients (17%) had laminectomy for lumbar stenosis. Two patients (11%) had repair of lumbar myelomeningocele.ConclusionAfter an aggressive and in-depth approach to planning, conducting, and supplying complex neurosurgical procedures in Liberia, the greatest limiting factor to successful outcomes lie in real-time is access to health care, which is largely limited by overall infrastructure. Our study documents the experience of a team of neurosurgeons, critical care nurses, scrub technicians, nurses, and biomedical engineers who carried out a series of neurosurgical clinics and complex brain and spine surgeries in Liberia. Specifically, we aim to highlight some of the larger obstacles, beyond staff and equipment, facing the development of a neurosurgical or any other specialty procedural practice in the country of Liberia. Most notably, we focus on infrastructure factors, including power, roads, water, education, and overall health care.

Unfractionated Heparin TID Dosing Regimen Is Associated With a Lower Rate of Pulmonary Embolism When Compared With BID Dosing in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) may complicate the post-operative course of patients undergoing craniotomy. While prophylaxis with unfractionated heparin (UFH) has been shown to reduce VTE rates, twice-daily (BID) and three-times-daily (TID) UFH dosing regimens have not been compared in neurosurgical procedures. The objective of this study was to explore the association between UFH dosing regimen and rates of VTE and ICH in craniotomy patients. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 159 patients at Northwestern University receiving 5000 units/0.5 mL UFH injections either BID (n= 132) or TID (n= 27). General linear regression models were run to predict rates of DVT, PE, and reoperation due to bleeding from UFH dosing regimen while controlling for age at surgery, sex, VTE history, craniotomy for tumor resection, surgery duration, length of stay, reoperation, infections, and IDH/MGMT mutations. Receiving UFH TID was significantly associated with a lower rate of PE when compared with receiving UFH BID (β= -0.121, P= 0.044; TID rate= 0%, BID rate=10.6%). UFH TID also showed a trend toward lower rates ofDVT (β= -0.0893, P= 0.295; TID rate= 18.5%, BID rate= 21.2%) when compared with UFH BID. UFH TID showed no significant difference in rate of reoperation forbleeding when compared to UFH BID (β= -0.00623, P=0.725; TID rate= 0%, BID rate= 0.8%). UFH TID dosing is associated with lower rates of PE when compared with BID dosing in patients undergoing craniotomy.

Awake craniotomy for tumor resection: patient experience and perception in an Asian population

Awake craniotomy for tumor resection: patient experience and perception in an Asian population

Retraction Note: Successful implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol reduces nausea and vomiting after infratentorial craniotomy for tumour resection: a randomized controlled trial

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-020-02027-1.

Awake craniotomy in the COVID-19 era - technical tips and feasibility

There has been a growing anxiety in carrying out awake craniotomy surgeries during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, not only due to airway management but also close proximity to the team in theatre. We set out to safely perform the first documented awake craniotomy in the UK since the beginning of lockdown. We performed a thorough workup of the patient with minimal hospital visits, using remote communication wherever possible. We modified our existing awake craniotomy protocol/technique guided by local/national policies.An asleep-awake-asleep craniotomy for tumour resection was performed successfully without compromising patient and staff safety with excellent post-operative outcome. With appropriate pre- and peri-operative modifications to established protocols, awake craniotomies with functional mapping can be safely carried out. By incorporating novel aspects to our technique, we believe that this service can safely resume in carefully selected patients.

Sepsis and septic shock after craniotomy: Predicting a significant patient safety and quality outcome measure

ObjectivesSepsis and septic shock are important quality and patient safety metrics. This study examines incidence of Sepsis and/or septic shock (S/SS) after craniotomy for tumor resection, one of the most common neurosurgical operations.MethodsMulticenter, prospectively collected data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database was used to identify patients undergoing craniotomy for tumor (CPT 61510, 61521, 61520, 61518, 61526, 61545, 61546, 61512, 61519, 61575) from 2012–2015. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for S/SS.ResultsThere were 18,642 patients that underwent craniotomy for tumor resection. The rate of sepsis was 1.35% with a mortality rate of 11.16% and the rate of septic shock was 0.65% with a 33.06% mortality rate versus an overall mortality rate of 2.46% in the craniotomy for tumor cohort. The 30-day readmission rate was 50.54% with S/SS vs 10.26% in those without S/SS. Multiple factors were identified as statistically significant (p <0.05) for S/SS including ascites (OR = 33.0), ventilator dependence (OR = 4.5), SIRS (OR = 2.8), functional status (OR = 2.3), bleeding disorders (OR = 1.7), severe COPD (OR = 1.6), steroid use (OR = 1.6), operative time >310 minutes (OR = 1.5), hypertension requiring medication (OR = 1.5), ASA class ≥ 3 (OR = 1.4), male sex (OR = 1.4), BMI >35 (OR = 1.4) and infratentorial location.ConclusionsThe data indicate that sepsis and septic shock, although uncommon after craniotomy for tumor resection, carry a significant risk of 30-day unplanned reoperation (35.60%) and mortality (18.21%). The most significant risk factors are ventilator dependence, ascites, SIRS and poor functional status. By identifying the risk factors for S/SS, neurosurgeons can potentially improve outcomes. Further investigation should focus on the creation of a predictive score for S/SS with integration into the electronic health record for targeted protocol initiation in this unique neurosurgical patient population.

"RETRACTED ARTICLE:Successful implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol reduces nausea and vomiting after infratentorial craniotomy for tumour resection: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInfratentorial craniotomy patients have a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown in multiple surgical disciplines to improve outcomes, including reduced PONV. However, very few studies have described the application of ERAS to infratentorial craniotomy. The aim of this study was to examine whether our ERAS protocol for infratentorial craniotomy could improve PONV.MethodsWe implemented an evidence-based, multimodal ERAS protocol for patients undergoing infratentorial craniotomy. A total of 105 patients who underwent infratentorial craniotomy were randomized into either the ERAS group (n = 50) or the control group (n = 55). Primary outcomes were the incidence of vomiting, nausea score, and use of rescue antiemetic during the first 72 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative anxiety level, sleep quality, and complications.ResultsOver the entire 72 h post-craniotomy observation period, the cumulative incidence of vomiting was significantly lower in the ERAS group than in the control group. Meanwhile, the incidence of vomiting was significantly lower in the ERAS group on postoperative days (PODs) 2 and 3. Notably, the proportion of patients with mild nausea (VAS 0–4) was higher in the ERAS group as compared to the control group on PODs 2 or 3. Additionally, the postoperative anxiety level and quality of sleep were significantly better in the ERAS group.ConclusionSuccessful implementation of our ERAS protocol in infratentorial craniotomy patients could attenuate postoperative anxiety, improve sleep quality, and reduce the incidence of PONV, without increasing the rate of postoperative complications.Trial registrationChiCTR-INR-16009662, 27 Oct 2016, Clinical study on the development and efficacy evaluation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in Neurosurgery.

Abstract B71: Phase 1b/2 prospective randomized trial of four autologous cell vaccine dose cohorts for initial treatment of glioblastoma

Abstract Introduction: We present a novel autologous cell vaccine therapy designed to treat patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (Trial Registration: IND 14379, NCT01550523). Methods: This phase 1b trial has a phase 2 design with 4 randomized vaccine dose cohorts in 33 patients with the objective being safety assessment but also including clinical, radiographic, and immune analyses. Eligibility criteria included age &amp;gt; 18 and Karnofsky score of &amp;gt; 60; neither bihemispheric disease nor extent of resection were exclusion criteria but autoimmune diseases were. During craniotomy for tumor resection, if frozen section confirmed GBM, incisions were made in the lower abdomen through the rectus sheath and pockets created between the sheath and the muscle and the wounds closed with a temporary three-layer closure. Tumor resection involved an aspirator that collected morselized viable tumor tissue in sterile traps. The tissue was processed by overnight culture with 0.2 mg of an IGF-1R antisense oligodeoxynucleotide/gm. The next (first postoperative) day, treated tumor cells were harvested, encapsulated in either ten or twenty small biodiffusion chambers along with 4 micrograms of the IGF-1R antisense, irradiated and then implanted at bedside in the abdominal acceptor sites as previously described (1). Chambers were explanted 24 or 48 hours later, depending on randomization. Standard of care according to Stupp (2) was initiated at 6 weeks. Studies included 3T MRI imaging and analysis of serial blood samples for T cell function and cytokine levels. Disease progression was assessed using RANO (3) and iRANO (4) criteria with a data cutoff of March 1 (N=30) used for this analysis. Results: The trial opened September 1, 2015 and completed accrual on March 1, 2018. A midpoint interim analysis revealed significantly more robust cytokine responses at the highest vaccine dose. Randomization was therefore stopped at subject 23 and amended to treat using only the highest dose. Progression-free survival (PFS) was compared to three historic SOC comparators (Stupp [2], Kong [5], and an antecedent cohort of 37 consecutive patients treated with SOC at our institution [TJUH]). PFS was significantly improved at 10.5 mo v. SOC comparators: 6.9 mo (Stupp, p = .003), 5.3 mo (Kong, p = .002) and 7 mo (TJUH, p = .013). Seventy-five percent of the 14 patients in the highest-dose cohort had robust proinflammatory and early evidence of sustained immune reactivity associated with tumor regression or no recurrence after surgery. Conclusion: These data reflect a therapeutic benefit defined as significant improvement in PFS without increased safety risk compared to three different SOC cohorts. Since GBM remains one of the most challenging solid tumors, this treatment design invites investigator collaboration in a multicenter phase 2 trial.

Increased complication and mortality among non-index hospital readmissions after brain tumor resection is associated with low-volume readmitting hospitals.

Fragmentation of care following craniotomy for tumor resection is increasingly common with the regionalization of neurosurgery. Hospital readmission to a hospital (non-index) other than the one from which patients received their original care (index) has been associated with increases in both morbidity and mortality for cancer patients. The impact of non-index readmission after surgical management of brain tumors has not previously been evaluated. The authors set out to determine rates of non-index readmission following craniotomy for tumor resection and evaluated outcomes following index and non-index readmissions. Retrospective analyses of data from cases involving resection of a primary brain tumor were conducted using data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) for 2010-2014. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent association of patient and hospital factors with readmission to an index versus non-index hospital. Further analysis evaluated association of non-index versus index hospital readmission with mortality and major complications during readmission. Effects of readmission hospital procedure volume on mortality and morbidity were evaluated in post hoc analysis. In a total of 17,459 unplanned readmissions, 84.4% patients were readmitted to index hospitals and 15.6% to non-index hospitals. Patient factors associated with increased likelihood of non-index readmission included older age (75+: OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.19-1.75), elective index admission (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08-1.30), increased Elixhauser comorbidity score ≥2 (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.37), and malignant tumor diagnosis (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.19-1.45) (all p < 0.04). Readmission to a non-index facility was associated with a 28% increase in major complications (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.14-1.43, p < 0.001) and 21% increase in mortality (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.02-1.44, p = 0.032) in initial analysis. Following a second multivariable logistic regression analysis including the readmitting hospital characteristics, low procedure volume of a readmitting facility was significantly associated with non-index readmission (p < 0.001). Readmission to a lower-procedure-volume facility was associated with a 46%-75% increase in mortality (OR 1.46-1.75, p < 0.005) and a 21%-35% increase in major complications (OR 1.21-1.34, p < 0.005). Following adjustment for volume at a readmitting facility, admission to a non-index facility was no longer associated with mortality (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.71-1.14, p = 0.378) or major complications (OR 1.09, CI 0.94-1.26, p = 0.248). Of patient readmissions following brain tumor resection, 15.6% occur at a non-index facility. Low procedure volume is a confounder for non-index analysis and is associated with an increased likelihood of major complications and mortality, as compared to readmission to high-procedure-volume hospitals. Further studies should evaluate interventions targeting factors associated with unplanned readmission.

Tectal region papillary neuroglial tumour: a case report

Papillary glioneuronal tumor (PGNT) is a rare central nervous system neoplasm. Of reported cases, the vast majority are located in the frontal and temporal lobes. We present the case of a 39-year-old male who presented with a one day history of gait disturbance following chemotherapy treatment for metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma. Following MRI of the head showed a tectal mass. Following an occipital interhemispheric craniotomy for tumor resection, final pathology was diagnostic of a papillary neuroglial tumor, WHO grade I. To the best or out knowledge this is the only report of it arising from the tectal plate.

A dose-response relationship study of hypertonic saline on brain relaxation during supratentorial brain tumour craniotomy

Background: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was designed to assess differences in brain relaxation between 2 doses of 3% HS during elective supratentorial brain tumour surgery.Methods: 60 patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy for tumour resection were enrolled to receive either 3 mL/kg (group L) or 5 mL/kg (group H) of 3% HS administered at skin incision. Brain relaxation was assessed after dura opening on a scale ranging 1–4 (1 = perfectly relaxed, 2 = satisfactorily relaxed, 3 = firm brain, 4 = bulging brain). Hemodynamic variables and laboratory values (blood gases, osmolarity, haematocrit, and lactate) were collected before HS infusion and 30, 120 and 360 min after it. Presence of midline shift, postoperative complications, PCU and hospital stay, and mortality after 30 days were also recorded.Results: There was no difference in brain relaxation, with 2.0 (1.0–3.0) and 2.0 (1.0–2.3) (P = 0.535) for patients in groups L and H, respectively. If adjusted for the presence of midline shift, 50% of patients had adequate brain relaxation scores (grades 1 and 2) in group L and 61% in group H (OR 0.64, CI = 0.16-2.49, P = 0.515). No significant differences in perioperative outcome, mortality and length of PCU and hospital stay were observed.Conclusion: 3 mL/kg of 3% HS result in similar brain relaxation scores as 5 mL/kg in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumour. This study reveals that both high and low doses of 3% HS may be less effective on intraoperative brain relaxation in patients with midline shift.