Second-look Surgery Research Articles

Laparoscopic metroplasty in bicornuate and didelphic uteri: feasibility and outcome.

To report the outcomes of laparoscopic metroplasty in bicornuate and didelphic uteri. This observational study includes 26 women with double uterine cavities (22 bicornuate and 4 didelphic uteri) with history of recurrent pregnancy loss undergoing laparoscopic metroplasty, second-look laparoscopy and hysteroscopy between 2008 and 2013 in University and Private hospital (Shiraz, Iran). The feasibility of laparoscopic metroplasty, appropriateness of the uterine cavity upon second-look laparoscopy, pregnancy outcome and live birth rate (within at least 12 month follow-up) were evaluated. All patients had a unified and acceptable uterine cavity in second-look operation. Minimal pelvic adhesions in eight cases and subseptum of uterus in seven patients were detected which were removed by laparoscopy and resectoscopy, respectively. Out of 14 patients who could be followed for one year for pregnancy occurrence 12 patients had conception. Out of them nine term pregnancies with normal pregnancy and delivery outcomes were reported. These women delivered nine live neonates through the cesarean section. Three patients had pregnancy loss (2 early pregnancy losses and one with preterm delivery). Two patients decided to postpone conception due to personal reasons. Laparoscopic metroplasty by developing single uterine cavity with a suitable volume and minimal adhesion formation can be a substitute for laparotomy technique. However, more long-term studies should be done on larger sample size to confirm its positive effects on the pregnancy outcomes.

P08 * INTRA-OPERATIVE MRI: THE ALDER HEY EXPERIENCE SO FAR

INTRODUCTION: Intra-operative MRI (ioMRI) is increasingly being used by some neurosurgical units to ensure maximal tumour resection and therefore improved outcome. Its use has also extended to other non-oncological neurosurgical procedures. METHOD: We report our ioMRI experience in Alder Hey over a period of 53 months and compare the results with a historical cohort prior to the introduction of ioMRI specifically looking at the group of patients where complete surgical tumour resection was the desired outcome. RESULTS: ioMRI was used in 183 cases since its introduction at Alder Hey. Of these, 143 were debulkings / resections of tumours, 6 biopsies, 1 cyst drainage, 25 epilepsy cases, 7 craniofacial and 1 abscess drainage. Approximately 30% of patients underwent second-look surgery following ioMRI. None have required return to theatre for resection of residual disease. This compares to 14% in the historical cohort prior to availability of ioMRI. There was no increase in morbidity - infection or otherwise - directly attributable to ioMRI. CONCLUSION: The use of ioMRI has proven to be safe and effective at ensuring that the goals of surgery are met and has allowed for an improved service by reducing return to theatre rates.

P16.29 * POST-OPERATIVE DIFFUSION TENSOR IMAGING IDENTIFIES RESIDUAL INVASIVE TUMOR FOLLOWING MAXIMAL RESECTION OF GLIOBLASTOMAS AND PREDICTS LOCATION OF TUMOUR PROGRESSION

INTRODUCTION: Although techniques such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) guided resections can increase extent of ‘maximal’ resections the invasive nature of glioblastomas makes total resections impossible and residual disease inevitable. Previous work decomposing diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data into isotropic (p) and anisotropic (q) components identifies an abnormality that has been shown to be invasive tumor on biopsy. This study aims to identify the invasive residual tumor left behind after attempted maximal resection and see if this can predict areas of tumor progression. METHODS: 15 patients (mean age 55.2; 11 males) with glioblastomas were imaged both pre-operatively and within 72 hours of a 5-ALA guided resection. Imaging involved standard anatomical sequences (to assess the extent of resection) as well as a DTI. Maps of p and q were coregistered to the post-contrast T1-weighted axial images and abnormal areas of the q (gross tumor) and p (tumor and invasive margin) were delineated and the difference was taken as the invasive residual tumor. All patients were treated with radiotherapy and concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy and followed up until progression or a minimum of one year. Contrast enhanced T1-weighted images of progressive disease were used to identify the pattern of recurrence. This recurrent disease was compared with the outlined invasive residual tumor from the post-operative DTI. RESULTS: Post-operative imaging within 72 hours of surgery identified a complete resection of the contrast-enhancing tumor (CRET) in 9 patients (60%). At the time of analysis 6 had progressed with a median time to progression of 444 days. The pattern of recurrence was within the DTI-defined invasive residual area in 5 of the 6 patients progressing (sensitivity 83%). In 3 cases the enhancing progressive tumor was >2cm from the edge of the resection cavity. Of the 6 patients undergoing partial resection of the enhancing tumor (PRET) 5 had progressed with a median time to progression of 258 days. In all cases progression occurred in the area of residual contrast enhancing disease. CONCLUSION: Imaging the residual invasive tumor using DTI can identify sites of tumor progression. These regions might be a target for further treatment options including extended resections, directing convection-enhanced delivery or radiotherapy planning. Progression at sites of residual contrast enhancement suggests we need to consider second-look surgery in selected patients.

Dermo-glandular flap for treatment of recurrent periductal mastitis

BackgroundRecurrent periductal mastitis (PDM) is usually refractory to medical treatment and normally requires surgical intervention or even mastectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of extended excision with transferring a random breast dermo-glandular flap (BDGF) in the treatment of severe PDM. Materials and methodsBetween January 2010 and December 2011, 47 patients with recurrent PDM were consecutively and prospectively hospitalized for elective extended excision. A random BDGF was harvested from the ipsilateral breast tissue overlying the pectoralis major muscle and transferred to resurface the breast tissue defect. The donor site wound was closed using interrupted sutures. Main outcome measures included flap survivability, surgical morbidities, and follow-up cosmetic outcome. ResultsAll flaps survived uneventfully and all wounds healed by primary intention. PDM recurred in two patients (2/47, 4.3%) and required second-look surgery. The cosmetic outcome was self-evaluated to be excellent in 31.9% (15/47) of patients, good in 36.2% (17/47), acceptable in 21.3% (10/47), and poor in 10.6% (5/47), respectively. The donor site wounds healed uneventfully with minimal scarring. ConclusionsExtended excision with transferring BDGF is an effective, safe treatment modality for recurrent PDM with a low-risk morbidity and favorable cosmesis.

Intramedullary spinal cord abscess and subsequent granuloma formation: a rare complication of vertebral osteomyelitis detected by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

An intramedullary spinal cord abscess, which is usually associated with discitis, is an uncommon but potentially important complication of vertebral osteomyelitis. The authors describe a rare case of an intramedullary conus medullaris abscess and lumbar osteomyelitis sparing the intervertebral discs and without discitis. The patient also developed a granuloma in the cauda equina during treatment. Diffusion-weighted MRI was useful for differentiating the granulomatous lesion from the relapse of infection. A 65-year-old immunocompetent man with moderately controlled diabetes presented with progressive lowerextremity numbness and weakness with urinary dysfunction. He had progressive paraparesis, bilateral leg paresthesia, and sphincter compromise. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intramedullary ring-enhanced lesion, which was hyperintense on diffusion-weighted images. The lesion, an intramedullary spinal cord abscess, was surgically drained. During antibiotic treatment, serial MRI showed an enlarging enhanced lesion in the cauda equina, and a recurrent infection was suspected. A second-look surgery confirmed the formation of a granuloma and the absence of a relapse of the abscess. Although the enhanced lesion increased in size, its intensity on diffusion-weighted images remained unchanged. After 3 months of antibiotic treatment, all enhanced lesions were diminished. An intramedullary spinal cord abscess is a rare but important complication of vertebral osteomyelitis, and it requires immediate treatment. Diffusion-weighted MRI was useful for the initial diagnosis as well as for monitoring treatment efficacy.

Update on the prevention of local recurrence and peritoneal metastases in patients with colorectal cancer.

The prevention of a disease process has always been superior to the treatment of the same disease throughout the history of medicine and surgery. Local recurrence and peritoneal metastases occur in approximately 8% of colon cancer patients and 25% of rectal cancer patients and should be prevented. Strategies to prevent colon or rectal cancer local recurrence and peritoneal metastases include cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic perioperative chemotherapy (HIPEC). These strategies can be used at the time of primary colon or rectal cancer resection if the HIPEC is available. At institutions where HIPEC is not available with the treatment of primary malignancy, a proactive second-look surgery is recommended. Several phase II studies strongly support the proactive approach. If peritoneal metastases were treated along with the primary colon resection, 5-year survival was seen and these results were superior to the results of treatment after peritoneal metastases had developed as recurrence. Also, prophylactic HIPEC improved survival with T3/T4 mucinous or signet ring colon cancers. A second-look has been shown to be effective in two published manuscripts. Unpublished data from MedStar Washington Cancer Institute also produced favorable date. Rectal cancer with peritoneal metastases may not be so effectively treated. There are both credits and debits of this proactive approach. Selection factors should be reviewed by the multidisciplinary team for individualized management of patients with or at high risk for peritoneal metastases.

Histological features of primary tumors after induction or high-dose chemotherapy in high-risk neuroblastoma.

In the recent years in Japan, an increasing number of patients with neuroblastoma (NB) are being treated by the "delayed local treatment (DL)" policy, undergoing surgery after the completion of high-dose chemotherapy with hematopoietic stem cell rescue (HDC). We reviewed the histopathological findings of second-look operations, including those of patients treated with DL. From 1998 to 2013, 26 patients with high-risk NB underwent radical operation following chemotherapy. Surgery was performed after induction chemotherapy in 17 cases (standard; STD), whereas 9 cases completed induction chemotherapy and HDC before undergoing tumor resection (DL). The amount of necrosis and the degree of differentiation within the post-treatment tumor were assessed. Eighty-eight percent of the tumors showed necrosis in more than 1/3 of the specimen. Two DL cases showed complete disappearance of viable tumor cells. Amount of necrosis did not affect the prognosis of the patient. Tumors with immature, poorly differentiated phenotypes showed an extremely aggressive thereafter. Though not statistically proven, (123)I-MIBG (metaiodobenzylguanidine) uptake may be correlated with the amount of viable cells remaining within the tumor, but not with the degree of differentiation. Our results support the previous reports advocating that tumors that sustain unfavorable histology after chemotherapy behave aggressively thereafter.

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation of the Ankle

Background: The treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus after failed surgery is challenging, with no clear solution. Short-term results using autologous chondrocyte implantation have been promising. Purpose: To report the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) of the talus after failed marrow stimulation techniques for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Thirty-two consecutive patients underwent ACI of the talus, and 29 patients (15 male, 14 female; mean age, 34 years [range, 16-54 years]) were available for follow-up. There were 23 medial and 6 lateral lesions, with a mean size of 18 × 11 mm (198 mm2; range, 80-500 mm2). Twenty patients underwent ACI of the talus alone; 9 underwent ACI with bone grafting of underlying cysts. Follow-up was performed at a mean of 70 months (range, 24-129 months). Patient outcomes were evaluated using the simplified symptomatology score, Tegner activity score, Finsen score, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score. Twenty-five patients (86%) underwent second-look arthroscopic surgery at the time of hardware removal and were assessed with the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on 24 patients (83%) and compared with preoperative MRI scans. Results: Preoperatively, 26 patients rated their ankles as poor and 3 as fair using the simplified symptomatology score. At last follow-up, 9 were classified as excellent, 14 as good, 5 as fair, and 1 as poor using the same score. The mean AOFAS score improved from 50.1 to 85.9 (range, 65-100). The mean Tegner activity score improved from 1.6 to 4.3 (P < .0001). The mean Finsen score (modified Weber score) showed significant improvement from 13.7 to 5.1 (P < .0001). Conclusion: Autologous chondrocyte implantation of the talus yields improvement in all parameters tested with enduring long-term results in patients who have failed previous surgery for OLTs.

The value of non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of residual or recurrent middle-ear cholesteatoma.

To determine the value of non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for detection of residual and recurrent middle-ear cholesteatoma after combined-approach tympanoplasty. The magnetic resonance imaging findings after primary surgery for cholesteatoma were compared with intra-operative findings at 'second-look' surgery or with clinical follow-up findings. Forty-eight magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed in 38 patients. Second-look surgery was performed 21 times in 18 patients. The remaining patients were followed up at the out-patient clinic. There were no false-positive findings with non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging; however, there were four false-negative findings. The mean maximum diameter of recurrent cholesteatoma, as assessed using magnetic resonance imaging, was 11.7mm (range, 4.4-25.3mm). The sensitivity of non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for detecting cholesteatoma prior to second-look surgery was 0.76, with a specificity of 1.00. When clinical follow up of the non-operated ears was included in the analysis, sensitivity was 0.81 and specificity was 1.00. Recurrent cholesteatoma can be accurately detected using non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Our study, however, also showed some false-negative results. Therefore, strict out-patient follow up is mandatory for those considering using this technique instead of standard second-look surgery.

Clinical Utility of MRI for Cholesteatoma Recurrence

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) has recently been proposed as an alternative to surgical exploration for suspected recurrent or residual cholesteatoma. A second-look surgery is often planned for extensive disease in ears where the posterior canal wall has been left intact. Alternatively, granulation tissue with chronic otorrhea in a patient with a history of cholesteatoma is highly suspicious for recurrence. Computerized tomography imaging is excellent for showing bony definition details of the temporal bone but cannot differentiate between soft tissue types. Cholesteatoma has unique signaling characteristics on DWI that can help distinguish between inflammatory tissue and residual or recurrent disease.

Clinical, Functional, and Morphological Evaluations of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Remnant Preservation

Background: Numerous posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction techniques have evolved and have revealed satisfactory outcomes; however, the optimal operative method for PCL reconstruction remains controversial. Hypothesis: Transtibial PCL reconstruction with a remnant preservation technique would result in successful clinical, radiological, functional, and morphological outcomes. In addition, it was hypothesized that the results of combined PCL and posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction would be comparable with those of isolated PCL reconstruction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 168 patients who underwent arthroscopic PCL reconstruction with or without reconstruction of the PLC between March 2006 and June 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Ninety-two patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled, and 47 of 92 patients who underwent combined PCL and PLC reconstruction were evaluated as a subgroup. The PLC was reconstructed using the single fibular sling method. The patients were assessed by means of the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, and Tegner activity score. Stability was evaluated using a KT-2000 arthrometer and Telos device. Proprioception was assessed using the Biodex System. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 34 patients, and second-look arthroscopic surgery was conducted in 36 patients. Results: The minimum follow-up duration was 24 months in all patients. Clinical outcomes and posterior instability improved significantly. The mean Lysholm score improved from 56.7 ± 7.1 to 89.3 ± 7.3, the mean IKDC subjective knee score improved from 53.3 ± 9.6 to 86.2 ± 6.1, and the mean Tegner activity score was 2.5 ± 0.8 preoperatively and 5.1 ± 1.3 postoperatively (all P < .001). The mean side-to-side difference on posterior stress radiography with the Telos device improved significantly, decreasing from 12.1 ± 2.5 mm to 2.7 ± 1.3 mm (P < .001). The mean side-to-side difference on varus stress radiography was reduced from 5.9 ± 0.8 mm preoperatively to 1.3 ± 1.0 mm after combined PCL and PLC reconstruction (P < .001). Postoperative proprioception recovered to a level similar to that of the uninvolved side, and MRI and second-look arthroscopic surgery showed a high rate of complete healing and synovialization in patients who underwent either isolated PCL reconstruction or combined PLC and PCL reconstruction. Conclusion: Transtibial PCL reconstruction with remnant preservation resulted in satisfactory clinical, functional, radiological, and morphological outcomes. The results of combined posterolateral rotatory instability were comparable with those for isolated PCL reconstruction with adequate PLC reconstruction.

Management of peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer: review of the literature.

Today, we do not have a universally accepted evidence on how to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancer (CRC) in international guidelines. The present study is a review of the literature investigating current strategies to treat CRC PC. Despite the progresses of systemic chemotherapy, the presence of PC among patients with metastatic CRC reduces the overall survival to 30 %, and only 4 % of patients with PC from CRC treated are alive for 5 years. Many trials evaluate the combined treatment of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for CRC PC, suggesting a survival benefit in highly selected patients. Only one trial is randomized and presents some biases. The two main prognostic factors are Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) and completeness of cytoreduction score (CC score). There is no universal agreement on how to approach the synchronous presence of PC and liver metastasis with a curative intent during the same procedure. A growing interest among the scientific community has arisen about systematic second-look surgery and HIPEC treatment in high-risk patients. Current evidences suggest that CRS and HIPEC might be beneficial in highly selected patients affected with PC from CRC. Anyway, today, there is a shortage of well-designed phase 3 trials.

A comparison of primary intraperitoneal chemotherapy to consolidation intraperitoneal chemotherapy in optimally resected advanced ovarian cancer

Objectives: At our institution, patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer who had primary debulking followed by intravenous (IV) chemotherapy were historically offered second-look surgery and consolidation treatment with intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy if no or minimal disease was found at second look. With the publication of Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) 172, this management approach changed to giving primary IV/IP chemotherapy immediately after primary cytoreduction. The purpose of this study was to compare survival outcomes for patients who received primary IV/IP chemotherapy to patients who received IV followed by consolidation IP chemotherapy.

The CEA Second-Look Trial: a randomised controlled trial of carcinoembryonic antigen prompted reoperation for recurrent colorectal cancer

ObjectiveIn patients who have undergone a potentially curative resection of colorectal cancer, does a ‘second-look’ operation to resect recurrence, prompted by monthly monitoring of carcinoembryonic antigen, confer a survival benefit?DesignA...

Second-Look Arthroscopic Evaluation of Cartilage Lesions After Mesenchymal Stem Cell Implantation in Osteoarthritic Knees

Background: Cartilage regenerative procedures have been receiving increased interest because of their potential to alter the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). The application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been proposed as a new treatment option for OA based on the ability of these cells to differentiate into chondrocytes. Purpose: To investigate the clinical and second-look arthroscopic outcomes of MSC implantation and to identify prognostic factors associated with this treatment. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated 37 knees examined using second-look arthroscopic surgery after MSC implantation for cartilage lesions in OA knees. Clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and Tegner activity scale, and cartilage repair was assessed using International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading. Statistical analyses were performed to identify various prognostic factors associated with the clinical and second-look arthroscopic outcomes. Results: The mean patient age was 57.4 years (range, 48-69 years), the mean follow-up period was 26.5 months (range, 24-34 months), the mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.3 kg/m2 (range, 19.8-31.2 kg/m2), and the mean lesion size was 5.4 ± 2.9 cm2 (range, 2.3-8.9 cm2). The mean IKDC and Tegner activity scale scores were significantly improved from 38.0 ± 7.8 to 61.0 ± 11.0 and from 2.5 ± 0.5 to 3.6 ± 0.7, respectively (P < .001 for both). According to the ICRS overall repair grades at second-look arthroscopic surgery, 2 of the 37 lesions (5%) were grade I (normal), 7 (19%) were grade II (near normal), 20 (54%) were grade III (abnormal), and 8 (22%) were grade IV (severely abnormal). In terms of overall patient satisfaction with the operation, 33 (94%) patients reported good to excellent satisfaction. High BMI (≥27.5 kg/m2) and large lesion size (≥5.4 cm2) were found to be significant predictors of poor clinical and arthroscopic outcomes (P < .05 for both). Other prognostic factors, including patient age, sex, cartilage lesion location, and presence of subchondral cysts, did not significantly influence the outcomes (P > .05). Conclusion: The outcomes of MSC implantation for cartilage repair in OA knees seem encouraging; high BMI and large lesion size are important factors affecting outcomes. Although still in the early stages of application, MSC implantation for cartilage repair may have great potential for the treatment of OA knees. However, second-look arthroscopic findings revealed that 76% had the repair rated as abnormal or severely abnormal by ICRS standards. The development of an advanced surgical procedure with tissue-engineered scaffolds may be needed to treat patients with large cartilage lesions.

DIRAS3 regulates the autophagosome initiation complex in dormant ovarian cancer cells

DIRAS3 is an imprinted tumor suppressor gene that is downregulated in 60% of human ovarian cancers. Re-expression of DIRAS3 at physiological levels inhibits proliferation, decreases motility, induces autophagy, and regulates tumor dormancy. Functional inhibition of autophagy with choroquine in dormant xenografts that express DIRAS3 significantly delays tumor regrowth after DIRAS3 levels are reduced, suggesting that autophagy sustains dormant ovarian cancer cells. This study documents a newly discovered role for DIRAS3 in forming the autophagosome initiation complex (AIC) that contains BECN1, PIK3C3, PIK3R4, ATG14, and DIRAS3. Participation of BECN1 in the AIC is inhibited by binding of BECN1 homodimers to BCL2. DIRAS3 binds BECN1, disrupting BECN1 homodimers and displacing BCL2. Binding of DIRAS3 to BECN1 increases the association of BECN1 with PIK3C3 and ATG14, facilitating AIC activation. Amino acid starvation of cells induces DIRAS3 expression, reduces BECN1-BCL2 interaction and promotes autophagy, whereas DIRAS3 depletion blocks amino acid starvation-induced autophagy. In primary ovarian cancers, punctate expression of DIRAS3, BECN1, and the autophagic biomarker MAP1LC3 are highly correlated (P < 0.0001), underlining the clinical relevance of these mechanistic studies. Punctate expression of DIRAS3 and MAP1LC3 was detected in only 21–23% of primary ovarian cancers but in 81–84% of tumor nodules found on the peritoneal surface at second-look operations following primary chemotherapy. This reflects a 4-fold increase (P < 0.0001) in autophagy between primary disease and post-treatment recurrence. We suggest that DIRAS3 not only regulates the AIC, but induces autophagy in dormant, nutrient-deprived ovarian cancer cells that remain after conventional chemotherapy, facilitating their survival.

Integrated PET/MRI for planning navigated biopsies in pediatric brain tumors

An integrated PET/MRI scanner has been used in selected cases of pediatric brain tumor patients to obtain additional metabolic information about lesions for preoperative biopsy planning and navigation. Four patients, age 9-16 years, received PET/MRI scans employing [(11)C]methionine positron emission tomography (PET) and contrast-enhanced 3D-MR sequences for neuronavigation. PET and MR sequences have been matched for neurosurgical guidance. An infrared camera-based neuronavigation system was employed with co-registered MR and PET images fused to hybrid images for preoperative planning, stereotactic biopsy planning, and/or intraoperative guidance. All patients showed hot spots of increased amino acid transport in PET and contrast-enhancing lesions in MRI. In three of the four patients, PET hot spots were congruent with contrast-enhancing areas in MRI. In two patients, frame-based stereotactic biopsies were taken from thalamo-mesencephalic lesions. One patient underwent second-look surgery for the suspicion of recurrent malignant glioma of the posterior fossa. One incidental frontal mass lesion was subtotally resected. No complications occurred. Hybrid imaging was helpful during the procedures to obtain representative histopathologic specimens and for surgical guidance during resection. Co-registered images did match with intraoperative landmarks, tumor borders, and histopathologic specimens. The integrated PET/MRI scanner offers co-registered multimodal, high-resolution data for neuronavigation with reduced radiation exposure compared to PET/CT scans. One examination session provides all necessary data for neuronavigation and preoperative planning, avoiding additional anesthesia in the small patients. Hybrid multimodality imaging may improve safety and yield additional information when obtaining representative histopathologic specimens of brain tumors.

Contribution of magnetic resonance imaging to the diagnosis of middle ear cholesteatoma: Analysis of a series of 97 cases

ObjectivesTo evaluate the reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of middle ear cholesteatoma and to determine the contribution of each MRI sequence. Patients and methodsA series of 97 cases was reviewed, corresponding to 89 patients (43 women, 46 men). Each patient was assessed by the following MRI protocol: T1-weighted, T2-weighted, early contrast-enhanced T1-weighted, delayed contrast-enhanced T1-weighted, and diffusion-weighted sequences. All patients were operated, for the first time in 16 cases and for second-look surgery in 81 cases. Radiological findings were compared to surgical and histological findings. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for each sequence. ResultsSeventy-four cholesteatomas were diagnosed at surgery. These lesions had a mean diameter of 8.29±5.46mm. The smallest cholesteatoma in this series was 2mm in diameter. Diffusion-weighted and delayed contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences had a sensitivity of 84.9% and 90.4%, a specificity of 87.5% and 75%, a positive predictive value of 95.4% and 91.7%, and a negative predictive value of 65.6% and 72%, respectively. T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and early contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences had a low specificity. ConclusionsMRI is a reliable imaging modality for the diagnosis of middle ear cholesteatoma. Diffusion-weighted and delayed contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences were discriminant. In the context of postoperative follow-up of cholesteatoma, these sequences allow better selection of cases requiring second-look surgery.

Multimodality therapy for CNS mixed malignant germ cell tumors (MMGCT): results of a phase II multi-institutional study

In order to improve outcomes for CNS mixed malignant germ cell tumors (MMGCT) we sought to increase complete responses (CR) to initial therapy, through intensifying neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CHT1) with added ifosfamide, encouraging second-look surgery, and administering dose-intensive, stem cell-supported chemotherapy (CHT2) to patients with residual tumor, all prior to radiation therapy (RT). Diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy or elevated germ cell tumor markers. After tumor staging was completed, patients received four cycles of chemotherapy (cisplatin, etoposide and ifosfamide, "CHT1"). In patients with <CR, second-look surgery was encouraged. Patients with residual tumor received two cycles of high dose, sub-ablative chemotherapy with carboplatin and cyclophosphamide ("CHT2") with peripheral stem cell support. All patients then received RT: for localized tumors with CR before RT, 36 gray (Gy) whole ventricular radiation therapy (WVRT) plus 50.4 Gy boost to primary; for disseminated tumors or < CR before RT, craniospinal irradiation (CSI) plus boosts to primary site(s) and bulky metastases. 26 patients (19 M0, 7 M+) were enrolled. The diagnosis was established by histology (20) or elevated markers (6). Objective responses to CHT1 were complete in 12/22 patients with evaluable disease and partial in 10; 8 additional tumors were rendered CR prior to RT (5 surgical CRs: 3 initial, 2 second-look; 3 CRs to CHT2). Thus, 20/26 patients (77%) were free of disease (CR) prior to RT. Six-year relapse-free survival was 63 ± 10%; overall survival was 68 ± 9%. Of 16 M0 patients who received only WVRT, four relapsed in the spine, outside the radiation field. The relatively high frequency (25%) of relapse outside the initial RT volume highlights the limitations of initial staging criteria and the curative potential of conventional and high dose chemotherapy. CSI remains the standard of care for CNS MMGCT, even for patients with localized disease.

Minimally invasive functional approach for cholesteatoma surgery

Report the efficacy of a functional minimally invasive approach for cholesteatoma surgery. Retrospective review of surgical cases performed between 1996 and 2008. One hundred sixty-nine patient charts were reviewed in which ears with primary cholesteatomas that extended beyond the mesotympanum were operated on with a plan for canal wall up (CWU) mastoidectomy. The surgical approach consisted of progressive exposure from transcanal to postauricular tympanoplasty to CWU mastoidectomy, as needed, to identify and lyse the fibrous attachments that bind the capsule to the surrounding mucosa. Endoscopic guidance was employed as appropriate to minimize exposure needs. Any planned second-stage operations were attempted with a transcanal approach if appropriate and with endoscopic assistance. One hundred eighty-four ears of 169 patients were included. The median age was 32 years (range, 1-79 years). The mean follow-up was 3.2 years (range, 1-11 years). Eighty-three (45%) were planned for a second-look operation, and three (2%) required unplanned second operations. The overall recurrence rate was 24/184 (13%), and the unexpected residual rate was 5/184 (3%). The residual rate with endoscopy (5/119, 4%,) or without endoscopy (1/65, 2%), were not significantly different. Hearing results in 156 ears improved significantly, from a preoperative pure-tone average (PTA) of 41 dB to a postoperative PTA average of 29 dB (P < .0001). A functional minimally invasive approach to cholesteatoma surgery provided equivalent residual rates but higher recurrence rates compared to published canal wall down mastoidectomy. Endoscopic techniques were helpful in providing adequate views while minimizing exposure.