Total Tumor Resection Rate Research Articles

Application of 3D-Slicer Software in the Treatment of Gliomas.

To explore the application of 3D-Slicer multimodal image fusion technology in the surgical treatment of gliomas. A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 48 cases of intracranial gliomas treated with 3D-Slicer multimodal image fusion technology from September 2021 to February 2023. Preoperative cranial CT, MRI, TOF-MRA, DTI, and MRV sequence examinations were completed. DICOM format medical imaging data were processed using the 3D-Slicer software. Multimodal fusion and 3-dimensional reconstruction of the tumor and surrounding structures were conducted to clarify the relationship between the tumor and surrounding structures. The surgery path was simulated through 3D virtual visualization images, enabling precise preoperative planning and assisting in surgical treatment. Out of 48 patients, complete tumor resection was achieved in 45 cases. One case encountered severe postoperative cerebral edema, no infections were reported, 1 patient had slightly reduced muscle strength after surgery compared with before, and no cases of severe neurological function damage or surgical death were recorded. 3D-Slicer multimodal image fusion technology can assist in detailed preoperative planning for the surgical treatment of intracranial glioma, reducing surgical complications, improving the rate of total tumor resection, and reducing postoperative complications.

Efficacy of the Craniopharyngioma Resection via Expanded Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach in the Treatment of Complex Craniopharyngioma and Its Effect on Pituitary Function and Complications of Patients.

Surgical resection is the most effective method for craniopharyngioma, with complex operations and a high incidence of complications, especially for complex craniopharyngioma. The study focuses on selecting a proper surgical method to treat complex craniopharyngioma. A clinical study was conducted in this direction to explore the efficacy of expanded endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETS) and transcranial approach (TCA) in the treatment of complex craniopharyngioma and their effects on pituitary function and complications of patients. The clinical data of 73 patients with complex craniopharyngioma in Baoding No.2 Central Hospital from December 2017 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. 13 patients who did not meet the admission criteria were excluded, and 60 patients were finally included. The included patients were divided into the TCA and EETS groups according to the treatment method. The surgical conditions, total tumor resection rate, clinical remission rate, and complications of patients in two groups were compared. The pituitary function of all patients, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and human growth hormone (hGH), was compared. A total of 60 patients were finally included in the study, including 30 cases in the EETS group and 30 cases in the TCA group. The two groups had no statistical difference in baseline demographic characteristics and pathological types (p > 0.05). Compared with the TCA group, the EETS group had less intraoperative blood loss, operation time, tumor resection time, and hospitalization time (p < 0.001) and had a significantly higher total tumor resection rate and clinical remission rate (p < 0.05). The EETS group had higher ACTH and hGH levels than the TCA group (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the two groups incidence of complications and disease recurrence rate (p > 0.05). The craniopharyngioma resection via EETS has a significant therapeutic effect in complex craniopharyngioma with a high total tumor resection rate and clinical remission rate, which can protect the pituitary function of patients and provide more benefits for patients.

Differences in Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Patients with Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Pituitary Adenomas

Ischemia and hemorrhage of pituitary adenomas (PA) caused important clinical syndrome. However, the differences on clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes between these two kinds apoplexy were less reported. A retrospective analysis was made of patients with pituitary apoplexy between January 2013 and June 2018. Baseline and clinical characteristics before surgery were reviewed. All patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery and were followed up at least 1 year. Total 67 cases (5.8%) among 1147 pituitary tumor patients were enrolled, which consisted of 28 (~2.4%) ischemic PA and 39 (~3.4%) hemorrhagic PA. There were more male patients in the ischemic group compared with hemorrhagic group (78.6% vs 53.8%, p=0.043). However, the mean age, tumor size and functional tumor ratio were significant higher in the hemorrhagic group. Headache was more common in ischemic PA (82.1%) than that of hemorrhagic PA (51.3%, p=0.011). Magnetic resonance imaging findings found that mucosal thickening and enhancement of the sphenoid sinus was observed in 15 ischemic PA patients (n=27, 55.6%), but none in patients with hemorrhagic PA (n=38, p<0.0001). It was worth noting that the rate of pre-surgical hypopituitarism in ischemic PA patients were seemed higher than that in hemorrhagic PA patients, but not significant. The two groups got a total tumor resection rate at 94.1% and 92.9%, independently. No significant difference on the operative time, blood loss in operation and complications in perioperative period was observed in two groups. After operation, cranial nerve symptoms recovered to normal at 81.8% of ischemic PA patients and 82.6% of hemorrhagic PA patients. Importantly, the incidence of postoperative hypopituitarism partially decreased in both groups, among which the rate of hypothyroidism in ischemic PA patients significantly decreased from 46.4% to 18.5% (p=0.044). Patients with ischemic PA presented different clinical characteristics to the hemorrhagic ones. Transsphenoidal surgery should be considered for the patients with neuro-ophthalmic deficits and might benefit for pituitary function recovery of the apoplectic adenoma patients, especially pituitary thyroid axis in ischemic PA patients.

Postoperative Epileptic Seizures in Children.

Background: Postoperative seizures (PS) occur in 10–15% of patients. This study aims to provide an update on the role of surgery in PS. Methods: All children undergoing a craniotomy for supratentorial lesions in the last 10 years were considered except those with preoperative seizures, perioperative antiepileptic drugs prophylaxis, head-injury and infections, repeated surgery, or preoperative hyponatremia. Children undergoing surgery for intra-axial lesions (Group 1, 74 cases) were compared with those harboring extra-axial lesions (Group 2, 91 cases). Results: PS occurred in 9% of 165 cases and epilepsy in 3% of 165 cases (mean follow-up: 5.7 years). There was no difference between the two study groups with regard to demographic data or tumor size. Group 1 showed a higher rate of gross total tumor resection (p = 0.002), while Group 2 had a higher rate of postoperative hyponatremia (p < 0.0001). There were no differences between the two groups in the occurrence of seizures (6.7% vs. 11%) or epilepsy (2.7% vs. 3.2%). No correlations were found between seizures and age, tumor location, histotype, tumor size, or the extent of tumor resection. Hyponatremia affected the risk of PS in Group 2 (p = 0.02). Conclusions: This study shows a lower rate of PS and epilepsy than series including children with preoperative seizures. Hyponatremia has a significant role. Neurosurgery is safe but surgical complications may cause late epilepsy.

Clinical observation of microsurgical removal of the hemilateral tuberculum sellae meningiomas through contralateral eyebrow arch approach

The current study aimed to investigate the clinical feasibility of microscopic resection of hemilateral tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSM) via the contralateral eye brow arch approach. The clinical data of 34 patients with TSM who underwent microsurgery from January 2016 to June 2021 in the Neurosurgery Department of Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University were collected and reviewed. The postoperative visual acuity improvement rate was 88.5% (23/26), and the total tumor resection rate was 88.2% (30/34); the postoperative visual acuity improvement in patients with total tumor resection was better than that of patients with partial resection [90.9% (20/22) vs 3/4]. Meanwhile, the postoperative visual acuity improvement in patients with the superior optic nerve and laterl-superior optic nerve was better than that of patients with the lateral optic nerve type (12/14, 8/8 vs 3/4). Supraorbital skin numbness occurred in 3 cases after operation, and the symptoms disappeared during follow-up; 2 cases had mild disturbance of hormone level, and urine output of 2 cases increased after operation, which returned to normal level after symptomatic treatment; 1 case had subcutaneous effusion which was absorbed after treatment. There were no complications such as olfactory disturbance and intracranial infection. During follow-up for 3-60 (33±6) months, recurrence occurred in 2 cases and reoperation was performed. For the hemilateral TSM, according to the preoperative evaluation of the origin of the TSM and the side with visual impairment, the contralateral eyebrow approach is selected to fully expose the tumor base below the optic nerve. It is beneficial to fully resect the tumor under direct vision, and the symptoms of postoperative visual impairment are significantly improved, indicating that the current surgical method can be used in the clinical setting.

The surgical management of benign tumors of the lateral skull base with intracranial invasion: experience from a single centre over ten years

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, pathological types, imaging features, and surgical strategies of lateral skull base benign tumors with intracranial invasion. Methods: From January 2011 to March 2021, 36 patients of lateral skull base benign tumors with intracranial invasion were included in this retrospective study. Among the 36 patients, 14 cases were male, 22 cases were female, the aged range from 20-67, with the median age of 48. The clinical manifestations, characteristic imaging findings, pathological types, surgical approach selection, and prognosis were analyzed. Results: 36 cases of lateral skull base tumors with intracranial invasion were all accepted surgeries. 23 cases were neurogenic tumors, facial nerve tumors (n=8), neurogenic tumors in jugular foramen with unknown origin(n=6), hypoglossal schwannoma (n=3), transotic intralabyrinthine schwannoma (n=3), vestibular schwannoma involving the middle ear(n=2), vagal nerve schwannoma(n=1). Other types of tumors included meningioma (n=10) and paraganglioma (Di 1 or 2,n=3). Different pathological types of tumors had different clinical manifestations and imaging manifestations. Sixteen cases were subjected to primary resection, while, other 20 cases underwent staged operation. Among the patients with staged operation, 10 patients had completed the second stage operation, five patients were waiting for the second stage operation, the other five patient's residual intracranial tumor were significantly reduced and the space between tumor and brain tissues widened after the first stage operation, so, the following up with "wait and scan"policy was suggested. The total resection rate of tumors was related to the pathological nature, in which neurogenic tumors were 15/17, and meningiomas were 5/8. The main postoperative complications were cerebrospinal fluid leakage and infection in the operation area. There were two cases of postoperative intracranial infection, and three cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in non staged operation cases. Conclusions: Lateral skull base tumors with intracranial invasion are rare. The most common pathological type is schwannoma, followed by meningioma and paraganglioma. For this type of tumor, if there is infection in the operation area and neck invasion is large, it is suggested to choose staged surgery, which can reduce the risk of intracranial infection and the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Staged surgery strategy can also reduce the difficulty of second stage surgery, so the operation is much safer than non staged surgery.

Application of Subperineural Resection Technique in Vestibular Schwannomas: Surgical Efficacy and Outcomes in 124 patients.

ObjectiveWe aimed to explore the application and prospects of the subperineural resection technique for tumor separation and removal under the perineurium during surgery for vestibular schwannomas (VSs).MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed 124 patients with VSs who underwent surgery via a retrosigmoid approach from July 2015 to October 2020 in the Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University. The data will be discussed with regard to the following aspects: clinical features, surgical strategies, tumor resection extent, facial–acoustic function preservation, and postoperative complications.ResultsGross total resection (GTR) of the tumor was achieved in 104 patients, with a GTR rate of 83.9%, and subtotal resection (STR) of the tumor was achieved in 20 patients. There was no significant difference in facial and acoustic nerve functional preservation between GTR and STR, as well as in tumor resection between solid and cystic tumors. The retention rate reached 97.6% in terms of complete anatomical facial nerve preservation. Facial nerve function was assessed using the House–Brackmann (HB) grading score. Consequently, HB grades of I–II, III–IV, and V–VI were determined for 96 (77.4%), 25 (20.2%), and 3 (2.4%) cases, respectively, 1 week postoperatively and accounted for 110 cases (88.7%), 13 cases (10.5%), and 1 case (0.8%), respectively, at 6 months. Fifteen of 35 (42.9%) patients with serviceable hearing before the operation still had serviceable hearing at 6 months postoperatively. There were 5 cases of cerebellar or brainstem bleeding after the operation, and one patient died. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age (≥60 years, p = 0.011), large tumor (>3 cm, p = 0.004), and cystic tumor (p = 0.046) were independent risk factors associated with the extent of adhesion between the tumor and the brainstem and facial–acoustic nerve.ConclusionWe successfully applied the subperineural resection technique to a large series of patients with VSs and achieved satisfactory results. Accurate identification of the perineurium and subperineural resection of the tumor can effectively reduce the disturbance of the facial–acoustic nerve during the operation and provide an intuitive basis for judging the tumor boundary. The subperineural resection technique may be conducive to improving the rate of total tumor resection and facial–acoustic nerve functional preservation in the surgical treatment of VSs.

Application evaluation of mixed-reality holographic imaging technology in the surgical treatment of spinal cord glioma.

Objectives:To investigate the application effect of mixed reality (MR) holographic imaging technology in the clinical surgical treatment of spinal cord glioma.Methods:The clinical data of 53 patients with spinal cord glioma who underwent surgical treatment in the Neurosurgery Department of our hospital from January 2017 to May 2020 were retrospectively studied. All the patients were divided into two groups according to different assistive technologies during the surgery: the observation group and the control group, with 30 cases and 23 cases respectively. Patients in the observation group received MR holographic imaging technology intraoperatively, while those in the control group received ultrasound. The surgical conditions of the two groups: the rate of complete resection of tumor lesions and the evaluation accuracy of complete resection were compared. Patients were followed up for 12 months in the outpatient department after surgery, and the recovery of postoperative spinal physiological function was evaluated based on imaging review and MMS scale grading, and the recurrence was obtained.Results:There was no statistical significance in the basic clinical conditions between the two groups (P>0.05), and the total tumor resection rate in the experimental group was 96.67%, and that in the control group was 82.61%, showing a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Based on enhanced MRI examination as the standard, the evaluation accuracy of intraoperative complete tumor resection in the experimental group was 93.33%, significantly higher than that in the control group (73.54%), with a statistical significance (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 3.33% in the experimental group and 21.74% in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Postoperative follow-up showed that good recovery rate of spinal cord function in the experimental group was 56.70%, and that in the control group was 41.09%, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The recurrence rate was 0 in the experimental group and 4.34% in the control group at follow-up, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05).Conclusions:With the application of MR holographic imaging technology in the surgical treatment of spinal cord glioma, critical clinical value can be realized. Specifically, the resection degree of spinal cord glioma can be displayed in real time, accurately, and three-dimensionally, the effect of surgical resection can be improved, surgical complications can be diminished, and the recovery of spinal cord function can be accelerated.

Risks and neurological benefits of meningioma surgery in elderly patients compared to young patients

IntroductionWhile surgery is the primary treatment choice for intracranial meningiomas in young patients, surgery in elderly patients, especially those with pre-existing comorbidities, has been the subject of repeated discussion. This study investigated the postoperative risks and neurological benefits of meningioma surgery in elderly patients compared to young patients.MethodsIn total, 768 patients were included and divided into two main groups: group I (age: ≤ 64 years; 484 young patients) and group II (age: ≥ 65 years; 284 elderly patients). Group II was subdivided into: IIa (age: 65–69 years), IIb (age: 70–79 years); and IIc (age: ≥ 80 years).ResultsThe total tumor resection rate was higher in the elderly cohort than in the young cohort (84.5 and 76.2%, respectively). 154 young patients (31.8%) and 132 elderly patients (46.5%) developed postoperative morbidities, with the three most common being bleeding (12.9%), cranial nerve disorder (10%) and CSF fistula (8.1%). Postoperative bleeding, palsy, speech disorder, pneumonia and renal insufficiency were dependent on age (r = 0.123, p = 0.001; r = 0.089, p = 0.014; r = 0.100, p = 0.006; r = 0.098, p = 0.007 and r = 0.084, p = 0.020) and presented more often in elderly patients. 6 young and 15 elderly patients died during the 17.4-year observation period. Most patients showed a significant improvement in postoperative KPS (p < 0.001), except those over 80 years old (p = 0.753). The KPS at the last follow-up was significantly improved in all patients (p < 0.001).ConclusionMeningioma surgery is associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications in elderly patients than in young patients. Most elderly patients, similar to young patients, show a significant improvement in neurological status postoperatively.

The total resection rate of glioma can be improved by the application of US-MRI fusion combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound

ObjectiveThis study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultrasound-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fusion combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound and to explore its role in improving the total tumor resection rate. MethodsBetween January 2018 and December 2018, 16 patients in the observation group and 23 patients in the control group were enrolled in this study. The tumor depth and brain shift distance were analyzed, as well as the peak intensity and microvessel density of different grades of gliomas in the observation group. Finally, we compared the difference in total resection rate between the observation and control groups. ResultsUsing ultrasound during operations, we found a significant negative correlation between brain shift distance and tumor depth, with correlation coefficient r=−0.868(P<0.05). In glioma, the peak intensity and microvessel density increased synchronously with glioma grade(r=0.806, P<0.05). The total resection rate of lesions was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionsThe application of ultrasound-MRI fusion combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound can improve the total resection rate of lesions, thus playing an important role in clinical practice.

Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopic Dorsum Sellar Resection for Access to Retroinfundibular or Upper Clival Tumors (Korean Society of Endoscopic Neurosurgery-008)

The retroinfundibular and upper clival regions are challenging to access using the endoscopic endonasal approach because these regions are obstructed by the dorsum sellae and posterior clinoid processes. We evaluated the safety and clinical efficacy of endoscopic dorsum sellar resection (DSR) and identified the optimal indications for endoscopic DSR in patients with craniopharyngioma. A retrospective study was conducted of patients who had undergone treatment with an endoscopic endonasal approach from January 2014 to January 2019. We identified a total of 50 patients who had undergone DSR. The indications for DSR included the following: 1) a tumor involving the upper clivus; 2) a tumor located behind the dorsum sellae; and 3) a tumor involving the interpeduncular or prepontine cistern. We evaluated the clinical outcomes, postoperative endocrinological status, and surgical morbidities. Of the 50 patients, 16 had been treated for craniopharyngioma, 30 for chordoma, 2 for pituitary adenoma, 1 for schwannoma, and 1 for chondrosarcoma. An extradural approach for DSR with posterior clinoidectomy was performed in 33 patients (66.0%) and an interdural transcavernous approach in 17 patients (34.0%). The overall gross total tumor resection rate was 92.0% (46 of 50 patients). Postoperatively, 28 of 33 patients (84.8%) with normal pituitary function preoperatively showed preservation of hormonal function postoperatively. DSR with or without posterior clinoidectomy is a challenging procedure that requires considerable effort and advanced surgical techniques. However, it can be safely performed with accumulating experience and a thorough knowledge of the surrounding anatomical structures.

Application of MRI images based on Spatial Fuzzy Clustering Algorithm guided by Neuroendoscopy in the treatment of Tumors in the Saddle Region.

Objective:The paper applies spatial fuzzy clustering algorithm to explore the role and value of neuroendoscopic assisted technology in the operation of tumors in the saddle region, and analyze the MRI image characteristics of tumors in the saddle region.Methods:The clinical data of 63 patients from our hospital who underwent neuroendoscopic assisted microscopy to remove tumors in the saddle area from 2017 to 2019 (neuroendoscopy-assisted group) were collected. Seventy six patients who occupied the saddle area by microscopic resection only in the same period (Simple microscope group) clinical data. By comparing the patient’s tumor resection rate, postoperative complication rate and postoperative recurrence rate, the surgical effect was evaluated.Results:The total resection rates of the tumors in the neuroendoscopy-assisted group and the microscope-only group were 95.24% (60/63) and 80.26% (61/76). The incidence of postoperative vasospasm was 3.17% (2/63) and 13.16% (10/76), the incidence of nerve injury was 0 (0/63) and 6.58% (5/76), the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative infection, cerebrospinal fluid leakage and postoperative recurrence rate between the two groups (P> 0.05).Conclusion:Neuroendoscopy-assisted microscopy-based removal of the saddle area occupying space based on spatial fuzzy clustering algorithm can increase the total tumor resection rate and reduce the incidence of complications.

SURG-04. THE APPLICATION OF EN BLOC RESECTION IN THE OPERATION OF PEDIATRIC POSTERIOR FOSSA TUMOR

OBJECTIVETo explore the efficacy and safety of en bloc resection therapy on posterior fossa tumor in children.METHODSA retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 94 patients with posterior fossa tumor admitted to Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School Of Medicine from January 2018 to December 2019. Among them, 35 cases were treated with traditional resection (control group) and 59 cases with en bloc resection (observation group). We counted the amount of blood loss and the time during tumor resection, We compare the symptoms and signs between the two groups and determine a extent of tumor resection based on microscopic observation and preoperative and postoperative imaging comparison. RESULT: The total tumor resection rate of the observation group (88.1%, 52 / 59) was significantly higher than that of the control group (62.85%, 22 / 35, P < 0.05). The average bleeding volume of 90.8ml in the observation group was significantly smaller than that of the control group (113.3ml, P < 0.05), and the average operation time of 38.6min in the observation group was shorter than that of the control group (57.4min, P < 0.05) only for tumor resection procedure.CONCLUSIONEn bloc resection technique can effectively accelerate the resection time, reduce intraoperative bleeding and improve the total resection rate of tumors in children’s posterior cranial fossa.

The safety and efficacy of endoscopic endonasal approach in the treatment of recurrent craniopharyngioma: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Craniopharyngioma is the most challenging brain tumor with a high recurrence rate. Some scholars have shown that endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) can achieve a higher total tumor resection rate and significantly reduce the incidence of complications and mortality. However, there is still no consensus on the surgical approach for recurrent craniopharyngioma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EEA in the treatment of recurrent craniopharyngioma.Methods:We will search 7 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, AMED, Scopus) to collect related randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The resection rate, recurrence rate and progression-free survival rate will be regarded as the primary outcome, and the incidence of complications will be regarded as the secondary outcome. Endnote Software X9.0 will be used to filter articles, Review Manager Software 5.2 and STATA software 16.0 will be used for analysis and synthesis.Results:We will integrate existing studies to assess the safety and efficacy of EEA in the treatment of recurrent craniopharyngioma.Conclusion:Our study will provide EEA as an effective and safe treatment for recurrent craniopharyngioma.Registration number:International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42020199860

Progress in the surgical treatment of trigeminal schwannoma

Trigeminal schwannomas(TSs) is the second most common intracranial schwannomas next to acoustic neuroma. These uncommon, slow-growing tumors, which prove to originated from Schwann cells of the fifth brain nerve, can achieve their development into various compartments.Previous to the era of microsurgery, the total tumor resection rate was low, and the postoperative neurological function was seriously damaged.With the development of microsurgery and skull base approach, the microsurgery effect of TSs has been improved. Besides, neuroendoscopy is also used in the operation of some types of trigeminal schwannomas. Radiation therapy can be performed to control tumor growth for the patients who cannot tolerate surgery, have small tumor volume, have residual tumor tissue or relapse.

Gelfoam Padding, an innovative surgical technique improving the total resection rate of cystic gliomas

ObjectiveThe cystic gliomas are the special type of malignant tumors in the brain and often lead to unsatisfied prognosis, but the microsurgical resection is still the most important treatment. However, they are difficult to be totally removed with craniotomy, especially for those who have flimsy cyst walls. Recently, we attempted to resect them via an innovative surgical technique, “Gelfoam Padding”, in order to improve the total resection rate of the tumors safely. Patients and methodsFifteen patients suffering intracerebral cystic gliomas underwent surgical intervention via “Gelfoam Padding” technique between 2015 and 2018, and the different histopathological results and their features of cyst walls were recorded. Then, the total resection rate of tumors as well as the complications after surgeries were analyzed to assess the applied value of this technique. ResultsAll the patients were improved in the clinical symptoms after the operations. According to the intraoperative assessment and MRI examinations performed within 72 h after surgery, total resection of the tumor was achieved in all patients. Besides, there were no serious postoperative complications in these cases with this technique. ConclusionThe cystic glioma with the flimsy wall was the best applied indication of “Gelfoam Padding” technique, which could not only improve the total resection rate of tumors, but also be safe for the patients.

Tumors of the Neurohypophysis: One Unit's Experience and Literature Review

To evaluate and understand the clinical behavior and radiologic correlates of tumors originating from the posterior pituitary gland. To review the management strategy for these rare tumors and add to the limited existing literature. Retrospective review of 8 cases (5 pituicytomas, 2 spindle cell oncocytomas, and 1 granular cell tumor) managed at our institution between 2004 and 2019. The patients' clinical course, histologic features, and radiologic findings were reviewed. Their management and long-term follow-up is presented and compared with the literature. Long-term follow-up ranged from 1 to 9 years. There was 1 recurrence in a patient with spindle cell oncocytoma, and this was treated with radiotherapy. The endoscopically managed cases resulted in complete tumor excision with no recurrence. Epidemiologic data on primary tumors of the neurohypophysis is limited because of the rarity of these tumors. This study adds to the literature that these tumors behave as World Health Organization grade I tumors, although close follow-up is recommended as a few cases have shown recurrence. The endoscopic approach resulted in better gross total tumor resection rate in this series.

The role of blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI) combined with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in surgery for tumors involving motor pathways

<sec><strong>Objective:</strong> Blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI) in combination with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can clearly show the specific relationship between brain tumors and motor pathways. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of this combination in surgery for brain tumors involving motor pathways. </sec><sec><strong>Methods:</strong> From September 2018 to March 2019, preoperative BOLD-fMRI and DTI examinations were performed in patients with brain tumors involving motor pathways who were being treated in a neurosurgery department. The patients were divided into two groups according to the combined examination results. In one group, the motor pathways were intact; in the other, motor pathways were infiltrated by tumors. The surgical plan was total resection of the tumor as far as possible and with no damage to the motor pathway. The preoperative and postoperative motor dysfunction and the rate of total resection in the two groups were compared. </sec><sec><strong>Results:</strong> Of the 20 patients with intact motor pathways, 15 had normal preoperative motor function, and 5 had preoperative motor dysfunction; of those 5 patients, 3 exhibited postoperative aggravation of motor dysfunction. Total excision was performed in 16 patients with intact motor pathways and incomplete excision in 4. Of the 22 patients with motor pathway infiltration, 8 had normal preoperative motor function and 14 had preoperative motor dysfunction; of those 14, 10 exhibited a postoperative increase in motor dysfunction. Total excision was performed in 8 patients with infiltrated motor pathways and incomplete excision in 14. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in preoperative motor function, postoperative changes in motor function, and total surgical resection rate (all <i>p</i> < 0.05). </sec><sec><strong>Conclusions:</strong> First, whether tumors invade the motor pathway is an important factor affecting the degree of preoperative motor dysfunction. Second, the risk for postoperative motor dysfunction was lower in patients with intact motor pathways than in patients with infiltrated motor pathways. Third, the rate of total tumor resection was higher in patients with intact motor pathways than in patients with infiltrated motor pathways. Last, the combination of BOLD-fMRI and DTI aided in the decision to perform total resection. </sec>

Progress in the application of 3D printing in endoscopic surgery for skull base neoplasms

The location of the skull base neoplasms are very deep, and the operation is unpredictable. The advent of skull base endoscopic technology has opened up a new surgical path for skull base neoplasms, but it also puts forward higher requirements for preoperative real-time images and detailed pathological anatomy. Obviously, traditional imaging techniques cannot keep up with it. 3D printing is a new stereoscopic rendering technology developed in recent years and applied to the medical field. It can seamlessly integrate, transform and reconstruct multi-modal imaging data such as CT/CT angiography/magnetic resonance imaging of patients into a three-dimensional model. The three-dimensional model is not only stereoscopic, intuitive, but also can display the complex anatomy of the skull base neoplasms and its surroundings point-to-point, and it can also be operated under the preoperative simulated endoscopic operation, so that the endoscopic surgery plan of the skull base neoplasms is more personalized and precise. It will undoubtedly further improve the total tumor resection rate and reduce the surgical side injury. This article reviews the application and progress of current 3D printing technologies in the field of endoscopic surgery of skull base neoplasms. Key words: Skull base neoplasms; Endoscopic surgery; 3D printing; Neurosurgery

Clinical Evaluation of Preoperative Radiotherapy Combined with FOLFOX Chemotherapy on Patients with Locally Advanced Colon Cancer

This study explores the effect of preoperative radiotherapy combined with FOLFOX chemotherapy on patients with locally advanced colon cancer (LACC). Data of 102 patients with LACC were retrospectively analyzed. All received surgical resection plus postoperative FOLFOX chemotherapy; whereas 58 patients underwent preoperative radiotherapy combined with FOLFOX chemotherapy (CRT group, combined with radiotherapy treatment group), 44 patients did not undergo radiotherapy (non-CRT group). Short- and long-term effects as well as operative complications were compared. The optical density values of the caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2 and inhibitor of growth 4 in lesions, and malignant molecules including vascular endothelial growth factor and cathepsin-D in serum were compared. The CRT group showed higher total pathological complete tumor response rate and resection rate, and lower incidence of incisional infection than the non-CRT group (all P < 0.05). The CRT group was significantly better in the three-year disease-free survival than the non-CRT group (P < 0.05), but slightly better in the three-year overall survival and disease-free survival in the first, second, and third years (P > 0.05). The optical density values of the caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2 and inhibitor of growth 4 were higher than those in the non-CRT group (both P < 0.05). The levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and cathepsin-D in the CRT group were lower than those in the non-CRT group (both P < 0.05). Preoperative radiotherapy combined with FOLFOX chemotherapy can improve the resection rate and the pathological complete response rate in LACC surgery, and improve the survival time and the disease-free survival condition.