Single Neurosurgeon Research Articles

The impact of endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery on endocrine function: a single-centre study.

The outcome for pituitary endocrine function following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate endocrine outcomes following endoscopic surgery in order to provide a benchmark to assist in the counselling of patients perioperatively. A prospectively held pituitary database was retrospectively analysed for all adult pituitary adenoma patients undergoing endoscopic surgery from May 2011 to May 2017. All operations were performed by a single neurosurgeon at a regional centre for pituitary surgery. Functioning and non-functioning adenomas were included. Hormonal status was assessed at most recent follow-up. One hundred forty-five patients (69 M, 76 F) were included in the study with a median age of 52years. Median follow-up was 52months. Eighty-eight patients (61%) were not taking any hormone replacement medications, whilst 57 patients (39%) required hormone replacement therapy (HRT) preoperatively. Preoperatively, 29 patients (20%) had hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, 39 patients (27%) had thyroid axis dysfunction, 11 males (16%) and 7 females (9%) had gonadal axis dysfunction, and one patient had preoperative diabetes insipidus. Postoperatively, 26 patients (18%) had a new deficiency in pituitary function, whilst 6 patients (11%) were able to cease HRT. Nineteen patients (13%) had new HPA axis deterioration, 12 (8%) had new thyroid axis dysfunction, 8 males (11%) and 4 females (5%) had gonadal axis deterioration, and 6 patients (4%) had new diabetes insipidus (DI). The ability to restore pituitary function following endoscopic surgery remains limited, whilst new deficits still occur. It is essential that patients are counselled accordingly as hormonal replacement therapy can have a significant impact on quality of life. Larger longer-term collaborative studies of endocrine outcome in endoscopic pituitary surgery are needed.

Frequency and Pattern of Early Complications after Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in Obstructive Hydrocephalus

Objective: To determine the frequency, pattern and outcome of early complications after endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in Obstructive hydrocephalus.
 Material and Methods: The study included 160 patients from Neurosurgery department, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar and private clinics over a period of twelve months. After performing ETV under general anesthesia by a single expert neurosurgeon, the patients were followed up for seven days post operatively for the CSF leak, wound infection, meningitis, seizures, bleeding and in hospital death.
 Results: Eighty five percent of the patients had no untoward complications, while 15% showed complications including CSF leak (5%), wound infection (3%), meningitis (2%), seizures (2%), bleeding (2%) and in hospital death (1%).
 Conclusion: Due to the less invasive nature, endoscopic third ventriculostomy is favored for treating obstructive hydrocephalus in select patient population as it is safe and have better outcomes.

The Role of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Surgical Neuro-Oncology: Series of 100 Consecutive Patients.

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is an adjuvant treatment for intracranial lesions that are treatment refractory or in deep or eloquent brain. Initial studies of LITT in surgical neuro-oncology are limited in size and follow-up. To present our series of LITT in surgical neuro-oncology to better evaluate procedural safety and outcomes. An exploratory cohort study of all patients receiving LITT for brain tumors by a single senior neurosurgeon at a single center between 2013 and 2018. Primary outcomes included extent of ablation (EOA), time to recurrence (TTR), local control at 1-yr follow-up, and overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included complication rate. Outcomes were compared by tumor subtype. Predictors of outcomes were identified. A total of 91 patients underwent 100 LITT procedures; 61% remain alive with 72% local control at median 7.2 mo follow-up. Median TTR and OS were 31.9 and 16.9 mo, respectively. For lesion subtypes, median TTR (months, not applicable [N/A] if <50% rate observed), local control rates at 1-yr follow-up, and median OS (months) were the following: dural-based lesions (n=4, N/A, 75%, 20.7), metastases (n=45, 55.9, 77.4%, 16.9), newly diagnosed glioblastoma (n=11, 31.9, 83.3%, 32.3), recurrent glioblastoma (n=14, 5.6, 24.3%, 7.3), radiation necrosis (n=20, N/A, 67.2%, 16.4), and other lesions (n=6, 12.3, 80%, 24.4). TTR differed by tumor subtype (P=.02, log-rank analysis). EOA predicted local control (P=.009, multivariate proportional hazards regression); EOA > 85% predicted longer TTR (P=.006, log-rank analysis). Complication rate was 4%. Our series of LITT in surgical neuro-oncology, 1 of the largest to date, further evidences its safety and outcomes profile.

Predicting Chronic Subdural Hematoma Resolution and Time to Resolution Following Surgical Evacuation.

Background: Growing evidence suggests that chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) may have long-term adverse effects even after surgical evacuation. Hematoma recurrence is commonly reported as a short-term, postoperative outcome measure for CSDH, but other measures such as hematoma resolution may provide better insight regarding mechanisms behind longer-term sequelae. This study aims to characterize postoperative resolution times and identify predictors for this relatively unexplored metric.Methods: Consecutive cases (N = 122) of burr hole evacuation for CSDH by a single neurosurgeon at Columbia University Irving Medical Center from 2000 to 2019 were retrospectively identified. Patient characteristics, presenting factors, and date of hematoma resolution were abstracted from the electronic health record. Outcome measures included CSDH resolution at 6 months, surgery-to-resolution time, and inpatient mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictors of outcome measures.Results: Hematoma resolution at 6 months was observed in 58 patients (47.5%), and median surgery-to-resolution time was 161 days (IQR: 85–367). Heavy drinking was predictive of non-resolution at 6 months and longer surgery-to-resolution time, while increased age was predictive of non-resolution at 6 months. Antiplatelet agent resumption was associated with non-resolution at 6 months and longer surgery-to-resolution time on univariate analysis but was not significant on multivariate analysis.Conclusion: Postoperative resolution times for most CSDHs are on the order of several months to a year, and delayed resolution is linked to heavy drinking and advanced age. Subsequent prospective studies are needed to directly assess the utility of hematoma resolution as a potential metric for long-term functional and cognitive outcomes of CSDH.

Visual and Hormone Outcomes in Pituitary Apoplexy: Results of a Single Surgeon, Single Institution 15-Year Retrospective Review and Pooled Data Analysis.

Introduction Pituitary apoplexy commonly presents with visual and hormonal deficits. While traditionally regarded as an emergency, there have been increasing trends toward conservative management. Our institutional practice consists of early surgery; therefore, we reviewed our series evaluating vision outcomes, hormone function, and complications compared with the present literature. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our institution's medical records to identify pituitary apoplexy patients who were treated via the endoscopic endonasal approach by a single neurosurgeon (senior author). We recorded basic demographics, radiographic and operative features, and preoperative and postoperative vision and hormone status. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. Pooled data analysis of visual outcomes in the current literature using Bayesian inference was performed. Results We identified 44 patients with histologically confirmed pituitary apoplexy treated by endoscopic transsphenoidal decompression; 77% were treated within 24 hours of presentation. Total 45% had cranial nerve (CN) palsy, 36% anopsia, and 20% had visual acuity deficits. Postoperatively, 100% of CN palsies improved, 81% of anopsias improved, and 66.7% of visual acuity deficits improved. Long-lasting panhypopituitarism (25%) and hypothyrodism (22%) were common. Cavernous sinus involvement predicted residual tumor ( p = 0.006). Pooled Bayesian inference showed 30% improvement in vision outcomes with surgical management compared with medical management with a number needed to treat of 3.3. Conclusion Early surgery for pituitary apoplexy was associated with excellent visual outcomes and the need for long-term hormone replacement is common. Cavernous sinus involvement is an independent predictor of residual tumor. Pooled statistical analysis favors aggressive surgical management of apoplexy for improved visual outcomes.

Microscopic Trans-sphenoidal surgery in paediatric pituitary adenoma: An institutional experience

Introduction : Pituitary adenoma is common in adult population but rare in pediatric population. Microscopic transnasal trans-sphenoidal surgery (MTTS) is gold standard technique for this. In the last two decades, there is increasing trend for endoscopic trans-sphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma. Endoscopic surgery had many well-established benefits over microscopic surgery in case of adult patients. But many surgeons are not fond of using endoscope in pediatric patients because of limited space in children. There is difficulty in maneuvering the endoscope in small nostrils. Present study showed that MTTS is safe and easy procedure in pediatric pituitary adenoma patients. Materials and Methods : All pediatric patients operated by MTTS technique in single institute by a single neurosurgeon during 2010–2018 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were below 18 years of age. Data were collected from bed head ticket, operative notes, and discharge summary and histological records. Results : Total 22 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 14 years ranging from 11 to 17 years. Symptoms were as follows: headache in 46%, menstrual irregularity in 36%, visual disturbance in 32%, feature of acromegaly in 14%, and features of Cushing disease in 23%. Functioning adenoma was found in 20 patients (91%). Among functioning adenoma, prolactinoma comprises 55%, adrenocorticotropic hormone secretary tumors 22%, growth hormone secretary tumor 14%, and nonfunctioning adenoma 9%. Majority of tumors extending to suprasellar area were prolactinoma (75%). Gross total resection was achieved in 18 cases (82%). Four patients (18%) had postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak and all these patients were having macroadenoma or giant adenoma. Hormonal profile became normal in 16 patients (80%) out of 20 functioning tumors postoperatively. Seventy-eight percent female patients (seven patients) had improvement in their menstrual irregularity. Transient diabetes insipidus dev

Contributing factors for delayed postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks and suggested treatment algorithm.

Delayed postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are uncommon and largely unstudied complications. In this study we aim to identify their etiology and understand the efficacy of various reconstruction strategies. A retrospective chart analysis of 1017 endonasal skull base surgeries performed by a single neurosurgeon was completed identifying delayed CSF leaks (occurring >1 week after surgery). Seventeen cases of early (1-2 weeks after surgery) or delayed (>2 weeks after surgery) postoperative CSF leak were identified. The most common reconstruction during the initial surgery consisted of an inlay or gasket seal collagen matrix (82.4% of patients) with an onlay pedicled flap (76.5% of patients). Presenting symptoms of delayed CSF leak included rhinorrhea (82.4%), headache (41.2%), and meningitis (23.5%). The most common causes included flap dehiscence (17.6%); provoking events such as emesis, sneezing, or fall (17.6%); flap necrosis (11.8%); flap displacement (11.8%); and inadequate apposition of the flap, that is, folded flap (11.8%). Reconstructive techniques of the delayed CSF leak included fortification of the initial reconstruction with free fat grafts (29.4% of patients), combined collagen matrix with a fat graft (23.5% of patients), repositioning of the previous flap (11.8% of patients), and repair with a new flap (11.8% of patients). CSF diversion (spinal/ventricular drain or shunt) was used in 17.6% of patients. This study identifies the most common etiologic factors leading to a delayed CSF leak and its initial symptoms. Furthermore, it serves as the foundation for a reconstructive algorithm based on reinforcement of the initial repair with free abdominal fat graft with or without collagen matrix.

A Comparison of Olfactory and Sinonasal Outcomes in Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery Performed by a Single Neurosurgeon or a Collaborative Team of Surgeons.

ObjectivesEndoscopic pituitary surgery usually requires a collaboration between neurosurgeons and ENT surgeons to achieve optimal outcomes. However, neurosurgeons occasionally perform these procedures alone without an ENT surgeon. In this study, postoperative sinonasal quality of life and olfactory function were compared in patients who underwent endoscopic pituitary surgery performed by a single neurosurgeon or by a collaborative team of a neurosurgeon and an ENT surgeon.MethodsA retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed. Patients who underwent endoscopic pituitary surgery for pituitary adenoma from January 2015 to April 2018 were included. The study patients were divided into two groups; patients in group 1 underwent surgery performed by a single neurosurgeon, while patients in group 2 received surgery performed by a collaborative team of surgeons. Olfaction was assessed using a subjective Likert scale, the Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (CC-SIT), and the butanol threshold test (BTT). In addition, patients answered the Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire regarding sinonasal quality of life before and 3 months after surgery.ResultsThis study included 152 patients (46 patients in group 1 and 106 patients in group 2). Significant differences were not observed between the two groups regarding age, sex, tumor size, or operation time. Although subjective olfaction was not significantly different before and after surgery, group 2 showed significantly better objective olfactory function based on the CC-SIT (8.44±3.00 vs. 9.84±1.40; P=0.012) and BTT (4.67±0.84 vs. 5.02±0.33; P=0.022) scores at 3 months after surgery. The SNOT-22 scores were not statistically significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionIn the present study, better olfactory outcomes were observed in patients who underwent surgery performed by a collaborative team of a neurosurgeon and an ENT surgeon. This result shows the need for collaboration between neurosurgeons and ENT surgeons in endoscopic pituitary surgery.

Delayed Symptom Onset Following Pediatric Sport-Related Concussion.

Objective: (1) To examine the prevalence of delayed symptom onset (DSO) among pediatric sport-related concussion (SRC) patients as well as the effect of symptom onset on initial symptom severity, length of recovery, and development of delayed recovery; (2) to evaluate the impact of symptom onset on sideline management.Methods: We conducted a prospective study of pediatric SRC patients (<20 years of age) evaluated at a multi-disciplinary concussion program. Patients underwent initial medical assessment by a single neurosurgeon and a structured interview by a research assistant. Patients were classified as experiencing early symptom onset (symptom onset <15 min from the time of the suspected injury; ESO) or DSO (≥15 min from the time of the suspected injury).Results: A total of 144 SRC patients (61.1% male; mean age 14.6 years, SD 1.8) evaluated a median of 5.0 days (IQR 4.0, 9.0) post-injury were included in the study. Among these patients, 120 (83.3%) reported experiencing ESO while 24 (16.7%) experienced DSO following injury. Among those that experienced DSO the median length of time from the suspected injury to symptom onset was 60.0 min (IQR 20.0, 720.0). No significant differences were observed in symptom severity at initial medical assessment (median Post-Concussion Symptom Scale score 20.0 vs. 18.0, p = 0.35), length of physician-document clinical recovery (median 22.0 vs. 24.0 days; p = 0.46) or the proportion of those who developed delayed physician-documented clinical recovery (34.4 vs. 42.1%, p = 0.52) among patients with ESO or DSO. Patients who reported experiencing ESO were significantly more likely to be immediately removed from play at the time of their suspected injury compared to those who experienced DSO (71.6% vs. 29.2%; p < 0.0001).Conclusions: This study suggests that an important proportion of children and adolescents who sustain an acute SRC experience DSO. DSO is associated with lower rates of immediate removal from play at the time of suspected injury. Secondary study findings highlight the need for improved sport stakeholder concussion education and standardized concussion protocols that mandate the immediate and permanent removal of all youth with a suspected concussion until they undergo medical assessment.

Pituitary adenoma consistency: Direct correlation of ultrahigh field 7T MRI with histopathological analysis

PurposeTumor consistency is a critical factor in surgical planning that influences ease of resection and risk of operative morbidity. The ability of MRI to predict tumor consistency tumor consistency has been shown to increase with higher field strength. The present study examined the utility of 7 T (7 T) MRI in predicting the tumor consistency of pituitary adenomas. MethodFifteen patients with pituitary adenomas were preoperatively scanned at 7 T MRI. Regions of interest were drawn around lesions for voxel-based signal intensity (SI) analysis. The percentage of tumor voxels with intensity higher than local gray matter was calculated on T2-weighted imaging. A single neurosurgeon rated tumor firmness for all patients. Histopathological analysis was performed. Radiological tumor features were correlated with intraoperative tumor consistency measurements and histopathology. ResultsTumors rated as ‘soft’ intraoperatively were hyperintense to local gray matter on T2-weighted imaging. ‘Firm’ tumors were hypointense to local gray matter. There was no significant difference in SI ratio between soft and firm tumors (p = 0.098). Soft tumors had a significantly higher percentage of tumor voxels greater than local gray matter compared to firm tumors (p = 0.035, Cohen’s D-effect size = 1.208). Soft tumors had higher vascularity than firm tumors, p = 0.015. ConclusionsThe signal and contrast advantage conferred by 7 T MRI may provide valuable preoperative information regarding pituitary tumor consistency and physiology. The use of granular, voxel-based analysis maximizes the potential afforded by the high resolution of 7 T imaging, and may be a valuable method of predicting consistency of pituitary adenoma.

Transpalpebral Approach "Eyelid Incision" for Surgical Treatment of Intracerebral Aneurysms: Lessons Learned During a 10-Year Experience.

The classic pterional, pretemporal, and orbitozygomatic approaches achieve large areas of exposure with easy maneuverability. In select cases (eg, some anterior circulation aneurysms), the minimally invasive fronto-orbital craniotomy can yield adequate exposure that must be balanced with its risk of frontalis injury. To detail a 10-yr experience using the transpalpebral approach, characterized by an incision whose camouflage is the natural eyelid crease, notably the effectiveness and outcomes of this exposure for anterior circulation aneurysms. In this retrospective review, 82 patients with 88 aneurysms underwent a supraorbital frontal minicraniotomy via the eyelid incision performed by a single neurosurgeon and closure by an oculoplastic surgeon (2007-2016). Incision of the orbiculi oculi developed a plane between the muscle and orbital septum superiorly. Outcomes recorded included aneurysm occlusion or residual, treatment modality (clipping/wrapping), postoperative hemorrhage or stroke, postoperative wound healing, and overall cosmesis. Of 85 (97%) aneurysms treated by clipping, postoperative and follow-up imaging showed complete obliteration in 81 (95%) aneurysms and residuals in 4 (5%). Cosmetic outcomes for the eyelid incision were excellent: 81 (99%) patients noted excellent wound healing at follow-up and no scarring; 1 patient developed significant temporalis wasting and upper eyelid scarring after posterior communicating artery aneurysm clipping. Overall, 13 minor and 8 major complications affected 19 patients. Our findings confirm the versatility of the eyelid supraorbital frontal minicraniotomy for common anterior circulation aneurysms. This large series found that postoperative complication risks were similar to traditional techniques and cosmetic results were excellent.

Analysis of 7-tesla diffusion-weighted imaging in the prediction of pituitary macroadenoma consistency.

Endoscopic surgery is an effective treatment strategy for pituitary adenomas; however, intrinsic tumor properties such as tumor consistency can challenge or preclude gross-total resection. Preoperative characterization of tumor consistency may help to guide the surgical approach and to predict the extent of resection that is possible. Advanced radiological modalities such as 7T diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) may be useful in probing biological tissue properties of pituitary adenomas. The objective of the present study was to examine 7T DWI as a novel method of measuring the consistency of pituitary adenomas. Thirteen patients with pituitary macroadenomas underwent 7T MRI, including a DWI image acquisition. Tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was normalized to the adjacent temporal gray matter ADC. All patients underwent resection, and a single neurosurgeon blinded to ADC values rated tumor firmness from 1 (least firm) to 5 (most firm) using objective criteria. The tumor specimens were evaluated histopathologically for cellularity, collagen content, and vascularity by a neuropathologist who was also blinded to ADC values. The tumor ADC was correlated with intraoperative consistency rating, histopathology, and extent of resection. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to identify thresholds to predict tumor consistency. Corrected ADC values were significantly correlated with both tumor firmness (r = -0.60, p = 0.029) and the extent of trichrome staining (r = -0.72, p = 0.009) such that greater ADC values were associated with both decreased tumor firmness and decreased collagen staining. Correlations between ADC values and tumor vascularity were not significant (r = -0.09, p = 0.78). Corrected ADC values in totally resected tumors (1.54) were greater than those in subtotally resected tumors (0.85) (p = 0.02), and ADC values were greater with moderate tumor cellularity (1.51) than with high tumor cellularity (0.8) (p = 0.035). There was a trend-level association for partial resections to exhibit greater tumor firmness rating (3 vs 1.7; p = 0.051). Finally, the degree of trichrome staining positively correlated with tumor firmness (r = 0.60, p = 0.04). The optimal threshold for predicting intraoperative consistency rating was an ADC ratio of 0.87 (sensitivity 80%, specificity 100%, area under the curve [AUC] 0.90; p = 0.043). The optimal cutoff for distinguishing the extent of resection was 1.19 (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 83.3% AUC 0.833; p = 0.046). The authors' results suggest that a high-resolution ADC of pituitary adenomas is a sensitive measure of tumor consistency. 7T DWI may hold clinical value in the preoperative workup and surgical management of patients with pituitary macroadenomas.

A Simple Onlay Sellar Reconstruction Does Not Increase the Risk of Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Well-Selected Patients.

Objective A variety of endonasal sellar repair techniques have been described; many of which are complex, expensive, and carry potential morbidity but are felt to be necessary to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. We propose an effective, technically simple repair for select sellar defects utilizing an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose. Design Retrospective review of patients from a single neurosurgeon who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma and sellar reconstruction with only an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose. Patients were selected for this repair technique based on the absence of: (1) intraoperative identification of a CSF leak, (2) patulous diaphragm (expanded diaphragm sella herniating to or through sellar floor defect), and (3) other prohibiting comorbidities. Setting The present study was conducted at a tertiary care center. Participants In this study, pituitary adenoma patients were the participants. Outcome Measures Main outcome measure of the study is postoperative CSF leak. Results A total of 172 patients were identified. Of these, 153 were initial resections of pituitary adenomas. Gross total resection was achieved in 142 (82.6%) cases. Average tumor size was 2.2 ± 1.1 cm. Average tumor volume was 10.4 ± 19.8 cm 3 . No patients had intraoperative CSF leaks. All cases were repaired with only an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose. There were two postoperative CSF leaks (1.16%). Pre and postoperative SNOT-22 scores were 12.9 ± 11.9 and 14.3 ± 14.9 ( p = 0.796), respectively. Conclusion The use of an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose alone is an effective repair technique for select sellar defects. This technique does not result in increased postoperative CSF leak rates and avoids the higher relative cost and potential morbidity associated with more complex, multilayered closures.

Patterns of opioid use in patients with trigeminal neuralgia undergoing neurosurgery.

First-line treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is pharmacological management using antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), e.g., carbamazepine (CBZ) and oxcarbazepine (OCBZ). Surgical intervention has been shown to be an effective and durable treatment for TN that is refractory to medical therapy. Despite the lack of evidence for efficacy in patients with TN, the authors hypothesized that patients with neuropathic facial pain are prescribed opioids at high rates, and that neurosurgical intervention may lead to a reduction in opioid use. This is a retrospective study of patients with facial pain seen by a single neurosurgeon. All patients completed a survey on pain medications, medical comorbidities, prior interventions for facial pain, and a validated pain outcome tool (the Penn Facial Pain Scale). Patients subsequently undergoing neurosurgical intervention completed a survey at the 1-month follow-up in the office, in addition to telephone interviews using a standardized script between 1 and 6 years after intervention. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to predict opioid use. The study cohort consisted of 309 patients (70% Burchiel type 1 TN [TN1], 18% Burchiel type 2 [TN2], 6% atypical facial pain [AFP], and 6% TN secondary to multiple sclerosis [TN-MS]). At initial presentation, 20% of patients were taking opioids. Of these patients, 55% were receiving concurrent opioid therapy with CBZ/OCBZ, and 84% were receiving concurrent therapy with at least one type of AED. Facial pain diagnosis (for diagnoses other than TN1, odds ratio [OR] 2.5, p = 0.01) and facial pain intensity at its worst (for each unit increase, OR 1.4, p = 0.005) were predictors of opioid use at baseline. Neurosurgical intervention led to a reduction in opioid use to 8% at long-term follow-up (p < 0.01, Fisher's exact test; n = 154). Diagnosis (for diagnoses other than TN1, OR 4.7, p = 0.002) and postintervention reduction in pain at its worst (for each unit reduction, OR 0.8, p < 10-3) were predictors of opioid use at long-term follow-up. On subgroup analysis, patients with TN1 demonstrated a decrease in opioid use to 5% at long-term follow-up (p < 0.05, Fisher's exact test), whereas patients with non-TN1 facial pain did not. In the nonsurgical group, there was no statistically significant decrease in opioid use at long-term follow-up (n = 81). In spite of its high potential for abuse, opioid use, mostly as an adjunct to AEDs, is prevalent in patients with facial pain. Opportunities to curb opioid use in TN1 include earlier neurosurgical intervention.

How reliable is CT angiography in the etiologic workup of intracranial hemorrhage? A single surgeon's experience

ObjectivesCT angiography (CTA) is gradually replacing digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the etiologic workup of intracranial hemorrhage, though debate persists regarding its diagnostic accuracy. To better define the role of CTA in a pragmatic, real-world setting, we reviewed the experience of a single dual vascular-endovascular neurosurgeon. Patients and methodsNontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage cases managed by the senior author over a 15-month period were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. Cases where a hypertensive etiology was presumed were excluded. Demographics, intracranial hemorrhage pattern, CTA and DSA findings were recorded. ResultsThe study cohort consists of 59 cases where both CTA and DSA were obtained, including 32 women and 27 men with mean age 50 years (18–83). Intracranial hemorrhage pattern was: aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in 37, perimesencephalic SAH (PMSAH) in 8, intraparenchymal in 11, intraventricular in 2, subdural in 1. The overall yield of vascular imaging was 62.7 % (37/59): 29 saccular aneurysms, 4 dissecting aneurysms, 4 microarteriovenous malformations (microAVMs). The specificity and positive predictive value of CTA were 100 %. Its sensitivity and negative predictive value were only 89.2 % and 84.6 %, respectively. CTA missed 4 lesions: 2 dissecting aneurysms, 1 microAVM, 1 small saccular aneurysm. Of 8 patients with PMSAH, 3 (37.5 %) had a vascular lesion: 1 vertebrobasilar dissection, 1 cerebellar microAVM, 1 basilar tip aneurysm. Of those, 2 were missed by CTA. ConclusionsDSA may identify a lesion in up to 15 % of intracranial hemorrhage cases with negative CTA. Excessive reliance on CTA can be potentially hazardous, especially in the setting of PMSAH.

Prolonged tracheal extubation time after glioma surgery was associated with lack of familiarity between the anesthesia provider and the operating neurosurgeon. A retrospective, observational study

Study objectiveWe consider the effect of the number of previous interactions between the anesthesia provider and a single neurosurgeon during neurosurgical procedures (“familiarity”) and occurrence of an interval ≥15 min from the end of surgery (i.e., dressings applied) to tracheal extubation (“prolonged extubation”) during subsequent glioma procedures by that neurosurgeon. The value of 15min is a threshold at which post-case activity by non-anesthesia personnel in the operating room ends. DesignHistorical observational study. SettingNeurosurgical operating room suite in an academic teaching hospital. Patients294 patients undergoing elective supratentorial glioma surgery between 2012 and 2017 by a single neurosurgeon. Measurements1) Time from end of surgery (“dressings applied”) to extubation; 2) number of previous cases where the anesthesia provider had been present at the end of a neurosurgical procedure performed by the neurosurgeon; 3) case duration. Main resultsAnesthesia providers (nurse anesthetists or anesthesia residents) were considered “unfamiliar” with the neurosurgeon if they had been present at the time of extubation for <5 previous neurosurgical cases (including glioma and non-glioma surgery) performed by the neurosurgeon during the study interval. For approximately half the cases the anesthesia provider was unfamiliar with the neurosurgeon. There was an association between the provider's number of historical cases with the neurosurgeon and prolonged extubation (P = 0.0048); the adjusted odds ratio (by unadjusted logistic regression) for unfamiliarity was 2.10 (95% CI 1.28 to 3.44, P = 0.025). Consistent with previously shown associations between case duration and prolonged extubation, analyses were valid based on a near-linear relationship between the logit (prevalence of prolonged extubation) and the case duration quintile. ConclusionsLack of familiarity between the anesthesia provider and neurosurgeon during previous anesthetics is associated with prolonged tracheal extubation following intracranial glioblastoma surgery.

Pediatric Intracavernous Sinus Lesions: A Single Institutional Surgical Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Pediatric intracavernous sinus tumors are exceedingly rare and thus poorly characterized. Their neurosurgical management is challenging and diagnostic, and management guidelines are limited. To report our institutional experience with the surgical resection of pediatric intracavernous sinus tumors. We also compare and contrast our results with the 14 cases of pediatric intracavernous sinus lesions in the current literature. A retrospective descriptive analysis of consecutive pediatric patients (ages 0-18 yr) presenting to our institution with a diagnosis of an intracavernous sinus lesion was performed. From January 2012 to January 2017, 5 cases were identified. Eleven patients with secondary invasion of the cavernous sinus (2 meningiomas, 7 pituitary adenomas) or dermoid tumors involving the cavernous sinus (2) were not included in our review. Surgical resection via a frontotemporal orbitozygomatic approach was performed in all cases by a single senior neurosurgeon (M.L.). There were no perioperative or postoperative complications attributable to the surgery or approach. Four of 5 patients remained neurologically stable throughout the perioperative and postoperative period. The fifth patient had a complete resolution of their cranial neuropathies postoperatively. A pathological diagnosis that guided long-term management was obtained in all cases. Neurosurgical management of pediatric cavernous sinus lesions can be safely performed and critically guide future therapies. Surgeon familiarity with cavernous sinus and skull-base anatomy is critical to the successful management of these patients. The benefits of surgery should be balanced against the potential complications and need for a tissue diagnosis in children. The senior author had a significant experience with cavernous sinus approaches in adults prior to initiating use of the approach in the pediatric population.

Brain Tumor Surgery is Safe in Octogenarians and Nonagenarians: A Single-Surgeon 741 Patient Series

Elderly patients with surgically accessible brain tumors are often not offered clinically indicated brain tumor surgery (BTS) because of to assumptions of greater risk for perioperative morbidity and mortality. Because brain tumor incidence is highest in the geriatric population, and because the global population is aging, accurate understanding of BTS risk in elderly patients is critical. We aimed to compare safety of BTS in elderly patients with younger counterparts to better understand the risk-benefit profile of BTS for elderly patients. Retrospective cohort study of young (20-29 years), senior (60-79 years), and elderly (80+ years) patients who underwent BTS with a single neurosurgeon. Differences between pre- and postoperative modified Rankin score (ΔmRS), length of hospitalization (LOH), complication rate, and 30-day readmission rates (30DRR) were recorded. A total of 741 patients (83 elderly, 570 senior, and 88 young) were identified. No significant difference in preoperative mRS between different age groups, χ2=0.269, P= 0.874. Elderly complication rate was 6.0%, not significantly different from young (4.5%, P= 0.667) or senior (7.2%, P= 0.696) complication rate. Elderly LOH was 1.93 ± SD 0.176 days; not significantly different from young (3.01 ± 0.384 days, P= 0.081) or senior (2.47 ± 0.144 days, P= 0.881). Statistical equivalence testing showed with 95% confidence that there was equivalence in ΔmRS among age groups. Elderly patients did not have significantly different ΔmRS, LOH, 30DRR, or complication rates after BTS compared with younger counterparts. Therefore, in healthy patients, advanced age alone should not prevent patients from being offered BTS.

Predictive measures and outcomes of extent of resection in juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma

PurposeThe present study aims to determine the tumor-related, clinical, and demographic factors associated with extent of resection (EOR) and post-operative outcomes in JPA patients. MethodsAll patients with JPA, identified from a single-center brain tumour data base, were included in this retrospective analysis. Pre-operative MRI scans were reviewed by a single neurosurgeon blinded to the EOR. JPA cases that exhibited no residual tumor post-operatively were assigned to the GTR group, all other tumors were assigned to the <GTR group. Tumor-related, clinical and demographic variables as well as perioperative morbidities were compared between both groups. ResultsOf the 28 patients included, 15 had a GTR (46% male; median age: 7.5 years; range: 1.16–14.9) and 13 had <GTR (69.2% male; median age: 10.6 years; range: 0.66–17.68). Tumor location reached statistical significance, as there were significantly more cerebellar tumors in the GTR group (86.7%) compared to the <GTR group (38.5%) (p = 0.016). GTR cases had a significantly longer average follow-up interval (6.6 months) than <GTR cases (4.5 months) (p = 0.031). All demographic variables, clinical variables and tumor-related factors showed no significant differences between the two groups. There were no differences between GTR and <GTR cases in terms of perioperative outcomes. ConclusionsThis study shows other than location of the lesion in the cerebellum, demographic, clinical and tumor-related variables are not associated with EOR in children with JPA. GTR was associated with an extended follow-up interval but not with increased perioperative morbidities compared to those with <GTR.

Safety and Costs Analysis of a Fast-track Algorithm for Early Hospital Discharge After Brain Tumor Surgery

Abstract INTRODUCTION Until the 1990 s, perioperative care was based on empirical concepts and common practice, in part due to the paucity of scientific evidence. With the need of improving patient outcomes and reducing costs, the concern of developing safe and effective standards in postoperative care emerged. Recently, our institution has adopted a daily algorithm for hospital discharge (DAHD), which is a key point in the concept of Fast-Track Surgery. Thus, we designed a study to evaluate whether there was a difference in length of stay (LOS), rate of complications, and hospital costs after the introduction of the DAHD in the postoperative management of patients who underwent brain tumor resection. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study. All consecutive patients who underwent brain tumor resection in 2017 by a single neurosurgeon were analyzed. Demographic and procedure-related variables, clinical outcomes, and healthcare costs within 30 d after surgery were collected and compared in patients before (preimplementation) and after (postimplementation) the daily algorithm for hospital discharge (DAHD). RESULTS About 61 patients who had been submitted to brain tumor resection were studied (preimplementation 32, postimplementation 29). The baseline demographic characteristics were similar between the groups. After the DAHD implementation, LOS after surgery in days decreased significantly (median 5 vs 3 days; P = .001). The proportion of patients who were discharged within day 1 or 2 after surgery was significantly higher after DAHD protocol (3.1% vs 44.8%; P &lt; .001). Major and minor complications rates, readmission rate, and unplanned return to hospital in 30-day follow-up were comparable between the groups. There was a significant reduction in the median costs of hospitalization in DAHD group (US$2135 vs US$2765, P = .043), mainly due to a reduction in median ward costs (US$922 vs US$1623, P = .009). CONCLUSION Early discharge after brain tumor surgery was safe, inexpensive, reduced the LOS, and hospitalization costs without increase in readmission rate or postoperative complications.