Experience of skull base defect reconstruction using local pedicled grafts in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery

Since endoscopic technique was introduced in transsphenoidal surgery, the midline skull base from olfactory fossa to craniocervical junction has become available through transnasal corridor. One of the most challenging aspects in these types of surgery is watertight closure of skull base defect and prevention of postoperative CSF leaks. Various materials and sealants are applied in different clinics. Recently mucoperiosteal flap from nasal septum was introduced as "gold standard" for multilayer skull base reconstruction. We present our algorithm for selection of skull base reconstruction technique in endoscopic endonasal surgery. We demonstrate our experience of using of pedicled autografts (middle turbinate and mucoperiosteal flap). Surgical technique of grafting is described in details. Clinical results in 41 surgically treated patients are presented. First results of using of pedicled autografts demonstrated high effectiveness of this technique with acceptable rates of nasal complications in comparison to standard methods.     

Presentation and management of post-operative cerebrospinal fluid leaks after sphenoclival expanded endonasal surgery: A single institution experience

While surgical approaches and techniques of expanded endonasal approach (EEA) surgery have been well described, little data exist regarding management of post-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. In this study, we examined a surgeon’s continuous 12-year experience with failed closure of sphenoclival skull base defects. We conducted a retrospective case series of patients identified with post-operative CSF leaks after EEA of the sphenoclival axis, managed by a single otolaryngologist at a minimally invasive skull base center. Ten out of 326 patients required therapeutic intervention for central skull base defect closure failure. Median time to presentation of CSF leak was 25 days (range 6–542 days). Symptoms included rhinorrhea (n = 7), meningitis (n = 6), and pneumocephalus (n = 1). The majority of patients (7 of 10) were first managed by lumbar drain placement - one of which had resolution of his/her CSF leak. Overall, 9 of 10 patients required endoscopic repair. The majority of the post-operative CSF leaks (9/13, 69.2%) were repaired using a vascularized mucosal flap. There were 3 patients who required a second revision surgery. All CSF leaks were repaired without completely deconstructing the initial repair. Failure sites most frequently occurred outside of the sella (80%), likely reflecting their direct relationship to the intracranial cisterns. Initial operative repair provided definitive treatment in most cases (70%). Correct placement of a vascularized local pedicle-based flap is essential for successful repair. Knowledge of alternative flaps is particularly important when the nasoseptal flap is no longer available.     

经鼻内窥镜颅底手术患儿发生脑脊液漏的危险因素（英文）

OBJECTIVES To determine the risk factors associated with cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)leak following endoscopic endonasal surgery(EES)for pediatric skull base lesions.METHODS Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients(ages 1 month to18 years)treated for skull base lesions with EES from 1999 to 2014.Five pathologies were reviewed:craniopharyngioma,clival chordoma,pituitary adenoma,pituitary carcinoma,and Rathke's cleft cyst.Fisher's exact tests were used to evaluate the different factors to determine which had a statistically higher risk of leading to a post-operative CSF leak.RESULTS 55 pediatric patients were identified who underwent 70 EES's for tumor resection.Of the 70 surgeries,47 surgeries had intraoperative CSF leaks that were repaired at the time of surgery.11 of 47(23%)surgeries had post-operative CSF leaks that required secondary operative repair.Clival chordomas had the highest CSF leak rate at 36%.There was no statistical difference in leak rate based on the type of reconstruction,although 28%of cases that used a vascularized flap had a post-operative leak,whereas only 9%of those cases not using a vascularized flap had a leak.Postoperative hydrocephalus and perioperative use of a lumbar drain were not significant risk factors.ONCLUSIONS Pediatric patients with an intra-operative CSF leak during EES of the skull base have a high rate of post-operative CSF leaks.Clival chordomas appear to be a particularly highrisk group.The use of vascularized flaps and perioperative lumbar drains did not statistically decrease the rate of post-operative CSF leak.     

Incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak following petrosectomy and analysis of avoidance techniques

A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following skull base surgery can lead to meningitis, impaired wound healing, and often requires re-operation and/or CSF diversion. Thirty-two patients underwent a presigmoid, transpetrosal approach to skull base aneurysms and tumors. A vascularized temporalis muscle flap was utilized during the closure of the initial skull base reconstruction in 18 of the 32 patients. A temporary CSF diversion was utilized in 23 of the 32 patients. A permanent shunt was placed in eight patients. One patient developed a postoperative CSF leak from the contralateral ear due to a congenital abnormality in the middle ear. Another patient, who did not have a vascularized temporalis muscle flap reconstruction, developed a postoperative CSF leak in the context of an operation for recurrent tumor and prior radiation treatment. CSF diversion and vascularized temporalis muscle flaps are effective in preventing the development of postoperative CSF leaks following petrosectomy.     

Significance of the simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach for prevention of postoperative CSF leak after surgery for lateral skull base meningioma

Lateral skull base meningiomas, particularly sphenoorbital meningiomas, sometimes extend extremely widely into adjacent structures including the paranasal sinuses. For endonasal skull base reconstruction using a vascularized nasoseptal flap for prevention of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, the simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach was applied for resection of these extensive tumors. We performed a retrospective review of four patients treated with the simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach for resection of lateral skull base meningiomas. Preoperative characteristics, tumor extent, extent of resection, complications, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The tumor extended into the paranasal sinus, infratemporal fossa, and pterygopalatine fossa in all patients. Extracranial extension into the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure was detected in two and three patients, respectively. In one patient without extension into the cavernous sinus and superior orbital fissure, gross total resection was achieved, whereas in the other three patients, subtotal resection was performed, and small residual masses of the tumor remained in the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure to minimize the risk of postoperative ocular nerve damage. No patients experienced postoperative CSF leak. The simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach is useful for a subgroup of patients with lateral skull base meningiomas for prevention of postoperative CSF leak. Particularly in recurrent cases in which vascularized flaps from the transcranial side are likely unavailable due to prior tumor resection, this combined approach is worth considering depending on tumor extension into the paranasal sinus.     

Endoscopic endonasal approaches to anterior skull base defects in pediatric patients

Introduction We studied 12 pediatric patients with congenital or acquired anterior skull base defects. All subjects underwent surgery owing to progressive symptoms. The endoscopic endonasal approach is a new method in the treatment of this pathology in children.Materials and methods Twelve children had surgery to correct anterior skull base defects: seven patients with a spontaneous anterior basal meningoencephalocele and five with posttraumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. The defects were repaired using the endoscopic endonasal approach, which combined with the fluorescein diagnostic test, detects the exact location of the skull base defect. Different closure techniques were used to obtain a permanent graft, depending on the type, location, and size of the defect. An intraoperative fluorescein test confirmed the absence of CSF leakage after surgery.Results The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 72 months. Symptoms resolved in all patients after surgery and none of them experienced complications or recurrence of CSF leakage. Postoperative magnetic resonance scans showed that the defect had successfully been repaired in all patients.Discussion The surgical treatment of skull base defects in children reduces life-threatening risks, which include infections, CSF leaks, and enlargement or trauma of the sac. The endoscopic technique minimizes surgical scars and has little impact on brain tissue. The endoscopic endonasal approach to the anterior skull base helps to preserve the physiology of the nose and sinuses and reduces the impact on the still developing splanchnocranium in pediatric patients. It ensures a definitive repair of the defect and requires a very short inpatient period.     

内镜经鼻脑脊液鼻漏修补术

目的 介绍内镜经鼻脑脊液鼻漏修补术的外科技术及术中荧光示踪检查.方法 2003年9月至2007年5月诊治脑脊液鼻漏病人35例,25例行内镜经鼻手术,其中外伤性脑脊液鼻漏5例,自发性6例,其他原因14例.8例病人行术中荧光示踪检查.结果 术后随访6个月-3年,1次手术成功率为92%.2次及3次手术成功各1例,荧光示踪检查均能准确定位漏口,术后脑膜炎及梗阻性脑积水各1例.结论 内镜经鼻脑脊液鼻漏修补术成功率高,创伤小,应作为首选治疗方法;漏口定位及处理、适宜的外科修补技术是手术成功的关键;术中荧光示踪能提高漏口定位的准确性.     

经鼻内镜手术中游离带蒂鼻中隔黏膜瓣的解剖研究

目的 探讨经鼻内镜手术中应用游离带蒂鼻中隔黏膜瓣修复颅底缺损的可行性以及黏膜瓣的覆盖范围。方法 应用5个尸体头颅标本（共10侧鼻腔）,通过DrafⅢ入路暴露颅前窝底,从鼻腔外侧壁显露蝶腭动脉出蝶腭孔的部位,采用传统方法获得黏膜瓣,暴露颅颈交界区。标记黏膜瓣覆盖颅前窝底和颅颈交界区的范围,然后切除腭骨蝶突和眶突,游离黏膜瓣蒂部,再标记将游离蒂部的鼻中隔黏膜瓣覆盖颅前窝底和颅颈交界区的范围。结果 术中均成功制作游离带蒂鼻中隔黏膜瓣。左右侧颅前窝底区域的覆盖长度分别增加了（1.10±0.16）cm、（1.12±0.16）cm,左右侧颅颈交界区的覆盖长度分别增加了（1.12±0.08）cm、（1.16±0.18）cm。结论 经鼻内镜手术中制作游离带蒂鼻中隔黏膜瓣是可行的,扩大游离蒂部的带蒂鼻中隔黏膜瓣能增加覆盖范围。     

Endoscopia endonasal de base de cráneo

Introduction and objectiveThe endoscopic endonasal techniques used in skull base surgery have evolved greatly in recent years. Our study objective was to perform a qualitative systematic review of the likewise systematic reviews in published English language literature, to examine the evidence and conclusions reached in these studies comparing transcranial and endoscopic approaches in skull base surgery.Material and methodsWe searched the references on the MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases selecting the systematic reviews, meta-analyses and evidence based medicine reviews on skull based pathologies published from January 2000 until January 2013. We focused on endoscopic impact and on microsurgical and endoscopic technique comparisons.ResultsFull endoscopic endonasal approaches achieved gross total removal rates of craniopharyngiomas and chordomas higher than those for transcranial approaches. In anterior skull base meningiomas, complete resections were more frequently achieved after transcranial approaches, with a trend in favour of endoscopy with respect to visual prognosis. Endoscopic endonasal approaches minimised the postoperative complications after the treatment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, encephaloceles, meningoceles, craniopharyngiomas and chordomas, with the exception of postoperative CSF leaks.ConclusionsRandomized multicenter studies are necessary to resolve the controversy over endoscopic and microsurgical approaches in skull base surgery.     

外伤性前颅底缺损的手术治疗

目的 探讨外伤性前颅底缺损的手术治疗方法。方法 对36例患者根据不同临床情况分别采用如下手术方法进行缺损修复:①游离骨膜片5例;②鼻内窥镜下修补3例;③带蒂额帽状鹏膜骨膜瓣16例;④带蒂颞肌筋膜骨膜瓣12例。所有患者均未移植骨修复颅底。结果 平均住院16 d,术前有脑脊液(CSF)漏、气颅、脑膜脑膨出及眼球突出或凹陷者术后均消失,无CSF漏、气颅及感染再发生。31例随访6个月至10年(平均4年),未发现有脑膜脑膨出发生。结论 颅底缺损直径<1cm且无合并颅内损伤、感染及异物存留的患者可经鼻内窥镜下手术修复缺损,但对急性复杂性颅脑-颅底颌面损伤或颅底缺损较大伴有异物、脓肿、脑膜脑膨出或气颅和CSF漏超过2周不愈者应尽早予清创和修复颅底缺损;带蒂额帽状腹膜骨膜瓣是修复颅底缺损最好的材料,但对于有额部皮肤软组织严重损伤患者则应选择带蒂颞肌筋膜骨膜瓣来修复颅底缺损。     

Clinical significance of skull base fracture in patients after traumatic brain injury

About 4% of all head injuries include skull base fractures. Most of these fractures (90%) are secondary to closed head trauma; the remainder are due to penetrating trauma. We reviewed the records from January 2006 through December 2008 of all patients older than 18 years of age who arrived at Soroka Medical Center in Be’er-Sheva, Israel, with skull base fractures following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). We identified 107 patients with a mean age of 42 years at the time of TBI. Glasgow Coma score on arrival predicted the clinical outcome. We observed temporal fractures in 30% of these patients, occipital fractures in 20%, pyramidal fractures in 19%, anterior skull base fractures in 17%, and multiple fractures in 14%. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak was observed in 16 patients (15%). Of the patients experiencing CSF leaks, otorrhea occurred in 10 (62%) and rhinorrhea occurred in six (37%). Three patients required surgical intervention to repair the leak. Meningitis occurred in four patients with clinically evident CSF leak. Multiple skull base fractures are associated with poor neurological outcome. The low rate of meningitis in this patient sample implies that there is no indication to administer prophylactic antibiotics to patients with skull base fractures.     

Cerebrospinal fluid leaks after transsphenoidal surgery – Effect of a polyethylene glycol hydrogel dural sealant

To investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rates after mainly endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery with and without polyethylene glycol hydrogel dural sealant (DuraSeal®), we prospectively collected data from a single-centre consecutive case series over four years from January 2007 to December 2010 inclusive.250 patients were identified (135 male, 115 female; median age 52 years, range 14–83). 180 patients received DuraSeal® (72%). 85 (34%) had intra-operative dural breach and 13 (5.2%) developed post-operative CSF leaks (3 without intra-operative dural breach) requiring lumbar drainage or formal repair. Of this group 5/251 (2.0%) patients required a formal repair. Post-operative CSF leak was seen in 5/189 (2.7%) of patients with pituitary adenoma, of which 2/5 (40%) were in cases undergoing revision surgery. 5/13 (38.4%) patients who developed a CSF leak presented with either Rathke’s cleft cyst or craniopharyngioma. 3/71 patients not receiving DuraSeal® leaked (4.2%) and 10/180 patients receiving DuraSeal® leaked (5.6%). 11/234 patients without Tisseel (4.7%) and 2/16 receiving Tisseel (12.5%) leaked. 54 patients (22%) received intra-operative lumbar drains, one of whom developed subsequent CSF leak (1.9%), in contrast to 12/197 (6.1%) of patients without intra-operative lumbar drains who later developed CSF leak.The rate of post-operative CSF leak requiring re-exploration and nasoseptal flap repair was low (2.0%) in this mainly endoscopic case series without statistically significant benefit from either DuraSeal® or Tisseel. Intra-operative and post-operative lumbar drainage appears beneficial in patients at higher risk of post-operative CSF leak.     

Endoscopic transnasal intradural repair of anterior skull base cerebrospinal fluid fistulae.

This study presents the techniques and results of endoscopic diagnosis and repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulae involving the anterior skull base and paranasal sinuses. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic repair of anterior skull base CSF fistulae. SETTING: Tertiary referral institutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients underwent endoscopic repair of CSF fistula. Thirteen cases were traumatic in origin, 11 spontaneous not associated with meningoencephalocele and 12 with meningoencephalocele. Eleven were iatrogenic and five associated with transphenoidal pituitary surgery, two acute and three delayed following radiotherapy. The average age of patients was 43 and the male to female ratio was 2:1. A variety of techniques were used to repair the dural defect. In the majority of cases placement of a fat plug on the intracranial surface of the dura was performed. RESULTS: Forty-seven of the 52 patients had successful primary endoscopic repair of the CSF fistula and skull base defect. Five patients required a repeat procedure due to early failure of the repair. After an average follow-up of 27 months no patient has had any recurrence of leak giving a primary closure success rate of 90% and secondary closure rate of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic transnasal approach for repair of anterior skull base CSF fistula is a reliable technique and is now the procedure of choice for patients presenting with this problem.     

Una técnica simple y segura para el tratamiento de las rinolicuorreas por pequeños defectos: colgajo libre de superposición «overlay» de mucosa nasal

IntroductionCerebrospinal fluid leaks to the sinonasal cavities (rhinoliquorrhoea) represent a process with diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. The endoscopic transnasal approach is the method of choice, but with many possible variants. The purpose of this paper was to make a critical review of our diagnostic and therapeutic protocol used for 11 years.Material and methodsWe operated on 31 patients. The diagnosis was based on the biochemical analysis of rhinorrhoea, CT and MRI. Treatment: endoscopic nasal surgery after preoperative intrathecal injection of 5% fluorescein (2 cc). Closure was performed using a free overlay graft from middle turbinate mucosa.ResultsTwo patients had meningitis as the first sign. All patients were diagnosed by biochemical analysis of rhinorrhoea. CT and MRI gave clear evidence of the leakage location. The skull base defect was always less than 1 cm. Fluorescein allowed clear visualisation of the fistulous area without other instruments and produced no side effects. One patient had a postoperative frontal abscess, which evolved favourably. All fistulas were closed and there was only one recurrence at 10 years, which debuted as pneumococcal meningitis.Discussion and conclusionsOur surgical protocol, based on the use of intrathecal fluorescein and free grafting of middle turbinate mucosa overlay onto the fistulous area, achieves successful long-term results in the management of rhinoliquorrhoea secondary to small skull base defects.     

Hemostasis in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery using the Aquamantys bipolar sealer: Technical note

BackgroundA major challenge during endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is adequate intraoperative hemostasis. The Aquamantys® is a relatively new bipolar sealing device which uses radiofrequency energy and saline. This promotes hemostasis while decreasing charring and thermal spread. In this paper, we describe our experience with the Aquamantys® Mini EVS 3.4 Epidural Vein Sealer Bipolar Electrocautery System (Medtronic Advanced Energy, Portsmouth, NH, USA) during endoscopic surgery for tumors of the skull base with particular attention to ergonomic benefits and technical nuances.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of all patients undergoing endoscopic surgery for skull base tumors from September 2012 to June 2016 at our institution. All procedures used the Aquamantys® system. 45 cases were identified.ResultsSuccessful hemostasis was achieved in all cases with an average estimated blood loss (EBL) of 46 mL (Range 10–250). There were no intraoperative complications. The single-shaft design allowed for excellent manipulation compared to pistol-grip bipolar forceps. The thermal energy provided excellent radial coverage without extensive penetration into viable pituitary tissue.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the largest series documenting the use of the Aquamantys® system in skull base surgery. The device is easily mobile and highly effective within the endonasal corridor and should be a tool in the repertoire of the endoneurosurgeon. Randomized control trials would be useful in comparing EBL between the Aquamantys® and standard bipolar electrocautery.     

神经内镜下经鼻-扩大蝶窦入路术后颅底重建(附20例分析)

目的探讨神经内镜下经鼻-扩大蝶窦入路术后的颅底重建技术。方法回顾性分析20例神经内镜下经鼻-扩大蝶窦入路术后的颅底重建经验。其中鞍结节脑膜瘤7例,颅咽管瘤3例,垂体腺瘤10例。在切除肿瘤后均采用人工硬脑膜-明胶海绵和生物胶-人工硬脑膜的"三明治"式方法,同时辅以球囊支持修补材料和持续腰池引流。结果1次手术修补成功15例,短暂性脑脊液鼻漏经保守治疗治愈3例,2例2次内镜下经鼻入路行颅底重建得以修复。术后随访6个月～4年,疗效满意。结论"三明治"式修补方法加球囊支撑和持续性腰池引流,可显著降低术后脑脊液鼻漏的发生,是神经内镜下经鼻-扩大蝶窦入路术后颅底重建的可靠技术。     

内镜经鼻颅内外联合入路切除前中颅底沟通瘤

目的 探讨内镜绛鼻颅内外联合入路切除前中颅底沟通瘤的手术方法.方法 对13例患者在扩大经额下入路显微切除肿瘤颅腔内部分的基础上,采用经鼻内镜下切除肿瘤颅外部分并重建颅底缺损.结果 手术全切除11例,次全切除2例,无手术死亡和新神经功能废损、脑脊液漏、脑膜腩膨出及颅内感染等并发症发生.术后病理爪神经鞘瘤4例,鼻咽纤维血管瘤3例,脑膜瘤2例,垂体瘤、内翻性乳头状瘤、鳞状细胞痛和嗅神经母细胞瘤符1例.结论 采用内镜经鼻颅内外联合入路切除前中颅底沟通瘤创伤小且深部视野良好,能安全且完全切除良性肿瘤.     

Endoscopic repair technique for traumatic penetrating injuries of the clivus

Unlike basilar skull fractures, penetrating traumatic injuries to the clivus are uncommon. We present two novel and interesting cases of traumatic crossbow arrow injury and penetrating screwdriver injury to the clivus. A review of the literature describing methods to repair these injuries was performed. A careful, systematic approach is required when working up and treating these injuries, as airway preservation is critical. An adaptation to the previously described “gasket-seal” method for skull base repair was utilized to repair the traumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas. This repair technique is unique in that it is tailored to a much smaller defect than typical post-surgical defects. Two patients are presented, one with a post-traumatic CSF fistula after penetrating crossbow injury to the clivus and one with a penetrating screwdriver injury to the clivus. The patients were treated successfully with transnasal endoscopic repair with fascia lata graft and a nasoseptal flap, a novel adaptation to the previously described “gasket-seal” technique of skull base repair.     

内镜下扩大经鼻蝶入路术中多层技术颅底重建

目的总结内镜下扩大经鼻蝶入路鞍区及鞍旁区多层技术重建颅底的经验。方法回顾性分析12例鞍区及鞍旁区肿瘤的临床资料,其中颅咽管瘤4例,鞍区脑膜瘤3例,巨大垂体腺瘤5例;均行内镜下扩大经鼻蝶入路肿瘤切除术,并采用多层技术进行颅底重建。结果所有病例肿瘤均达全切除,颅底重建均1次修补成功。术后部分临床症状明显改善。随访3～6个月,均未出现脑脊液漏、细菌性脑膜炎和张力性气颅等并发症。结论内镜下扩大经鼻蝶入路术中多层技术重建颅底是一种简单、安全、有效的方法。