Resection Of Skull Base Meningiomas Research Articles

Neurological outcomes after gamma knife radiosurgery for symptomatic skull base meningiomas based on their locations: Single institution experience

Background and objectiveGross total resection of skull base meningioma is so challenging due to its relevant high morbidity. Gamma knife radiosurgery is concerned by providing a favorable therapeutic option in the management of SBM. This study aims to evaluate the neurological outcome after GKRS as an adjuvant or primary treatment for SBM according to their locations. MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study consisted of 108 patients with SBM who underwent GKRS as an adjuvant or primary treatment. We found 40 patients with cavernous sinus meningioma (CSM), 36 patients with petroclival meningioma (PCM), and 22 patients with cerebellopontine angle meningioma (CPM). 81.1% of whom were female (n = 90) with a median age of 52.68 years. The mean tumor volume was 4.5 cm3 and the mean marginal dose was 13 Gy. ResultsTumor control was achieved in 96.4 % of patients at a median follow-up of 38.4 months. Over all 17 of 108 patients (15.6%) report improvement in their neurological symptoms. Patients with CPM demonstrated lower rates of neurological symptoms improvement compared to patients with PCM and CSM. Deterioration of neurological symptoms after GKRS developed in 11 patients (10.1%) which was more reported by patients with CSM than the others. The most improvement in cranial nerve deficit was in CN Ⅵ, Ⅴ, VIII among patients with CSM, PCM, and CPM respectively. ConclusionGKRS is acceptable as a primary or adjuvant treatment for SBM by providing an appreciable rate of improvement in neurological symptoms.

Factors Influencing the Degree of Resection and Proposed Preoperative Scale for The Management of Skull Base Meningiomas

Objectives: to identify factors involved in the degree of resection of skull base meningiomas and to propose a scale to calculate the probability of total resection. Materials and methods: unicenter, observational, retrospective study of patients operated on in the period 06/2018 – 06/2022. The following variables were used: age, clinic, location, size, previous embolization, perilesional edema, intertumoral calcium, characteristics in T2 and T1 and bone invasion. The degree of resection was measured with the traditional Simpson classification and was also divided into total (Simpson I, II and III) and subtotal (Simpson IV and V) resection. With the results, a scale was proposed taking into account the variables with statistical significance (p < 0.05). A literature review of the topic was conducted. Results: A total of 23 patients were operated. They were statistically significant associated with Simpson's grade, location (p 0.002) and size (p 0.001). Associated with total and subtotal resection, bone invasion (p 0.013). For the scale we use: location (anterior 1 point, posterior 2 points, medial 2 points and medial involving cavernous sinus 3 points), size (<5 cm 1 point, >5 cm 2 points) and bone invasion (not 1 point and if 2 points). We performed an inferential analysis and an association was observed between the scale performed and the degree of resection (p 0.005). Conclusion: In our study, an association was observed between bone size, location and invasion with the degree of resection achieved. We proposed a scale to measure the probability of total resection.

Role of risk factors, scoring systems, and prognostic models in predicting the functional outcome in meningioma surgery: multicentric study of 552 skull base meningiomas

Despite the importance of functional outcome, only a few scoring systems exist to predict neurologic outcome in meningioma surgery. Therefore, our study aims to identify preoperative risk factors and develop the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) models estimating the risk of a new postoperative neurologic deficit and a decrease in Karnofsky performance status (KPS). A multicentric study was conducted in a cohort of 552 consecutive patients with skull base meningiomas who underwent surgical resection from 2014 to 2019. Data were gathered from clinical, surgical, and pathology records as well as radiological diagnostics. The preoperative predictive factors of functional outcome (neurologic deficit, decrease in KPS) were analyzed in univariate and multivariate stepwise selection analyses. Permanent neurologic deficits were present in 73 (13.2%) patients and a postoperative decrease in KPS in 84 (15.2%). Surgery-related mortality was 1.3%. A ROC model was developed to estimate the probability of a new neurologic deficit (area 0.74; SE 0.0284; 95% Wald confidence limits (0.69; 0.80)) based on meningioma location and diameter. Consequently, a ROC model was developed to predict the probability of a postoperative decrease in KPS (area 0.80; SE 0.0289; 95% Wald confidence limits (0.74; 0.85)) based on the patient’s age, meningioma location, diameter, presence of hyperostosis, and dural tail. To ensure an evidence-based therapeutic approach, treatment should be founded on known risk factors, scoring systems, and predictive models. We propose ROC models predicting the functional outcome of skull base meningioma resection based on the age of the patient, meningioma size, and location and the presence of hyperostosis and dural tail.

Microscope-Based Augmented Reality with Intraoperative Computed Tomography-Based Navigation for Resection of Skull Base Meningiomas in Consecutive Series of 39 Patients.

Simple SummaryThe aim of surgery for skull base meningiomas is maximal resection with minimal damage to the involved cranial nerves and cerebral vessels. Compared to non-skull base meningiomas, these lesions show a reduced rate of gross total resection (GTR). Therefore, the use of technologies for improved orientation in the surgical field, such as neuronavigation and augmented reality (AR), is of interest. We confirmed in a consecutive series of 39 patients who underwent surgery for skull base meningiomas that automatic registration with intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) showed high registration accuracy and that microscope-based AR largely facilitated the resection by increasing surgical precision and providing improved intraoperative orientation by visualizing the tumor and the critical neurovascular structures in the operative microscope. No injuries to critical neurovascular structures occurred. There were 26 patients (66.6%) who underwent GTR. Additionally, 33 out of 35 patients who lived to follow-up could ambulate.Background: The aim of surgery for skull base meningiomas is maximal resection with minimal damage to the involved cranial nerves and cerebral vessels; thus, implementation of technologies for improved orientation in the surgical field, such as neuronavigation and augmented reality (AR), is of interest. Methods: Included in the study were 39 consecutive patients (13 male, 26 female, mean age 64.08 ± 13.5 years) who underwent surgery for skull base meningiomas using microscope-based AR and automatic patient registration using intraoperative computed tomography (iCT). Results: Most common were olfactory meningiomas (6), cavernous sinus (6) and clinoidal (6) meningiomas, meningiomas of the medial (5) and lateral (5) sphenoid wing and meningiomas of the sphenoidal plane (5), followed by suprasellar (4), falcine (1) and middle fossa (1) meningiomas. There were 26 patients (66.6%) who underwent gross total resection (GTR) of the meningioma. Automatic registration applying iCT resulted in high accuracy (target registration error, 0.82 ± 0.37 mm). The effective radiation dose of the registration iCT scans was 0.58 ± 1.05 mSv. AR facilitated orientation in the resection of skull base meningiomas with encasement of cerebral vessels and compression of the optic chiasm, as well as in reoperations, increasing surgeon comfort. No injuries to critical neurovascular structures occurred. Out of 35 patients who lived to follow-up, 33 could ambulate at their last presentation. Conclusion: A microscope-based AR facilitates surgical orientation for resection of skull base meningiomas. Registration accuracy is very high using automatic registration with intraoperative imaging.

Resection of Skull Base Meningioma With Extensive Extracranial Extension: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Jugular foramen meningiomas are rare tumors with distinguishing clinical, radiological, and surgical considerations.1,2 They involve the lower cranial nerves, invade the temporal bone, occlude jugular vein and sigmoid sinus, and involve internal carotid and vertebral arteries. Their location is prime for an extensive extracranial cervical extension. They might reach giant size with extension from the Meckel cave in the cerebellopontine angle to the carotid bifurcation in the neck while exhibiting only minor symptoms. Surgical morbidity is associated mainly with lower cranial nerves deficits. Radical surgical removal has been considered impossible with vascular encasement and is associated with a considerable risk of vascular injury. With careful and thorough preoperative evaluation, including evaluating the adequacy of the cerebral collateral and applying an appropriately tailored skull base approach,3 radical tumor resection can be achieved with the expectation of a good outcome.3,4 Meticulous microsurgical dissection of the tumor involving the internal carotid artery in the neck would permit radical resection without vascular damage and avoiding the need for vascular reconstruction.5 We demonstrate this technique in a 47-year-old female patient presented in the year 2007 having a giant jugular fossa tumor with extensive neck extension who consented to surgery. Image at 2:23 reused with permission from Al-Mefty O, Teixeira A. Complex tumors of the glomus jugulare: criteria, treatment, and outcome. J Neurosurg. 2002;97(6):1356-1366, by permission from JNSPG. {"href":"Single Video Player","role":"media-player-id","content-type":"play-in-place","position":"float","orientation":"portrait","label":"","caption":"","object-id":[{"pub-id-type":"doi","id":""},{"pub-id-type":"other","content-type":"media-stream-id","id":"1_vf9v0duk"},{"pub-id-type":"other","content-type":"media-source","id":"Kaltura"}]}

Predictors of visual function after resection of skull base meningiomas with extradural anterior clinoidectomy

Skull base meningiomas threatening the optic nerves may require performing an extradural anterior clinoidectomy (EAC) to optimally decompress the optic pathways. The present study evaluated the functional results and morbidity after surgical resection of skull base meningiomas including EAC, focusing on visual acuity (VA) and oculomotricity. Eighty-seven consecutive patients harboring skull base meningiomas who underwent surgical resection that included an EAC between 2003 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed (86% women, median age 53years). Decreased visual acuity (DVA) was graded as functional (VA ≥ 5/10) and nonfunctional (VA < 5/10). Statistical analyses were performed on VA and oculomotor nerve (OcN) dysfunction. Ninety surgical procedures were performed. Meningiomas were located at the anterior clinoid process (39%), cavernous sinus (31%), and spheno-orbital (30%) levels. Patients with a preoperative functional vision (normal or functional DVA) had a 90.9% (IC95% = [84.0; 97.8]) probability of preserving it at 6months and an 84.8% (IC95% = [76.2; 93.5]) probability at last follow-up. Patients with preoperative nonfunctional vision (nonfunctional DVA or blindness) had a 19.0% (IC95% = [2.3; 35.8]) probability of recovery of functional vision at 6months and a 23.8% (IC95% = [5.6; 42.0]) probability at last follow-up. Preoperative DVA was significantly associated with early postoperative DVA in univariate analyses (p = 0.04). Concerning the OcN, 65% of the patients experienced a postoperative dysfunction, and 78% of those cases recovered. Our study confirms EAC as a useful technical option for skull base meningiomas threatening the optic nerve, especially relevant for patients with preoperative functional vision, and supports early surgical management for these meningiomas.

Perioperative Complication Profile of Skull Base Meningioma Resection in Older versus Younger Adult Patients

Objectives To better understand the risk-benefit profile of skull base meningioma resection in older patients, we compared perioperative complications among older and younger patients. Design Present study is based on retrospective outcomes comparison. Setting The study was conducted at a single neurosurgery institute at a quaternary center. Participants All older (age ≥ 65 years) and younger (<65 years) adult patients treated with World Health Organization grade 1 skull base meningiomas (2008-2017). Main Outcome Measures Perioperative complications and patient functional status are the primary outcomes of this study. Results The analysis included 287 patients, 102 older and 185 younger, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 72 (5) years and 51 (9) years ( p < 0.01). Older patients were more likely to have hypertension ( p < 0.01) and type 2 diabetes mellitus ( p = 0.01) but other patient and tumor factors did not differ ( p ≥ 0.14). Postoperative medical complications were not significantly different in older versus younger patients (10.8 [11/102] vs. 4.3% [8/185]; p = 0.06) nor were postoperative surgical complications (13.7 [14/102] vs. 10.8% [20/185]; p = 0.46). Following anterior skull base meningioma resection, diabetes insipidus (DI) was more common in older versus younger patients (14 [5/37] vs. 2% [1/64]; p = 0.01). Among older patients, a decreasing preoperative Karnofsky performance status score independently predicted perioperative complications by logistic regression analysis ( p = 0.02). Permanent neurologic deficits were not significantly different in older versus younger patients (12.7 [13/102] vs. 10.3% [19/185]; p = 0.52). Conclusion The overall perioperative complication profile of older and younger patients was similar after skull base meningioma resection. Older patients were more likely to experience DI after anterior skull base meningioma resection. Decreasing functional status in older patients predicted perioperative complications.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Fusion Technique for Vascular Assessment of Skull Base Meningiomas

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images for skull base tumors provide detailed vascular information and localization in regard to surrounding bony structures. We report use of the CBCT fusion technique for skull base meningiomas. Six patients with petroclival or petrotentorial meningiomas supplied by multiple arterial systems were preoperatively evaluated using CBCT fusion imaging. Fusion images were reconstructed from three-dimensional rotational angiography with contrast agent injections from the internal carotid artery (ICA) and external carotid artery in 4 cases, vertebral artery and external carotid artery in 1 case, and ICA and vertebral artery in 1 case. The feeding pedicles and tumor stains from 2 arterial systems were differentiated by separate colors. The courses and territories of the ICA dural feeders or ICA/vertebral artery pial feeders were easily distinguished from the external carotid artery dural feeders. Anastomoses between thin feeders from different arterial systems could be detected. Mixed stain (stain with both colors) was observed in some tumor compartments, suggesting dual supply from 2 arterial systems and the presence of peritumoral anastomoses. All patients underwent preoperative embolization without complications. CBCT fusion images clearly visualized the feeders from each arterial system, the vascular compartments within the tumor, and possible peritumoral anastomoses. This technique provides a substantial contribution to both preoperative embolization and surgical resection of skull base meningiomas.

Case Series of Skull Base Meningioma Resection in the Octogenarian Population.

Introduction The geriatric population is the fastest growing segment of the American population, and octogenarians are increasingly seen by neurosurgeons for relatively common lesions such as meningiomas. Unfortunately, providers do not have clear data to guide decision-making regarding these lesions, particularly if they involve the skull base. Current research in outcomes among the elderly looks at a wide range of ages, often anyone older than 65. Previous studies in octogenarians report a wide-range of mortality rates and do not focus on skull base lesions. This paper strives to clarify the experiences and outcomes of octogenarians. Patients and Methods This retrospective series reviews skull base tumor surgeries performed at a single academic institution over the past 15 years in octogenarian patients. Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality; however, potential risk factors, perioperative morbidity, postdischarge disposition, and longer term follow-up were also captured. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify relevant perioperative and medical characteristics that increases the risk of adverse events. Results Fourteen patients underwent craniotomies for skull base procedures with an average age of 84.5, with a 14% 30-day mortality rate. One patient required a tracheostomy on discharge and approximately half were able to either go home or rehabilitation after their procedure. On statistical analysis, there were no noted characteristics that predisposed any of the patients to a poorer outcome. Conclusion Octogenarian patients were able to tolerate surgery for skull base meningiomas resection. This outcome data may be used to inform surgical decision and guide conversation with patients and their families.

EQ-5D Quality-of-Life Analysis and Cost-Effectiveness After Skull Base Meningioma Resection.

Skull base meningioma management is complicated by their proximity to intracranial neurovascular structures because complete resection may pose a risk of worsening morbidity. To assess the influence of clinical outcomes and surgical management on patient-perceived quality-of-life outcomes, value, and cost-effectiveness. Patients who underwent resection of a skull base meningioma, had adequate clinical follow-up, and completed EQ-5D-3L questionnaires preoperatively and at 1 mo and 1 yr postoperatively were identified in a retrospective review. Cost data from the Value Driven Outcomes database were analyzed. A total of 52 patients (83.0% women, mean age 51.9 yr) were categorized by worsened (n=7), unchanged (n=24), or improved (n=21) EQ-5D-3L index scores at 1-mo follow-up. No difference in subcategory cost contribution or total cost was seen in the 3 groups. Patients with improved scores showed a steady improvement through each follow-up period, whereas those with unchanged or worsened scores did not. Mean quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and cost per QALY improved for all groups but at a higher rate for patients with better outcomes at 30-d follow-up. Female sex, absence of proptosis, nonfrontotemporal approaches, no optic nerve decompression, and absence of surgical complications demonstrated improved EQ-5D-3L scores at 1-yr follow-up. A mean cost per QALY of $27 731.06±22 050.58 was observed for the whole group and did not significantly differ among patient groups (P=.1). Patients undergoing resection of skull base meningiomas and who experience an immediate improvement in EQ-5D are likely to show continued improvement at 1 yr, with improved QALY and reduced cost per QALY.

Surgical outcomes after reoperation for recurrent skull base meningiomas.

Skull base meningiomas are surgically challenging tumors due to the intricate skull base anatomy and the proximity of cranial nerves and critical cerebral vasculature. Many studies have reported outcomes after primary resection of skull base meningiomas; however, little is known about outcomes after reoperation for recurrent skull base meningiomas. Since reoperation is one treatment option for patients with recurrent meningioma, the authors sought to define the risk profile for reoperation of skull base meningiomas. A retrospective review of 2120 patients who underwent resection of meningiomas between 1985 and 2016 was conducted. Clinical information was extracted from the medical records, radiology data, and pathology data. All records of patients with recurrent skull base meningiomas were reviewed. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, surgical management, outcomes, and complications data were collected. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate survival after reoperation. Logistic regression was used to evaluate for risk factors associated with complications. Seventy-eight patients underwent 100 reoperations for recurrent skull base meningiomas. Seventeen patients had 2 reoperations, 3 had 3 reoperations, and 2 had 4 or more reoperations. The median age at diagnosis was 52 years, and 64% of patients were female. The median follow-up was 8.5 years. Presenting symptoms included cranial neuropathy, headache, seizure, proptosis, and weakness. The median time from initial resection to first reoperation was 4.4 years and 4.1 years from first to second reoperation. Seventy-two percent of tumors were WHO grade I, 22% were WHO grade II, and 6% were WHO grade III. The sphenoid wing was the most common location (31%), followed by cerebellopontine angle (14%), cavernous sinus (13%), olfactory groove (12%), tuberculum sellae (12%), and middle fossa floor (5%). Forty-four (54%) tumors were ≥ 3 cm in maximum diameter at the time of the first reoperation. In 100 reoperations, 60 complications occurred in 30 cases. Twenty of the 60 complications required surgical intervention (33%). Complications included hydrocephalus (12), CSF leak/pseudomeningocele (11), wound infection (9), postoperative hematoma (4), venous infarction (1), and pneumocephalus (1). Postoperative neurological deficits included new or worsened cranial nerve deficits (10) and hemiparesis (3). There were no perioperative deaths in this series. On multivariate analysis, posterior fossa location was significantly associated with complications (OR 3.45, p = 0.0472). The 1-, 2-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates according to Kaplan-Meier analysis after the first reoperation were 94%, 92%, 88%, and 76%, respectively. The median survival after the first reoperation was 17 years. Recurrent skull base meningiomas are surgically challenging tumors, and reoperation is associated with high morbidity and complication rates. Despite these cautionary data, repeat resection of recurrent skull base meningiomas in appropriately selected patients provides excellent long-term survival.

Implications of Extracranial Distortion in Ultra-High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Image-Guided Cranial Neurosurgery

Ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is attractive for image guidance during neurosurgery because of its high tissue contrast and detailed vessel visualization. However, high-field MRI is prone to distortion artifacts, which may compromise image guidance. Here we investigate intra- and extracranial distortions in 7-T MRI scans. Five patients with and 5 patients without skin-adhesive fiducials received magnetization-prepared T1-weighted 7-T MRI and standard 3-T MRI scans. The 7- and 3-T images were rigidly coregistered and compared. Intracranial distortions were evaluated qualitatively, whereas shifts at the skin surface and shifts of the center positions of skin-adhesive fiducials were measured quantitatively. Moreover, we present an illustrative case of an ultra-high-field image-guided skull base meningioma resection. We found excellent intracranial correspondence between 3- and 7-T MRI scans. However, the average maximum skin shift was 6.8 ± 2.0 mm in group A and 5.2 ± 0.9 mm in group B. The average maximum difference between the skin-adhesive fiducial positions was 5.6 ± 3.1 mm in group B. In our tumor resection case, the meningioma blood supply could be targeted early thanks to 7-T image guidance, which made subsequent tumor removal straightforward. There are no visible intracranial distortions in magnetization-prepared T1-weighted 7-T MRI cranial images. However, we found considerable extracranial shifts. These shifts render 7-T images unreliable for patient-to-image registration. We recommend performing patient-to-image registration on a routine (computed tomography scan or 3-T magnetic resonance) image and subsequently fusing the 7-T magnetic resonance image with the routine image on the image guidance machine, until this issue is resolved.

Red Blood Cell Transfusions Following Resection of Skull Base Meningiomas: Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes.

Objective This article identifies risk factors for and investigates clinical outcomes of postoperative red blood cell transfusion in patients with skull base meningiomas. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Single academic medical center. Participants The transfusion group included patients who had skull base meningiomas and who received packed red blood cell (RBC) transfusion within 7 days of surgery. The no transfusion group included patients who had skull base meningiomas but who did not have RBCs transfused within 7 days of surgery. Main Outcome Measures In-hospital complication rate, length of stay (LOS), and discharge disposition. Results One hundred and ninety-six patients had a craniotomy for resection of a meningioma at our institution from March 2013 to January 2017. Seven patients had skull base meningiomas and received RBC transfusion within 7 days of surgery (the transfusion group). The skull base was an independent risk factor for transfusion after we controlled for the effect of meningioma size (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.34, 11.25). Operative time greater than 10 hours was an independent risk factor for prolonged hospital stay (OR 8.84, 95% CI 1.08, 72.10) once we controlled for the effect of transfusion. In contrast, transfusion did not independently impact LOS or discharge disposition once we controlled for the effect of operative time. Conclusions The skull base is an independent predictor of RBC transfusion. However, RBC transfusion alone cannot predict LOS or discharge disposition in patients who undergo surgical resection of a skull base meningioma.

Preoperative Embolization of Skull Base Meningiomas: Outcomes in the Onyx Era

Preoperative embolization may facilitate skull base meningioma resection, but its safety and efficacy in the Onyx era have not been investigated. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the outcomes of preoperative embolization of skull base meningiomas using Onyx as the primary embolysate. We queried an endovascular database for patients with skull base meningiomas who underwent preoperative embolization at our institution in 2007-2017. Patient, tumor, procedure, and outcome data were analyzed. Twenty-eight patients (28 meningiomas) underwent successful preoperative meningioma embolization. The mean patient age ± SD was 56 ± 13 years, and 18 patients (64%) were women. The mean tumor size was 49 cm3. There were 1, 2, or 3 arterial pedicles embolized in 21 cases (75%), 6 cases (21%), and 1 case (4%), respectively. The embolized pedicles included branches of the middle meningeal artery in 19 cases (68%), the internal maxillary artery in 8 cases (29%), the ascending pharyngeal artery in 2 cases (7%), and the posterior auricular, ophthalmic, occipital, and anterior cerebral arteries in 1 case each (4%). The embolysates used were Onyx alone in 20 cases (71%), n-butyl cyanoacrylate alone in 3 cases (11%), coils/particles and Onyx/n-butyl cyanoacrylate in 2 cases each (7%), and Onyx and coils in 1 case (4%). The median degree of tumor devascularization was 60%. Significant neurologic morbidity occurred in 1 patient (4%) who developed symptomatic peritumoral edema after Onyx embolization. For appropriately selected skull base meningiomas supplied by dura mater-based arterial pedicles without distal cranial nerve supply, preoperative embolization with current embolysate technology affords substantial tumor devascularization with a low complication rate.

Efficiency and Safety of Autologous Fat Grafts in Reconstructing Skull Base Defects After Resection of Skull Base Meningiomas

Reconstruction of the skull base after resection of skull base meningiomas is of paramount importance. Here we describe a safe and effective method of skull base reconstruction using autologous free fat grafts. In this retrospective analysis of patients operated for skull base meningioma from 2007 to 2014. We analyzed the surgical technique, efficiency and safety as well as the graft-related complications. Autologous free fat grafts were used in 55 patients, including 39 patients with posterior fossa meningiomas related to the petrous bone and 16 patients with anterior fossa meningiomas related to the paranasal sinuses. Three patients experienced postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and were managed with temporary continuous lumbar drainage. One patient developed pneumocephalus and required revision. The occurrence of CSF leak was related to aggressive resection with resulting large skull base defects, especially in anterior skull base meningiomas. There were no donor site-related complications. The use of autologous free fat grafts is an effective and safe technique for reconstructing skull base defects after microsurgical resection of skull base meningiomas.

Little Insights from Big Data: Risk and Misconception regarding Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak after Resection of Skull Base Meningiomas

Introduction: Neurosurgical dogma regarding risk factors for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak holds that a broad range of comorbidities place patients at increased risk for this complication. Although rational arguments and extensive empiric experience such as retrospective patient series have been published to explain these theoretical pathophysiological relationships, many have not been explicitly confirmed using large, multicenter, national surgical outcomes databases.

P.3.014 - Cytochrome P450 polymorphisms moderate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects of MDMA in healthy subjects

Reconstruction of the skull base after resection of skull base meningiomas is of paramount importance. Here we describe a safe and effective method of skull base reconstruction using autologous free fat grafts.In this retrospective analysis of patients operated for skull base meningioma from 2007 to 2014. We analyzed the surgical technique, efficiency and safety as well as the graft-related complications.Autologous free fat grafts were used in 55 patients, including 39 patients with posterior fossa meningiomas related to the petrous bone and 16 patients with anterior fossa meningiomas related to the paranasal sinuses. Three patients experienced postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and were managed with temporary continuous lumbar drainage. One patient developed pneumocephalus and required revision. The occurrence of CSF leak was related to aggressive resection with resulting large skull base defects, especially in anterior skull base meningiomas. There were no donor site–related complications.The use of autologous free fat grafts is an effective and safe technique for reconstructing skull base defects after microsurgical resection of skull base meningiomas.

Prospective analysis of neuropsychological deficits following resection of benign skull base meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE Resection of skull base tumors is challenging. The introduction of alternative treatment options, such as radiotherapy, has sparked discussion regarding outcome in terms of quality of life and neuropsychological deficits. So far, however, no prospective data are available on this topic. METHODS A total of 58 patients with skull base meningiomas who underwent surgery for the first time were enrolled in this prospective single-center trial. The average age of the patients was 56.4 ± 12.5 years. Seventy-nine percent of the tumors were located within the anterior skull base. Neurological examinations and neuropsychological testing were performed at 3 time points: 1 day prior to surgery (T1), 3-5 months after surgery (T2), and 9-12 months after surgery (T3). The average follow-up duration was 13.8 months. Neuropsychological assessment consisted of quality of life, depression and anxiety, verbal learning and memory, cognitive speed, attention and concentration, figural memory, and visual-motor speed. RESULTS Following surgery, 23% of patients showed transient neurological deficits and 12% showed permanent new neurological deficits with varying grades of manifestation. Postoperative quality of life, however, remained stable and was slightly improved at follow-up examinations at T3 (60.6 ± 21.5 vs 63.6 ± 24.1 points), and there was no observed effect on anxiety and depression. Long-term verbal memory, working memory, and executive functioning were slightly affected within the first months following surgery and appeared to be the most vulnerable to impairment by the tumor or the resection but were stable or improved in the majority of patients at long-term follow-up examinations after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS This report describes the first prospective study of neuropsychological outcomes following resection of skull base meningiomas and, as such, contributes to a better understanding of postoperative impairment in these patients. Despite deterioration in a minority of patients on subscales of the measures used, the majority demonstrated stable or improved outcome at follow-up assessments.

The Impact of Age on Long-Term Quality of Life After Endonasal Endoscopic Resection of Skull Base Meningiomas.

Midline ventral skull base meningiomas may be amenable to an endonasal endoscopic approach, which has theoretical advantages and may help preserve quality of life (QOL) when compared with transcranial approaches. To investigate the effect of age on QOL following endonasal endoscopic surgery, given the documented impact of age on QOL outcomes following transcranial resection of midline ventral skull base meningiomas. We reviewed a prospectively acquired database of endonasal endoscopic surgery for meningiomas. Inclusion criteria included patients who had completed long-term postoperative (≥6 months follow-up) QOL questionnaires (Anterior Skull Base Questionnaire [ASBQ] and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT-22]). Postoperative QOL scores were also compared with preoperative QOL in a patient subset. Long-term QOL data were available in 34 patients. Average postoperative ASBQ and SNOT-22 scores were 3.39 and 23.0, respectively. Better QOL was statistically associated with age <55 (P = .02). In a subset of patients, preoperative and postoperative ASBQ and SNOT-22 scores were compared. Only SNOT-22 scores significantly increased from 15.9 + 20.8 to 25.9 + 19.5 (P = .04). We report the first study specifically evaluating long-term QOL after endonasal endoscopic resection of skull base meningiomas. QOL was decreased postoperatively in patients aged ≥55. ASBQ, Anterior Skull Base QuestionnaireGTR, gross total resectionQOL, quality of lifeSNOT-22, 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test.

Microsurgical resection of skull base meningioma-expanding the operative corridor.

A better understanding of surgical anatomy, marked improvement in illumination devices, provision of improved hemostatic agents, greater availability of more precise surgical instruments, and better modalities for skull base reconstruction have led to an inevitable evolution of skull base neurosurgery. For the past few decades, many skull base neurosurgeons have worked relentlessly to improve the surgical approach and trajectory for the expansion of operative corridor. With the advent of newer techniques and their rapid adaptation, it is foundational, especially for young neurosurgeons, to understand the basics and nuances of modifications of traditional neurosurgical approaches. The goal of this topic review is to discuss the evolution of, concepts in, and technical nuances regarding the operative corridor expansion in the field of skull base surgery for intracranial meningioma as they pertain to achieving optimal functional outcome.