Surgical Outcomes of Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery in 29 Patients with Craniopharyngioma

Abstract Background Recently the endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) has been introduced as a modality for the treatment of patients with craniopharyngiomas. In this study, we describe our initial experience in treatment of 29 patients with craniopharyngiomas using this approach. Methods Twenty-nine consecutive patients with craniopharyngiomas who had undergone EES in a 5-year period were studied retrospectively. Patients underwent preoperative and postoperative endocrinologic and ophthalmologic evaluations. Radiologic characteristics of tumors and extent of resection were determined. The recurrence and complications were evaluated. Results Pituitary and visual dysfunction were observed preoperatively in 89.7 and 86% of patients, respectively. After EES, visual outcome either showed an improvement or else remained unchanged in 92.3% of the cases; however, pituitary function remained unchanged and even got worsened in 34.6% of the cases. Prevalence of diabetes insipidus before and after surgery was 58.6 and 69.2%. The rate of gross total resection was 62%. Moreover, 86.2% of the tumors were almost totally resected (more than 95% of the tumor size resected). After surgery, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and meningitis occurred in four (13.8%) and two (6.9%) patients, respectively. Perioperative mortality was seen in two of the cases (6.9%). The mean follow-up was 25 months and tumor recurrence was discovered in four patients (15.3%). Conclusion The EES with the goal of maximal and safe tumor resection could be used for the treatment of most craniopharyngiomas. Although the rates of visual improvement and gross tumor resection are high, CSF leak, pituitary dysfunction, and meningitis are serious concerns.

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Endoscopic endonasal surgery for suprasellar meningiomas: experience with 75 patients

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2014.2.jns13767 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 120 (6) ◽

pp. 1326-1339 ◽

Cited By ~ 81

Author(s):

Maria Koutourousiou ◽

Juan C. Fernandez-Miranda ◽

S. Tonya Stefko ◽

Eric W. Wang ◽

Carl H. Snyderman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Center ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Visual Outcome ◽

Tumor Location ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endonasal Surgery ◽

Pituitary Fossa ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Primary Tumors ◽

Csf Leaks

Object Following the introduction of the neurosurgical microscope, the outcomes in suprasellar meningioma surgery were dramatically improved. More recently, the neurosurgical endoscope has been introduced as a visualization option during removal of skull base tumors, both transcranially and endonasally. The authors retrospectively reviewed the effectiveness of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) in the management of suprasellar meningiomas. Methods Between 2002 and 2011, 75 patients (81.3% female) with suprasellar meningiomas underwent EES at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The authors present the results of EES and analyze the resection rates, visual outcome, and complications. Results Seventy-one patients presented with primary tumors, whereas 4 were previously treated elsewhere. Their mean age was 57.3 years (range 36–88 years), and most patients presented with visual loss (81.3%). Tumors occupied the tuberculum sellae (86.7%) and planum sphenoidale (50.7%), with extension into the optic canals in 26.7% (unilateral in 21.3% and bilateral in 5.3%) and the pituitary fossa (9.3%). Gross-total tumor resection (Simpson Grade I) was achieved in 76% of the cases in the whole cohort and in 81.4% of the patients in whom it was the goal of surgery. Tumor location and extension into the optic canals was not a limitation for total resection. Tumor size, configuration, and vascular encasement were significant factors that influenced the degree of resection (p < 0.0001). Vision was improved or normalized in 85.7% of the cases. Visual deterioration following EES occurred in 2 patients (3.6%). Complications included postoperative CSF leaks (25.3% overall, 16.1% in recent years) resulting in meningitis in 4 cases. One patient had an intraoperative injury of the artery of Heubner resulting in associated neurological deficit. Another elderly patient died within 1 month after EES due to cerebral vasospasm and multisystem impairment. No patient developed postoperative cerebral contusions, hemorrhage, or seizures. During a mean follow-up period of 29 months (range 1–98 months), 4 patients have shown recurrence, but only 1 required repeat EES. Conclusions With the goal of gross-total tumor resection and visual improvement, EES can achieve very good results, (comparable to microscopic approaches) for the treatment of suprasellar meningiomas. Avoidance of brain and optic nerve retraction, preservation of the vascularization of the optic apparatus, and wide decompression of the optic canals are the main advantages of EES for the treatment of suprasellar meningiomas, while CSF leaks remain a disadvantage.

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Endoscopic, Endonasal Resection of Craniopharyngiomas

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0b013e31822e8ffc ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 70 (1) ◽

pp. 110-124 ◽

Cited By ~ 111

Author(s):

Lewis Z. Leng ◽

Jeffrey P. Greenfield ◽

Mark M. Souweidane ◽

Vijay K. Anand ◽

Theodore H. Schwartz

Keyword(s):

Csf Leak ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Tumor Diameter ◽

Minimal Access ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Extended Transsphenoidal Approach

Abstract BACKGROUND The endoscopic, endonasal, extended transsphenoidal approach is a minimal-access technique for managing craniopharyngiomas. Outcome measures such as return to employment and body mass index (BMI) have not been reported and are necessary for comparison with open transcranial approaches. Most prior reports of the endoscopic, endonasal approach have reported unacceptably high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rates. OBJECTIVE To assess the outcome of endoscopic, endonasal surgery in a consecutive series of craniopharyngiomas with special attention to extent of resection, CSF leak, return to employment, and BMI. METHODS Twenty-six surgeries were performed on 24 patients at Weill Cornell Medical College-New York Presbyterian Hospital. Five patients had recurrent lesions. Gross-total resection (GTR) was attempted in 21 surgeries. Indications for intended subtotal resection were advanced age, medical comorbidities, preservation of pituitary function, and hypothalamic invasion. RESULTS Mean tumor diameter was 2.9 cm. GTR (18 surgeries) or near-total (>95%) resection (2 surgeries) was achieved in 95% when GTR was the goal. Seven patients received postoperative radiation therapy. Mean follow-up was 35 months with no recurrences in GTR cases and stable disease in all patients at last follow-up. Vision improved in 77%. Diabetes insipidus and panhypopituitarism developed in 42% and 38%, respectively. A more than 9% increase in BMI occurred in 39%; 69% returned to their preoperative profession/schooling. The postoperative CSF leak rate was 3.8%. CONCLUSION Minimal-access, endoscopic, endonasal surgery for craniopharyngioma can achieve high rates of GTR with low rates of CSF leak. Return to employment and obesity rates are comparable to microscope-assisted transcranial and transsphenoidal reports.

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Endoscopic endonasal surgery for giant pituitary adenomas: advantages and limitations

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2012.11.jns121190 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 118 (3) ◽

pp. 621-631 ◽

Cited By ~ 82

Author(s):

Maria Koutourousiou ◽

Paul A. Gardner ◽

Juan C. Fernandez-Miranda ◽

Alessandro Paluzzi ◽

Eric W. Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Outcome ◽

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Maximum Diameter ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Pituitary Insufficiency ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Giant Pituitary Adenomas

Object Giant pituitary adenomas (> 4 cm in maximum diameter) represent a significant surgical challenge. Endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) has recently been introduced as a treatment option for these tumors. The authors present the results of EES for giant adenomas and analyze the advantages and limitations of this technique. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical files and imaging studies of 54 patients with giant pituitary adenomas who underwent EES and studied the factors affecting surgical outcome. Results Preoperative visual impairment was present in 45 patients (83%) and partial or complete pituitary deficiency in 28 cases (52%), and 7 patients (13%) presented with apoplexy. Near-total resection (> 90%) was achieved in 36 patients (66.7%). Vision was improved or normalized in 36 cases (80%) and worsened in 2 cases due to apoplexy of residual tumor. Significant factors that limited the degree of resection were a multilobular configuration of the adenoma (p = 0.002) and extension to the middle fossa (p = 0.045). Cavernous sinus invasion, tumor size, and intraventricular or posterior fossa extension did not influence the surgical outcome. Complications included apoplexy of residual adenoma (3.7%), permanent diabetes insipidus (9.6%), new pituitary insufficiency (16.7%), and CSF leak (16.7%, which was reduced to 7.4% in recent years). Fourteen patients underwent radiation therapy after EES for residual mass or, in a later stage, for recurrence, and 10 with functional pituitary adenomas received medical treatment. During a mean follow-up of 37.9 months (range 1–114 months), 7 patients were reoperated on for tumor recurrence. Three patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusions Endoscopic endonasal surgery provides effective initial management of giant pituitary adenomas with favorable results compared with traditional microscopic transsphenoidal and transcranial approaches.

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A propensity-adjusted comparison of endoscopic endonasal surgery versus transcranial microsurgery for pediatric craniopharyngioma: a single-center study

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2021.10.peds21392 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Keyword(s):

Perioperative Complications ◽

Single Center ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Adjusted Analysis ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Csf Leakage ◽

Hypothalamic Function

OBJECTIVE When comparing endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) and transcranial microsurgery (TCM) for adult and mixed-age population craniopharyngiomas, EES has become an alternative to TCM. To date, studies comparing EES and TCM for pediatric craniopharyngiomas are sparse. In this study, the authors aimed to compare postoperative complications and surgical outcomes between EES and TCM for pediatric craniopharyngiomas. METHODS The data of pediatric patients with craniopharyngiomas who underwent surgery between February 2009 and June 2021 at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. All included cases were divided into EES and TCM groups according to the treatment modality received. The baseline characteristics of patients were compared between the groups, as well as surgical results, perioperative complications, and long-term outcomes. To control for confounding factors, propensity-adjusted analysis was performed. RESULTS Overall, 51 pediatric craniopharyngioma surgeries were identified in 49 patients, among which 35 were treated with EES and 16 were treated with TCM. The proportion of gross-total resection (GTR) was similar between the groups (94.3% for EES vs 75% for TCM, p = 0.130). TCM was associated with a lower rate of hypogonadism (33.3% vs 64.7%, p = 0.042) and a higher rate of growth hormone deficiency (73.3% vs 26.5%, p = 0.002), permanent diabetes insipidus (DI) (60.0% vs 29.4%, p = 0.043), and panhypopituitarism (80.0% vs 47.1%, p = 0.032) at the last follow-up. CSF leakage only occurred in the EES group, with no significant difference observed between the groups (p > 0.99). TCM significantly increased the risk of worsened visual outcomes (25.0% vs 0.0%, p = 0.012). However, TCM was associated with a significantly longer median duration of follow-up (66.0 vs 40.5 months, p = 0.007) and a significantly lower rate of preoperative hypogonadism (18.8% vs 60.0%, p = 0.006). The propensity-adjusted analysis revealed no difference in the rate of recurrence, hypogonadism, or permanent DI. Additionally, EES was associated with a lower median gain in BMI (1.5 kg/m2 vs 7.5 kg/m2, p = 0.046) and better hypothalamic function (58.3% vs 8.3%, p = 0.027) at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Compared with TCM, EES was associated with a superior visual outcome, better endocrinological and hypothalamic function, and less BMI gain, but comparable rates of GTR, recurrence, and perioperative complications. These findings have indicated that EES is a safe and effective surgical modality and can be a viable alternative to TCM for pediatric midline craniopharyngiomas.

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Extended Endoscopic Approach for Resection of Craniopharyngiomas

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1620244 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 79 (S 02) ◽

pp. S201-S202 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

João Almeida ◽

Suganth Suppiah ◽

Claire Karekezi ◽

Miguel Marigil-Sanchez ◽

Jay Wong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Technique ◽

Endoscopic Resection ◽

Cystic Lesion ◽

Endoscopic Approach ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Cystic Lesions ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Extended Endoscopic Approach

Objectives Extended endoscopic approaches are useful for resection of selected craniopharyngiomas. Midline, extraventricular, and predominantly cystic lesions are good candidates for endoscopic resection. In this video, we demonstrate the endoscopic endonasal resection of a large suprasellar craniopharyngioma and discuss the nuances of the surgical technique. Design/Setting Surgical video of an extended endoscopic approach for resection of a suprasellar craniopharyngioma. Results We report the case of a 56-year-old woman who presented with bitemporal hemianopsia and visual acuity deterioration secondary to a large suprasellar solid–cystic lesion. The patient underwent an extended endoscopic transtuberculum approach for resection of the lesion, which was diagnosed as a papillary craniopharyngioma. This video discusses the anatomy and surgical technique applied for endoscopic resection of such lesions. Conclusion Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a useful technique for management of craniopharyngiomas. It is associated with good clinical outcomes in selected cases. Complications, such as postoperative CSF leak, may occur and should be carefully managed.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/EneOCiQE7yo.

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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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Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery in the pediatric population

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2012.10.peds12160 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 227-241 ◽

Cited By ~ 65

Author(s):

Srinivas Chivukula ◽

Maria Koutourousiou ◽

Carl H. Snyderman ◽

Juan C. Fernandez-Miranda ◽

Paul A. Gardner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skull Base ◽

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Skull Base Surgery ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Skull Base Tumors ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

The Mean

Object The use of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for skull base pathologies in the pediatric population presents unique challenges and has not been well described. The authors reviewed their experience with endoscopic endonasal approaches in pediatric skull base surgery to assess surgical outcomes and complications in the context of presenting patient demographics and pathologies. Methods A retrospective review of 133 pediatric patients who underwent EES at our institution from July 1999 to May 2011 was performed. Results A total of 171 EESs were performed for skull base tumors in 112 patients and bony lesions in 21. Eighty-five patients (63.9%) were male, and the mean age at the time of surgery was 12.7 years (range 2.3–18.0 years). Skull base tumors included angiofibromas (n = 24), craniopharyngiomas (n = 16), Rathke cleft cysts (n = 12), pituitary adenomas (n = 11), chordomas/chondrosarcomas (n = 10), dermoid/epidermoid tumors (n = 9), and 30 other pathologies. In total, 19 tumors were malignant (17.0%). Among patients with follow-up data, gross-total resection was achieved in 16 cases of angiofibromas (76.2%), 9 of craniopharyngiomas (56.2%), 8 of Rathke cleft cysts (72.7%), 7 of pituitary adenomas (70%), 5 of chordomas/chondrosarcomas (50%), 6 of dermoid/epidermoid tumors (85.7%), and 9 cases of other pathologies (31%). Fourteen patients received adjuvant radiotherapy, and 5 received chemotherapy. Sixteen patients (15.4%) showed tumor recurrence and underwent reoperation. Bony abnormalities included skull base defects (n = 12), basilar invagination (n = 4), optic nerve compression (n = 3) and trauma (n = 2); preexisting neurological dysfunction resolved in 12 patients (57.1%), improved in 7 (33.3%), and remained unchanged in 2 (9.5%). Overall, complications included CSF leak in 14 cases (10.5%), meningitis in 5 (3.8%), transient diabetes insipidus in 8 patients (6.0%), and permanent diabetes insipidus in 12 (9.0%). Five patients (3.8%) had transient and 3 (2.3%) had permanent cranial nerve palsies. The mean follow-up time was 22.7 months (range 1–122 months); 5 patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusions Endoscopic endonasal surgery has proved to be a safe and feasible approach for the management of a variety of pediatric skull base pathologies. When appropriately indicated, EES may achieve optimal outcomes in the pediatric population.

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Prognostic Utility of Optical Coherence Tomography for Visual Outcome After Extended Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Adult Craniopharyngiomas

Frontiers in Oncology ◽

10.3389/fonc.2021.764582 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Ning Qiao ◽

Chuzhong Li ◽

Jing Xu ◽

Guofo Ma ◽

Jie Kang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Optical Coherence Tomography ◽

Visual Field ◽

Visual Outcome ◽

Adult Patients ◽

Optical Coherence ◽

Patient Counseling ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Prognostic Utility

IntroductionOwing to the close vicinity of the optic chiasma, visual dysfunction is known as one of the most common surgical indications and postoperative complications in adult patients with craniopharyngiomas, probably leading to poor quality of life. Historically, very few consistent predictive factors associated with the visual outcome are identified, which may not be helpful for patient counseling and preoperative decision making. Recently, optical coherence tomography (OCT) serving as a novel high-resolution imaging technique can assess the retinal morphology by measuring the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex thickness. However, few studies have examined the prognostic utility of OCT parameters for visual outcome after surgery for craniopharyngiomas. This study aims to use the largest series to evaluate the association between OCT parameters and visual outcome after extended endoscopic endonasal surgery (EEES) for primary craniopharyngiomas in adults.Material and MethodsFrom October 2018 to October 2020, one hundred and seventy eyes in 88 adult patients with newly confirmed craniopharyngiomas were retrospectively reviewed and pertinent prognostic factors were analyzed.ResultsGross total resection was performed in 82 (93.2%) patients. The median postoperative follow-up time was 10.9 months. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that increased temporal cpRNFL thickness was associated with higher odds of visual acuity (VA) improvement and maintenance (OR = 1.070; 95% CI, 1.005–1.140; p = 0.035), and greater inferior cpRNFL thickness was significantly associated with visual field (VF) improvement and maintenance (OR = 1.034; 95% CI, 1.001–1.068; p = 0.046). Furthermore, tight adhesion between optic nerves and craniopharyngiomas was demonstrated as an independent adverse factor for either postoperative VA or VF (p = 0.048, p = 0.030, respectively). The ROC results further verified the robustness of the prediction model either in VA (AUC = 0.843; 95% CI, 0.734–0.952; p < 0.001) or VF (AUC = 0.849; 95% CI, 0.741–0.958; p < 0.001).ConclusionPreoperative OCT can effectively predict visual outcome after EEES for adult craniopharyngiomas. It can also serve as a reliable alternative to evaluate preoperative visual field defects, especially for patients with lower compliance. Tight adhesion was confirmed as an independent risk factor for postoperative visual outcome. The OCT-based multivariable prediction models developed in the present study may contribute to patient counseling on visual prognosis.

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Graded Reconstruction Strategy Using a Multi-Layer Technique without Lumbar Drainage After Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery

10.21203/rs.3.rs-749900/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chang-Min Ha ◽

Sang Duk Hong ◽

Jung Won Choi ◽

Ho Jun Seol ◽

Do-Hyun Nam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Flow ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Layer Technique ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Reconstruction Strategy ◽

Acellular Dermal ◽

Grade Iii

Abstract Introduction Sellar reconstruction following endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) requires modification based on the degree of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. For high-flow (grade II or III) intraoperative CSF leak, lumbar drainage (LD), in addition to the multi-layer closing technique, is generally recommended. However, LD has complications occasionally, including post-puncture headache, over-drainage symptoms, and increased length of stay (LOS). We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of our graded reconstruction strategy using a multi-layer technique with a novel material, without LD, after EES.Methods Ninety-seven patients who underwent EES with grade II or III intraoperative CSF leak between June 2020 and March 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. For grade II CSF leak, fibrin sealant and a nasoseptal flap (NSF) were placed; for grade III CSF leak, a multi-layer technique was utilized in combination with collagen matrix, an acellular dermal graft, injectable hydroxyapatite (HXA), and an NSF. Postoperatively, routine LD was not performed.Results This study included 48 (49.5%) grade II and 49 (50.5%) grade III CSF leaks. Upon follow-up period (mean, 8.7 months), no patient showed postoperative CSF leak in either group. The postoperative LOS was not significantly different between the grade II (6.68 [range, 3–14] days) and grade III CSF leak groups (7.38 [range, 4–15] days) (p>0.05). No HXA-associated complications occurred.ConclusionsA graded surgical repair strategy after EES could avoid postoperative CSF leak. Combined use of injectable HXA and acellular dermal grafts for high-flow CSF leak can limit LD requirement, without significant risks.

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Applications of Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery in Early Childhood: A Case Series

Pediatric Neurosurgery ◽

10.1159/000518681 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Michael M. McDowell ◽

Michael Chiang ◽

Hussam Abou-Al-Shaar ◽

Georgios A. Zenonos ◽

Eric W. Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Case Series ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Cranial Neuropathy ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽

Recurrence Rates ◽

Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Initial Surgery ◽

The Mean

Introduction: Endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) has been slower to gain popularity in early childhood due to anatomical challenges. We sought to describe the safety and efficacy of EES in early childhood. Methods: All patients younger than 7 years who underwent EES at a large Cranial Base Center from 2002 to 2019 were reviewed as a retrospective cohort study. Results: Thirty-six patients underwent EES before the age of 7 years. Four patients had two-stage EES. Two patients required combined transcranial and endonasal approaches. The mean age at the time of initial surgery was 4 years (range: 1–6). Twenty patients were male, and 16 were female. Of 21 tumors intended for resection, 11 patients had gross total resections, and 10 had near total (>95% tumor removed) resections. Nine patients (43%) had recurrences, of which 6 were craniopharyngiomas (p = 0.01). There was no difference in recurrence rates based on the degree of resection (p = 0.67). Three cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks occurred following primary EES (8%). Following an increase in nasoseptal flap usage (31–52%) and CSF diversion (15–39%) in 2008, there was only one CSF leak out of 23 patients (4 vs. 15%; p = 0.54). Postoperatively, 1 patient developed a permanent new cranial neuropathy, and 1 patient developed a permanent visual field cut. Six patients developed permanent postoperative panhypopituitarism, of which all were craniopharyngiomas (p < 0.001). The mean follow-up was 64 months. Conclusions: Early childhood EES is both safe and technically feasible for a variety of pathologies.

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