Aspergillus sphenoiditis growth on long cut ends of a non-absorbable sellar floor dura closure suture

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a common complication after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). Suturing of sellar dura is effective in the prevention of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea, but it may cause rare postoperative infections. Herein, we report a case of Aspergillus sphenoiditis with the growth noted on cut ends of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) suture used for dural closure. Case Description: A previously healthy 51-year-old woman complained of abnormal odor 5 years after TSS for null cell adenoma. A white mass in the sphenoidal sinus was detected on rhinoscopy. Fungal balls were found clustered around the ends of a PVDF suture used for dural closure at the initial surgery. She underwent removal of both the fungal ball and dural suture. The pathological diagnosis was Aspergillus hyphae. It is thought that a dural suture protruding out of the sphenoid sinus mucosa can cause Aspergillus infection even in immunocompetent patients. A rapid and accurate diagnosis followed by surgical removal of the fungal ball and follow-up with oral antimycotic drugs result in good clinical outcomes. Conclusion: It is crucial to cut short the suture end and cover it with sphenoid sinus mucosa to avoid such complications.

Augmentation of dural closure following cerebro-spinal surgeries using Evicel- an experience of 105 patients in India

Background: For the neurosurgeon, CSF leaks are a frustrating post-operative complication, and for the patient, it can result in unanticipated morbidity and mortality. Immediate intra-operative recognition of incidental durotomy and dural closure may avoid it. Fibrin sealant is a two-component topical hemostat, dura sealant, and tissue adhesive consisting of fibrinogen and thrombin. We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of fibrin sealant Evicel in the management of postoperative CSF leaks as an adjunct to dural suture in patients undergoing a variety of neurosurgical procedures.Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center clinical study conducted on 105 patients who underwent elective neurological surgery from August 2015 to May 2016 at Sion Hospital, India. The efficacy endpoint was the prevention of clinically evident and verified postoperative CSF leak.Results: In all patients, the dural defect was effectively repaired intraoperatively, indicated by the absence of CSF leakage. The success rate of using Evicel was 100% in our cohort for the durasealant efficacy. No adverse effects were reported.Conclusions: We conclude that the use of fibrin sealant Evicel was successful to manage CSF leaks and achieve predictable watertight dural closure resulting in a reduction of intraoperative and postoperative fluid collections. It possesses an acceptable safety profile, consistent with previous findings from other similar studies and studies evaluating the role of Evicel in other surgical indications.

Technique and outcome of endoscopy-assisted microscopic extended transsphenoidal surgery for suprasellar craniopharyngiomas

Object The transcranial approach has been the standard technique for removal of craniopharyngiomas for several decades. However, many reports of successful suprasellar craniopharyngioma removal accomplished using extended transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) have recently been published. In the present study, the authors describe their technique and the outcomes of removal of suprasellar craniopharyngiomas aided by the use of an operating microscope and an endoscope concurrently during extended TSS. Methods Between 1999 and 2008, 18 patients with suprasellar craniopharyngiomas underwent TSS. Tumors that adhered to the optic nerve were safely dissected, and fine perforating vessels were precisely preserved with the aid of a magnified, detailed microscopic view. Portions of the tumor that could not be properly visualized with the microscope were visualized with the endoscope. Results Total resection was achieved in all patients, and all visual symptoms improved. Preoperative hypopituitarism improved in 2 patients but persisted postoperatively in 15 patients (hormonal outcome was not available in 1 patient). Diabetes insipidus was present in 16 patients postoperatively. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage developed in 3 patients in the conventional fascia lata graft group, whereas no CSF leakage occurred after the dural suture technique with a fascia lata graft was introduced. This technique could be more precisely applied when using a microscopic view. Tumor recurrence was documented for 1 patient 2 years after surgery. Conclusions The authors achieved good results by using extended TSS for the removal of suprasellar craniopharyngiomas. Endoscopy-assisted microscopic extended TSS harnesses the advantages of a microscope as well as those of an endoscope. Surgeons should consider using the advantages of both surgical modalities to achieve the best result possible.