Microsurgical Group Research Articles

Endocrinological outcomes following endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery in 113 patients with acromegaly

BackgroundTo describe outcomes and complications in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly using the 2010 consensus criteria for biochemical remission. MethodsRetrospective review of 113 treatment naïve patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery with the endoscopic (n=66) and the endonasal microscopic technique (n=47). Cure was defined if the age and sex-adjusted IGF-1 level was normal and either the basal GH was <1ng/ml or the nadir GH was <0.4ng/ml following oral glucose suppression at last follow-up. ResultsThe mean age at presentation was 38.1±7.1 years and 86% of tumors were macroadenomas. Adenoma sizes averaged 21.1±9.7mm, but 56% of all tumors were ≥2cm in size and 43.4% were invasive. Remission rates between endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery did not differ significantly overall (28.8% versus 36.2%). On univariate analysis, a preoperative GH level <40ng/ml, adenoma size <20mm and non-invasiveness were predictors of remission at follow-up. Although there were no statistically significant differences in remission rates between the endoscopic and microsurgical groups, surgically induced hypopituitarism was less frequent with the former. ConclusionsWe report our surgical experience with predominantly large, invasive GH adenomas using the 2010 criteria for cure. Patients with smaller, non-invasive tumors with lower preoperative GH levels are most likely to achieve remission. Outcomes with either the microscopic or endoscopic approach do not differ significantly, although the rate of surgically induced hypopituitarism may be higher with the former. Transsphenoidal surgery remains the first line of treatment for patients with acromegaly, but invasive adenomas will frequently require adjuvant therapy.

O5.06 * CYSTIC CRANIOPHARYNGIOMAS: MICROSURGICAL OR STEREOTACTIC TREATMENT?

OBJECTIVE: The value of microsurgical and stereotactic treatment particularly in cystic craniopharyngiomas is poorly defined. We present outcome data in terms of functional results and progression free survival (PFS) after individualized treatment strategies: Solid tumors were considered eligible for open tumor resection, whereas predominantly cystic lesions were treated by stereotactic catheter placement for internal drainage. The target point for catheter implantation was the prepontine cisterne thereby enabling drainage in both directions the ventricular space (upstream) and the prepontine cisterne (downstream). METHODS: Patients with craniopharyngioma treated between 2001 and 2010 either by open tumor resection or stereotactic drainage were analyzed retrospectively. Reference point of the study was the date of surgical treatment. PFS was estimated with the Kaplan Meier method; prognostic factors were obtained from multivariate regression models including all relevant patient-, radiological-, and functional-related data. Adjuvant radiation therapy was used as second line treatment in case of unresectable recurrences. RESULTS: 68 consecutively treated patients (median age: 53 years) were included. Patients of the microsurgical (N = 44) and stereotactic group (N = 24) did not differ in terms of age, gender, tumor size, functional deficits, and duration of symptoms. Complete tumor resection and complete cyst drainage was obtained in 23/44 and 21/24 patients, respectively. Median PFS after surgical and stereotactic treatment was 51 months and 46 months, respectively (p = 0.1). Endocrinological outcome was significantly better after stereotactic treatment (p = 0.004). The overall transient complication rate was 4.4 % being lower in the stereotactic group (8.1 % vs. 0 %, p < 0.05). However, one patient of the stereotactic group experienced a haemorrhage leading to permanent morbidity (overall permanent morbidity rate: 1.5 %). CONCLUSIONS: For cystic craniopharyngiomas, stereotactic treatment (internal shunt) is safe and effective with very good preservation of the endocrinological function. This hypothesis requires further investigation in the framework of a prospective randomized study.

Hydrocephalus onset after microsurgical or endovascular treatment for acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Retrospective italian multicenter study.

Chronic shunt-dependent hydrocephalus is a complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Its incidence and risk factors have been described while the hydrocephalus onset in terms of days after treatment (microsurgical or endovascular) has not been yet analyzed. 45 patients, treated for aSAH in 4 Italian Neurosurgical Departments, were retrospectively analyzed. It was calculated the time that elapses between treatment and hydrocephalus onset in 36 patients. Of the 45 shunted patients, 15 (33.3%) were included in the microsurgical group (group A) and 30 (66.6%) were in the endovascular one (group B). There was no difference of the hydrocephalus onset between the two groups (24,1 days, group A vs. 27,7 days, group B). The presence of intracerebral hematoma (ICH) caused a delay in the hydrocephalus onset after endovascular treatment in terms of 11,5 days compared to microsurgical group as well the absence of vasospasm determined a delay of 13,7 days (not statistically significant). No difference in terms of hydrocephalus onset after microsurgical or endovascular treatment has been demonstrated. Only the presence of ICH or the absence of vasospasm can cause a slight delay in the time of hydrocephalus onset in the endovascular series (not statistically significant). Long-term follow-up studies involving higher numbers of subjects are needed to better demonstrate this issue.

Seizure control for intracranial arteriovenous malformations is directly related to treatment modality: a meta-analysis

ObjectSeizures are a common presenting sign of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The object of this meta-analysis was to determine if the modality selected to treat AVMs affects the rate of...

Comparison of macroscopic one-layer over number 1 nylon suture vasovasostomy with the standard two-layer microsurgical procedure

Objective: To compare the outcomes of macroscopic one-layer vasovasostomy (MOLVV) with those of two-layer microsurgical vasovasostomy (TLMVV). Methods: Standard TLMVV was performed in 112 men (Group 1), while MOLVV was performed in 94 patients. All of the MOLVVs were performed with number 1 nylon suture as a temporary stent. The outcome measures were as follows: patency rate, pregnancy rate, operation time, total procedure cost, and complications. Results: The mean operation duration was 114 ± 10 min for the TLMVV technique, and 74 ± 5 min for the MOLVV procedure (P = 0.024). In patients who underwent vasal patency at 6-month postoperative period, the median sperm density (106/mL) was 28.3 and 27.7 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.62). At the same time, the median total motile sperm count (× 106) was 39.4 and 32.6 in two-layer microsurgical and one-layer macroscopic groups, respectively (P = 0.47). Patency rates were 82.1% in Group 1 and 77.7% in Group 2, which were not significantly different (P = 0.21). The pregnancy rate was 28.4% for patients in Group 1 and 26.7% for patients in Group 2 (P = 0.38). Conclusions: There were no significant differences in terms of patency and pregnancy rates between MOLVV and TLMVV methods, but the MOLVV technique offers a decreased cost and operative time, and a simplified procedure.

Comparison of microsurgery and endovascular treatment on clinical outcome following poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage

Poor-grade (World Federation of Neurological Surgeons [WFNS] clinical grading scale grades IV and V) subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the correlation between the timing, modality of intervention (clipping or coiling) and the clinical outcome is not clear. This study aims to examine this correlation. Patients presenting with WFNS grades IV and V aneurysmal SAH between 1997 and 2008 to a single centre were studied. An aggressive policy of early intervention was followed, and the selection of endovascular versus microsurgical intervention was made according to angiographic rather than clinical features. Clinical outcomes were graded using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 6month follow-up. One hundred and forty-three poor-grade patients (23.9% of all 598 aneurysmal SAH patients) were studied. Treatment was microsurgical in 83 (58.0%) and endovascular in 60 (42%) patients. Twenty patients (14.0%) were lost to follow-up. Good outcome (mRS 0-2) at 6months was found in 45 microsurgical patients (63.3%) and 24 endovascular patients (46.1%). This trend towards better clinical outcomes in the microsurgical group was not statistically significant. With an aggressive early treatment policy more than half of the poor-grade SAH patients demonstrated a good clinical outcome. Microsurgery and endovascular treatment, when selected primarily according to angiographic features, were equally likely to achieve good outcome.

Impact of video-endoscopy on the results of retrosigmoid-transmeatal microsurgery of vestibular schwannoma: prospective study

Endoscopy-assisted microsurgery represents modern trend of treatment of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) pathologies including vestibular schwannoma (VS). Endoscopes are used in adjunct to microscope to achieve better functional results with less morbidity. Angled optics, magnification and illumination enable superior view in the operative field. Consecutive 89 patients with untreated unilateral sporadic vestibular schwannoma undergoing tumor resection via a retrosigmoid approach during 2008-2010 were prospectively analysed. Endoscopy-assisted microsurgical (EA-MS) removal was performed in 39 cases (Grade 1: 2, Grade 2: 5, Grade 3: 9, Grade 4: 22, Grade 5: 1) and microsurgical (MS) removal was performed in 50 cases (Grade 1: 1, Grade 2: 3, Grade 3: 9, Grade 4: 34, Grade 5: 3). Minimally invasive approach with craniotomy ≤ 2.5 cm was employed for small tumors (Grade 1 and 2) in the EA-MS group. Endoscopic technique was used for monitoring of neuro-vascular anatomy in CPA, during dissection of the meatal portion of tumors, assessment of radicality and for identification of potential pathways for CSF leak formation. All cases in MS group were deemed as radically removed. In the EA-MS group, residual tumor tissue in the fundus of internal auditory canal not observable with microscope was identified with endoscope in four cases. Such cases were radicalized. Tumor recurrence was not observed during the follow-up in EA-MS group. There is a suspicious intrameatal tumor recurrence on the repeated MRI scan in one patient in the MS group. Neither mortality nor infection was observed. The most common complication was pseudomeningocele (EA-MS 20 cases; MS 23). It was managed with aspiration with or without tissue-gluing in all cases without the need for any surgical revision. Adjunctive use of endoscope in the EA-MS group identified potential pathways for CSF leak formation, which was not observable with the microscope in five patients. Improved cochlear nerve (EA-MS: 22, MS: 14; p = 0.012), brainstem auditory evoked potentials (EA-MS: 3 of 8, MS: 0 of 4) and hearing (EA-MS: 14 of 36, MS: 4 of 45; p = 0.001) preservation were observed in EA-MS group. Despite the trend for better useful hearing (Gardner-Robertson class 1 and 2) preservation (EA-MS: 8 of 26, MS: 1 of 16) there were no significant differences in the postoperative hearing handicap inventory in both groups. There were no differences in the postoperative tinnitus in both groups. Better facial nerve preservation (EA-MS: 39, MS: 44; p = 0.027) and excellent-very good (House-Brackmann 1 or 2) facial nerve function (EA-MS: 31, MS: 29; p = 0.035) were observed in EA-MS group. Postoperative compensation of vestibular lesion, symptoms typical for VS, patients assessed by dizziness handicap inventory, facial disability index were comparable in both studied groups. Adjunctive use of endoscope during the VS surgery due to its magnification and illumination enable superior view in the operative field. It is valuable for assessment of radicality of resection in the region of internal auditory meatus. Improved information about critical structures and tumor itself helps the surgeon to preserve facial nerve and in selected cases also hearing. These techniques can help to decrease incidence of postoperative complications.

Three-year-old patient with giant MCA aneurysm treated by trapping–resection plus STA–MCA bypass. Case report

Intracranial aneurysm in the pediatric population is very rare; the prevalence has been reported from 0.5% to 4.6% [1–3]. This pathology is completely different from aneurysms in adults: gender predominance; location of aneurysm; incidence of spontaneous thrombosis; incidence of giant, dissecting, and fusiform aneurysm; and rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage, among others [4]. Different multidisciplinary approaches have been used, ranging from conservative follow-up to the most complex microsurgical and endovascular treatments. In the microsurgical group, there are different alternatives, direct clipping and reconstruction or trapping with bypass from extracranial–intracranial (EC–IC) or intracranial–intracranial (IC–IC) types. For the middle cerebral artery aneurysms, the revascularization is an excellent option, especially for the giant lesions in which the reconstruction is not an option. Even more, if we analyze this subject, the overall complication rate of EC–IC procedures is very low, and the 10-year patency rate is as high as 73% [5]. Different types of graft used in children have been reported for EC–IC bypasses with vein graft [5], with radial artery graft [2], and superficial temporal artery (STA) [2, 6]. In the pediatric group, the youngest patient previously reported with an EC–IC bypass with STA–middle cerebral artery (MCA) for a MCA aneurysm had 11 years [6]. We present our case report as the youngest patient ever treated with a combination of trapping with a successful STA–MCA bypass in a giant MCA aneurysm.

Carotid Artery Wire Injury Mouse Model with a Nonmicrosurgical Procedure

A mouse model of endothelial denudation in the common carotid artery is usually established with a flexible wire under a dissecting microscope. In this article, we introduce a modified procedure to establish a carotid arterial injury mouse model in which no dissecting microscope is used. In the nonmicrosurgical procedure, carotid clamps, which were used to block the blood flow of the common carotid artery and the internal carotid artery, were substituted with silk slipknots. Curved flexible wire, which was used to introduce carotid artery injury, was tailored so that it could be inserted into the external carotid artery easily. A tailored hook was used to place silk around the external carotid artery and the internal carotid artery. The data show that the nonmicrosurgical procedure could achieve an effect in endothelial denudation and neointima formation similar to that of the microsurgical procedure. The operating achievement ratio and survival rates at 1 day and 4 weeks are also similar between the two groups. The operating time was reduced significantly in the nonmicrosurgical group compared to the microsurgical group. The present study suggests that establishing a carotid arterial injury mouse model with a nonmicrosurgical procedure is simple, effective, and time-saving.

The Effect of Observation versus Microsurgical Excision on Quality of Life in Unilateral Vestibular Schwannoma: A Prospective Study

With the emergence of three effective management options for vestibular schwannoma and the drastic reduction in mortality rate, the last two decades have seen increasing attention being paid to health-related quality of life. The vast majority of quality of life studies have been retrospective. We prospectively assessed quality of life of vestibular schwannoma patients before and after conservative or microsurgical management. We performed a prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary referral center between October 2001 and October 2003. Patients were divided into two groups: conservative management and microsurgery. Quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) and Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). The questionnaires were administered at initial assessment, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months in both groups. Thirty-three patients completed the study, 18 in the conservative group and 15 in the microsurgical group. One month after microsurgery, SF-36 scores were significantly reduced within three of eight domains; however, 3 months after microsurgery, no significant difference existed in patients' scores on any of the SF-36 domains compared with preoperatively, and at 6 months there was a significant improvement in one domain compared with preoperatively. There was no significant difference in overall quality of life alteration (GBI total score) between microsurgery and conservative management. The improved quality of life of patients 6 months after microsurgery (relative to preoperatively, and in comparison with an age- and sex- matched population) is a new finding that has not been previously documented in the literature.

Résultats comparés de la chirurgie endoscopique et de la microchirurgie dans une série consécutive de macroadénomes hypophysaires non fonctionnels

Microsurgical removal of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) is often subtotal. Removing the blind spots as viewed through the microscope, endoscopic surgery may improve the quality of removal. Our purpose was to compare the results of the two techniques in a series of NFPA patients operated on by a single surgeon. Thirty-six patients with newly diagnosed NFPAs were operated on using a purely endoscopic procedure and 29 with a microsurgical technique. All patients were explored pre- and postoperatively (at 3 and 6 months and then every 12 months) by endocrine assays, ophthalmologic exam, and 3D MRI. The endocrine and ophthalmologic results as well as the quality of resection and the complications from the two techniques were compared. The follow-up duration and the mean tumor volume (higher in the microsurgical group) were the only differences observed between the two groups. Tumor height and the invasion of the cavernous sinus were not different. All patients with preoperative visual impairment in the endoscopic group improved, whereas in the microsurgical group 90.9% improved, 4.5% were stabilized, and 4.5% worsened ( p = ns). Regarding anterior pituitary functions, 42.8% of the patients improved in the endoscopic group, 45.7% remained stable, and 11.4% worsened compared to, respectively, 31, 44,8, and 24.1% in the microsurgical group ( p = ns). Gross total removal was achieved in 86.1% for the endoscopic group and in only 65.5% for the microsurgical group ( p = 0.075). Morbidity was similar in the two groups. This retrospective series showed that endoscopic surgery compared to microsurgery increases the quality of NFPA removal with similar morbidity.

Fully endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for functioning pituitary adenomas: A retrospective comparison with traditional transsphenoidal microsurgery in the same institution

Background The efficacy and the minimally invasive nature of the fully transnasal endoscopic procedure in the treatment of pituitary adenomas and other lesions of the sellar area have been widely reported in the literature. Many authors observed similar results in terms of the correction of hormonal hypersecretion in functioning pituitary adenomas using endoscopic endonasal surgery or the traditional microscopic technique. We report the endocrinologic outcome in 2 series of patients operated on at the same institution for functioning pituitary adenomas using these 2 different techniques. Methods This study includes 2 successive series of 60 consecutive patients presenting with a hormonally active pituitary adenoma operated on by the same surgeon. The surgical results obtained in the most recently operated group using a fully endoscopic endonasal technique were compared with those obtained previously using the traditional microsurgical transsphenoidal procedure. The classification of tumors into 4 grades according to Hardy was based on modern MRI and intraoperative findings. Results The overall remission rate of hypersecretion was 63% in the endoscopic group compared with 50% in the microsurgical group. The most obvious difference between the 2 groups was observed in noninvasive macroadenomas. In this specific grade of tumors, the remission rate of hypersecretion obtained using endoscopy was 78% compared with 43% using microsurgery. The endocrinologic results achieved for microadenomas were similar in the 2 groups. Postoperative CSF leaks occurred more frequently (6 cases) in the endoscopic group. Conclusions In our experience, fully endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for functioning pituitary adenomas leads to a better endocrinologic outcome for noninvasive macroadenomas compared to the traditional microsurgical technique. However, morbidity with the endoscopic technique was higher in terms of the rate of postoperative CSF leaks.

Varicocelectomy for Male Infertility: A Comparative Study of Open, Laparoscopic and Microsurgical Approaches

We compared the outcomes of 3 techniques of varicocelectomy in infertile patients with varicocele. The study included 298 infertile patients (446 varicoceles) who were randomized to varicocelectomy by an open inguinal technique in 92, laparoscopy in 94 and subinguinal microsurgery in 112. The 3 techniques were compared regarding intraoperative, and early and late postoperative parameters, changes in semen parameters and the pregnancy rate. Patients were followed a +/- mean +/- SD of 21 +/- 9 months (range 4 to 35). Operative time was significantly longer in the microscopic group. Early postoperative complications were comparable in the 3 groups. At followup none of the patients in the microsurgical group had hydrocele, while it was observed in 4 of 143 (2.8%) in the open group and in 8 of 148 (5.4%) in the laparoscopy group, representing a significance difference in favor of microsurgery. The incidence of recurrent varicocele was significantly lower in the microsurgical group than in the open and laparoscopy groups (4 of 155 patients or 2.6% vs 16 of 143 or 11% and 25 of 148 or 17%, respectively). Compared to preoperative values in the 3 groups postoperative semen parameters showed significant improvement in sperm concentration, motility and morphology. The incidence of patients with improved sperm count and motility was significantly higher in the microsurgical group. The pregnancy rate at 1 year was not significantly different among the 3 groups. Compared with open and laparoscopic varicocele treatment microsurgical varicocelectomy has the advantages of no hydrocele formation, a lower incidence of recurrent varicocele, and better improvement in sperm count and motility.

Improved Outcome in High-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage by Enhancement of Endogenous Clearance of Cisternal Blood Clots: A Prospective Study that Demonstrates the Role of Lamina Terminalis Fenestration Combined with Modern Microsurgical Cisternal Blood Evacuation

Cisternal and ventricular blood predisposes to hydrocephalus and cerebral ischemia after high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (HGSAH). We studied the role of lamina terminalis fenestration combined with cisternal blood evacuation in HGSAH. A clinical, prospective, non-randomized study of a series of HGSAH patients (Modified Fisher>or=3) treated in the acute phase was carried out. The microsurgical treatment included aneurysm clipping, cisternal blood evacuation, and fenestration of the lamina terminalis. A comparable, non-blood-cleansed, endovascular-treated group, was included as a control. Clinical results were evaluated by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). During a period of 30 months, 95 patients who met the selection criteria were treated by microsurgical procedures and 28 by endovascular procedures. The distribution of GOS scores was superior for the microsurgical group: good results (GOS 4-5) were obtained in 85.3%, with a mortality rate of 5.9%. By contrast, 60.3% of patients in the endovascular group achieved GOS 4-5 scores, and 15.8% died. Good results for the endovascular group correlated inversely with delay of treatment. A permanent ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was necessary in 3.2% and 7.1% of the microsurgical and endovascular groups, respectively. The incidence of cerebral infarct was 3.1% and 14.3% for the microsurgical and endovascular groups, respectively. Microsurgical management reduces the usually poor outcome of patients with HGSAH. Lamina terminalis fenestration diminishes the incidence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus and, combined with extensive cisternal blood cleansing, can lower the incidence of stroke. A procedure for cleansing blood and clots from the cisterns in HGSAH, based on the pathophysiology of vasospasm, is proposed.

Endoscopic Versus Microsurgical Resection of Third Ventricle Colloid Cysts

Endoscopic resection of colloid cysts has been performed as an alternative to microsurgical resection and stereotactic aspiration since 1982. To date, there are limited published studies comparing these procedures. In this study, we present the largest series of endoscopic resections published to date and compare outcomes to a cohort of microsurgical resections performed at the same institution. A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients in the Calgary Health Region undergoing resection of a colloid cyst between 1991 and 2004. Comparison was made between patients treated with endoscopic resection versus microsurgical resection. Twenty-five endoscopic and nine microsurgical procedures were performed. Complete resection was achieved in 24 of 25 procedures in the Endoscopic group, compared with all 9 procedures in the Microsurgical group. Patients in the Endoscopic group had a reduced operative time (mean 104 minutes versus 217 minutes) and reduced length of stay (3.8 days versus 8.4 days) compared to the Microsurgical group. One patient in the Endoscopic group had a complication (hemiparesis/pulmonary embolus). By contrast, 3 patients in the Microsurgical group had complications (seizure, ventriculitis/bone flap infection, and transient memory deficit). There was one recurrence in each group which both occurred at 5 years follow-up. The mean length of follow-up is 38 months in the Endoscopic group and 33 months in the Microsurgical group. Endoscopic resection of colloid cysts can be performed with significantly lower risk of complication than microsurgical resection and with equivalent surgical success. Operative time and length of hospital stay are both significantly reduced with endoscopic resection.

Treatment of Ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm: Outcome and cost analysis of the combined microsurgical and endovascular team approach

Introduction: The practice model of case‐by‐case evaluation by a combined microsurgical and endovascular team based on the individual characteristics of each ruptured intracranial aneurysms, is the model used in most neurovascular centres in the US and in our centre. We aim to audit the outcome and cost (in terms of intensive care unit stay and hospital stay) in the microsurgical treatment group and endovascular treatment group.Methods: The records of patients having ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm admitted to our unit between 1996 and 2002 were reviewed. A total of 54 patients were reviewed. Twenty‐seven patients had endovascular treatment and 27 patients had microsurgical treatment.Results: The profiles for age, sex and admitting WFNS grading and Fisher grading were similar between the endovascular treatment and microsurgical treatment groups. Two patients in the endovascular group and one patient in the microsurgical group need further treatment for recurrent aneurysm. The mean intensive care unit stay is 7 days for the microsurgical group and 5 days for the endovascular group (P=0.40). The mean hospital ward stay is 20 days for the microsurgical group and 27 days for endovascular group (P=0.31). Favourable outcome was achieved in 70% of patients in 1 year in both groups of patients.Conclusion: The outcome in both microsurgical and endovascular groups is satisfactory. There is no difference in terms of outcome and cost analysis between the two groups. The practice model of case‐by‐case evaluation by a combined microsurgical and endovascular team based on the individual characteristics of each ruptured intracranial aneurysm should be continued.

Anévrismes rompus de l’artère communicante antérieure: Choix thérapeutique à propos d’une série consécutive de 119 cas

The respective roles of endovascular and surgical treatment must be clearly defined in the management of ruptured anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysm. The aim of our study was to report our results, using the aneurysm direction as the main morphological argument to choose between microsurgery and endovascular embolization. Morbidity and mortality, causes of unfavorable outcome and morphological results were also assessed. Our prospective study included 119 patients: 89 treated by microsurgery and 30 undergoing embolization with Guglielmi Detachable Coils (GDC). When the aneurysm had an anterior direction (fundus of the aneurysm in front of the pericallosal arteries), we attempted microsurgery. If the fundus of the aneurysm was behind the pericallosal arteries, we selected the most adapted procedure after discussion with the neurovascular team, taking into account the physiological status, treatment risk and neck size. Preoperative status of the patients was assessed according to the Hunt and Hess (HH) classification. Cerebral CT-scan and angiograms were routinely performed after treatment to determine causes of unfavorable outcome (GOS>1) and the morphological results. Overall clinical outcome was excellent (GOS1) for 63.0% of patients, good (GOS2) for 10.1%, fair (GOS3) for 13.4%, poor (GOS4) for 2.5%. The mortality rate was 10.9%. Among the 82 patients in good preoperative grade (HH<or=III), the outcome was excellent in 67 (81.7%); the permanent morbidity (GOS 2-4) and mortality (GOS 5) rate was 18.3%. Among the 37 patients in poor preoperative grade (HH>III), 8 (21.6%) achieved an excellent outcome. However permanent morbidity or death occurred in 15 patients (78.4%). Permanent disability and death were related to initial subarachnoid hemorrhage and were observed 21.3% of patients in the microsurgical group and 30.0% in the endovascular group [Fisher's Exact Test; p=0.33]. Procedure-related permanent disability and death rates were 9.0% for the microsurgical group and 23.3% for the endovascular group (p=0.06) respectively. In the microsurgical group, the only morphologic characteristic which significantly correlated with the occurrence of vessel occlusion was the fundus direction (p=0.03). The difference between endovascular and microsurgical procedures in the achievement of complete occlusion was considered significant (p=0.04). In our experience, the direction of the aneurysm was the main morphological criterion in choosing between microsurgery or endovascular procedure for the treatment of AcoA aneurysm. We propose that microsurgical clipping should be preferred for AcoA aneurysms with anterior direction, and depending on morphological criteria, endovascular packing for those with posterior direction.

Treatment of acoustic neuroma: stereotactic radiosurgery vs. microsurgery

Purpose: Two major treatment options are available for patients with acoustic neuroma, microsurgery and radiosurgery. Our objective was to compare these two treatment modalities with respect to tumor growth control, hearing preservation, development of cranial neuropathies, complications, functional outcome, and patient satisfaction.Methods and Materials: To compare radiosurgery with microsurgery, we analyzed 96 patients with unilateral acoustic neuromas treated with Leksell Gamma Knife or microsurgery at Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, Texas, between 1993 and 2000. Radiosurgery technique involved multiple isocenter (1–30 single fraction fixed-frame magnetic resonance imaging) image-based treatment with a mean dose prescription of 14.5 Gy. Microsurgery included translabyrinthine, suboccipital, and middle fossa approaches with intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring. Preoperative patient characteristics were similar except for tumor size and age. Patients undergoing microsurgery were younger with larger tumors compared to the radiosurgical group. The tumors were divided into small <2.0 cm, medium 2.0–3.9 cm, or large >4.0 cm. Median follow-up of the radiosurgical group was longer than the microsurgical group, 48 months (3–84 months) vs. 24 months (3–72 months).Results: There was no statistical significance in tumor growth control between the two groups, 100% in the microsurgery group vs. 91% in the radiosurgery group (p > 0.05). Radiosurgery was more effective than microsurgery in measurable hearing preservation, 57.5% vs. 14.4% (p = 0.01). There was no difference in serviceable hearing preservation between the two groups. Microsurgery was associated with a greater rate of facial and trigeminal neuropathy in the immediate postoperative period and at long-term follow-up. The rate of development of facial neuropathy was significantly higher in the microsurgical group than in the radiosurgical group (35% vs. 0%, p < 0.01 in the immediate postsurgical period and 35.3% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.008, at long-term follow-up). Similarly, the rate of trigeminal neuropathy was significantly higher in the microsurgical group than in the radiosurgical group (17% vs. 0% in the immediate postoperative period, p < 001, and 22% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.009, at long-term follow-up). There was no significant difference in exacerbation of preoperative tinnitus, imbalance, dysarthria, dysphagia, and headache. Patients treated with microsurgery had a longer hospital stay (2–16 days vs. 1–2 days, p < 0.01) and more perioperative complications (47.8% vs. 4.6%, p < 0.01) than did patients treated with radiosurgery. There was no correlation between the microsurgical approach used and postoperative symptoms. There was no difference in the postoperative functioning level, employment, and overall patient satisfaction. There was no correlation between the radiation dose, tumor size, number of isocenters used, and postoperative symptoms in the radiosurgical group.Conclusion: Radiosurgical treatment for acoustic neuroma is an alternative to microsurgery. It is associated with a lower rate of immediate and long-term development of facial and trigeminal neuropathy, postoperative complications, and hospital stay. Radiosurgery yields better measurable hearing preservation than microsurgery and equivalent serviceable hearing preservation rate and tumor growth control.

Outcome Analysis of Acoustic Neuroma Management: A Comparison of Microsurgery and Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Currently, microsurgical resection of acoustic neuromas by an experienced, multidisciplinary team is thought to be the treatment of choice. During the past 20 years stereotactic radiosurgery has been used as an alternative to surgical removal. To compare the results of both microsurgery and stereotactic radiosurgery, we conducted a study of 87 patients with unilateral, previously unoperated acoustic neuromas with an average diameter less than 3 cm treated by the neurosurgical service during 1990 and 1991. Preoperative patient characteristics and average tumor size were similar between the treatment groups. State of the art microsurgical or radiosurgical techniques were used by experienced surgeons in both treatment groups. The treatment groups were compared based on cranial nerve preservation, tumor control, postoperative complications, patient symptomatology, length of hospital stay, total management charges, effect on employment status, and overall patient satisfaction. Stereotactic radiosurgery was more effective in preserving normal postoperative facial function (P < 0.05), and hearing preservation (P < 0.03) with less treatment associated morbidity (P < 0.01). Effect on preoperative symptoms were similar between the treatment groups. Postoperative functional outcomes and patients' satisfaction of their tumor management were greater after stereotactic radiosurgery when compared to the microsurgical group, although they did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07 and P = 0.10, respectively). Patients returned to independent functioning sooner after stereotactic radiosurgery (P < 0.001). Hospital length of stay and total management charges were less in the radiosurgical group (P < 0.001). When compared to microsurgical removal, stereotactic radiosurgery proved to be an effective and less costly management strategy of unilateral acoustic neuromas less than 3 cm in diameter. For many acoustic neuroma patients, stereotactic radiosurgery should be offered as an alternative management strategy.

Primary common bile duct anastomosis in the rat using microsurgical techniques.

In a rat model, we attempted to describe the natural healing course of the common bile duct (CBD) after primary microsurgical repair. Fifty-three rats were divided into experimental groups with CBD microsurgical anastomoses and control groups with CBD mobilization and ligation. Examination of three experimental groups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months showed evolving inflammation and stricture changes with eventual patent, healed ducts in 92% of animals at the end of 3 months following transection and repair. There were no histologic abnormalities in the livers. There were fibrotic ducts and hepatic stasis and cirrhosis changes in the control group with CBD ligation. This study demonstrates that microsurgical techniques can achieve successful primary biliary repair in the rat.