Open Microsurgery Research Articles

Minimally invasive tubular versus conventional open microsurgery of the lumbar spine for degenerative disorders

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate patient-related variables, hospital-related variables and surgeon-related variables of minimally invasive tubular microsurgery (MITM) compared to conventional open microsurgery (COMS) in patients undergoing microsurgery for lumbar degenerative disorders (LDD).Results403 included patients were treated microsurgically for LDD between 09/2018 and 09/2021. Mean blood loss (44 vs. 72 ml), surgery time (76.2 vs. 85.7 min) and mean Rx-Dosis (1.1 mGy vs. 1.6 mGy) were lower in the MITM group (all p < 0.05). The Macnab criteria and VAS pain scale (VAS Leg/VAS Back) of the MITM group were better at 6 weeks as well as 1 year postoperatively (Macnab at 6W: 1.5 vs. 1.7 (p = 0.02), at 1y: 1.2 vs. 1.4 (p = 0.002); VAS Leg at 6W: 1.4 vs. 1.9 (p = 0.005), at 1y: 0.4 vs. 0.9 (p < 0.001), VAS Back at 6W 1.4 vs. 3.2 (p < 0.001), at 1y: 1.2 vs. 1.4 (p < 0.001)).ConclusionThe patient-related variables, hospital-related variables and surgeon-related variables are equivalent or better in MITM compared to COMS. MITM showed more favourable clinical outcomes in both short- and long-term follow-up, albeit small between-group differences in our single-center study and can be considered for various microsurgical indications for LDD.

Fully Telemetric Robotic Microsurgery: Clinical Experience With 23 Cases.

Recently, there is an ongoing trend in plastic surgery with robotic-assisted microsurgery and supermicrosurgery devices being developed. Combining a telemetrically controlled robotic microscope with an also telemetrically controlled microsurgery robot unlocks synergistic effects with complete disconnection of the operating surgeon from the operating field. Here, we report the first clinical free flap reconstructions using this setup. Twenty-three surgeries were performed with the combined remote approach using the Symani Surgical System and the RoboticScope in open microsurgery procedures. Anastomosis time and ischemia time were recorded. The surgical performance for anastomoses was assessed using the modified Structured Assessment of Microsurgical Skills (SAMS) score. Subjective satisfaction was evaluated by the surgeons in comparison with conventional microsurgery. To evaluate the learning curve, the senior authors first four (first group) and last four (last group) procedures were compared. Overall, flap survival was 95.7%. The average arterial anastomosis time was 36.7 ± 10.9 min. Total time of surgery was 277.7 ± 63.8 min, and ischemia time was 100.6 ± 24.9 min. Most SAMS score parameters were significantly higher in the last group of surgical procedures compared with the first operations. Subjective satisfaction was equal or better with the combined robotic-assisted approach in most categories. Our data demonstrates safety and feasibility of the use of a combined remote approach. Robotic systems for microsurgical procedures may hold promising potential for improvement of surgical quality and open up new frontiers in microsurgery.

Endoscopic transventricular "inside-out" corpus callosotomy: illustrative case.

Tonic and atonic "drop attack" seizures are a classic and morbid semiology in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, resulting in frequent injuries and emergency room visits, in addition to neurocognitive sequelae. Recent years have seen a growing interest in less invasive techniques for performing the classic surgical treatment for drop attacks in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, that is, corpus callosotomy. A 5-year-old boy with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome presented for surgical evaluation. He experienced up to 20 daily tonic seizures despite multiple antiseizure medications. Preoperative imaging revealed highly abnormal anatomy with severe ventriculomegaly and thinning of the cortex and corpus callosum. Open microsurgery or an interhemispheric bimanual endoscopic approach to corpus callosotomy posed a risk for ventricular collapse and subdural hematoma, and the corpus callosum was too thin for laser ablation. A fully endoscopic transventricular "inside-out" complete corpus callosotomy was performed through a 7-mm burr hole via a single working channel without intraoperative complications. The patient continues to experience daily seizures but with a reduced frequency and intensity and a family-reported increased quality of life. In cases of drug-resistant tonic and atonic seizures associated with ventriculomegaly, a fully endoscopic transventricular complete corpus callosotomy can be performed safely, potentially limiting the risk of ventricular collapse and subdural bleeding. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24160.

Ideal suturing technique for robot-assisted microsurgical anastomoses

The development of novel robotic devices specifically designed for open microsurgery leads to increasing applications in reconstructive procedures. While initial studies revealed improved precision and surgical ergonomics upon robotic assistance, surgical time was consistently observed to be increased. This study compares two robotic suturing techniques using the Symani Surgical System and RoboticScope in a preclinical setting, to further leverage the benefits of novel robotic devices in microsurgery. Six experienced microsurgeons performed three microvascular anastomoses with a “steady-thread” suturing technique and a “switch-thread” technique on 1.0-mm-diameter artificial silicone vessels. Time for anastomosis and participant’s satisfaction with the techniques and robotic setup were recorded. Anastomosis quality and microsurgical skills were assessed using the Anastomosis Lapse Index and Structured Assessment of Microsurgery Skills. Lastly, technical error messages and thread ruptures were quantified. Knot tying was significantly faster and evaluated significantly better by participants using the steady-thread technique (4.11 ± 0.85 vs. 6.40 ± 1.83 min per anastomosis). Moreover, microsurgical skills were rated significantly better using this technique, while both techniques consistently led to high levels of anastomosis quality (2.61 ± 1.21 vs. 3.0 ± 1.29 errors per anastomosis). In contrast, the switch-thread technique was associated with more technical error messages in total (14 vs. 12) and twice as many unintended thread ruptures per anastomosis (1.0 ± 0.88 vs. 0.5 ± 0.69). This study provides evidence for the enhanced performance of a steady-thread suturing technique, which is suggested to be applied upon robot-assisted microsurgical procedures for optimized efficiency.

502 Endoscopic Versus Microsurgery Resection of Third Ventricle Colloid Cysts: A Single-center Case-series of 140 Consecutive Patients

INTRODUCTION: The resection of colloid cysts of third ventricle can be done with either open microsurgery or endoscopy with each having different cons and pros. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent surgical resection of third ventricle colloid cyst via either endoscopic or microsurgery approach by a single surgeon between 2005-2020 were retrospectively collected. After administration of criteria, 140 records were retrieved (60 through endoscopic and 80 by trans-cranial microsurgery). Clinical and surgical measures were compared between approaches after adjustment for confounders with generalized linear multivariate regression. RESULTS: Length of hospital stay, postoperative meningitis, and operation time, cyst size, and baseline comorbidities did not differ between groups. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved for all cases in microsurgery group while in endoscopic group it was lower (90% vs 100%; p = 0.005). Intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in 14 (23.3%) of endoscopic patients while for microscopic group it was zero (p &lt; 0.001). Post-operative shunt was required for two patients (one in endoscopic group and the other in microscopic group). Two patients had tumor recurrence, both being in endoscopic group. No mortality was detected in either group. Multivariate analyses were insignificant for the effects of clinical and demographic factors in occurrence of worse surgical outcomes (non-GTR and hemorrhage). CONCLUSIONS: Rate of intra-operative hemorrhage was higher in endoscopic method and GTR was lower, even after adjustment for other factors. This could be due to technologic shortcomings and limited space for resection maneuvers and complication management.

Robot-assisted Microsurgery for Autologous Breast Reconstruction - Robotic Breast Reconstruction

With the introduction of novel surgical robots and surgical microscopes for the special needs of open microsurgery, the concept of robotic-assisted microsurgery is gaining popularity. While initial preclinical studies indicate a steep learning curve, favourable ergonomics and improved precision, albeit with an increased operating time, data on the clinical application of the new systems is still limited. This study describes our first clinical experience with robotic-assisted autologous breast reconstruction and outlines the opportunities and limitations of the approach. Our retrospective data analysis included a total of 28 patients who underwent unilateral robotic-assisted autologous breast reconstruction between July 2022 and August 2023. We applied a combined approach using the Symani Surgical System together with the RoboticScope. Descriptive evaluation of patient characteristics, surgical data and complications was performed. Average patient age was 54.3±11.1 years and average BMI was 26.5±3.5 kg/m2. Twenty-six patients received a DIEP flap and 2 patients received a PAP flap, the flaps being connected to the internal mammary artery in 22 cases, to a perforator of the internal mammary artery in 5 cases, and to a branch of the thoracodorsal artery in one case. The average incision-suture time was 267±89 min, with an average ischaemia time of 86±20 min and duration of the arterial anastomosis of 29±12 min. In two cases, immediate intraoperative anastomosis revision was performed, but no flap loss occurred. The results of this study demonstrate the safe feasibility of robot-assisted autologous breast reconstruction using a combination of Symani and RoboticScope. In the future, special attention should be paid to minimally invasive techniques of flap harvest and connecting vessel preparation.

Preclinical Performance of the Combined Application of Two Robotic Systems in Microsurgery: A Two-center Study.

Recent advancements in the development of robotic devices increasingly draw the attention toward the concept of robotic microsurgery, as several systems tailored to open microsurgery are being introduced. This study describes the combined application of a novel microsurgical robot, the Symani, with a novel robotic microscope, the RoboticScope, for the performance of microvascular anastomoses in a two-center preclinical trial. Six novices, residents, and experienced microsurgeons (n = 18) performed five anastomoses on 1.0-mm-diameter silicone vessels with a conventional versus combined robotic approach, resulting in 180 anastomoses. Microsurgical performance was evaluated, analyzing surgical time, subjective satisfaction with the anastomosis and robotic setup, anastomosis quality using the anastomosis lapse index score, microsurgical skills using the Structured Assessment of Microsurgery Skills score, and surgical ergonomics using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment score. All participants significantly improved their performance during the trial and quickly adapted to the novel systems. Surgical time significantly decreased, whereas satisfaction with the anastomosis and setup improved over time. The use of robotic systems was associated with fewer microsurgical errors and enhanced anastomosis quality. Especially novices demonstrated accelerated skill acquisition upon robotic assistance compared with conventional microsurgery. Moreover, upper extremity positioning was significantly improved. Overall, the robotic approach was subjectively preferred by participants. The concept of robotic microsurgery holds great potential to improve precision and ergonomics in microsurgery. This two-center trial provides promising evidence for a steep learning curve upon introduction of robotic microsurgery systems, suggesting further pursuit of their clinical integration.

Microsurgical versus endovascular treatment of ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas: systematic review and meta-analysis with a single-center case series.

Ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are often associated with cortical venous drainage (CVD) and a higher incidence of hemorrhage compared with DAVFs in other locations. They may be treated with open surgical disconnection or with endovascular treatment (EVT). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors compare the outcomes of ethmoidal DAVFs treated with open microsurgery versus EVT and report four additional cases of ethmoidal DAVFs treated with open microsurgery in their institution. A literature search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted between December 2021 and May 2022 to identify relevant articles published between 1990 and 2021 using the PRISMA guidelines. References were reviewed and screened by two authors independently, and disagreements were resolved through consensus. Exclusion criteria included non-English-language studies, those with an incorrect study design, those reporting DAVFs in a nonethmoidal location, and studies whose outcomes were not stratified based on DAVF location. Inclusion criteria were any studies reporting on ethmoidal DAVFs treated by either microsurgery or EVT. A risk of bias assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The authors performed a pooled proportional meta-analysis to compare patient outcomes. Twenty studies were included for analysis. Of 224 patients, 142 were treated with surgery, while 103 were treated with EVT. Seventy percent (148/210) of the patients were symptomatic at presentation, with hemorrhage being the most common presentation (48%). CVD was present in 98% of patients and venous ectasia in 61%. The rates of complete DAVF obliteration with surgery and EVT were 89% and 70%, respectively (95% CI -30% to -10%, p < 0.03). Twenty percent (21/103) of endovascularly treated fistulas required subsequent surgery. Procedure-related complications occurred in 10% of the surgical cases, compared with 13% of the EVT cases. The authors' case series included 4 patients with ethmoidal DAVFs treated surgically with complete obliteration, without any postoperative complications. The complete obliteration rates of ethmoidal DAVF appear to be higher and more definitive with microsurgical intervention than with EVT. While complication rates between the two procedures seem similar, patients treated with EVT may require further interventions for definitive treatment. The limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, the quality of studies included, and the continued evolving technologies of EVT. Future studies should focus on the association between venous drainage pattern and the proclivity toward venous ectasia or rate of hemorrhage at presentation.

Evolution of the patient-first approach: a dual-trained, single-neurosurgeon experience with 2002 consecutive intracranial aneurysm treatments.

The paradigm for intracranial aneurysm (IA) treatment is shifting toward a hybrid approach involving open and endovascular techniques. The authors chronicled the evolution of IA treatment by retrospectively examining a large series of IA cases treated by a single dual-trained neurosurgeon, focusing on evolving technology relative to the choice of treatment options, perioperative morbidity, and mortality. The aneurysm database at the authors' institution was searched to identify consecutive patients treated with endovascular or open microsurgical approaches by one neurosurgeon during an 18-year time span. Patients were included regardless of IA rupture status, location or morphology, or treatment modality. Data collected were baseline clinical characteristics, aneurysm size, treatment modality, operative complications, in-hospital mortality, and retreatment rate. A total of 1858 patients with 2002 IA treatments were included in the study. Three-hundred fifty IAs (17.5%) were ruptured. Open microsurgery was performed in 504 aneurysms (25.2%) and endovascular surgery in 1498 (74.8%). Endovascular IA treatments trended toward a growing use of flow diversion during the last 11 years. In-hospital mortality was 1.7% overall, including 7.0% in ruptured and 0.5% in unruptured cases. The overall complication rate was 3.3%, including 3.4% for microsurgical cases and 3.3% for endovascular cases. The rate of retreatment was 3.6% after clipping and 10.7% for endovascular treatment. This study demonstrates complementary use of open and endovascular approaches for IA treatment. By customizing treatment to the patient, comparable rates of procedural complications, mortality, and retreatment were achieved for both endovascular and microsurgical approaches.

Management and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients With Infectious Intracranial Aneurysms.

Infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs) are rare complications of infective endocarditis (IE). Data on management and long-term outcomes remain limited. To retrospectively study long-term outcomes of IIAs in patients treated medically or surgically. Adult cases of IE and/or IIAs admitted to Emory or Grady Healthcare Systems between May 2015 and May 2020 were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and radiographic variables for up to 2 years. Primary outcome measure was 2-year survival. Among 1714 cases of IE, intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 322 patients and IIAs in 17 patients. The presence of IIAs in IE was associated with higher odds of disposition to hospice/death (odds ratio = 6.9). Including non-IE patients, 24 patients had 38 IIAs mainly involving the distal middle cerebral artery and 16 were ruptured on admission. IIAs were predominantly treated with antibiotics as the primary approach. Open microsurgery was the primary approach for 5 aneurysms and was used as salvage in 7 IIAs. Endovascular management was the primary approach for 2 IIAs and used as salvage for 5 IIAs with antibiotic failure. Medical management had high rate of treatment failure (15/31) which predominantly occurred within 2 weeks of onset. The 2-year survival in this cohort was 70% (17/24). IIAs are rare complications of IE with a poor prognosis. Patients treated with antibiotics have higher risk of treatment failure requiring salvage surgical or endovascular intervention. Medical treatment failure occurred mostly within 2 weeks of onset and had a negative prognostic value emphasizing the need for close follow-up and early surgical or endovascular management.

The diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid leakage after microvascular decompression surgery and management via lumbar drain

Objective: In posterior fossa surgery such as microvascular decompression (MVD), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a crucial problem. In this study, we explored the accurate diagnosis and effective non-surgical management of postoperative CSF leakage.Methods: We reviewed 749 patients who underwent MVD surgery from August 2018 to April 2022. Although we significantly reduced the CSF leakage problem by using the triple-layer closing technique (TLCT), CSF leakage was still a problem in a few cases. We managed these patients with the same diagnostic flow and treatment regimen using a lumbar drain (LD).Results: Among the 749 patients in the cohort, 11 (1.4%) had CSF leakage, and each of those cases presented with rhinorrhea. Five patients (45.5%) had the symptom on the first day, two patients (18.2%) on the second day, one patient (9.1%) on the third day, and three patients (27.3%) on the fifth day after surgery. After conservative treatment including CSF drainage via LD for 5.4 days on average, none of the patients had recurrent symptoms suggesting CSF leakage; thus, there was no need for wound repair surgery.Conclusion: Despite diligent attempts to prevent CSF leakage in open microsurgery, leaks inevitably occur in some cases and are more frequent in posterior fossa surgery. Although we cannot fully prevent leakage, we should limit the complication to ensure that it does not progress into other severe problems, such as meningitis. A closing technique such as TLCT is useful, but the early diagnosis and management of CSF leakage with LD is also important.

Cost Comparison of Microsurgery vs Endovascular Treatment for Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Propensity-Adjusted Analysis.

In specialized neurosurgical centers, open microsurgery is routinely performed for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). To compare the cost of endovascular vs microsurgical treatment for aSAH at a single quaternary center. All patients undergoing aSAH treatment from July 1, 2014, to July 31, 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped based on primary treatment (microsurgery vs endovascular treatment). The primary outcome was the difference in total cost (including hospital, discharge facility, and all follow-up) using a propensity-adjusted analysis. Of 384 patients treated for an aSAH, 234 (61%) were microsurgically treated and 150 (39%) were endovascularly treated. The mean cost of index hospitalization for these patients was marginally higher ($9504) for endovascularly treated patients ($103 980) than for microsurgically treated patients ($94 476) ( P = .047). For the subset of patients with follow-up data available, the mean total cost was $45 040 higher for endovascularly treated patients ($159 406, n = 59) than that for microsurgically treated patients ($114 366, n = 105) ( P < .001). After propensity scoring (adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, Glasgow Coma Scale score, Hunt and Hess grade, Fisher grade, aneurysms, and type/size/location), linear regression analysis of patients with follow-up data available revealed that microsurgery was independently associated with healthcare costs that were $37 244 less than endovascular treatment costs ( P < .001). An itemized cost analysis suggested that this discrepancy was due to differences in the rates of aneurysm retreatment and long-term surveillance. Microsurgical treatment for aSAH is associated with lower total healthcare costs than endovascular therapy. Aneurysm surveillance after endovascular treatments, retreatment, and device costs warrants attention in future studies.

Endocrinological outcomes after transcranial resection of tuberculum sellae meningiomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) arise from the anterior skull base. Endocrine status after TSM resection is an important determinant of quality of life. We sought to better characterize the risk of postoperative endocrinopathy for patients with TSM undergoing open transcranial approach (TCA) microsurgical resection. A systematic review was conducted following MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines. Results were screened against predefined criteria, which included studies evaluating endocrinopathy rates after open transcranial microsurgery for TSM. Outcome incidence was calculated using random-effect meta-analysis of proportions. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 406 patients. The average age of the cohort was 52.2years, and a majority (70%) of the patients were female. The pooled incidence of postoperative transient diabetes insipidus (DI) was 7.5% (95% CI 2.9-12%; p = 0.001; I2 = 75.9%) and permanent DI was 1.6% (95% CI 0.3-2.7%; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%). The pooled rate of postoperative hypopituitarism was 3.6% (95% CI 1.6-5.7%; p < 0.001; I2 = 22.2%), while the incidence of hyperprolactinemia was 1.3% (95% CI 0.1 = 2.6%; p = 0.036; I2 = 8.74%). The incidence of SIADH was 4% in one study but was not included in the meta-analysis. Endocrinopathy after TSM microsurgical resection is rare, but the available studies' poor quality of evidence and inconsistent methodology may reflect that it is underreported in the literature. Nevertheless, clinicians should consider the risk of hormonal impairment and counsel their patients accordingly when selecting a TCA for these lesions.

The role of microsurgery for poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages in the endovascular era.

Poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (PGASAH) is associated with high mortality and morbidity regardless of treatment. Herein, we re-evaluate the safety and efficacy of microsurgical treatment for managing PGASAH patients in the current endovascular era. We retrospectively reviewed 141 consecutive patient records in a single institution who underwent microsurgical (n = 80) or endovascular (n = 61) treatment for PGASAH. Baseline characteristics were similar, except for more intracerebral hematomas (46.3% vs 24.6%, p = 0.009), fewer intraventricular hemorrhages (26.3% vs 59%, p < 0.001), and fewer posterior circulation aneurysms (5.1% vs 44.3%, p < 0.001) in the microsurgery group. Decompressive craniectomy (58.5% vs 24.6%, p < 0.001) and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (63.7% vs 41%, p = 0.01) were more common for microsurgery, while procedural ischemic complications were less common (5% vs 24.6%, p = 0.001). Both early (12.5% vs 32.8%, p = 0.006) and late mortality rates (22.5% vs 39.3%, p = 0.041) were lower for microsurgery, and favorable 12-month outcomes (modified Rankin scale = 0-2) were better (62.5% vs 42.6%, p = 0.026). Multivariate analysis revealed that advanced age, neurological grade, modified Fisher grade, larger aneurysm size, rebleeding, and cerebral infarctions were independent predictors of poor outcome. Microsurgery fared marginally better than endovascular treatment (OR: 2.630, 95% CI: [0.991-6.981], p = 0.052). Timely and efficient treatment, either via open microsurgery or endovascular surgery, provided favorable outcomes for over half of PGASAH patients in this series. Therefore, early treatment should be offered to all PGASAH patients regardless of clinical and/or radiological factors. Microsurgery remains an effective treatment modality for selected PGASAH patients in the endovascular era.

Quantitative angiographic haemodynamic evaluation of bypasses for complex aneurysms: a preliminary study

ObjectiveOpen microsurgery, often with bypass techniques, is indispensable for complex aneurysms. To date, it remains unknown whether arterial anatomy or quantitative blood flow measurements can predict insufficient flow-related stroke (IRS)....

Far Lateral Craniotomy for Obliteration of High-Risk Craniocervical Junction Arteriovenous Fistula.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are a rare pathology with a clinical presentation related to their anatomical location. Craniocervical junction (CCJ) dAVFs are challenging to treat given the delicate structures that surround the CCJ. Endovascular treatment has evolved significantly in the past decade, but open microsurgery remains an invaluable tool for this pathology. To demonstrate the step-by-step elements of the far lateral approach for microsurgical ligation of CCJ dAVF. A retroauricular incision is created, extending down the neck, and the suboccipital triangle muscles are dissected, exposing the posterior arch of C1. The vertebral artery (VA), as well as its entrance point in the dura, is also dissected and exposed. Next, a C1 hemilaminectomy is performed, followed by a suboccipital craniectomy and drilling of the posteromedial portion of the condyle. The dura is opened behind the VA entrance in the dura, and the intradural VA is exposed. Once the fistula is identified, a temporary clip is placed on the draining vein. Indocyanine green video angiography is used to confirm that there is no further connection; the clip is then removed and the fistula obliterated. The dura is closed in a watertight fashion with a fat bolster to prevent a pseudomeningocele. Postoperative angiogram showed complete resolution of the pathology. The patient was discharged neurologically intact on postoperative day 4. Microsurgical obliteration of CCJ dAVFs can be achieved safely and efficiently through a far lateral approach.

Treatment of octogenarians and nonagenarians with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a 17-year institutional analysis.

Outcomes for octogenarians and nonagenarians after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are particularly ominous, with mortality rates well above 50%. The present analysis examines the neurologic outcomes of patients ≥ 80years of age treated for aSAH. A retrospective review was performed of all aSAH patients treated at Barrow Neurological Institute from January 1, 2003, to July 31, 2019. Patients were placed in 2 groups by age, < 80 vs ≥ 80years. The ≥ 80-year-old group of octogenarians and nonagenarians was subsequently analyzed to compare treatment modalities. Poor neurologic outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of > 2. During the study period, 1418 patients were treated for aSAH. The mean (standard deviation) age was 55.1 (13.6) years, the mean follow-up was 24.6 (40.0) months, and the rate of functional independence (mRS 0-2) at follow-up was 54% (751/1395). Logistic regression analysis found increasing age strongly associated with declining functional independence (R2 = 0.929, p < 0.001). Forty-three patients ≥ 80years old were significantly more likely to be managed endovascularly than with open microsurgery (67% [n = 29] vs 33% [n = 14], p < 0.001). Compared with younger patients, those ≥ 80years old had an increased risk of mortality and poor neurologic outcomes at follow-up. In the ≥ 80-year-old group, only 4 patients had good outcomes; none of the 4 had preexisting comorbidities, and all 4 were treated endovascularly. Age is a significant prognostic indicator of functional outcomes and mortality after aSAH. Most octogenarians and nonagenarians with aSAH will become severely disabled or die.

Procedural complications in patients undergoing microsurgical treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a single-center experience with 1923 aneurysms

With the growing use of endovascular therapy (EVT) to manage unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs), detailed information regarding periprocedural complication rates of microsurgical clipping and EVT becomes increasingly important in determining the optimal treatment for individual cases. We report the complication rates associated with open microsurgery in a large series of unruptured IAs and highlight the importance of maintaining surgical skill in the EVT era. We reviewed all cases of unruptured IAs treated with open microsurgery by a single neurosurgeon between July 1997 and June 2019. We analyzed surgical complications, deaths, and patient-reported outcomes. A total of 1923 unruptured IAs in 1750 patients (mean age 44 [range: 6-84], 62.0% [1085/1750] female) were treated surgically during the study period. Of the aneurysms treated, 84.9% (1632/1923) were small, 11.1% (213/1923) were large, and 4.1% (78/1923) were giant. Aneurysm locations included the middle cerebral artery (44.2% [850/1923]), internal carotid artery (29.1% [560/1923]), anterior cerebral artery (21.0% [404/1923]), and vertebrobasilar system (5.7% [109/1923]). The overall mortality rate was 0.3% (5/1750). Surgical complications occurred in 7.4% (129/1750) of patients, but only 0.4% (7/1750) experienced permanent disability. The majority of patients were able to return to their preoperative lifestyles with no modifications (95.9% [1678/1750]). At a high-volume, multidisciplinary center, open microsurgery in carefully selected patients with unruptured IAs yields favorable clinical outcomes with low complication rates. The improvement of EVT techniques and the ability to refer cases for EVT when a high complication rate with open microsurgery was expected have contributed to an overall decrease in surgical complication rates. These results may serve as a useful point of reference for physicians involved in treatment decision-making for patients with unruptured IAs.

Endoscopic versus open microsurgery for colloid cysts of the third ventricle

Purpose The surgical approach for colloid cysts of the third ventricle mainly consists of endoscopic or microscopic approach but few studies compare the neurologic outcomes and complications related to the different approaches. We retrospectively reviewed our results after resection of colloid cysts of the third ventricle using endoscopic surgery (ES) compared to open microsurgery (OS). Methods Fifty-one patients were included in the study of which 17 patients underwent ES. Colloid cyst size and Evans’ index were evaluated on CT or MRI scans. Presenting symptoms, neurologic outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups and analysed using Fisher’s exact test. Operative time and days of hospital stay were compared between the two groups, using independent sample t-test. The median follow-up time was 96 days and did not differ significantly between the groups. Results Shorter mean operative time (p = 0.04) and fewer days of hospital stay (p < 0.01) were found in the endoscopic group compared to the open microsurgical group. Presenting symptoms, neurological outcomes and postoperative complications were similar in the two groups. Conclusions ES showed similar neurologic outcomes and complications compared to OS for colloid cysts of the third ventricle. ES showed significantly shorter operative times and hospital stays compared to OS.

Endovascular embolization versus surgical clipping in a single surgeon series of basilar artery aneurysms: a complementary approach in the endovascular era

BackgroundCurrently, most basilar artery aneurysms (BAAs) are treated endovascularly. Surgery remains an appropriate therapy for a subset of all intracranial aneurysms. Whether open microsurgery would be required or utilized, and to what extent, for BAAs treated by a surgeon who performs both endovascular and open procedures has not been reported.MethodsRetrospective analysis of prospectively maintained, single-surgeon series of BAAs treated with endovascular or open surgery from the first 5 years of practice.ResultsForty-two procedures were performed in 34 patients to treat BAAs—including aneurysms arising from basilar artery apex, trunk, and perforators. Unruptured BAAs accounted for 35/42 cases (83.3%), and the mean aneurysm diameter was 8.4 ± 5.4 mm. Endovascular coiling—including stent-assisted coiling—accounted for 26/42 (61.9%) treatments and led to complete obliteration in 76.9% of cases. Four patients in the endovascular cohort required re-treatment. Surgical clip reconstruction accounted for 16/42 (38.1%) treatments and led to complete obliteration in 88.5% of cases. Good neurologic outcome (mRS ≤ 2) was achieved in 88.5% and 75.0% of patients in endovascular and open surgical cohorts, respectively (p = 0.40). Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that advanced age (OR 1.11[95% CI 1.01–1.23]) or peri-procedural adverse event (OR 85.0 [95% CI 6.5–118.9]), but not treatment modality (OR 0.39[95% CI 0.08–2.04]), was the predictor of poor neurologic outcome.ConclusionsComplementary implementation of both endovascular and open surgery facilitates individualized treatment planning of BAAs. By leveraging strengths of both techniques, equivalent clinical outcomes and technical proficiency may be achieved with both modalities.