Keyhole retrosigmoid approach for large vestibular schwannomas: strategies to improve outcomes

OBJECTIVEThere are numerous treatment strategies in the management for large vestibular schwannomas, including resection only, staged resections, resections followed by radiosurgery, and radiosurgery only. Recent evidence has pointed toward maximal resection as being the optimum strategy to prevent tumor recurrence; however, durable tumor control through aggressive resection has been shown to occur at the expense of facial nerve function and to risk other approach-related complications. Through a retrospective analysis of their single-institution series of keyhole neurosurgical approaches for large vestibular schwannomas, the authors aim to report and justify key techniques to maximize tumor resection and reduce surgical morbidity.METHODSA retrospective chart review was performed at the Centre for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery. All patients who had undergone a keyhole retrosigmoid approach for the resection of large vestibular schwannomas, defined as having a tumor diameter of ≥ 3.0 cm, were included in this review. Patient demographics, preoperative cranial nerve status, perioperative data, and postoperative follow-up were obtained. A review of the literature for resections of large vestibular schwannomas was also performed. The authors’ institutional data were compared with the historical data from the literature.RESULTSBetween 2004 and 2017, 45 patients met the inclusion criteria for this retrospective chart review. When compared with findings in a historical cohort in the literature, the authors’ minimally invasive, keyhole retrosigmoid technique for the resection of large vestibular schwannomas achieved higher rates of gross-total or near-total resection (100% vs 83%). Moreover, these results compare favorably with the literature in facial nerve preservation (House-Brackmann I–II) at follow-up after gross-total resections (81% vs 47%, p < 0.001) and near-total resections (88% vs 75%, p = 0.028). There were no approach-related complications in this series.CONCLUSIONSIt is the experience of the senior author that complete or near-complete resection of large vestibular schwannomas can be successfully achieved via a keyhole approach. In this series of 45 large vestibular schwannomas, a greater extent of resection was achieved while demonstrating high rates of facial nerve preservation and low approach-related and postoperative complications compared with the literature.

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Staged resection of large vestibular schwannomas

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2012.1.jns111402 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 116 (5) ◽

pp. 1126-1133 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Ahmed M. Raslan ◽

James K. Liu ◽

Sean O. McMenomey ◽

Johnny B. Delashaw

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Tumor Size ◽

Group Versus ◽

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ◽

Single Stage ◽

Retrosigmoid Approach ◽

Vestibular Schwannomas ◽

Nerve Preservation ◽

Blood Patch

Object Staged resection of large vestibular schwannomas (VSs) has been proposed as a strategy to improve facial nerve outcomes and morbidity. The authors report their experience with 2-stage resections of large VSs and analyze the indications, facial nerve outcomes, surgical results, and complications. The authors compare these results with those of a similar cohort of patients who underwent a single-stage resection. Methods A retrospective review of all patients (age > 18 years) who underwent surgery from 2002 to 2010 for large (≥ 3 cm) VSs at the authors' institution with a minimum of 6 months follow-up was undertaken. A first-stage retrosigmoid approach (without meatal drilling) was performed to remove the cerebellopontine angle portion of the tumor and to decompress the brainstem. A decision to stage the operation was made intraoperatively if there was cerebellar or brainstem edema, excessive tumor adherence to the facial nerve or brainstem, a poorly stimulating facial nerve, or a thinned or splayed facial nerve. A second-stage translabyrinthine approach was performed at a later date to remove the remaining tumor. The single-stage resection consisted of a retrosigmoid approach with meatal drilling. Patient charts were evaluated for tumor size, extent of resection, tumor recurrence, House-Brackmann facial nerve function grade, and complications. Results Twenty-eight and 19 patients underwent 2- or single-stage resection of a large VS, respectively. The average tumor size was 3.9 cm (range 3.2–7 cm) in the 2-stage group and 3.9 cm (range 3.1–5 cm) in the single-stage group. The mean follow-up was 36 ± 19 months in the 2-stage group versus 24 ± 14 months in the single-stage group. Gross-total or near-total resection was achieved in 27 (96.4%) of 28 patients in the 2-stage group and 15 (79%) of 19 patients in the single-stage group (p < 0.01). Anatomical facial nerve preservation was achieved in all but 1 patient (94.7%), and there were no recurrences on follow-up imaging in the 2-stage group. Good facial nerve functional outcome (House-Brackmann Grades I and II) at last follow-up was achieved in 23 (82%) of 28 patients in the 2-stage group and 10 (53%) of 19 patients in the single-stage group (p < 0.01). Cerebrospinal fluid leak–related complications (intracranial hypotension, blood patch, and lumboperitoneal shunt for pseudomeningocele) were more common in the 2-stage group. There were no postoperative strokes, hemorrhages, or deaths in either group. Conclusions The authors' results suggest that staged resection of large VSs may potentially achieve better facial nerve outcomes. There does not appear to be added neurological morbidity with staged resections.

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Near Total Versus Gross Total Resection of Large Vestibular Schwannomas: Facial Nerve Outcome

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/ons/opaa056 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 414-421

Author(s):

Julia R Schneider ◽

Amrit K Chiluwal ◽

Orseola Arapi ◽

Kevin Kwan ◽

Amir R Dehdashti

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Vestibular Schwannomas ◽

Primary Data ◽

Nerve Function ◽

Facial Nerve Function ◽

Total Resection

Abstract BACKGROUND Large vestibular schwannomas (VSs) with brainstem compression are generally reserved for surgical resection. Surgical aggressiveness must be balanced with morbidity from cranial nerve injury. The purpose of the present investigation is to evaluate the clinical presentation, management modality, and patient outcomes following near total resection (NTR) vs gross total resection (GTR) of large VSs. OBJECTIVE To assess facial nerve outcome differences between GTR and NTR patient cohorts. METHODS Between January 2010 and March 2018, a retrospective chart review was completed to capture patients continuously who had VSs with Hannover grades T4a and T4b. NTR was decided upon intraoperatively. Primary data points were collected, including preoperative symptoms, tumor size, extent of resection, and postoperative neurological outcome. RESULTS A total of 37 patients underwent surgery for treatment of large and giant (grade 4a and 4b) VSs. Facial nerve integrity was preserved in 36 patients (97%) at the completion of surgery. A total of 27 patients underwent complete resection, and 10 had near total (>95%) resection. Among patients with GTR, 78% (21/27) had House-Brackmann (HB) grade I-II facial nerve function at follow-up, whereas 100% (10/10) of the group with NTR had HB grade I-II facial nerve function. Risk of meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and sinus thromboses were not statistically different between the 2 groups. There was no stroke, brainstem injury, or death. The mean follow-up was 36 mo. CONCLUSION NTR seems to offer a benefit in terms of facial nerve functional outcome compared to GTR in surgical management of large VSs without significant risk of recurrence.

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Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Correction in Parkinson Disease: Retrospective Case Series

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/ons/opaa187 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ravi S Nunna ◽

Richard G Fessler

Keyword(s):

Minimally Invasive ◽

Parkinson Disease ◽

Chart Review ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

The United States ◽

Invasive Technique ◽

Radiographic Findings ◽

Presenting Symptoms ◽

Scoliosis Correction

Abstract BACKGROUND Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. In the context of the disability inherent to PD, the additional physical challenges and pain from scoliosis can be debilitating for these patients. However, the magnitude of surgery required to correct the deformity combined with the medical co-morbidities and frailty in this population of patients makes surgery very risky. OBJECTIVE To investigate clinical presentations and outcomes of patients with PD that underwent minimally invasive long-segment fusion for scoliosis correction. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed over the years 2007 to 2017 for patients diagnosed with PD undergoing long-segment spinal fusion (5 or more levels) with the use of circumferential minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. Data including age, sex, race, medical co-morbidities, presenting symptoms, radiographic findings, surgical procedure, case history, and complications were collected from the medical record. RESULTS Retrospective chart review revealed three patients that met the inclusion criteria. They included 2 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 68.7 yr (range 63-75 yr). Ability to maintain upright posture, return to activities of daily living, and visual analog scale (VAS)-back improved in all patients at 1-yr follow-up. Results were durable at 2-yr follow-up. No medical complications were observed. CONCLUSION The generally positive results suggest that minimally invasive technique could have significant benefits in this high-risk group of patients.

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Extra-Arachnoidal Dissection for Excision of Giant Vestibular Schwannomas: Improved Facial Nerve Preservation

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/neuros/nyz310_429 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Sunil K Gupta

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Vestibular Schwannomas ◽

Nerve Function ◽

Total Excision ◽

Facial Nerve Function ◽

Nerve Preservation ◽

Group A ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Group B

Abstract INTRODUCTION Surgical excision of giant vestibular schwannomas with preservation of facial nerve function remains a challenge. A modified surgical technique using an extra-arachnoid plane of dissection and limited meatal drilling is described here with the goal of improving the rated of functional preservation of facial nerve. METHODS The clinical material was analyzed for two groups: Group A patients of giant vestibular schwannomas operated between 2002 and 2009 with the “standard” surgical technique, Group B- patients of giant vestibular schwannomas operated between 2009 and 2015 using the new technique of pure extra-arachnoid dissection and limited meatal drilling. RESULTS Group A: Of the 115 patients in this group, total excision was possible in 103 (89.5%), near total excision in 7 (6%) and partial excision in 5 (4.3%) patients. Anatomical preservation of 7th nerve was achieved in 87.8% of patients. House and Brackman grade 1 and grade 2 facial nerve function was present in 68 (59.1%) patients, grade 3 in 10 (8.7%), grades 4 and 5 in 11 (9.6%), and 26 (22.6%) had grade 6 facial nerve involvement. Group B: Of the 127 patients operated by this technique, details and long term follow-up was available for 98 patients. Total excision was achieved in 70 (71.4%) patients, near total excision in 9 (9.2%), and subtotal excision in 19 (19.4%) cases. Four patients had repeat surgery and 14 patients underwent gamma knife radiosurgery. At follow-up, 78 (79.5%) patients had grade 1 and 2 facial nerve involvement, while 20 (20.4%) patients continued to have a poor function (grade 3-5). CONCLUSION Extra-arachnoid dissection and limited meatal drilling resulted in an improved rate of functional facial nerve preservation.

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Improved preservation of hearing and facial nerve function in vestibular schwannoma surgery via the retrosigmoid approach in a series of 200 patients

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/jns.2006.105.4.527 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 105 (4) ◽

pp. 527-535 ◽

Cited By ~ 221

Author(s):

Madjid Samii ◽

Venelin Gerganov ◽

Amir Samii

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Hearing Preservation ◽

Neurological Status ◽

Retrosigmoid Approach ◽

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽

Nerve Function ◽

Facial Nerve Function ◽

Nerve Preservation ◽

Permanent Morbidity

Object The aim of this study was to evaluate and present the results of current surgical treatment of vestibular schwannomas (VSs) and to report the refinements in the operative technique. Methods The authors performed a retrospective study of 200 consecutive patients who had undergone VS surgery over a 3-year period. Patient records, operative reports, follow-up data, and neuroradiological findings were analyzed. The main outcome measures were magnetic resonance imaging, neurological status, patient complaints, and surgical complications. Complete tumor removal was achieved in 98% of patients. Anatomical preservation of the facial nerve was possible in 98.5% of patients. In patients treated for tumors with extension Classes T1, T2, and T3, the rate of facial nerve preservation was 100%. By the last follow-up examination, excellent or good facial nerve function had been achieved in 81% of the cases. By at least 1 year postsurgery, no patients had total facial palsy. In the patients with preserved hearing, the rate of anatomical preservation of the cochlear nerve was 84%. The overall rate of functional hearing preservation was 51%. There was no surgery-related permanent morbidity in this series of patients. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was diagnosed in 2% of the patients. The mortality rate was 0%. Conclusions The goal of VS treatment should be total removal in one stage and preservation of neurological function, as they determine a patient’s quality of life. This goal can be safely and successfully achieved using the retrosigmoid approach.

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