Dural Closure Technique Research Articles

Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guideline on Surgical Techniques and Technologies for the Management of Patients With Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas.

Numerous technological adjuncts are used during transsphenoidal surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs), including endoscopy, neuronavigation, intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion, and dural closure techniques. To generate evidence-based guidelines for the use of NFPA surgical techniques and technologies. An extensive literature search spanning January 1, 1966, to October 1, 2014, was performed, and only articles pertaining to technological adjuncts for NFPA resection were included. The clinical assessment evidence-based classification was used to ascertain the class of evidence. Fifty-six studies met the inclusion criteria, and evidence-based guidelines were formulated on the use of endoscopy, neuronavigation, intraoperative MRI, CSF diversion, and dural closure techniques. Both endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal approaches are recommended for symptom relief in patients with NFPAs, with the extent of tumor resection improved by adequate bony exposure and endoscopic visualization. In select cases, combined transcranial and transsphenoidal approaches are recommended. Although intraoperative MRI can improve gross total resection, its use is associated with an increased false-positive rate and is thus not recommended. There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of neuronavigation, CSF diversion, intrathecal injection, or specific dural closure techniques. The full guidelines document for this chapter can be located at https://www.cns.org/guidelines/guidelines-management-patients-non-functioning-pituitary-adenomas/Chapter_6. CSF, cerebrospinal fluidNFPA, nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma.

Management of Incidental Dural Tear During Lumbar Spine Surgery. To Suture or Not to Suture?

Incidental durotomy (ID) during lumbar spine surgery is a frequent complication of growing clinical relevance as the number and complexity of spinal procedures increases. Yet, there is still a lack of guidelines for the treatment of ID with a large heterogeneity of established surgical techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of dural suturing in patients having ID during degenerative lumbar spine surgery, compared with other dural closure techniques. Of 1173 consecutive patients undergoing degenerative lumbar spine surgery from July 2013 to March 2015, in 64 (5.4%) patients 69 (5.8%) IDs occurred. The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the dural closure technique used: group A, sole dural suture (n = 12, 19%); group B, patch only (TachoSil and/or muscle and/or fat) (n = 22, 32%); group C, dural suture in combination with a patch (n = 34, 49%). The primary end point was revision surgery caused by complications of cerebrospinal fluid leakage after 6 weeks. The secondary end points were operation time and hospitalization time, as well as surgical morbidity. The 3 groups showed no significant difference in rates of revision surgery (group A: n = 1, 1.4%; group B: n = 4, 5.8%; group C: n = 3; 4.3%; P = 0.5). Furthermore, no significant difference for hospitalization time, operation time, and clinical outcome was found. Extent of ID, American Society of Anesthesiology score, postoperative immobilization, and insertion of a drainage tube were not associated with higher rates of revision surgery. Applying suction once a drainage tube was placed was found to be a significant risk factor for revision surgery (P = 0.003). Furthermore, patients undergoing revision surgery had a significantly higher body mass index (33 kg/m(2) vs. 26.37 kg/m(2); P = 0.006; odds ratio 1.252; P = 0.004). Based on our results, the dural closure technique after ID does not seem to influence revision surgery rates due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and its complications. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm our results.

Novel technique for cranial reconstruction following retrosigmoid craniectomy using demineralized bone matrix

ObjectiveA versatile neurosurgical approach, the retrosigmoid craniectomy (RS) has traditionally been associated with high rates of post-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, headaches, and aesthetic defects. We introduce a simple surgical strategy for bony cranial reconstruction designed to minimize peri-operative complications and improve cosmetic outcomes. MethodsIn accordance with the Institutional Review Board, the senior author's (G.M.M.) records were queried between 2006 and 2014. We identified 50 consecutive patients who underwent demineralized bone matrix (DBM)-augmented cranioplasty after RS for MVD (DBM group) and 92 consecutive patients in whom standard cranial reconstruction was undertaken using autologous bone chips only after RS for MVD (non-DBM group). Demographic and clinical information regarding the laterality of each operation, intra-dural drilling for petrous hyperostosis, method of dural closure, length of hospitalization, presence of post-operative headaches, and procedure-related complications were collected and analyzed. ResultsThe DBM and non-DBM cohorts were well matched for age, laterality of procedure, surgical indications, primary versus revision surgery, intra-dural drilling of petrous hyperostosis, and dural closure techniques. Trigeminal neuralgia was the most common surgical indication (98.6%) in each cohort. Post-operatively, 15% of patients in non-DBM group experienced chronic headaches at the last follow-up compared to only 8% of the patients in the DBM group (p=0.21). The non-DBM patients also suffered more incisional pain in comparison to the DBM patients (7.6% vs. 0%, p=0.045). ConclusionDBM-augmented reconstruction of posterior fossa defects resulted in low rates of post-operative headaches, better cosmetic outcomes, and represents a simple and effective cranioplasty option for skull base surgeons.

Risk factors for postoperative CSF leakage after elective craniotomy and the efficacy of fleece-bound tissue sealing against dural suturing alone: a randomized controlled trial.

Cerebrospinal fluid leakage is an immanent risk of cranial surgery with dural opening. Recognizing the risk factors for this complication and improving the technique of dural closure may reduce the associated morbidity and its surgical burden. The aim of this paper was to investigate whether the addition of TachoSil on top of the dural suture reduces postoperative CSF leakage compared with dural suturing alone and to assess the frequency and risk factors for dural leakage and potentially related complications after elective craniotomy. The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blinded single-center trial in patients undergoing elective craniotomy with dural opening. They compared their standard dural closure by running suture alone (with the use of a dural patch if needed) to the same closure with the addition of TachoSil on top of the suture. The primary end point was the incidence of CSF leakage, defined as CSF collection or any open CSF fistula within 30 days. Secondary end points were the incidence of infection, surgical revision, and length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) or intermediate care (IMC) unit. The site of craniotomy, a history of diabetes mellitus, a diagnosis of meningioma, the intraoperative need of a suturable dural substitute, and blood parameters were assessed as potential risk factors for CSF leakage. The authors enrolled 241 patients, of whom 229 were included in the analysis. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage, mostly self-limiting subgaleal collections, occurred in 13.5% of patients. Invasive treatment was performed in 8 patients (3.5%) (subgaleal puncture in 6, lumbar drainage in 1, and surgical revision in 1 patient). Diabetes mellitus, a higher preoperative level of C-reactive protein (CRP), and the intraoperative need for a dural patch were positively associated with the occurrence of the primary end point (p = 0.014, 0.01, and 0.049, respectively). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage (9.7% vs 17.2%, OR 0.53 [95% CI 0.23-1.15], p = 0.108) and infection (OR 0.18 [95% CI 0.01-1.18], p = 0.077) occurred less frequently in the study group than in the control group. TachoSil significantly reduced the probability of staying in the IMC unit for 1 day or longer (OR 0.53 [95% CI 0.27-0.99], p = 0.048). Postoperative epidural hematoma and empyema occurred in the control group but not in the study group. Dural leakage after elective craniotomy/durotomy occurs more frequently in association with diabetes mellitus, elevated preoperative CRP levels, and the intraoperative need of a dural patch. This randomized controlled trial showed no statistically significant reduction of postoperative CSF leakage and surgical site infections upon addition of TachoSil on the dural suture, but there was a significant reduction in the length of stay in the IMC unit. Dural augmentation with TachoSil was safe and not related to adverse events. Clinical trial registration no. NCT00999999 ( http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov ).

Minimally invasive treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula with the use of intraoperative indocyanine green angiography

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) is the most common vascular malformation of the spinal cord. Traditionally it is treated by the standard muscle-splitting midline approach with bilateral laminectomies extending from one level above to one level below the dAVF. We present a minimally invasive approach for ligation of dAVF with concurrent use of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. Minimally invasive watertight dural closure technique is also demonstrated and discussed. The minimally invasive approach with intraoperative ICG results in quicker recovery, early mobilization and shorter hospital stay compared to traditional open approach. The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/mNUeJKLxL3Q.

The need in dural graft suturing in Chiari I malformation decompression: A prospective, single-blind, randomized trial comparing sutured and sutureless duraplasty materials

Background:This study compared the use of two commonly utilized dural closure techniques used in augmentation duraplasty for Chiari malformation I (CM I) and evaluated their efficacy and outcome in terms of quality of life assessments.Methods:This prospective randomized study compared sutureless (DuraGen) and suturable (Dura-Guard) techniques in CM I decompression. Clinical parameters, cost analysis, and SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) were utilized to assess outcome.Results:Thirty-four patients were enrolled. Average age was 38.7 ± 12.2 years (mean ± SD (Standard Deviation)) and 82% of patients were female. Sixteen patients received DuraGen and 18 Dura-Guard. Age and gender were similar among groups. Postoperative complications did not differ between groups. Operative cost and time were less for DuraGen, whereas hospital stay was less with Dura-Guard, neither was statistically significant. Average QLQ scores at months 1, 2, and 3 improved in both groups. Dura-Guard patients showed greater improvement in quality of life at month 2 (P < 0.05) but groups did not differ at final survey. All patient's physical health (P < 0.005) and function (P < 0.005) were significantly improved. Outcome did not differ between groups and all patients showed significant improvement (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Both techniques are effective in reaching the goals of decompressive surgery for CM I and did not differ in quality of life at final survey. All patients showed significant improvement in physical function, physical health, and outcome following surgery. With all variables being equal the choice of duraplasty material may be based upon surgeon's preference.

Primary Dural Repair in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

We describe an effective surgical technique in primary repair of the spinal dura during minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). Objective. Minimally invasive spine surgery includes the treatment of intradural lesions, and proper closure of the dura is necessary. However, primary dural closure can be difficult due to the restricted space of MIS retractors and the availability of appropriate surgical instrumentation. Methods. We describe the use of a needle already used in the pediatric neurosurgical arena that can facilitate easier and safer closure of spinal dura through MISS retractors in two illustrative intradural cases. Results and Discussion. The primary dural closure technique is described and patient demographics are included. The instruments specifically used for the intradural closure through MIS retractor systems include (1) 4-0 Surgilon braided nylon (Covidien, Dublin, Ireland) with a CV-20 taper 1/2 circle, 10 mm diameter needle; (2) Scanlan (Saint Paul, MN, USA) dura closure set. Conclusion. Successful primary dural repair can be performed on primary and incidental durotomies during minimally invasive spinal surgery. We describe the novel use of a 10 mm diameter needle to help surgeons safely and efficiently close the dura with more ease than previously described.

Management of cerebrospinal fluid leak during endoscopic pituitary surgery

Dural opening and closures are major steps in endoscopic pituitary surgery. Restoring the normal anatomy at the end of the procedure creates a natural barrier between the intrasellar compartment and the sinonasal cavity. In this study, we present a relatively simple dural opening and closure technique for endoscopic pituitary surgery. This technique provides a better alternative to the use of a more complex nasoseptal flap or the multilevel closure with artificial materials as it restores the normal anatomy after the tumor removal and provides a better physiological barrier between the sinonasal cavity and the intrasellar compartment. Incision is performed in circular or horseshoe fashion leaving a small peduncle, and then the dura is reflected. Of the 733 endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures in 667 patients conducted between January 2006 and May 2012, we used this described technique in 50 cases (7.4%). In these 50 cases with dural flap, there was no postoperative CSF leakage. Intraoperative CSF leakage was observed in 135 (20.2%) of the 667 patients. In 15 (11.1%) of these 135 patients we used the dural flap technique accompanied with fat and/or fascia lata support. There was no postoperative leakage in these patients. In the remaining 120 (89.9%) patients who had intraoperative CSF leakage, we used fat and/or fascia lata for the reconstruction of the sella floor. But we observed postoperative CSF leakage in 12 (10%) of the 120 patients without the dural flap which were reoperated. The dural flap technique we employ has several advantages. First of all, it allows optimal physiological reconstruction after the surgery. Secondly, the bridge between the flap and the main dura helps maintain the vascular supply, which in turn can radically shorten the healing time. Thirdly, this technique is obviously a better alternative to the time consuming and expensive multilevel closures with tissue sealants and artificial grafts.

Crescent posterior fossa durotomy for occipito-marginal venous sinus preservation: A pilot study

The standard approach of midline suboccipital craniectomy entails sacrifice of the Occipito-marginal sinus. We have attempted to preserve this venous channel by using a durotomy technique which preserves this system. In a pilot study initiative, two groups of patients using this technique versus the standard approach, were compared in terms of per and post operative benefits, morbidity and complications. The literature with reference to the anatomy and venous flow dynamics of the occipital and marginal sinuses and their significance has been reviewed. Similarly, literature regarding dural closure technique with reference to postoperative complications has also been reviewed. In this novel approach, the dura is opened as a crescent to avoid damage to the occipital sinus. This technique was compared with the standard midline dural opening technique by random usage of both techniques in 24 patients. The 'crescent' approach has been found to reduce the need for duroplasty, with comfortable primary closure and to reduce the risk of postoperative pseudomeningocele. This is a novel dural opening technique which attempts to preserve the normal venous flow physiology. In essence it helps in increased primary dural closures and reduction of Pseudomeningiocele/CSF leak as well as blood loss and venous hypertension.

Microplate-Bridge Technique for Watertight Dural Closures in the Combined Petrosal Approach

Although the combined petrosal approach has significant advantages for medium to large petroclival lesions, it carries the risk of a few major complications. The cerebrospinal fluid leak rate with this approach has been reported to be as high as 15%. To describe an innovative technique of watertight dural closure with a long microplate-bridge technique for the combined petrosal approach. We describe our method of watertight dural closures with the microplate-bridge technique for combined petrosal approaches using cadaveric heads and clinical cases. We review our postoperative outcomes in respect to cerebrospinal fluid leaks. The technique involves a fascial graft to the presigmoid-subtemporal defect, fixated with a long microtitanium plate over the cranial base side. The fascial graft is augmented by covering it with an abdominal fat graft and a vascularized pericranial flap. This technique was performed in 23 patients after surgical resection of petroclival meningiomas with only 1 postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (4.4%). We recommend this safe and simple closure technique during skull base surgery.

Importance of the vasculature in cyst formation after spinal cord injury

Glial scar and cystic formation greatly contribute to the inhibition of axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). Attempts to promote axonal regeneration are extremely challenging in this type of hostile environment. The objective of this study was to examine the surgical methods that may be used to assess the factors that influence the level of scar and cystic formation in SCI. In the first part of this study, a complete transection was performed at vertebral level T9-10 in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. The dura mater was either left open (control group) or was closed using sutures or hyaluronic acid. In the second part of the study, complete or subpial transection was performed, with the same dural closure technique applied to both groups. Histological analysis of longitudinal sections of the spinal cord was performed, and the percentage of scar and cyst formation was determined. Dural closure using sutures resulted in significantly less glial scar formation (p = 0.0248), while incorporation of the subpial transection surgical technique was then shown to significantly decrease cyst formation (p < 0.0001). In this study, the authors demonstrated the importance of the vasculature in cyst formation after spinal cord trauma and confirmed the importance of dural closure in reducing glial scar formation.

硬膜形成部をポリグリコール酸不繊布フェルト (PGAフェルト) とフィブリン糊でコーティングした3手術例

硬膜形成部をポリグリコール酸不繊布フェルト (PGAフェルト) とフィブリン糊でコーティングした3手術例

Nonsuture dural repair using a patch and fibrin glue after posterior fossa decompression in Chiari I malformation

Objective We describe a new technique of nonsuture dural closure using fibrin glue with graft placed subdurally applied for Chiari I patients treated via extra-arachnoidal posterior fossa decompression procedure (arachnoid preserved intact).

Comparative dural closure techniques: a safety study in rats

Background Some neurosurgical procedures have high morbidity and mortality rates due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula development, particularly when dural defects are in relatively inaccessible areas or surrounded by friable dura. We used a rat model to test 4 different dural closure techniques to determine which one was significantly superior for achieving a watertight dural closure with minimal harm to brain tissue. Methods The rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. The first group (group A, n = 40) was used to test the strength of the adhesivity for CSF leakage. Histopathologic studies were used to evaluate the granulation tissue between the dura and dural graft. Effects on the brain tissue were studied in the second group (group B, n = 40) where lipid peroxidation was determined. These 2 groups consisted of 5 subgroups: control, methyl metacrylate, n-butyl cyanoacrylate, fibrin glue, and CO 2 laser. Results Methyl metacrylate and CO 2 laser techniques were inadequate for stopping dural leakage and had harmful effects on brain tissue. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was observed only in 1 rat in the n-butyl cyanoacrylate subgroup and this result was statistically significant ( P = .0005), but lipid peroxidation levels for this material showed that it was not safe for dural closure in case it leaked through the dural defect. The lipid peroxidation levels of the fibrin glue subgroup were not statistically significantly different from the control group ( P = .440). Conclusions Fibrin glue was the safest material with a CSF leakage risk that was higher than n-butyl cyanoacrylate (25% vs 12.5%) but acceptable. This study showed no relationship between the CSF leak and histopathologic findings for sealant properties of the tissue adhesives.

Novel Dural Closure Technique Using Polyglactin Acid Sheet Prevents Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage after Spinal Surgery

Extradural or subcutaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a common complication after spinal surgery and is associated with the risks of poor wound healing, meningitis, and pseudomeningocele. Numerous methods to prevent postoperative CSF leakage are available, but pressure-tight dural closure remains difficult, especially with synthetic surgical membranes. The efficacy of a novel dural closure technique was assessed by detecting extradural or subcutaneous CSF leakage on magnetic resonance imaging. The novel dural closure technique using absorbable polyglactin acid sheet and fibrin glue and the conventional procedure using only fibrin glue were evaluated retrospectively by identifying extradural or subcutaneous CSF leakage on magnetic resonance imaging scans in the acute (2-7 d) and chronic (3-6 mo) postoperative stages after spinal intradural surgery in 53 patients. The incidence of extradural and subcutaneous CSF leakage was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the acute (20%) and chronic (0%) stages using polyglactin acid sheet and fibrin glue in 15 patients compared with that in the acute (81%) and chronic (24%) stages using only fibrin glue in 38 patients. One patient in the fibrin glue-only group required repair surgery for cutaneous CSF leakage. The combination of polyglactin acid sheet and fibrin glue can achieve water-tight closure after spinal intradural surgery and can minimize the risk of intractable postoperative CSF leakage. This simple, economical technique is recommended for dural closure after spinal intradural surgery.

Cervical Spine Research Society Research Award: Evaluation of Dural Closure Techniques

A study was undertaken to investigate the relative strengths of dural repair using standard suture techniques, suture supplemented with tissue adhesive, and tissue adhesive alone. The efficacy of two tissues adhesives, fibrin adhesive sealant and cyanoacrylate polymer, as adjunctive or the sole means of effecting dural closure, was studied. In vitro analysis of repair techniques was accomplished using fresh human cadaveric dura. Uniform 4 mm defects were created, repaired using various techniques, and then subjected to pressurization testing. Defects repaired with suture alone leaked at pressurization levels within the physiologic range, while those supplemented with tissue adhesives failed at higher pressurization levels. In vitro testing, accomplished in white New Zealand rabbits, supported this conclusion. Histologic sections obtained from dura treated with fibrin adhesive sealant demonstrated minimal inflammatory response, while those sections obtained at the site of dural repair augmented with cyanoacrylate polymer featured significant inflammatory responses, including dural thinning, gliosis, and cortical necrosis. Results indicate that a new substance, fibrin adhesive sealant, appears to have application as an adjunctive means of effecting dural closure.

Comparative transoral dural closure techniques

Comparative transoral dural closure techniques

Comparative Transoral Dural Closure Techniques: A Canine Model

A watertight dural closure is difficult to achieve after transoral-transclival operation for ventral intradural lesions at the craniocervical junction. These procedures have a high morbidity and mortality from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula, meningitis, and abscess. We used a canine model to test three different techniques of dural closure after transoral intradural operation: primary suture closure, laser patch weld, and fibrin glue patch closures. The primary suture closure technique was inadequate. All eight leaked CSF at the time of operation, and five had radiographic leaks and were incompetent at autopsy. All seven of the laser closures leaked CSF at operation, yet only one was incompetent at autopsy. The fibrin glue technique was superior and provided a solid seal at operation, even with repeated Valsalva maneuvers to 40 mm Hg. The immediate and persistent seal at operation is clinically significant because it may prevent CSF leak, meningitis, and abscess formation in human patients after transoral surgery. Fibrin glue is excellent for repairing complex dural defects and merits evaluation in clinical trials.