Critical Appraisal of Minimally Invasive Keyhole Surgery for Intracranial Meningioma

Purpose Minimally invasive meningioma removal through transcranial and endoscopic endonasal keyhole routes remain controversial. Herein we detail results of keyhole meningioma removal defined as use of a minimally invasive “retractorless” approach for which a traditional larger approach is often used instead. Methods Retrospective analysis from 2008-2021 of consecutive patients undergoing keyhole meningioma removal through one of six approaches: extent of resection, complications, endoscopy use, MRI FLAIR/T2 changes. Surgical goal was maximal safe removal including conservative(subtotal) removal for some invasive locations. Results Of 329 patients, keyhole approaches were utilized in 193(59%) patients (mean age 59±13; 30(15.5%) prior surgery) who underwent 213 operations; 205(96%) were skull base location. Approaches included: endoscopic endonasal(n=74,35%), supraorbital(n=73,34%), retromastoid(n=38,18%), mini-pterional(n=20,9%), suboccipital(n=4,2%), and contralateral transfalcine(n=4,2%). Primary outcomes: Gross total/near total(>90%) resection: 125(59%); (5% for petroclival, cavernous sinus/Meckel’s cave, spheno-cavernous locations vs 77% other locations). Complications included: permanent neurological worsening12(6%); CSF leak 2(1%); meningitis 2(1%); no patients sustained DVT, PE, MI, or 30-day mortality. Median LOS was 3 days with 94% discharged home and 96% with favorable 90-day KPS. Secondary outcomes: Small persistent FLAIR/T2 changes: 11(5.2%) patients. Endoscopy use: 87/139(63%) of craniotomies, facilitating additional tumor removal in 55%. Tumor progression was observed in 26(13%) patients(mean follow-up 42±36 months). Conclusion This analysis suggests keyhole meningioma removal can be associated with reasonable resection rates, low complication rates, short hospitalizations and high 90-day performance scores. Subtotal removal may be appropriate for invasive/adherent meningiomas to avoid complications. With careful patient selection and requisite experience, these approaches may be considered alternatives to traditional approaches.

Scedosporium scleritis following pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft

A 67-year-old female presented 6 months following left pterygium surgery with autoconjunctival graft with presumed episcleritis. Following a trial of topical dexamethasone, she returned with pain, reduced vision, and a donor-site scleral nodule. MRI orbits demonstrated scleritis; oral prednisolone was commenced for presumed immune-mediated scleritis. Ten days later, vision reduced to light-perception with significant vitritis overlying a subretinal lesion associated with the donor site. Vitreous tap cultured Scedosporium aurantiacum. Treatment consisted of vitrectomy, scleral debridement with corneal patch graft, with both systemic and intravitreal voriconazole. Further scleral debridement was attempted but unable to be completed due to its posterior extent. As repeat MRI orbits showed persistent active scleritis in proximity to the optic nerve which posed a risk of meningitis, a decision was made for enucleation. This case highlights the difficulties in distinguishing between infectious and autoimmune scleritis, and the importance of excluding infection, particularly in eyes with prior surgery.

Machine learning-based clinical outcome prediction in surgery for acromegaly

Purpose Biochemical remission (BR), gross total resection (GTR), and intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are important metrics in transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly, and prediction of their likelihood using machine learning would be clinically advantageous. We aim to develop and externally validate clinical prediction models for outcomes after transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly. Methods Using data from two registries, we develop and externally validate machine learning models for GTR, BR, and CSF leaks after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery in acromegalic patients. For the model development a registry from Bologna, Italy was used. External validation was then performed using data from Zurich, Switzerland. Gender, age, prior surgery, as well as Hardy and Knosp classification were used as input features. Discrimination and calibration metrics were assessed. Results The derivation cohort consisted of 307 patients (43.3% male; mean [SD] age, 47.2 [12.7] years). GTR was achieved in 226 (73.6%) and BR in 245 (79.8%) patients. In the external validation cohort with 46 patients, 31 (75.6%) achieved GTR and 31 (77.5%) achieved BR. Area under the curve (AUC) at external validation was 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.59–0.88) for GTR, 0.63 (0.40–0.82) for BR, as well as 0.77 (0.62–0.91) for intraoperative CSF leaks. While prior surgery was the most important variable for prediction of GTR, age, and Hardy grading contributed most to the predictions of BR and CSF leaks, respectively. Conclusions Gross total resection, biochemical remission, and CSF leaks remain hard to predict, but machine learning offers potential in helping to tailor surgical therapy. We demonstrate the feasibility of developing and externally validating clinical prediction models for these outcomes after surgery for acromegaly and lay the groundwork for development of a multicenter model with more robust generalization.

Treatment patterns in women seeking care for endometriosis at an endometriosis center

Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics and prior medical and surgical treatments in women undergoing surgical excision of endometriosis for pelvic pain at a single institution. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study we identified 140 women with pathology-proven endometriosis who completed a preoperative standardized pain form and underwent surgery at an endometriosis center. Women were stratified into three groups for analysis: no prior surgery, 1 prior surgery, and 2+ prior surgeries. Results: The most common treatments used prior to seeking care were hormonal contraceptives (51.6%) and surgery (46.1%). More than half of women were diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction at time of presentation or prior to consultation. There was a significant relationship between an increasing number of surgeries (none vs 1 vs 2+) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist use (19.0% vs 27.5% vs 56.0%, p = 0.003). Though not significant, a trend was noted between increasing surgeries and opioid use (20.6% vs 30.0% vs 40.0%, p = 0.17). There was a statistically significant relationship between multiple surgeries and illicit drug use ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with pelvic pain and endometriosis who have undergone multiple surgeries are more likely to have used GnRH agonists and report illicit drug use prior to presenting to specialized care.

Radiotherapy for Vaginal Recurrences of Cervical Cancer in Patients After Prior Surgery: Analysis of Effect and Prognostic Factors

ObjectiveThe role of salvage radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment for vaginal recurrence of cervical cancer in patients after prior surgery remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of salvage RT and explore prognostic factors associated with the survival after recurrence.MethodsPatients with cervical cancer, treated for vaginal recurrences at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between July 2011 and November 2019, were identified. All the patients underwent prior surgery for primary tumor and received salvage RT including external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), brachytherapy (BT), or both. The irradiation field and dose depended on the conditions of patients. Recurrence patterns were classified into four categories according to the site of recurrence. Prognostic factors on the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local control (LC) were analyzed, and late toxicity was evaluated.ResultsA total of 141 patients were included in the analysis, with a median follow-up time of 40.8 months. The estimated 5-year OS, PFS, and LC rates were 81%, 75%, and 87%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, endovaginal recurrence and no irradiation history were favorable prognostic factors associated with OS (all p &lt; 0.05), PFS (all p &lt; 0.05), and LC (all p &lt; 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of the recurrence pattern is larger than the stage of primary tumor (0.734 vs. 0.670).ConclusionsRT was an effective treatment with tolerable toxicity for vaginal recurrences of cervical cancer in patients with prior surgery. Recurrence pattern and irradiation history were important prognostic factors.

Emergence of blaNDM-1 and blaVIM producing Gram-negative bacilli in ventilator-associated pneumonia at AMR Surveillance Regional Reference Laboratory in India

Introduction Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) may be a life threatening nosocomial infection encountered in intensive care units. Currently the emergence of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens has become worrisome threat worldwide. Material and methods Endotracheal aspirates samples were collected from patients who were under mechanical ventilation for > 48 h. The bacterial isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS and antibiotic susceptibility testing performed. All carbapenem resistant isolates were tested by Modified Hodge test (MHT), modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM), and EDTA-CIM (eCIM) and PCR were performed to detect blaIMP, blaVIM and blaNDM producing MBL genes. Results VAP occurred in 172/353(48.7%), 23.3% had early-onset VAP and 76.7% had late-onset VAP. Males (69.2%) were found to suffer more from VAP. Prior antibiotic therapy, CPI>6, prior surgery and tracheostomy were associated with VAP. The mortality in VAP (58.1%) contrasted with non-VAP (40%). 99/169 (58.6%) Gram-negative isolates were resistant to carbapenems. Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were common pathogens found in late onset VAP, whereas K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus were common in early onset VAP. The PCR results detected blaNDM in 37/172(21.5%) and blaVIM in 30/172(17.4%); 15/172(8.7%) isolates carried both genes. Conclusion The blaNDM-1 and blaVIM genes are the main antibiotic-resistance genes that induce resistance patterns to carbapenems in VAP, highlighting CRE strains of potential public health concern and therapeutic challenge. Diagnostic laboratories in India must get on high caution for early MBL detection as it may limit the wide dispersal of MBL genes.

Screening of MRSA colonization in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty

Background: Periprosthetic infection is commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and, if resistant to methicillin (MRSA), is associated with increase in severity and costs to patient and healthcare systems. MRSA colonizes 1–5% of the population, therefore using a screening and decolonisation protocol the risk of periprosthetic infection could be reduced. The objective of our study is to report the results of a preoperative MRSA screening and management protocol utilised at our hospital. Methods: All patients undergoing a total joint arthroplasty at our hospital were preoperatively screened for MRSA colonization with swab samples of five different locations. Exposure to risk factors were investigated in colonised patients and they were treated for 5 days prior surgery with nasal mupirocin, chlorhexidine sponges and oral tablets. Results: During the 48 months of the study, MRSA colonisation was identified in 22 (1.01%) of 2188 patients operated. The culture was positive only in the nasal swab in 55 patients. In five patients the nasal culture was negative, but they had another positive swab culture (three in the groin and two perianal). None of the patients reported a history of recent antibiotic treatment or hospitalization. Conclusion: At our institution, the prevalence of MRSA colonisation is 1.01% in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty. Interestingly, our screening protocol included samples from five different anatomic locations, and it is important to highlight that we found patients with negative nares culture and positive cultures in other locations. Therefore, the number of carriers may be underdiagnosed if only nasal samples are obtained. Level of evidence: IV

Challenges in the management of Wilms Tumor in a developing country: A twenty years experience from a single centre in Pakistan.

Background: Wilms Tumour (WT) is one of the most curable childhood cancers. High cure rates seen in the high-income countries are not duplicated in low and middle-income countries due to several constraints. We reviewed our data over the last 20 years in order to highlight some of these challenges. Methods: This is a retrospective review of medical notes of children with WT under the age of 18 years presenting to our institution between 1 November 1997 and 30 November 2017. Demographic, presentation and treatment details were recorded and factors associated with poor outcome were analysed. Results: Of the 211 children presenting with WT 117(55.5%) were males. Median age at presentation was 3 (Range 0-18) years. One hundred and twelve (53.7%) of these presented without any prior treatment, while 72 (34.1%) presented after tumour excision. Metastatic status was available for 178 patients; 117 (68%) had localised tumours, 36(21.8%) had metastatic disease and 25(11.9%) presented with recurrent mass. Thirty-nine (18.4%) patients refused treatment and 6(2.8%) died before starting treatment. During treatment, 23(13.4%) children died and 21(12.2%) abandoned. Only 99 patients finished treatment, 83 (83.8%) of whom are well off therapy and 15 (15.2%) have relapsed. Six (40%) of the 15 children who relapsed are alive after salvage therapy, while the remaining 9 (60%) have died. Conclusions: Our data highlights the challenges of managing WT in resource poor environments. Prior surgery, incomplete staging work-up and abandonment are some of the most frequently encountered barriers. A multipronged approach is required to overcome these challenges.

Phase II prospective open label study of neoadjuvant pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and nab-paclitaxel in patients with HER-2 positive advanced breast cancer.

583 Background: HER2 overexpression occurs in 20-25% of breast cancers (BC) and is associated with poor prognosis. The addition of trastuzumab (trast) to chemotherapy significantly improves disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in the adjuvant setting. Pertuzumab (pert) inhibits ligand-activated signaling and in combination with trast has synergistic inhibition of BC cells overexpressing HER2. In the neoadjuvant therapy (NT) setting, the combination of trast, pert, and docetaxel can improve the pCR rate. PCR may predict for improved DFS and OS. De-escalation with weekly paclitaxel combined with trast and pert appeared to be safe and efficacious but requires steroid premedication, whereas nab-paclitaxel (nab) does not require steroid premedication. To decrease treatment-associated toxicity in patients with HER2+ BC, we utilized a non-anthracycline regimen with pert, trast, and nab as NT. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pert added to trast and nab in HER2+ locally advanced BC (LABC) to determine the pCR, as well as DFS and OS. Methods: A total of 45 patients with biopsy-confirmed HER2+ LABC or inflammatory BC were enrolled from 2013-2017, and were treated with 6 cycles of neoadjuvant pert (840 mg loading dose, then 420 mg IV day 1 every 21 days), weekly trast (4 mg/kg loading dose, then 2 mg/kg), and weekly nab (100 mg/m2 IV). Patient characteristics, including age, race, menopausal status, grade, stage, and prior surgery and radiation were recorded. Median treatment cycles determined, and events (AE) were identified for each arm. PCR rate, DFS and OS were calculated. Results: Median age was 56 (31-78) years. 1/45 (2%) was stage I, 30/45 (67%) were stage II, 14/45 (31%) were stage III. pCR rate was 29/45 (64.4%). The initial primary tumor size was similar in pCR and non-pCR patients (mean 4.1 cm vs. 3.2 cm, respectively). Median follow-up was 36.1 months (95% CI [27.1, 41.8]). Median treatment cycles completed was 6 (1-6). A total of 4/45 (9%) patients had >1 cycle delayed, and 32/45 (71%) patients had >1 cycle modified. For the patients achieving pCR, the DFS (95% CI) at 3 years was 85.9% (66.7%, 94.4%) and for those without pCR, it was 87.5% (58.6%, 96.7%). OS was not reached (95% CI [NR, NR]). Grade 3 AEs (> 2 patients) included 7/45 (16%) of patients with hypertension; 4/45 (9%) with anemia; and 2/45 (4%) with diarrhea, ALT, fatigue, or rash. Conclusions: This anthracycline-free regimen which included nab achieved great pCR rate of 64.4% in HER2+ BC patients with fewer treatment-related toxicities. The pCR rate is comparable with docetaxel, carboplatin, trast, and pert (TCHP) therapy in NT setting, but without the treatment-associated toxicities. This suggests we may be able to safely avoid anthracyclines and carboplatin for NT in HER2+ BC patients. The improved pCR did not translate into DFS benefit. Clinical trial information: NCT01730833.