Microsurgical Management Research Articles

Effect of surgical resection extent on neurological prognosis of adult intradural spinal teratomas.

Intradural spinal teratomas are very rare in adults and may cause severe neurological deficits. Tumors often tightly attached to the spinal cord, making complete resection difficult. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical resection extent on neurologic outcomes in these patients. A retrospective study of IST patients who underwent microsurgery in our center was performed. Age, sex, symptoms, duration of symptoms, tumors size, neurologic status, extent of resection, and surgical outcome were reviewed for each patient. The Kruskal-Wallis test and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess affecting factors on neurological outcomes. A total of 26 adult patients underwent microsurgical management were studied. The mean age at surgery was 41.3 years (range 23-66 years). The mean follow-up was 109.5 months (range 17-216 months). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 12 (46.2%) cases and subtotal resection (STR) in 14 (53.8%) cases. 6 patients (23.1%) had recurrence, and the mean time to recurrence (TTR) was 86.0 months (range 3-168 months) after the first surgery. No recurrence was found after the second surgery during follow-up. All tumors were pathologically confirmed as mature teratomas. In analysis of neurological outcomes, patients with shorter symptom duration (p = 0.035) and lower MMcS grade (p = 0.025) had better postoperative neurological outcomes. The neurological prognosis of STR patients was better than that of GTR patients (p = 0.041). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that the extent of resection differences remained significant (p = 0.017). Surgical resection is optimal therapeutical management of IST and can obtain a good prognosis. STR appeared to be superior to GTR in terms of neurological improvement. Considering the characteristics of slow growth and long TTR of IST, STR may be a feasible option for highly adherent tumors.

Postoperative dysgeusia following microsurgical resection for acoustic neuroma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To determine the collated rate of postoperative dysgeusia after microsurgical intervention in acoustic neuroma patients. The systematic review with meta-analysis was undertaken following PRISMA guidelines. A thorough search of PubMed/Medline, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Epistemonikos was undertaken for studies published up until May 16, 2024 reporting postoperative taste disturbance rates after microsurgical intervention for acoustic neuroma. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed via the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized research (MINORS) tool. Using MedCalc (v. 20.215) software, the random-effects model was developed for proportional meta-analysis. Eight studies, encompassing 2,402 patients (mean age = 49.06 years; 48.54% female population), were included in the analysis. The overall pooled rate of postoperative dysgeusia following microsurgical management of acoustic neuroma was 23.7% (95% CI: 9.266-42.359, p < 0.0001). When stratified by surgical approach, the rate of postoperative dysgeusia for the retrosigmoid approach was 18.8% (95% CI: 2.821-44.461, p < 0.0001). Postoperative dysgeusia data stratified for other major microsurgical approaches (subtemporal and translabirynthine approaches) was not reported by any of the included studies. Our systematic review and meta-analysis calculated a collated rate of almost 25% and recognized postoperative dysgeusia as a common complication following microsurgical management of acoustic neuromas. These results highlight the significance of preoperative counselling and the development of strategies that minimize the likelihood of harm to the chorda tympani nerve during microsurgical intervention for acoustic neuroma.

Shunt, endoscopic, and microsurgical management of trapped temporal horn following resection of lateral ventricle trigonal or peritrigonal tumors: A retrospective multicenter study

ObjectiveTo investigate the surgical management and outcomes of trapped temporal horn (TTH) following resection of lateral ventricle trigonal or peritrigonal tumors. MethodsPatients who underwent surgical treatment for TTH in three different tertiary centers between 2012 and 2022 were retrospectively studied. The primary outcome was reoperation rate. ResultsThirty-one patients were included for analysis. The underlying pathology was meningioma in 17 patients, central neurocytoma in 7, glioma in 4, ependymoma in 2, and cavernous malformation in 1. The median KPS score was 50 (range 10–90) and the mean volume of TTH was 53.1 ± 29.9 cm³ (range 14.8–118.6). Six patients (19.3 %) required multiple operations. A total of 39 procedures were performed, including 28 CSF shunting, 2 endoscopic septostomy, 3 microsurgical fenestration or temporal tip lobectomy via craniotomy, 2 decompressive craniectomy (DC), and 4 shunt revisions. Reoperation rates according to procedure were as follows: 10.7 % (3/28) for CSF shunting, 50 % (1/2) for endoscopic septostomy, 100 % (2/2) for DC, and 0 (0/3) for microsurgical fenestration or temporal tip lobectomy. CSF shunting tended to have a lower reoperation rate compared to other surgical approaches (p = 0.079). The reoperation rate was significantly higher for DC than for other surgical techniques (p = 0.025). ConclusionCSF shunting was the most frequently used technique with a relatively low revision rate. Long-term patency can be achieved through endoscopic septostomy in selected patients. Microsurgical fenestration or temporal tip lobectomy should be reserved for refractory cases. DC has limited effectiveness and should not be recommended.

Anterior interhemispheric vs. pterional approach in the microsurgical management of anterior communicating artery aneurysms: a comparative analysis employing a novel multidimensional matching-tool

The surgical management of anterior communicating artery aneurysms (AcomA) is challenging due to their deep midline position and proximity to complex skull base anatomy. This study compares the pterional craniotomy with the interhemispheric approach based on the specific aneurysm angulation. A total of 129 AcomA cases were analyzed, with 50 undergoing microsurgical clipping via either the pterional or interhemispheric approach. All selected cases had computed tomography-angiography with sagittal imaging slices and 2D-angiography. Using an interactive tool, 14 cases treated via the interhemispheric approach were matched with 14 cases approached pterionally based on clinical and morphological parameters, emphasizing intracranial aneurysm (IA) dome angulation relative to the frontal skull base. Outcomes included IA occlusion, temporary clipping incidence, intraoperative rupture, postoperative strokes, hemorrhages, hydrocephalus, vasospasm, and patient functionality. Matched cohorts had consistent demographics. Both approaches resulted in similar IA occlusion rates, but the interhemispheric approach led to improved clinical outcomes, measured by the modified Rankin Scale. It also had a lower incidence of hydrocephalus and reduced need for permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Vasospasms and postoperative infarction rates were comparable between the groups. Our findings suggest potential advantages of the interhemispheric approach in managing AcomA, depending on aneurysm angulation. Despite a small sample size, the results highlight the importance of customized surgical decision-making based on the unique traits of each aneurysm and the surgeon's expertise.

Immersive Surgical Anatomy of the Venous Drainage and Meningeal Supply of the Posterior Fossa: Anatomical Nuances and Microsurgical Management of Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas (dAVFs).

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are anomalous connections between arteries and veins within the dura mater, involving dural sinuses, bridging veins, or emissary veins. If untreated, these lesions can result in intracranial hemorrhage. The management of posterior fossa dAVFs is challenging due to the intricate venous anatomy near the brainstem and cranial nerves. This study leverages three-dimensional (3D) technology combined with dissections to understand the anatomy and microsurgical techniques for treating infratentorial dAVFs.Five embalmed heads and one dry skull were used to meticulously document the pertinent anatomy of the infratentorial compartment. Advanced 3D technology, including 3D sculpting and structured light scanning, was employed to constructhigh-resolution volumetric models (VMs). Two-dimensional (2D) images of dissections and VMs illustrate key anatomical landmarks of the posterior fossa.Infratentorial dAVFs primarily involve sinuses, which are divided into groups based on their location: basal, medullary, and petrosal. Most of the arterial supply originates from the external carotid artery, especially the ascending pharyngeal artery. This is followed by meningeal branches from the internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebrobasilar system. The surgical approaches to treat infratentorial dAVFs include the retrosigmoid and far lateral approaches and their modifications. Our study describes the relevant vascular anatomy of the infratentorial compartment, focusing on the surgical treatment of infratentorial dAVFs. In conjunction with the included interactive models, this study improves our educational capabilities regarding the intricate vascular neuroanatomical features of this region. When applied to a clinical setting, precise anatomical knowledge and VMs tools enhance surgical outcomes, reduce complications, and ultimately improve patient care.

Microsurgical Management of Complex Meningiomas Involving Dural Venous Sinuses: Operative Techniques, Case Illustrations and Long-Term Outcomes in a Series of 70 Cases

BackgroundMeningiomas involving the dural venous sinuses present unique therapeutic challenges. While gross total resection remains the mainstay of treatment for meningiomas, involvement of critical vascular structures may limit extent of resection and increase the risk of recurrence. Optimal management of meningiomas with venous sinus involvement has been discussed in the literature, with some advocating for subtotal resection with post-operative surveillance and radiation, if necessary, while others recommend total resection with reconstruction of resection of the involved sinus. MethodsWe performed a review of our series of 70 patients at a single institution who underwent resection of a meningioma involving the dural venous sinuses with reconstruction as needed, evaluating demographics, pre-operative assessment of venous anatomy, surgical technique, and outcomes. ResultsIn our series, we found successful maximal safe resection was achievable in patients with dural venous sinus involvement. We identified no venous infarctions and a low rate of recurrence. ConclusionsMaximal safe resection, including resection and reconstruction of involved sinuses, may be a safe and effective treatment for many patients. Careful pre-operative assessment of venous anatomy and planning extent of resection and reconstruction are essential for safe and successful surgery in these patients.

Microsurgical Management of Pineal Region Tumors

BackgroundPineal tumours are rare and the pineal region is a challenging surgical location for neurosurgeons. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of microsurgical management in patients with pineal region tumours and explore probable factors associated with preoperative hydrocephalus, postoperative hydrocephalus remission, and prolonged length of hospital stay (LoS). MethodsA retrospective study of patients with pineal region tumours, who underwent microsurgical management at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University(Jiangsu, China) between 1 January 2010 and 31 October, 2022, was conducted. ResultsData from 36 patients were included in this study. The top five common symptoms included headache (58%), dizziness (44%), double vision (22%), vomiting (19%), and nausea (14%). Patients with a lower Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), younger age, and larger maximum tumour diameters were more vulnerable to preoperative hydrocephalus. Preoperative hydrocephalus also led to a prolonged postoperative LoS (P=0.021). Patients with a lower KPS score (P=0.020) or larger maximum tumour diameters (P=0.045) were more likely to achieve postoperative remission of hydrocephalus. Most postoperative complications led to increased hospital LoS. ConclusionMicrosurgical resection of pineal tumours yielded favourable long-term outcomes. Patients with a lower KPS score, younger age, and larger maximum tumour diameters were more vulnerable to preoperative hydrocephalus and prolonged LoS. Patients with a lower KPS score or larger tumour diameter were likely to achieve significant remission of hydrocephalus after tumour resection.

Microsurgical management of a ruptured intracranial mycotic aneurysm in infancy

Microsurgical management of a ruptured intracranial mycotic aneurysm in infancy

Microsurgical management of recurrent intracranial aneurysm after endovascular treatment: a series of 60 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the morbidity associated with microsurgical treatment in patients with a recurrent aneurysm to improve their surgical management. METHODS From 2012 to 2022, among the 3128 patients with ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms managed at the authors’ institution, 954 patients were treated by a microsurgical procedure. Of these 3128 patients, 60 consecutive patients (6.3%) who had a recurrent microsurgically treated aneurysm after previous endovascular treatment were included in this study. Additional microsurgical treatment was considered in case of progressive remnant growth or significant aneurysm recurrence. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were noted. Early (&lt; 7 days) and long-term clinical and radiological monitoring were performed. Good functional outcome was considered as a modified Rankin Scale score &lt; 3. RESULTS The mean age at initial treatment was 45 years (range 26–65 years). The mean delay between the first treatment and microsurgical treatment of the recurrence was 64 months (range 2 days–296 months). The mean size of the fundus recurrence was 5 mm, and the mean size of the neck recurrence was 4.6 mm. Five patients (8.3%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with rupture of the recurrent aneurysm. Three patients died (6%) of aneurysm rupture and/or intensive care complications. The total morbidity rate associated with the microsurgical procedure was 14.5% (8/55) in patients with unruptured recurrent aneurysms. Among these patients, postoperative definitive complications (ischemic lesions) directly related to the microsurgical procedure were present in 3 patients (5.5%). Intraoperative rupture was recorded in these 3 patients. In the 54 surviving patients with unruptured recurrent aneurysms, good functional outcome was noted in 49 (91%). Poor functional outcome was significantly associated with intraoperative rupture. CONCLUSIONS Microsurgery remains an effective therapeutic option for recurrent intracranial aneurysms. However, in the authors’ experience, postoperative morbidity is higher than in patients with nonrecurrent aneurysms. Therefore, a pretherapeutic multidisciplinary evaluation is mandatory to reduce the potential morbidity associated with the retreatment as much as possible. When endovascular occlusion of the aneurysm requires both stenting and coiling, alternative microsurgical treatment should be carefully evaluated, as microsurgical clipping will become much more challenging in cases of aneurysm recurrence.

Microsurgical Management of Internal Carotid Artery Bifurcation Aneurysm After Failure of Endovascular Coiling and Flow Diversion: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

We describe the case of a 51-year-old woman who underwent craniotomy and surgical clipping of a large internal carotid bifurcation aneurysm that was refractory to treatment with 2 rounds of endovascular coiling and internal carotid artery (ICA) to middle cerebral artery pipeline placement. The patient initially presented in 2004 with a 3-week history of sudden-onset headache with associated nausea. Computed tomography and lumbar puncture on presentation in 2004 were negative for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography, however, demonstrated a large left ICA bifurcation aneurysm. The decision was made to proceed with endovascular coiling of the aneurysm. Six-month and 1-year follow-up imaging showed incomplete resolution of the aneurysm, and retreatment coiling was completed in 2005. After recoiling in 2005, the patient was lost to follow-up. During this period, she underwent pipeline placement from the ICA to the middle cerebral artery across the A1 segment at a different institution. Two years after flow diversion, the patient was referred back to our institution with further worsening of the aneurysm. Our surgical team opted for craniotomy and surgical clipping given the limited management options that this extremely complex case now presented. The patient consented to the procedure. Postoperative imaging demonstrated marked improvement in aneurysm severity. Although the current neurosurgical trend favors endovascular treatment over craniotomy, this case shows the vital importance of craniotomy and aneurysm clipping in the treatment of select patients. We also provide high-quality operative video of aneurysm clipping.1-7.

Clipping of a persistent middle cerebral artery aneurysm after previous flow diverter placement: An illustrative case and review of the literature.

Flow diverter (FD) is increasingly used in the management of wide necked cerebral aneurysms. Despite a reported lower efficacy in middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms, they are still being utilised. Microsurgery is best considered as an index treatment, but can also be a safe and effective treatment when encountering a persistent MCA aneurysm after prior FD. As there is a paucity in literature and more cases of failed FD are expected to appear, we want to add our experience to the existing literature. The microsurgical management of a persistent MCA bifurcation aneurysm, 3 years after a p48 MW HPC Flow Diverter (phenox GmbH, Bochum Germany) insertion is reported and the relevant literature discussed.

Microsurgical management of midbrain gliomas: surgical results and long-term outcome in a large, single-surgeon, consecutive series.

The authors report on a large, consecutive, single-surgeon series of patients undergoing microsurgical removal of midbrain gliomas. Emphasis is put on surgical indications, technique, and results as well as long-term oncological follow-up. A retrospective analysis was performed of prospectively collected data from a consecutive series of patients undergoing microneurosurgery for midbrain gliomas from March 2006 through June 2022 at the authors' institution. According to the growth pattern and location of the lesion in the midbrain (tegmentum, central mesencephalic structures, and tectum), one of the following approaches was chosen: transsylvian (TS), extreme anterior interhemispheric transcallosal (eAIT), posterior interhemispheric transtentorial subsplenial (PITS), paramedian supracerebellar transtentorial (PST), perimedian supracerebellar (PeS), perimedian contralateral supracerebellar (PeCS), and transuvulotonsillar fissure (TUTF). Clinical and radiological data were gathered according to a standard protocol and reported according to common descriptive statistics. The main outcomes were rate of gross-total resection; extent of resection; occurrence of any complications; variation in Karnofsky Performance Status score at discharge, 3 months, and last follow-up; progression-free survival (PFS); and overall survival (OS). Fifty-four patients (28 of them pediatric) met the inclusion criteria (6 with high-grade and 48 with low-grade gliomas [LGGs]). Twenty-two tumors were in the tegmentum, 7 in the central mesencephalic structures, and 25 in the tectum. In no instance did the glioma originate in the cerebral peduncle. TS was performed in 2 patients, eAIT in 6, PITS in 23, PST in 16, PeS in 4, PeCS in 1, and TUTF in 2 patients. Gross-total resection was achieved in 39 patients (72%). The average extent of resection was 98.0% (median 100%, range 82%-100%). There were no deaths due to surgery. Nine patients experienced transient and 2 patients experienced permanent new neurological deficits. At a mean follow-up of 72 months (median 62, range 3-193 months), 49 of the 54 patients were still alive. All patients with LGGs (48/54) were alive with no decrease in their KPS score, whereas 42 showed improvement compared with their preoperative status. Microneurosurgical removal of midbrain gliomas is feasible with good surgical results and long-term clinical outcomes, particularly in patients with LGGs. As such, microneurosurgery should be considered as the first therapeutic option. Adequate microsurgical technique and anesthesiological management, along with an accurate preoperative understanding of the tumor's exact topographic origin and growth pattern, is crucial for a good surgical outcome.

Microsurgical Management of Nonsurgical Endodontically Treated Fiasco in Natural Permanent Upper Molar Tooth – A Clinical Case Report

Abstract The maxillary first permanent molar presents wide anatomical alterations for root number and their respective canal system. The medial root (mesiobuccal) specifically has been invariably associated to treatment failures when nonsurgical endodontic procedures have been solely carried out. In endodontic treatments, the decision to retreat the failed endodontic treatment with a surgical procedure depends on multiple factors. Evidence about the enduring prognosis of conventional retreatment (nonsurgical) comparative to invasive surgery (root end) remains questionable which requires additional scrutiny. The present case report presents a case of a patient (female, age 53 years) who presented with agony in relation to the maxillary first molar (left-sided) abutment of a four-unit fixed partial denture. Routine endodontic treatment was performed for the affected tooth which showed evidence of failure at 6-month follow-up intervals. Surgical intervention as part of the desired treatment was undertaken with the sealing of the canals done by Portland cement-based repair material. A pursual (6 months) after apicoectomy showed a complete rebuilding of the lateral apical region with freshly laid bone and a complete symptom-free patient. This clinical case report is directed to highlight the prospect of nonconservative clinical procedures once a noninvasive approach produces less anticipated results.

Surgical Outcomes of Symptomatic Intramedullary Spinal Cord Cavernous Malformations: Analysis of Consecutive Cases in a Single Center.

Intramedullary spinal cavernous malformations (ISCMs) are rare vascular lesions of the spinal cord with unclear natural history and controversy over treatment. This study aimed to report a series of symptomatic ISCMs underwent microsurgical management to illustrate the natural history, clinical presentation, and surgical outcomes and to evaluate factors associated with hemorrhage events and neurological prognosis. This single-center retrospective study included 29 consecutive patients with whose demographic, symptomology, imaging, neurological, and surgical data were collected. The risk for hemorrhage events and factors affecting surgical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 female (41.4%) and 17 male patients (58.6%), with an average age of 45.2 years (range, 17-69 years). The mean size of the lesion was 9.7 mm (range, 3-20 mm). Most patients had a bowel or/and bladder dysfunction symptom (n = 11, 37.9%), followed by sensory deficits (n = 5, 17.2%), gait disturbance (n = 5, 17.2%), pain (n = 4, 13.8%), and weakness (n = 4, 13.8%), most (n = 15, 51.7%) with a chronic onset. All patients received total resection without rehemorrhages after surgical resection in follow-up. Sixty-five point five percent patients (n = 19) improved, 13.8% (n = 4) remained stable, 20.7% (n = 6) got worsen. The overall annual hemorrhage risk was 2.1% per patient-year. A total of 27 hemorrhages occurred in the 18 patients, of which rehemorrhage rate increased to 50.0% (n = 9) with a previous history of hemorrhage. Patients with smaller lesion sizes were more likely to have hemorrhage or rehemorrhage events (p = 0.008). Recurrent hemorrhage of the lesions was a risk factor for neurological outcomes (p = 0.016). The risk of rehemorrhage was significantly increased in symptomatic ISCM patients with a previous history of hemorrhage. Rehemorrhage was a risk factor for neurological outcomes. Patients can benefit from microsurgical treatment to avoid rehemorrhage and further neurological deterioration.

Endovascular and microsurgical management of blister aneurysms: a multi-centre review.

Blister aneurysms (BA) are high-risk cerebrovascular lesions accounting for 1% of intracranial aneurysms. The defective vessel wall and broad-based neck make this clinical entity difficult to treat, with high rates of re-rupture and mortality in patients presenting with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage. Blister aneurysms pose substantial challenges for both endovascular and microsurgical management. The objective of this study is to evaluate endovascular and microsurgical outcomes in intracranial blister aneurysm management across two tertiary hospitals. A review of two tertiary hospitals with a systematic imaging database search for term of "blister" in modalities from January 2010 to October 2022 was conducted. Operation reports were screened for the 5-year period since cerebral angiogram reports transitioned to surgical database. Identified reports were screened and reviewed for confirmed diagnosis by consultant neuroradiologist. A total of 21 cases of blister aneurysms managed at respective facilities were included. Sixteen cases (76%) were managed endovascularly. Four cases (19%) were managed surgically-2 with primary clipping, and 2 wrap and clipping. One case was managed conservatively (5%). Clinical outcomes were discharge disposition, aneurysm exclusion and post-operative complications. BAs have challenging considerations with high mortality and morbidity. Endovascular treatment offers a less invasive modality with lower rates of intraoperative rupture and morbidity. Mortality rates and patients discharged home were comparable. Commencement of dual anti-platelet therapy was safe in patients with flow diversion stents despite sub-arachnoid blood volume. Management of blister aneurysms is complex. Endovascular treatment shows promise for acute management but careful collaborative consideration of antithrombotic regime and requirement for further surgery should be considered.

Differences between real-world and score-based decision-making in the microsurgical management of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is complex, balancing the risk of rupture and risk of treatment. Therefore, prediction scores have been developed to support clinicians in the management of UIAs. We analyzed the discrepancies between interdisciplinary cerebrovascular board decision-making factors and the results of the prediction scores in our cohort of patients who received microsurgical treatment of UIAs. Clinical, radiological, and demographical data of 221 patients presenting with 276 microsurgically treated aneurysms were collected, from January 2013 to June 2020. UIATS, PHASES, and ELAPSS were calculated for each treated aneurysm, resulting in subgroups favoring treatment or conservative management for each score. Cerebrovascular board decision-factors were collected and analyzed. UIATS, PHASES, and ELAPSS recommended conservative management in 87 (31.5%) respectively in 110 (39.9%) and in 81 (29.3%) aneurysms. The cerebrovascular board decision-factors leading to treatment in these aneurysms (recommended to manage conservatively in the three scores) were: high life expectancy/young age (50.0%), angioanatomical factors (25.0%), multiplicity of aneurysms (16.7%). Analysis of cerebrovascular board decision-making factors in the "conservative management" subgroup of the UIATS showed that angioanatomical factors (P=0.001) led more frequently to surgery. PHASES and ELAPSS subgroups "conservative management" were more frequently treated due to clinical risk factors (P=0.002). Our analysis showed more aneurysms were treated based on "real-world" decision-making than recommended by the scores. This is because these scores are models trying to reproduce reality, which is yet not fully understood. Aneurysms, which were recommended to manage conservatively, were treated mainly because of angioanatomy, high life expectancy, clinical risk factors, and patient's treatment wish. The UIATS is suboptimal regarding assessment of angioanatomy, the PHASES regarding clinical risk factors, complexity, and high life expectancy, and the ELAPSS regarding clinical risk factors and multiplicity of aneurysms. These findings support the need to optimize prediction models of UIAs.

Abstract Number ‐ 129: Intracranial Blister Aneurysm Management: An Australian Multi‐Centre Retrospective Analysis

Introduction Blister aneurysms (BA) are high risk neurovascular lesions that account for 1% of all intracranial aneurysms. The pathology of BAs, with defective vessel wall and broad‐based neck, make this clinical entity particularly difficult to treat. When these aneurysms present with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage there are associated with high rates of re‐rupture and mortality. These pose substantial challenges for both endovascular and microsurgical management. We report a multi‐centre retrospective analysis of BA management in Sydney, Australia, to describe the different surgical and endovascular approaches and the associated clinical outcomes. Methods A multicentre review of two large tertiary hospitals in Sydney with a search for imaging databases were screened for term of “blister” in all head and neck imaging modalities from January 2010 to June 2022. Operation reports were also screened for the 5‐year time period since cerebral angiogramreports transitioned from imaging database to surgical database. All identified reports were manually screened for confirmed diagnosis of blister aneurysm. Results 21 cases with confirmed diagnosis of blister aneurysm that underwent management at respective facilities were included. 16 cases (76%) were managed endovascularly – one with stent‐assisted coiling and 15 with flow diversion stents. 4 cases (19%) were managed surgically – 3 of these were primary clipping, and one wrap and clipping technique. One surgical case was commenced as an endovascular case prior to conversion. One case was managed conservatively (5%). Clinical outcomes were discharge disposition, occlusion of aneurysm and post‐operative complications. Conclusions BAs have challenging therapeutic considerations with a high mortality and morbidity. Endovascular treatment offers a less invasive management option with a trend of lower rates of intraoperative rupture and lower mortality rates. Endovascular therapy had higher rates of retreatment and incomplete aneurysm occlusion on follow up imaging. Patients discharged directly home were comparable between groups. The decision making for blister aneurysms is complex, endovascular treatment shows promise for acute treatment but careful consideration of antithrombotic regime and requirement for EVD insertion or further surgery should be considered.

Efficacy of 3D evaluation of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms within Leksell GammaPlan® for determination of their intradural localization

BackgroundDetermination of the intradural unruptured paraclinoid aneurysm localization is difficult, but critical for selection of the optimal treatment strategy. ObjectiveTo assess efficacy of the three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms within Leksell GammaPlan® (LGP; Elekta AB; Stockholm, Sweden) for determination of their intradural localization. MethodsOverall, 125 incidentally diagnosed unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms in 118 patients (mean age, 55 years) underwent 3D evaluation of their localization within LGP using post-contrast thin-slice constructive interference in steady state (CISS) images, which in 41 cases were additionally co-registered and fused with the axial computed tomography angiography (CTA) source images. ResultsAccording to the evaluation within LGP, paraclinoid aneurysms were considered intradural, transitional, and extradural in 75, 25, and 25 cases respectively. Overall, 51 of 75 aneurysms deemed to be intradural, underwent microsurgical management, and intraoperative visual inspection confirmed their intradural localization in 45 cases, whereas it was transitional in 3, and extradural in 3. If during preoperative 3D evaluation within LGP only post-contrast CISS images were used, prediction of the pure intradural localization of aneurysm was correct in 88 % of cases (95 % CI: 79–97 %), and of the pure or partial (i.e., transitional) intradural localization in 94 % of cases (95 % CI: 88–100 %), whereas it was 100 % if co-registration and fusion of the contrast-enhanced CISS and CTA source images was done. ConclusionIntradural localization of the unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms may be effectively predicted based on their 3D evaluation within LGP using post-contrast thin-slice CISS and CTA source images, which may help with clinical decision-making.

Microsurgical Management of Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma): Facial Nerve Outcomes, Radiographic Analysis, Complications, and Long-Term Follow-Up in a Series of 420 Surgeries

The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and surgical outcomes of a large surgical series of vestibular schwannoma from North America over 20years. After institutional review board approval a retrospective review of the senior author's personal case logs to identify patients who had operations for vestibular schwannoma was performed. The clinical notes, operative record, preoperative and postoperative imagings, and long-term clinical follow-up notes were evaluated. A total of 415 patients who underwent 420 surgeries were identified from the years 1998-2021. The average length of follow-up was 3years and 9months. Overall, at last follow-up the rate of "good" facial nerve outcomes (House-Brackmann [HB] score I and II) was 86% and "poor" facial nerve outcomes (HB III-VI) was 14%. The amount of cerebellopontine angle extension (P= 0.023), tumor volume (P= 0.015), facial nerve consistency (P < 0.001), preoperative HB score (P < 0.001), and FN stimulation threshold at the end of the procedure (P < 0.001) were correlated to facial nerve function at the last follow-up. This study represents one of the largest recently reported surgical series of vestibular schwannoma in North American literature with available long term follow-up. Facial nerve outcomes correlated with cerebellopontine angle extension, tumor volume, facial nerve stimulation threshold, facial nerve consistency, preoperative facial nerve function, and history of a prior resection. Tumor recurrence remains significantly higher after subtotal resection. We believe the data supports a continuation of a strategy of general intent of gross total resection, greatly modifiable by intraoperative findings and judgment.

Microsurgical Strategies after Free Flap Failure in Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Lower Extremity: A 17-Year Single-Center Experience.

Background: There is no clear consensus on the optimal surgical strategy for providing safe coverage in salvage free flap surgery after total free flap failure. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate patients with total failure of the primary free flap in lower extremity reconstruction between 2000 and 2017. Results: In a cohort of 1.016 patients, we identified 43 cases of total flap failure (4.2%). A total of 30 patients received a salvage free flap with a success rate of 83.3% (25/30). One patient received a secondary salvage free flap. Overall limb salvage after primary free flap loss was 83.7% (36/43). Conclusions: Microsurgical management of free flap loss in the lower extremity is challenging and requires a decisive re-evaluation of risk factors and alternative strategies. This should include reconsidering the flap choice with a tendency towards traditional and safe workhorse flaps, a low-threshold switch to different recipient vessels, including arteriovenous (AV) loops, bypasses (especially in case of venous insufficiency) and back-up procedures, such as negative pressure wound therapy or dermal regeneration templates with skin grafting in cases of lower demand and critically ill patients. We derived one suggestion from our previous practice: replacing perforator flaps with axial pattern flaps (“safe workhorses”).