Endoscopic Endonasal Transclival Approaches: Case Series and Outcomes for Different Clival Regions

Objective Transclival endoscopic endonasal approaches to the skull base are novel with few published cases. We report our institution''s experience with this technique and discuss outcomes according to the clival region involved. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Tertiary care academic medical center Participants All patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transclival approaches for skull base lesions from 2008 to 2012. Main Outcome Measures Pathologies encountered, mean intraoperative time, intraoperative complications, gross total resection, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, postoperative CSF leak, postoperative complications, and postoperative clinical course. Results A total of 49 patients underwent 55 endoscopic endonasal transclival approaches. Pathology included 43 benign and 12 malignant lesions. Mean follow-up was 15.4 months. Mean operative time was 167.9 minutes, with one patient experiencing an intraoperative internal carotid artery injury. Of the 15 cases with intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, 1 developed postoperative CSF leak (6.7%). There were six other postoperative complications: four systemic complications, one case of meningitis, and one retropharyngeal abscess. Gross total resection was achieved for all malignancies approached with curative intent. Conclusions This study provides evidence that endoscopic endonasal transclival approaches are a safe and effective strategy for the surgical management of a variety of benign and malignant lesions. Level of Evidence 4.     

Planum-Clival Angle Classification: A Novel Preoperative Evaluation for Sellar/Parasellar Surgery

Objective Endonasal approaches are increasingly used to treat sellar pathologies, leading to increased interest in achieving maximal safe resection. We propose a tool—the planum-clival angle (PCA)—and explore its surgical implications for sellar pathology resections. Design Retrospective analysis. Participants Consecutive patients with pituitary lesions between 2003 and 2013. Outcome Measures The PCA and suprasellar extension ratios; head position and extent of surgical resection. Results We enrolled 89 patients (ages 21–88 years). There were 15 type A patients (17%), 13 with suprasellar extension (89%) and ratios between 0.12 and 0.70. There were 61 type B patients (70%), 49 with suprasellar extension (81%) and ratios from 0.09 to 0.66. Finally, there were 13 type C patients (13%), 10 with suprasellar extension (73%) and ratios from 0.21 to 0.76. Type B was treated with a sphenoidectomy and neutral head positioning, type A with 10 to 20 degrees of flexion and an additional posterior ethmoidectomy with or without posterior planum resection, and type C with 10 to 20 degrees of extension and an additional superior clival resection. Conclusions Sellar anatomy and PCA influence the growth patterns of sellar lesions. Thus PCA should allow for better surgical planning and thereby improve surgical efficacy.     

Mesenchymal Neoplasms of Salivary Glands: A Clinicopathologic Study of 68 Cases

Salivary gland neoplasms are uncommon, and most exhibit epithelial differentiation. Mesenchymal neoplasms of the salivary gland are rare, and the incidence ranges from 1.9% to 5%. The aim of this study is to identify the types and clinical-pathological features of mesenchymal salivary neoplasm and review their differential diagnosis. A retrospective search for mesenchymal neoplasms of salivary glands from our institution''s pathology archives from the 2004–2021 period and consultation files of one of the authors (AER) was performed. The clinical data were obtained from available medical records, and the histological slides and ancillary studies were retrieved and reviewed. We identified a total of 68 cases that form the study cohort. Thirty-five patients were male, and thirty-three patients were female, with a mean age of 48 years (range, 7 months–79 years), and the male to female ratio was 1:.94. Sixty-three (92.6%) of sixty-eight tumors were benign and included: 38 (56%) lipomas, 9 (13%) hemangiomas, 7 (10.3%) schwannomas, 3 (4.4%) neurofibromas, 3 (4.4%) lymphangioma, 2 (3%) solitary fibrous tumors, 1 (1.5%) myofibroma. Five of sixty-eight (7.4%) were malignant and included: 3 (4.4%) Adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcomas, 1 (1.5%) malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), and 1 (1.5%) malignant solitary fibrous tumor. The involved sites included: parotid (55), submandibular gland (5), parapharyngeal space (5), buccal mucosa minor salivary gland (2), and sublingual gland (1). Sixty-seven patients underwent surgical resection. One patient with lymphangioma manifested a recurrence/persistence a week post-surgery. One patient with a parotid hemangioma developed post-operative numbness, and another patient developed chronic postauricular pain after surgery. Two patients with MPNST and one patient with adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation and were disease-free after treatment. The remaining 37 patients with available follow-up ranging from 7 days to 96 months (mean, 18 months) had a favorable outcome and were disease-free after treatment. Mesenchymal neoplasms of salivary gland are rare; most are benign and demonstrate adipocytic, endothelial, and schwannian differentiation; awareness of their development is important for adequate diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment is surgical excision, with the extent determined by tumor type. Adjuvant therapy is reserved for high-grade sarcomas and may be given in a neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting.     

Treatment and Outcome of Patients with Skull Base Chordoma: A Meta-analysis

Objective Chordoma is a locally aggressive tumor. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of different surgical approaches and adjuvant radiation modalities used to treat these patients. Design Meta-analysis. Main Outcome Measures Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Results The 5-year OS and PFS rates of the whole cohort (n = 467) were 86% and 65.7%, respectively. The 5-year DSS for patients who underwent open surgery and endoscopic surgery was 45% and 49%, respectively (p = 0.8); PFS was 94% and 79%, respectively (p = 0.11). The 5-year OS of patients treated with surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy was 90% compared with 70% of those treated by surgery alone (p = 0.24). Patients undergoing partial resection without adjuvant radiotherapy had a 5-year OS of 41% and a DSS of 45%, significantly lower than in the total-resection group (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.01, respectively). The complication rates were similar in the open and endoscopic groups. Conclusions Patients undergoing total resection have the best outcome; adjuvant radiation therapy improves the survival of patients undergoing partial resection. In view of the advantages of minimally invasive techniques, endoscopic surgery appears an appropriate surgical approach for this disease.     

Pilot Study on Early Postoperative Discharge in Pituitary Adenoma Patients: Effect of Socioeconomic Factors and Benefit of Specialized Pituitary Centers

Introduction Pituitary neoplasms are benign entities that require distinct diagnostic and treatment considerations. Recent advances in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery have resulted in shorter lengths of stay (LOS). We implemented a postoperative day (POD) 1 discharge paradigm involving a multidisciplinary approach and detailed preoperative evaluation and review of both medical and socioeconomic factors. Methods The experience of a single neurosurgeon/ears, nose, throat (ENT) team was reviewed, generating a preliminary retrospective database of the first 30 patients who underwent resection of pituitary lesions under the POD 1 discharge paradigm. We assessed multiple axes from their preoperative, in-house, and postoperative care. Results There were 14 men and 16 women with an average age of 53.8 years (range: 27–76 years). There were 22 nonsecretory and 8 secretory tumors with average size of 2.80 cm (range: 1.3–5.0 cm). All 30 patients underwent preoperative ENT evaluation. Average LOS was 1.5 ± 0.7 days. A total of 18 of 30 patients were discharged on POD 1. The insurance status included 15 with public insurance such as emergency Medicaid and 15 with private insurance. Four patients had transient diabetes insipidus (DI); none had permanent DI. Overall, 28 of 30 patients received postoperative steroids. Factors that contributed to LOS > 1 day included public insurance status, two or more medical comorbidities, diabetes mellitus, transient panhypopituitarism, and DI. Conclusion The implementation of a POD 1 discharge plan for pituitary tumors is feasible and safe for elective patients. This implementation requires the establishment of a dedicated Pituitary Center model with experienced team members. The consistent limitation to early discharge was socioeconomic status. Efforts that incorporate the analysis of social disposition parameters with proper management of clinical sequelae are crucial to the maintenance of ideal LOS and optimal patient outcomes.     

Endoscopic Surgery of Skull Base Chordomas

Objective To assess our clinical experience in treating midline intracranial pathology using minimally invasive surgical techniques.Design Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal resection of clival chordomas.Setting Two tertiary referral centers in Australia and New Zealand.Main Outcome Measures Patients were assessed by intraoperative findings (macroscopic resection rate, tumor size, and operative complications) and clinical outcomes (residual disease, postoperative complications, recurrence rate, and mortality).Results Fourteen patients underwent endoscopic resection of clival chordomas (seven primary, seven revision) with a mean follow-up of 41.45 months (3 to 104 months). Macroscopic resection rates were 71% and 29%, respectively. Mean operative time was 386 minutes. Overall cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rate was 3/14 (21%) and, using the nasoseptal flap, it was 0/5 (0%). Two patients developed late recurrence; one died of disease and one was treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy. Overall mortality was 2/14 (14%).Conclusion Endoscopic resection of clival chordomas is a safe and viable alternative to the traditional open approach. The nasoseptal flap is an excellent method of obtaining a watertight skull base closure. Furthermore, this series highlighted the fact that the primary attempt at surgery offers the best chance to achieve a total resection.     

Osteomyelitis of the Temporal Bone: Terminology,Diagnosis, and Management

Objectives To review the terminology, clinical features, and management of temporal bone osteomyelitis. Design and Setting Prospective study in a tertiary care center from 2001 to 2008. Participants Twenty patients visiting the outpatient department diagnosed with osteomyelitis of the temporal bone. Main Outcome Measures The age, sex, clinical features, cultured organisms, surgical interventions, and classification were analyzed. Results Of the 20 cases, 2 (10%) were diagnosed as acute otitis media. Eighteen (90%) had chronic otitis media. Nineteen (95%) were classified as medial temporal bone osteomyelitis and one (5%) as lateral temporal osteomyelitis. The most common clinical features were ear discharge (100%), pain (83%), and granulations (100%). Facial nerve palsy was seen in seven cases (35%) and parotid involvement in one case. Ten patients (56%) had diabetes mellitus. The organisms isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (80%) and Staphylococcus aureus (13.33%). Histopathology revealed chronic inflammation in 20 patients (100%) and osteomyelitic bony changes in 14 (70%). Surgical debridement was the most preferred modality of treatment (87%). Conclusion A new classification of temporal bone osteomyelitis has been proposed. Bacterial cultures must be performed in all patients. Antibiotic therapy is the treatment of choice. Surgical intervention is necessary in the presence of severe pain, complications, refractory cases, or the presence of bony sequestra on radiology.     

Surgical Management of Intracranial Neuroenteric Cysts: The UCSF Experience

Objective Modern surgical experience with intracranial neuroenteric cysts is limited in the literature. We review our 15-year institutional experience with these rare lesions. Design Single-institution retrospective study. Setting Large North American tertiary care center. Participants Histologically confirmed cases of intracranial neuroenteric cyst from January 2000 to September 2014. Main Outcome Measures Pre- and postoperative modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, extent of resection, and postoperative complications are reported. Clinical presentation, imaging features, pathology, and operative approach are discussed. Results Five spinal and six intracranial neuroenteric cysts were surgically treated over a 15-year period. Median age at presentation for the intracranial cysts was 38.5 years. Mean cyst diameter was 3.8 cm. Five cysts were located in the pre-pontomedullary cistern, and one was located in the third ventricle. Gross total resection was achieved in four of the five posterior fossa cysts through a far lateral transcondylar approach. Postoperative complications included aseptic meningitis (one), transient abducens palsy (one), and pseudomeningocele requiring reoperation (three). Postoperative mRS scores improved to ≤1 by 6.5 months median follow-up. Conclusions Intracranial neuroenteric cysts are rare lesions with a variable imaging appearance. Complete surgical resection through a far lateral transcondylar approach is possible and usually results in symptom improvement or resolution.     

Craniofacial Surgery for Esthesioneuroblastoma: Report of an International Collaborative Study

Introduction Impact of treatment and prognostic indicators of outcome are relatively ill-defined in esthesioneuroblastomas (ENB) because of the rarity of these tumors. This study was undertaken to assess the impact of craniofacial resection (CFR) on outcome of ENB.Patients and Methods Data on 151 patients who underwent CFR for ENB were collected from 17 institutions that participated in an international collaborative study. Patient, tumor, treatment, and outcome data were collected by questionnaires and variables were analyzed for prognostic impact on overall, disease-specific and recurrence-free survival. The majority of tumors were staged Kadish stage C (116 or 77%). Overall, 90 patients (60%) had received treatment before CFR, radiation therapy in 51 (34%), and chemotherapy in 23 (15%). The margins of surgical resection were reported positive in 23 (15%) patients. Adjuvant postoperative radiation therapy was used in 51 (34%) and chemotherapy in 9 (6%) patients.Results Treatment-related complications were reported in 49 (32%) patients. With a median follow-up of 56 months, the 5-year overall, disease-specific, and recurrence-free survival rates were 78, 83, and 64%, respectively. Intracranial extension of the disease and positive surgical margins were independent predictors of worse overall, disease-specific, and recurrence-free survival on multivariate analysis.Conclusion This collaborative study of patients treated at various institutions across the world demonstrates the efficacy of CFR for ENB. Intracranial extension of disease and complete surgical excision were independent prognostic predictors of outcome.     

Functional Evaluation of Levator Scapulae Tendon to Supraspinatus in Adult Brachial Plexus Injuries

Introduction  Brachial plexus injuries are severe life-altering injuries. The surgical method to restore shoulder abduction in adult upper brachial plexus injuries involves the usage of nerve grafts and nerve transfers targeting the suprascapular and/or the axillary nerve. When the primary nerve surgery has been unsuccessful or recovery has been incomplete or with a late presentation, muscle transfer procedures are needed to provide or improve shoulder abduction. Levator scapulae to supraspinatus is a transfer to improve shoulder abduction in posttraumatic brachial plexus injuries. Material and Methods  The study included 13 patients with the age ranging from 17 to 47 years with a mean age of 30 years. All these patients had preop shoulder abduction of Medical Research Council (MRC) grade ≤3. All had a minimum of MRC grade 4 of active elbow flexion. Eleven patients had primary surgery. Only patients with a minimum of 1 year postoperative follow-up were included. All 13 patients underwent levator scapulae transfer only. Results  All patients had a stable shoulder postoperatively. The average increase in active shoulder abduction was from 6.15°(median: 0°) preoperatively to 61.92°(median: 60°), with an average gain in shoulder abduction of 49.61°(median: 50°). Conclusions  Transfer of levator scapulae tendon to the supraspinatus is an option to improve shoulder abduction in posttraumatic brachial plexus. In conditions where supraspinatus alone is not functioning, levator scapulae is the best available transfer, considering its strength and maintaining the form of the shoulder unlike trapezius transfer. In patients with previous surgery where supraspinatus has recovered partially but not functionally significant, this tendon transfer can be considered for the augmentation of the existing shoulder abduction.     

Impact of Chemoradiotherapy on CSF Leak Repair after Skull Base Surgery

Background Transnasal endoscopic resection (TER) has become the treatment of choice for many skull base tumors. A major limitation of TER is the management of large dural defects and the need for repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, particularly among patients who are treated with chemotherapy (CTX) or radiotherapy (RT). The objective of this study is to determine the impact of CTX and RT on the success of CSF leak repair after TER. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of a single-institution experience of TER from 1992 to 2011. Results We identified 28 patients who had endoscopic CSF leak repair after resection of malignant skull base tumors. Preoperative RT was utilized in 18 patients, and 9 had undergone CTX. All patients required CSF leak repair with rotational flaps after cribriform and/or dural resection. CSF leak repair failed in three patients (11%). A history of RT or CTX was not associated with failed CSF leak repair. Conclusion Adjuvant or neoadjuvant CTX or RT is not associated with failed CSF leak repair. Successful CSF leak repair can be performed in patients with malignant skull base tumors with an acceptable risk profile.     

Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma: Prognostic Factors with Emphasis on Resection Margins

Objective We review our institution''s experience with the treatment of inverted papilloma (IP) with emphasis on the implications of surgical margins for disease control. Design Retrospective chart review of patients with IP treated at the University of Michigan from 1996 to 2011. Setting Tertiary care center. Participants Patients undergoing surgical resection with curative intent for IP. Main Outcome Measures Overall survival, disease-specific survival, and locoregional control were used as main outcome measures. Results We studied 129 patients including 19 with carcinoma arising from IP. Disease-free rates at 2, 3, and 5 years were 79.7%, 77.9%, and 61%, respectively. Overall, 10 of 18 recurrences were detected > 2 years from follow-up, with recurrences detected up to 8 years from surgery. For benign disease, obtaining tissue margins outside of the primary specimen for margin control did not affect disease control rates. Conclusion IP is a disease that requires significant follow-up periods beyond 2 years. For IP without carcinogenesis, acquiring margins outside of the tumor specimen did not appear to affect disease control rates in this study. No clear predictors of malignancy were seen in this study, which highlights the need for further research to predict this phenomenon.     

Surgical Management of Giant Transdural Glomus Jugulare Tumors with Cerebellar and Brainstem Compression

Objective The objective of this study is to discuss the management of advanced glomus jugulare tumors (GJTs) presenting with intradural disease and concurrent brainstem compression.Study Design This is a retrospective case series.Results Over the last decade, four patients presented to our institution with large (Fisch D₂; Glasscock-Jackson 4) primary or recurrent GJTs resulting in brainstem compression of varying severities. All patients underwent surgical resection through a transtemporal, transcervical approach resulting in adequate brainstem decompression; the average operative time was 12.75 hours and the estimated blood loss was 2.7 L. All four patients received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy in the form of intensity-modulated radiation therapy or stereotactic radiosurgery. Combined modality treatment permitted tumor control in all patients (range of follow-up 5 to 9 years).Conclusion A small subset of GJTs may present with intracranial transdural extension with aggressive brainstem compression mandating surgical intervention. Surgical resection is extremely challenging; the surgical team must be prepared for extensive operating time and the patient for prolonged aggressive rehabilitation. Newly diagnosed and recurrent large GJTs involving the brainstem may be controlled with a combination of aggressive surgical resection and postoperative radiation.     

Primary chest wall tumors: early and long-term results of surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVES: A retrospective study of primary chest wall tumors (PCWTs/CWTs) was conducted to review their clinical, radiological and pathological features, as well as the early and long-term results of surgical management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1986 through 1996, 41 patients (18/44% male, 23/56% female, aged 15-78 years) with PCWTs were treated in our department. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (nine male, 14 female, mean age 36 years) had a benign CWT: enchondroma, five patients; fibrous dysplasia, four patients; neurilemmoma, three patients; osteochondroma, two patients; granular cell tumor, two patients; fibroma, two patients; lipoma, two patients; fibrolipoma, one patient; eosinophilic granuloma, one patient; aneurysmal bone cyst, one patient. Eighteen patients (nine male, nine female, mean age 59 years) had a malignant CWT: plasmacytoma, five patients; chondrosarcoma, two patients; osteosarcoma, two patients; fibrosarcoma, two patients; desmoid tumor, two patients; leiomyosarcoma, one patient; malignant fibrous histiocytoma, one patient; tendon sheath sarcoma, one patient; hemangiosarcoma, one patient; neurinosarcoma, one patient. The ribs were involved in 21 patients, the sternum in five patients, and the soft tissue in 17 patients. Distinction between benign and malignant CWT was not possible using radiographic criteria alone, and diagnosis was always confirmed histologically. Surgical treatment consisted of wide resection in 29 patients (15 benign/14 malignant CWTs), with the use of synthetic mesh in five cases, and excisional or incisional biopsy in 12 patients. There was no perioperative mortality. Two patients with a benign CWT (fibroma, one patient; neurilemmoma, one patient) had a local recurrence at 13 and 26 months after resection, respectively, and underwent wide resection (recurrence rate 8.7%). Follow-up at 3-13 years revealed one non-tumor-related death in patients with benign CWT (overall mortality rate 4.3%) and no other local recurrence. The overall 5- and 10-year survival in patients with malignant CWT was 33.3%. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that all CWTs should be considered malignant until proven otherwise. Wide resection with tumor-free margins is required in order to provide the best chance for cure in both benign and malignant lesions.     

Comparison of Surgical Freedom and Area of Exposure in Three Endoscopic Transmaxillary Approaches to the Anterolateral Cranial Base

Objective Endoscopic ipsilateral endonasal transmaxillary, contralateral endonasal transseptal transmaxillary, and Caldwell-Luc approaches can access lesions within the retromaxillary space and pterygopalatine fossa. We compared the exposure and surgical freedom of these transmaxillary approaches to assist with surgical decision making. Design Four cadaveric heads were dissected bilaterally using the three approaches just described. Prior to dissection, stereotactic computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained on each head to obtain anatomical measurements. Surgical freedom and area of exposure were determined by stereotaxis. Main Outcome Measures Area of exposure was calculated as the extent of the orbital floor, maxillary sinus floor, nasal floor, and mandibular ramus exposed through each approach. Surgical freedom was the area through which the proximal end of the endoscope could be freely moved while moving the tip of the endoscope to the edges of the exposed area. Results The mean exposed area was similar: 9.9 ± 2.5 cm² (Caldwell-Luc), 10.4 ± 2.6 cm² (ipsilateral endonasal), and 10.1 ± 2.1 cm² (contralateral transseptal) (p > 0.05). The surgical freedom of the Caldwell-Luc approach (113 ± 7 cm²) was greater than for either endonasal approach, 76 cm²± 15 (p = 0.001) (ipsilateral endonasal) and 83 cm² ± 15 (p = 0.003) contralateral transseptal. Conclusions Our work demonstrates that the Caldwell-Luc endonasal approach offers greater surgical freedom than either approach for anterolateral skull base targets, although these approaches offer similar exposure.     

Surgical Management of Hepatocellular Adenoma: Take It or Leave It?

Background  Hepatocellular adenoma (HA) is a rare benign tumor of the liver. Surgical resection is generally indicated to reduce risks of hemorrhage and malignant transformation. We sought to evaluate clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of patients with HA at our institution. Methods  We performed a retrospective review of 41 patients who underwent surgical resection for HA between 1988 and 2007. Results  Thirty-eight patients were women, and the median age at presentation was 36 years (range, 19–65 years). The most common clinical presentation was abdominal pain (70%) followed by incidental radiological finding (17%). Twenty-two patients had a history of oral contraceptive use. Median number of HA was one (range, 1–3). There were 32 open cases (3 trisectionectomy, 15 hemihepatectomy, 7 sectionectomy, 4 segmentectomy, and 3 wedge resection), and 9 laparoscopic cases (1 hemihepatectomy, 5 sectionectomy, 1 segmentectomy, and 2 wedge resection). The median estimated blood loss was 225 mL (range, 0–3400 mL). The median length of stay was 6 days (range, 1–15 days). Surgical morbidities included pleural effusion requiring percutaneous drainage (n = 2), pneumonia (n = 1), and wound infection (n = 1). There was no perioperative mortality. Twelve patients had hemorrhage from HA. Hepatocellular carcinoma was observed in two patients with HA. Median follow-up was 23 months (range, 1–194 months), at which time all patients were alive. Conclusion  In view of 29% hemorrhagic and 5% malignant complication rates, we recommend surgical resection over observation if patient comorbidities and anatomic location of HA are favorable. A laparoscopic approach can be safely used in selected cases. Presented at Society of Surgical Oncology 61st Annual Cancer Symposium, Chicago, Illinois, March 13–16, 2008.     

Neurogenic Tumors of the Pelvis: Clinicopathologic Features and Surgical Outcomes Using a Multidisciplinary Team

Background  Few data exist regarding the outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for pelvic tumors of neurogenic origin. Our aim was to characterize the clinical and pathologic features of pelvic neurogenic tumors and assess surgical outcomes. Methods  All patients who underwent operations for pelvic neurogenic tumors at our institution between 1956 and 2004 were identified. Data analyzed included demographics, clinical features, histopathology, local recurrence, and survival. Results  Eighty-nine patients were identified, of whom 44 were male. Median age was 38 years. The most common presenting symptom was low back or pelvic pain (56%). Malignant lesions were found in 43 patients (48%). Schwannomas were the most common benign tumor (61%) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors the most common malignant lesion (81%). Median tumor size was 9.5 cm (range 0.8–32 cm). Malignant tumors had histopathologic evidence of infiltration of surrounding structures in 49% of cases. Intralesional resection was the most common surgical technique for both benign and malignant tumors. Thirty-day mortality was nil; major morbidity was seen in 13%. Adjuvant therapy was given to 91% of the patients with malignant disease. Five-year local recurrence rates for benign and malignant lesions were 35.9% and 35.0%, respectively. Distant recurrence for malignant lesions was 65.1% at 5 years. Five-year disease-free survival for malignant tumors was 25.9%. Conclusion  Pelvic neurogenic tumors occurring in young patients may be large when detected and present with nonspecific symptoms. Benign and malignant tumors had a high local recurrence rate and survival for malignant tumors was poor. Early detection and aggressive surgical intervention should improve outcome.     

Surgical Treatment of Intramuscular Myxoma

PurposeIntramuscular myxoma (IM) is a rare benign myxoid tumor that may be challenging to differentiate from sarcoma in small amounts of biopsied material. Although IM appears to be well-circumscribed macroscopically, it infiltrates the adjacent edematous muscle microscopically. The recommended treatment is resection, but there is controversy with regard to the appropriate surgical margin. This study aimed to clarify which surgical procedure that should be applied when the preoperative diagnosis is IM and how to manage treatment if the postoperative diagnosis turns out to be a sarcoma.MethodsWe retrospectively examined 55 IM patients treated from January 1982 to December 2014. Patient characteristics, tumor location, tumor size, radiograph, preoperative and postoperative pathological reports, surgical techniques, treatment outcome, and complications were reviewed. The patients were followed up on for at least 5 years. All patients were confirmed not to have Mazabraud syndrome.ResultsIn the 55 IM patients examined, the mean patient age was 48 years and most were female. The most common tumor locations were in the muscles of the thighs (47%) and buttocks (20%). The mean tumor diameter was 5 cm. Wide resection and marginal resection were performed in 24 and 31 patients, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 19 years. No local recurrence, malignant transformation, or complications were observed.ConclusionsMarginal resection is suitable in patients whose preoperative diagnosis is IM, as it is able to prevent local recurrence and allows for the preservation of muscle and muscle fascia. If the postoperative diagnosis turns out to be myxoid sarcoma, minimum surgical contamination makes additional wide resection less invasive.     

Lateral Temporal Bone Resection in Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Report of 35 Patients

Objective To evaluate lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR) in the management of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with temporal bone invasion and patterns of failure.Methods This is a retrospective study of 35 patients undergoing lateral temporal bone resection for advanced cutaneous SCC at a tertiary care center between 1995 and 2006.Results The Pittsburgh tumor stage was T4 in 18 patients (51%), T3 in 5 (14%), T2 in 9 (26%), and T1 in 3 (9%). Clear margins were reported in 22 (63%) patients. Resection of the mandible and/or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was required in 11 (31%) patients. Facial nerve involvement was seen in 10 (29%) patients. Survival outcomes at 2 and 5 years for overall survival were 72% and 49%; disease-free survival, 68% and 59%; and disease-specific survival, 79% and 62%, respectively. Pittsburgh T stage correlated significantly with disease-specific survival (p = 0.015) and margin status was significant for both disease-free survival (p = 0.0015) and disease-specific survival (p < 0.001).Conclusions Surgery with curative intent is justified for cutaneous SCC invading the temporal bone with extended LTBR. Margin status was a significant predictor of outcome. Surgeons should plan preoperatively to achieve clear margins by extending the LTBR with possible nerve resection.     

Endonasal Skull Base Tumor Removal Using Concentric Tube Continuum Robots: A Phantom Study

Objectives The purpose of this study is to experimentally evaluate the use of concentric tube continuum robots in endonasal skull base tumor removal. This new type of surgical robot offers many advantages over existing straight and rigid surgical tools including added dexterity, the ability to scale movements, and the ability to rotate the end effector while leaving the robot fixed in space. In this study, a concentric tube continuum robot was used to remove simulated pituitary tumors from a skull phantom. Design The robot was teleoperated by experienced skull base surgeons to remove a phantom pituitary tumor within a skull. Percentage resection was measured by weight. Resection duration was timed. Setting Academic research laboratory. Main Outcome Measures Percentage removal of tumor material and procedure duration. Results Average removal percentage of 79.8 ± 5.9% and average time to complete procedure of 12.5 ± 4.1 minutes (n = 20). Conclusions The robotic system presented here for use in endonasal skull base surgery shows promise in improving the dexterity, tool motion, and end effector capabilities currently available with straight and rigid tools while remaining an effective tool for resecting the tumor.