scholarly journals Awake surgery for lesions near eloquent brain under scalp block and clinical monitoring: experience of single center with limited resources

Author(s):  
Esam Abdelhameed ◽  
Mohamed Shebl Abdelghany ◽  
Hazem Abdelkhalek ◽  
Hytham Ibrahim Shokry Elatrozy

Abstract Background Surgery of the brain tumors near eloquent areas carries the risk of either disabling neurological deficit or inadequate resection with bad prognosis in both situations. Awake surgery is the gold standard procedure for such lesions. However, it requires certain anesthetic drugs, advanced techniques, and trained teams that are not available in every neurosurgical institute. This work aims to evaluate safety, feasibility, and outcome of operating on patients with space occupying lesions near eloquent areas under scalp block being continuously examined by a neurologist through retrospective study of 20 cases with supratentorial lesions related to language or sensorimotor cortex. Results There were 12 males and 8 females with mean age 36.8 years. Forty percent of patients were presented by motor weakness. Tumors were related to motor cortex in 11 patients and to language areas in 9 patients. Mean operative time was 210 min. Gross or near total resection was achieved in 15cases, four cases had subtotal resection and biopsy only was done in 1 case. Two patients suffered from intraoperative seizures and conversion to general anesthesia was required in one patient. Conclusion Operating on tumors near eloquent brain areas under scalp block and continuous neurological examination during tumor resection proved to be effective in early detection and prevention of permanent major deficits especially in the developing countries with limited resources.

2013 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
André de Macedo Bianco ◽  
Flavio Key Miura ◽  
Carlos Clara ◽  
Jose Reynaldo W. Almeida ◽  
Clemar Correa da Silva ◽  
...  

A retrospective study of 81 patients with low-grade astrocytoma (LGA) comparing the efficacy of aggressive versus less aggressive surgery in eloquent and non-eloquent brain areas was conducted. Extent of surgical resection was analyzed to assess overall survival (OS) and progression- free survival (PFS). Degree of tumor resection was classified as gross total resection (GTR), subtotal resection (STR) or biopsy. GTR, STR and biopsy in patients with tumors in non-eloquent areas were performed in 31, 48 and 21% subjects, whereas in patients with tumors in eloquent areas resections were 22.5, 35 and 42.5%. Overall survival was 4.7 and 1.9 years in patients with tumors in non-eloquent brain areas submitted to GTR/STR and biopsy (p=0.013), whereas overall survival among patients with tumors in eloquent area was 4.5 and 2.1 years (p=0.33). Improved outcome for adult patients with LGA is predicted by more aggressive surgery in both eloquent and non-eloquent brain areas.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii461-iii462
Author(s):  
Juri Kiyokawa ◽  
Shinji Yamamoto ◽  
Yasuhiro Murota ◽  
Mariko Ishikawa ◽  
Hiroto Yamaoka ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND An awake surgery is a useful measure to remove tumors located close to eloquent areas of the brain to reduce surgical complications and maximize the resection. However, it has some disadvantages compared to surgeries under general anesthesia. Generally speaking, applying it to a child under 15 years-old (y/o) is hesitating because of anxiety, poor tolerance, failure to cooperate in tasks and so forth. Here, we present a case of a 13y/o girl who underwent an awake surgery due to dysembryplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT) located in the left parietal lobe. CASE PRESENTATION: She consulted our hospital for epileptic seizures. MRI showed a multilocular mass lesion in the left parietal lobe. The tumor was located in or close to eloquent areas. The epilepsy was refractory even with multiple antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). A Wada examination revealed that her speech area is on the left hemisphere. The operations were performed in two stages. Prior to the operations, we had several thought-out simulations in the operating room and ICU with her, her parents, and our staff including nurses and lab technicians. The first operation was to perform tumor biopsy and place intracranial electrodes. The histological diagnosis was DNT. Video electroencephalogram showed that the epileptogenic lesion was around the tumor. The second operation resulted in total tumor resection and reduction of paroxysmal epileptic spikes without major complications. She is seizure free for more than three years with two AEDs. CONCLUSION Careful preparations may enable an awake surgery even for a child under 15y/o.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 523-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugues Duffau

Abstract OBJECTIVE During the past decade, numerous reports have supported the contribution of awake mapping in surgical removal of brain lesions in eloquent areas, with a significant increase of the extent of resection while minimizing the risk of permanent deficit—and even improving quality of life. METHODS Most of these awake procedures were performed in patients with lesions in language areas, to avoid postoperative aphasia. Surprisingly, mapping of nonlanguage functions received less attention, despite the possible consequences of deficits other than aphasia on daily life. Visuospatial and cognitive deficits are reported after brain surgery, because of more objective and extensive neuropsychological assessments. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION This review provides new insights into the indications of awake craniotomies for nonlanguage mapping in surgery for lesions in areas not related to language processing.


2017 ◽  
Vol 127 (4) ◽  
pp. 790-797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuya Motomura ◽  
Atsushi Natsume ◽  
Kentaro Iijima ◽  
Shunichiro Kuramitsu ◽  
Masazumi Fujii ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEMaximum extent of resection (EOR) for lower-grade and high-grade gliomas can increase survival rates of patients. However, these infiltrative gliomas are often observed near or within eloquent regions of the brain. Awake surgery is of known benefit for the treatment of gliomas associated with eloquent regions in that brain function can be preserved. On the other hand, intraoperative MRI (iMRI) has been successfully used to maximize the resection of tumors, which can detect small amounts of residual tumors. Therefore, the authors assessed the value of combining awake craniotomy and iMRI for the resection of brain tumors in eloquent areas of the brain.METHODSThe authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 33 consecutive patients with glial tumors in the eloquent brain areas who underwent awake surgery using iMRI. Volumetric analysis of MRI studies was performed. The pre-, intra-, and postoperative tumor volumes were measured in all cases using MRI studies obtained before, during, and after tumor resection.RESULTSIntraoperative MRI was performed to check for the presence of residual tumor during awake surgery in a total of 25 patients. Initial iMRI confirmed no further tumor resection in 9 patients (36%) because all observable tumors had already been removed. In contrast, intraoperative confirmation of residual tumor during awake surgery led to further tumor resection in 16 cases (64%) and eventually an EOR of more than 90% in 8 of 16 cases (50%). Furthermore, EOR benefiting from iMRI by more than 15% was found in 7 of 16 cases (43.8%). Interestingly, the increase in EOR as a result of iMRI for tumors associated mainly with the insular lobe was significantly greater, at 15.1%, than it was for the other tumors, which was 8.0% (p = 0.001).CONCLUSIONSThis study revealed that combining awake surgery with iMRI was associated with a favorable surgical outcome for intrinsic brain tumors associated with eloquent areas. In particular, these benefits were noted for patients with tumors with complex anatomy, such as those associated with the insular lobe.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii206-ii206
Author(s):  
Mario Moro

Abstract Maximum safe resection for eloquent glioblastomas (GBMs) is the maximum tumor resection achievable without causing neurological deficits. Although challenging, it must be considered the therapeutic target for GBMs. Indeed, the extension of resection positively correlates with the overall survival and recurrences risk. Awake surgery (AS) has become paramount for achieving maximum safe resection for tumors in eloquent areas. However, there is not a unanimous consensus on the extent of resection of eloquent GBMs, especially for what concerns the so-called supratotal resection (i.e.: resection over the contrast-enhancing limits of the lesion). Recently, several studies focused their attention on the residual tumor volume as estimated from T1-contrast enhanced sequences, but few analyzed the outcomes of patients with a more extended resection. Some authors speculated that increased surgical aggressiveness, thus removing peritumoral edematous area, correlates with improved overall survival and tumor control, without increasing adverse events rates. This study aimed to assess, through quantitative volumetric analysis, the outcomes of a prospectively collected cohort of patients with primary GBM located in eloquent areas. We furtherly subdivided our population into two treatment groups: awake surgery (AS) and general anesthesia (GA) craniotomies. We analyzed the overall outcomes, especially for what concerns MRI T2-Flair signal extent of resection, related to patients’ survival and recurrences formation. Eventually, we stratified our analysis by type of treatment (awake surgery vs. general anesthesia) to rule out any significant differences in survival and postoperative GBMs behaviors. Our data confirmed extensive that T2-Flair resection (EOR≥30%) and AS could improve overall survival and reduce risk of recurrence without, at the same time, causing an increase of surgical and medical complications


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Algattas ◽  
Spencer E Talentino ◽  
Bradley Eichar ◽  
Abraham A Williams ◽  
Joseph M Murphy ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Prophylactic anticoagulation helps prevent postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) and time to initiation postcraniotomy has relied on clinical judgment and practice patterns. OBJECTIVE To compare risks of postoperative VTE and hemorrhage among patients undergoing tumor resection with initiation of prophylactic anticoagulation on postoperative day 1 (POD1) vs POD2. METHODS Adult patients undergoing craniotomy for tumor between 2008 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes were recorded from the Electronic medical record (EMR) including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and hemorrhage. RESULTS Of a total of 1168 patients undergoing craniotomy, 225 initiated anticoagulation on POD1 and 389 initiated on POD2. Of the 171 glioblastoma (GBM) cases, 64 initiated on POD1 and 107 on POD2. There were 9 DVTs (1.5%), 1 PE (0.20%), overall VTE rate of 1.6%, and 7 hemorrhagic complications (1.10%), 4 being clinically significant. The GBM cohort contained 4 DVTs (2.3%) and 3 hemorrhagic complications (1.80%). There was no increased risk of VTE or hemorrhage with anticoagulation initiated on POD2 compared to POD1 in either cohort. Multivariate analysis in both cohorts did not reveal a significant association between DVT, PE, or hemorrhagic complications with age, body mass index, GBM pathology, or extent of resection. Interestingly, glioma patients older than 70 with subtotal resection had a higher likelihood of suffering intracranial hemorrhage when anticoagulation was started on POD1 (odds ratio 12.98). CONCLUSION Risk of VTE or hemorrhagic complication did not significantly differ with prophylactic anticoagulation started on POD1 vs POD2. Early anticoagulation may certainly be considered in high risk cases; however, 1 group where risk may outweigh benefit is the elderly glioma population receiving a subtotal resection.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi114-vi114
Author(s):  
Marie-Therese Forster ◽  
Irina Lortz ◽  
Volker Seifert ◽  
Christian Senft

Abstract OBJECTIVE Pursuing a profession is an indispensable component of human happiness. The aim of this study was to analyze patients′ professional, socio-economic and psychological outcomes besides their neuro-oncological and functional evaluation after awake surgery for gliomas in eloquent areas. METHODS The neuro-oncological and functional outcomes of patients with gliomas other than glioblastoma undergoing awake surgery during a period of 5 years were prospectively assessed within our routine oncological follow-up. Repercussions of the disease on their professional status, socio-economic situation, and neurocognitive function were evaluated retrospectively with structured interviews. RESULTS We analyzed data of 37 patients with gliomas (3 WHO Grade I, 6 WHO grade II, 28 WHO grade III). Gross total and subtotal tumor resections were performed in 20 (54.1%) and 11 (29.7%) patients, respectively, whereas in 7 patients (16.2%) resection had to remain partial. Median follow up was 24.1 months (range: 5–61 months). 31 patients (83.8%) had stable disease, 2 (5.4%) patients suffered from tumor progression and 4 (10.8%) patients died. Prior to surgery, all but one patient were employed. At the time of analysis, 24 (72.7%) of 33 alive patients had resumed their profession. 5 patients (15.2%) were on incapacity pension, 2 patients were on sick leave, and 2 had retired. The median time until return to work following surgery was 5.9 ±4.6 months. Young age (< 40 years) was the only factor statistically significantly associated with the ability to return to work (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION Despite brain tumor surgery in eloquent regions, the majority of patients with WHO grade II or III gliomas are able to return to work. Employing awake techniques in order to preserve neurological function is of utmost relevance for individual patients′ quality of life and may also decrease the economic burden due to work loss frequently encountered in glioma patients.


2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 418-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masaya Nakamura ◽  
Osahiko Tsuji ◽  
Kanehiro Fujiyoshi ◽  
Kota Watanabe ◽  
Takashi Tsuji ◽  
...  

Object The optimal management of malignant astrocytomas remains controversial, and the prognosis of these lesions has been dismal regardless of the administered treatment. In this study the authors investigated the surgical outcomes of cordotomy in patients with thoracic malignant astrocytomas to determine the effectiveness of this procedure. Methods Cordotomy was performed in 5 patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and 2 with anaplastic astrocytoma (AA). A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed, and the associations of the resection level with survival and postoperative complications were retrospectively examined. Results Cordotomy was performed in a single stage in 2 patients with GBM and in 2 stages in 3 patients with GBM and 2 patients with AA. In the 2 patients with GBM, cordotomy was performed 2 and 3 weeks after a partial tumor resection. In the 2 patients with AA, the initial treatment consisted of partial tumor resection and subtotal resection combined with radiotherapy, and rostral tumor growth and progressive paralysis necessitated cordotomy 2 and 28 months later. One patient with a secondary GBM underwent cordotomy; the GBM developed 1 year after subtotal resection and radiotherapy for a WHO Grade II astrocytoma. Four patients died 4, 5, 24, and 42 months after the initial operation due to CSF dissemination, and 3 patients (2 with GBM and 1 with AA) remain alive (16, 39, and 71 months). No metastasis to any other organs was noted. Conclusions One-stage cordotomy should be indicated for patients with thoracic GBM or AA presenting with complete paraplegia preoperatively. In patients with thoracic GBM, even if paralysis is incomplete, cordotomy should be performed before the tumor disseminates through the CSF. Radical resection should be attempted in patients with AA and incomplete paralysis. If the tumor persists, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are indicated, and cordotomy should be reserved for lesions growing progressively after such second-line treatments.


2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 461-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa El Khashab ◽  
Lynn Gargan ◽  
Linda Margraf ◽  
Korgun Koral ◽  
Farideh Nejat ◽  
...  

Object Few reports describe the outcome and prognostic factors for children with gangliogliomas. The objective of this report was to describe the progression-free survival (PFS) for children with low-grade gangliogliomas and identify risk factors for tumor progression. Methods A retrospective study was performed in children with low-grade gangliogliomas who were evaluated and treated in the neuro-oncology department between 1986 and 2006 to determine risk factors for subsequent tumor progression. Results A total of 38 children with newly diagnosed gangliogliomas were included in this report. Thirty-four children were treated with surgery alone, 3 with subtotal resection and radiation therapy, and 1 with subtotal resection and chemotherapy. The follow-up ranged from 4 months to 15.8 years (mean 5.7 ± 4.2 years [± SD]). Seven children have experienced tumor progression, and 1 child died after his tumor subsequently underwent malignant transformation. The 5-year PFS was calculated to be 81.2% using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Initial presentation with seizures (p = 0.004), tumor location in the cerebral hemisphere (p = 0.020), and complete tumor resection (p = 0.035) were associated with prolonged PFS. Further analysis of the above significant variables by a Cox regression model identified initial presentation with seizures as being associated with prolonged PFS (p = 0.028). Conclusions The PFS and overall survival of children with gangliogliomas are good. Tumors located in the cerebral hemispheres, the achievement of total resection, and seizures at presentation were associated with prolonged PFS. Cox regression analysis identified presenting symptoms including seizures as significant predictive factors of PFS. Prospective studies with larger numbers of children are needed to define the significant factors of tumor progression.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi223-vi223
Author(s):  
Andrés Cervio ◽  
Sebastían Giovannini ◽  
Sonia Hasdeu ◽  
Lucía Pertierra ◽  
Blanca Diez

Abstract BACKGROUND Maximal safe resection of brain tumors affecting language areas has been a matter of increasing interest worldwide in the last decades. Functional MRI, tractography, and awake cranial surgery are standard procedures in our department since 2006. The aim of this study was to describe our experience in a series of 58 patients who underwent awake cranial surgery with intraoperative language mapping. METHODS Retrospective study of 58 adult patients who underwent awake surgery for brain tumors between January 2006 and January 2021. Preoperative neuropsychological assessment served as inclusion criteria. Language was evaluated according to the BDAE (Boston diagnostic aphasia examination) and WAB (Western aphasia battery) and strength according to the MRC (Medical Research Council) motor scale in the preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 3-months follow up. Functional MRI and tractography depicting white-matter tracts, neuronavigation, cortical and subcortical stimulation were performed in all cases. Conscious sedation was the anesthetic technique (propofol, fentanyl, and NSAIDs). Minimum follow-up was 6 months. FINDINGS The average age was 35 years (16–74). The anatomopathological findings were: low-grade glioma in 75,8% (n = 44), high-grade glioma in 15,6% (n = 9) and others in 8,6% (n = 5). No complications were registered during postoperative course. At the immediate postoperative evaluation 65% of patients presented with speech disturbances but at the 3-months follow up speech recovery was observed in all cases. Only 1 patient remained with moderate aphasia. mRS score at 3- months follow up was ≤ 1 in 96% of patients. Two patients had a persistent moderate hemiparesis. CONCLUSION Tumor resection in awake patients showed to be a safe procedure, and well tolerated by the patients. Preoperative planning of anatomical and functional aspects and intraoperative neurophysiological assessment are the cornerstones for pursuing maximal safe resection.


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