Meta-Analysis of CSF Leak Rate Following Skull Base Reconstruction with and without Vascularized Local Pedicled Flaps

Introduction Post-operative CSF leak still represents the main drawback of Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA), and different reconstructive strategies have been proposed in order to decrease its rate. Objective To critically analyze the effectiveness of different adopted reconstruction strategies in patients that underwent EEA. Materials and methods Adult patients with skull base tumor surgically treated with EEA were retrospectively analyzed. Data recorded for each case concerned patient demographics, type of surgical approach, histotype, anatomical site of surgical approach, intra-operative CSF leak grade (no leak (INL), low flow (ILFL), high flow (IHFL)), reconstructive adopted strategy, Lumbar Drain positioning, post-operative CSF leak rate and intra/post-operative complications. Results A total number of 521 patients (January 2012-December 2019) was included. Intra-operative CSF leak grade showed to be associated with post-operative CSF leak rate. In particular, the risk to observe a post-operative CSF leak was higher when IHFL was encountered (25,5%; Exp(B) 16.25). In particular, vascularized multilayered reconstruction and fat use showed to be effective in lowering post-operative CSF leaks in IHFL (p 0.02). No differences were found considering INL and ILFL groups. Yearly post-operative CSF leak rate analysis showed a significative decreasing trend. Conclusion Intra-operative CSF leak grade strongly affected post-operative CSF leak rate. Multilayer reconstruction with fat and naso-septal flap could reduce the rate of CSF leak in high risk patients. Reconstructive strategies should be tailored according also to the type and the anatomical site of the approach.

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Collagen Matrix With Mucoperiosteum Graft as an Effective Fatless Flapless Reconstruction After Endoscopic Pituitary Adenoma Resection

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/ons/opaa212 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mostafa Shahein ◽

Alaa S Montaser ◽

Juan M Revuelta Barbero ◽

Guillermo Maza ◽

Alexandre B Todeschini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Adenoma ◽

Skull Base ◽

Collagen Matrix ◽

Leak Rate ◽

Fat Graft ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Skull Base Reconstruction ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Abstract BACKGROUND Proper skull base reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery is of great importance to decrease the rate of complications. OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and efficacy of reconstruction with materials other than fat graft and naso-septal flaps (NSF) to avoid their associated morbidities. METHODS The authors’ institutional database for patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal approach for pituitary adenoma was reviewed. Exclusion criteria included recurrence, postradiation therapy, and reconstruction by fat graft or NSF. They were divided into group A, where collagen matrix (CM) (DuraGen® Plus Matrix, Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Plainsboro, New Jersey) alone was used; group B, where CM and simple mucoperiosteum graft were used and group C, which included cases without CM utilization. RESULTS The study included 252 patients. No age, gender, or body mass index statistically significant difference between groups. Group B included the largest tumor size (23.0 mm) in comparison to groups A (18.0 mm) and C (13.0 mm). Suprasellar extension was more frequently present (49.4%) in comparison to groups A (29.8%, P = .001) and C (21.2%, P < .001). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rate was 0%, 2.9%, and 6% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In group B, the CSF leak rate decreased from 45.9% intraoperatively to 2.9% postoperatively (P < .001). In group A, the CSF leak reduction rate was almost statistically significant (P = .06). CONCLUSION Utilization of CM and simple mucosperiosteal graft in skull base reconstruction following pituitary adenoma surgery is an effective method to avoid the morbidities associated with NSF or fat graft.

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Heterogeneity in Outcome Reporting in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1714108 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Christina Dorismond ◽

Griffin D. Santarelli ◽

Brian D. Thorp ◽

Adam J. Kimple ◽

Charles S. Ebert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Skull Base ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Reporting Guidelines ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Significant Heterogeneity ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Skull Base Reconstruction ◽

History Of

Abstract Objectives Presently, there are no standards for reporting outcomes of endoscopic endonasal skull base reconstruction (ESBR). This is problematic as a lack of consistent reporting makes synthesizing findings in systematic reviews and meta-analysis challenging. Thus, the aim of this study was to systematically review and describe the patterns of reporting outcomes in ESBR as a foundation for developing reporting guidelines. Study Design Present study is a systematic review. Methods Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for all publications with ≥25 patients and a focus on ESBR. The reporting patterns of each study's variables and outcomes were assessed. Results A total of 112 studies were included in the review. The most commonly reported demographic variables were the number of included patients (n = 112, 100%) and types of pathologies treated (n = 104, 92.9%). Meanwhile, the most routinely described preoperative variable was history of prior treatment (n = 48, 42.9%). Type of reconstruction was a commonly reported intraoperative variable (n = 110, 98.2%), though the rate of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak was noted in only 76 studies (67.9%). With regard to postoperative outcomes, postoperative CSF leak rate was routinely provided (n = 101, 90.2%), but reporting of other surgical complications was more inconsistent. Ultimately, of the 43 variables and outcomes reviewed, a median of 12 (range: 4–22) was reported in each study. Conclusions There is significant heterogeneity in the outcomes reported in studies relating to ESBR. This highlights the need for the development of standard reporting guidelines to minimize bias and improve interstudy comparability.

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Novel concepts and strategies in skull base reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal surgery

ACTA IMEKO ◽

10.21014/acta_imeko.v9i4.745 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 67

Author(s):

Domenico Solari ◽

Ida Papallo ◽

Lorenzo Ugga ◽

Luigi M. Cavallo ◽

Ilaria Onofrio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Additive Manufacturing ◽

Skull Base ◽

Endoscopic Technique ◽

Leak Rate ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Skull Base Reconstruction ◽

Functional Features

<p align="left">Recently, a variety of craniofacial approaches has been adopted to enter the skull base, among those, the endonasal endoscopic technique. An effective watertight thereafter: the reconstruction can be performed using different materials, both autologous and non-autologous, individually or combined in a multilayer fashion. The current study was focused on the development of new advanced devices and techniques, aiding in reducing postoperative CSF leak rate. Additive manufacturing allows the design of devices with tailored structural and functional features and, as well, injectable semi-IPNs and composites; therefore specific mechanical/rheological and injectability studies are valuable. Accordingly, we propose new additive-manufactured and injectable devices.</p>

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Evolution of the graded repair of CSF leaks and skull base defects in endonasal endoscopic tumor surgery: trends in repair failure and meningitis rates in 509 patients

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2017.11.jns172141 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 130 (3) ◽

pp. 861-875 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Andrew Conger ◽

Fan Zhao ◽

Xiaowen Wang ◽

Amalia Eisenberg ◽

Chester Griffiths ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Adenoma ◽

Skull Base ◽

Middle Turbinate ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Skull Base Tumor ◽

Tumor Surgery ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Skull Base Reconstruction ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Csf Leaks

OBJECTIVEThe authors previously described a graded approach to skull base repair following endonasal microscopic or endoscope-assisted tumor surgery. In this paper they review their experience with skull base reconstruction in the endoscopic era.METHODSA retrospective review of a single-institution endonasal endoscopic patient database (April 2010–April 2017) was undertaken. Intraoperative CSF leaks were graded based on size (grade 0 [no leak], 1, 2, or 3), and repair technique was documented across grades. The series was divided into 2 epochs based on implementation of a strict perioperative antibiotic protocol and more liberal use of permanent and/or temporary buttresses; repair failure rates and postoperative meningitis rates were assessed for the 2 epochs and compared.RESULTSIn total, 551 operations were performed in 509 patients for parasellar pathology, including pituitary adenoma (66%), Rathke’s cleft cyst (7%), meningioma (6%), craniopharyngioma (4%), and other (17%). Extended approaches were used in 41% of cases. There were 9 postoperative CSF leaks (1.6%) and 6 cases of meningitis (1.1%). Postoperative leak rates for all 551 operations by grade 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 0%, 1.9%, 3.1%, and 4.8%, respectively. Fat grafts were used in 33%, 84%, 97%, and 100% of grade 0, 1, 2, and 3 leaks, respectively. Pedicled mucosal flaps (78 total) were used in 2.6% of grade 0–2 leaks (combined) and 79.5% of grade 3 leaks (60 nasoseptal and 6 middle turbinate flaps). Nasoseptal flap usage was highest for craniopharyngioma operations (80%) and lowest for pituitary adenoma operations (2%). Two (3%) nasoseptal flaps failed. Contributing factors for the 9 repair failures were BMI ≥ 30 (7/9), lack of buttress (4/9), grade 3 leak (4/9), and postoperative vomiting (4/9). Comparison of the epochs showed that grade 1–3 repair failures decreased from 6/143 (4.1%) to 3/141 (2.1%) and grade 1–3 meningitis rates decreased from 5 (3.5%) to 1 (0.7%) (p = 0.08). Prophylactic lumbar CSF drainage was used in only 4 cases (< 1%), was associated with a higher meningitis rate in grades 1–3 (25% vs 2%), and was discontinued in 2012. Comparison of the 2 epochs showed increase buttress use in the second, with use of a permanent buttress in grade 1 and 3 leaks increasing from 13% to 55% and 32% to 76%, respectively (p < 0.001), and use of autologous septal/keel bone as a permanent buttress in grade 1, 2, and 3 leaks increasing from 15% to 51% (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSA graded approach to skull base repair after endonasal surgery remains valid in the endoscopic era. However, the technique has evolved significantly, with further reduction of postoperative CSF leak rates. These data suggest that buttresses are beneficial for repair of most grade 1 and 2 leaks and all grade 3 leaks. Similarly, pedicled flaps appear advantageous for grade 3 leaks, while CSF diversion may be unnecessary and a risk factor for meningitis. High BMI should prompt an aggressive multilayered repair strategy. Achieving repair failure and meningitis rates lower than 1% is a reasonable goal in endoscopic skull base tumor surgery.

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06 Dissection of Vascularized Pedicled Flaps in Ventral Skull Base Reconstruction

Step-By-Step Approach to Endoscopic Cadaveric Dissection ◽

10.1055/b-0040-178114 ◽

2019 ◽

Keyword(s):

Skull Base ◽

Skull Base Reconstruction ◽

Pedicled Flaps ◽

Ventral Skull Base

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Endoscopic Endonasal Reconstruction of High-Flow Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak with Fascia Lata “Button” Graft and Nasoseptal Flap: Surgical Technique and Case Series

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1693124 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 81 (06) ◽

pp. 645-650

Author(s):

Roshni V. Khatiwala ◽

Karthik S. Shastri ◽

Maria Peris-Celda ◽

Tyler Kenning ◽

Carlos D. Pinheiro-Neto

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Skull Base ◽

Fascia Lata ◽

High Flow ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Nasoseptal Flap ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Skull Base Reconstruction ◽

Csf Diversion ◽

Csf Leaks

Abstract Background The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has become increasingly used for resection of skull base tumors in the sellar and suprasellar regions. A nasoseptal flap (NSF) is routinely used for anterior skull base reconstruction; however, there are numerous additional allografts and autografts being used in conjunction with the NSF. The role of perioperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is also unclear. Objective This study was aimed to analyze success of high-flow CSF leak repair during EEA procedures without use of CSF diversion through lumbar drainage. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients who had intraoperative high-flow CSF leak during EEA procedures at our institution between January 2013 and December 2017 was performed. CSF leaks were repaired with use of a fascia lata button graft and nasoseptal flap, without use of perioperative lumbar drains. Results A total of 38 patients were identified (10 male, 28 female). Patient BMIs ranged from 19.7 to 49 kg/m2 (median = 31 kg/m2), with 18 patients meeting criteria for obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and 12 patients overweight (25 kg/m2 < BMI < 29.9 kg/m2). There was no incidence of postoperative CSF leak. Conclusion In our experience, the nasoseptal flap used in conjunction with the fascia lata button graft is a safe, effective and robust combination for cranial base reconstruction with high-flow intraoperative CSF leaks, without need for lumbar drains.

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Stepwise Algorithm for Skull Base Reconstruction in Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: From the Simple to the Complex

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/neuros/nyz310_430 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Maria Belen Vega ◽

Philippe Lavigne ◽

Vanessa Hernandez-Hernandez ◽

Aldo Eguiluz-Menendez ◽

Eric Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skull Base ◽

Posterior Fossa ◽

Free Flaps ◽

Fat Graft ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Skull Base Reconstruction ◽

Skull Base Defects

Abstract INTRODUCTION The most frequent complication of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. This study was designed to develop a step-wise algorithm for EES reconstruction across the spectrum of skull base defects: from free mucosal graft for uncomplicated pituitary adenomas to free flaps in complex cases with recurrent leaks. METHODS All patients with skull base pathologies who underwent EES between January 2017 and December 2018 were included and retrospectively analyzed. Tumor location, reconstruction method and postoperative CSF leak were reviewed and a step-wise algorithm based on size and location of defect was developed. RESULTS Location of skull base defects was categorized as follows: anterior fossa, suprasellar, sellar and posterior fossa. For all nonsellar sites, we performed a multilayer (collagen matrix + /- fascia lata + /− fat graft + vascularized flap) reconstruction. The nasoseptal flap (NSF) was the first choice for vascularized reconstruction when available. For all sellar lesions we employed a free mucosal graft unless a high-flow CSF leak was present, in which case a single-layer reconstruction with NSF was performed. When the NSF was not available, alternative local (lateral nasal wall flap) and regional (extracranial pericranial flap) pedicled flaps were successful choices. When patients failed multiple attempts at repair, regional or microvascular free flaps were options. Lumbar spinal drainage was employed for large anterior and posterior fossa defects and during secondary repair of postoperative CSF leaks. Of 347 patients, 4.6% had a postoperative CSF leak. Of 158 patients with an intraoperative leak (45.5%), 10.1% developed a postoperative CSF leak: 7.8% for sellar/suprasellar defects and 13% for anterior/posterior fossa defects. CONCLUSION This algorithm provides a standardized, stepwise approach to the reconstruction of all skull base defects after EES based on location.

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