Subdural patch graft technique for watertight closure of large dural defects in extended transsphenoidal surgery

OBJECTIVE: The most common postoperative complication of the transsphenoidal approach is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. If the dura is widely opened beyond the sellar floor and massive intraoperative CSF leakage is encountered, then the conventional packing method, in which the sella turcica is filled with pieces of fat or muscle, demonstrates a relatively high incidence of CSF rhinorrhea. For more reliable prevention of postoperative CSF leakage, we developed a method for watertight closure of large dural defects. METHODS: For 34 consecutive patients with suprasellar tumors, we performed tumor resection via an extended transsphenoidal approach, in which the surgical window in the sellar floor was extended to the planum sphenoidale to expose the suprasellar cistern. The patients were retrospectively divided into three groups according to the dural defect closure technique used. Group I consisted of the first two patients, whose large dural openings were closed with a conventional fat-packing method. Group II consisted of the next 10 patients, whose large dural defects were patched with fascia and sutured with 5-0 nylon, in a watertight manner. Group III consisted of the last 22 patients, who underwent watertight dural closure with a new knot-tying technique and a double-layer patch graft, which generously covered the dural defect of the cranial base with subdural placement. In Group III, intracranial CSF compressed the patch graft against the cranial base and sealed the gap between the patch graft and the cranial base in a watertight manner. The double-layer patch graft was composed of autologous fascial membrane and a commercially available, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene dural substitute. RESULTS: Postoperative CSF leakage was noted for 50% of the patients in Group I, 30% of the patients in Group II, and 9% of the patients in Group III. The time required for dural closure for Group III was approximately 50% shorter than that required for Group II (45.9 +/- 12.4 min versus 93.5 +/- 19.1 min, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The subdural double-layer patch graft technique is simple and reliable for the prevention of CSF rhinorrhea after transsphenoidal surgery associated with a widely opened dura.     

Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery: Advantages,Limitations, and Our Techniques to Overcome Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage: Technical Note

In recent years, resections of midline skull base tumors have been conducted using endoscopic endonasal skull base (EESB) approaches. Nevertheless, many surgeons reported that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is still a major complication of these approaches. Here, we report the results of our 42 EESB surgeries and discuss the advantages and limits of this approach for resecting various types of tumors, and also report our technique to overcome CSF leakage. All 42 cases involved midline skull base tumors resected using the EESB technique. Dural incisions were closed using nasoseptal flaps and fascia patch inlay sutures. Total removal of the tumor was accomplished in seven pituitary adenomas (33.3%), five craniopharyngiomas (62.5%), five tuberculum sellae meningiomas (83.3%), three clival chordomas (100%), and one suprasellar ependymoma. Residual regions included the cavernous sinus, the outside of the intracranial part of the internal carotid artery, the lower lateral part of the posterior clivus, and the posterior pituitary stalk. Overall incidence of CSF leakage was 7.1%. Even though the versatility of the approach is limited, EESB surgery has many advantages compared to the transcranial approach for managing mid-line skull base lesions. To avoid CSF leakage, surgeons should have skills and techniques for complete closure, including use of the nasoseptal flap and fascia patch inlay techniques.     

颈椎手术并发脑脊液漏的处理

目的 探讨颈椎手术并发脑脊液漏（CSFL）的处理方法及其疗效。方法 对11例颈椎手术并发CSFL的患者,后路手术采用自体筋膜修补2例,前路手术采用自体筋膜明胶海绵堵塞9例,手术后仍存在CSFL患者采取去枕头高足低位、延长脱水剂应用时间、行腰穿蛛网膜下腔引流。结果 2例后路手术CSFL患者修补成功。9例前路行硬膜堵塞患者4例仍有CSFL,行腰穿蛛网膜下腔引流,切口引流或漏出0—3d停止．切口在引流后7d拆线均愈合。结论 CSFL术中采用修补或堵塞硬膜破口术后采用头高足低位、延长脱水剂应用时间可减少手术后CSFL的发生;术后持续腰穿蛛网膜下腔引流,能有效终止切口内CSFL,有利于切口愈合,避免感染发生。     

Surgical technique for idiopathic spinal cord herniation: the Hammock method. Technical note

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation is a rare disease, and surgical treatment is recommended for patients with motor deficits or progressive neurological symptoms. Surgery is performed to release and reposition the tethered spinal cord. In terms of repositioning and prevention of reherniation, various procedures have been proposed; enlargement of the ventral dural defect, primary closure of the defect with sutures, and insertion of a ventral patch for duraplasty. We treated 3 patients with idiopathic spinal cord herniation, using a ventral patch for duraplasty with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene pericardial membrane (the Hammock method), and all 3 cases had good clinical outcome. The specific important technical aspects are described and illustrated. If this procedure is performed meticulously under the microscope by following the specific techniques, the Hammock method is safer and more effective for prevention of reherniation than simple enlargement of the dural defect.     

脊柱外科中脑脊液漏的防治

目的：探讨脊柱外科中较常见并发症脑脊液漏的防治措施。方法：通过回顾性的方法对1995年1月－2000年5月发生的21例脊柱手术后脑脊液漏患者的临床资料进行分析总结。结果：经过术中、术后仔细的处理,21例脑脊液漏患者除1例保守治疗无效于21d再次开放切口修补硬膜外,其余20例患者全部经保守治疗后于6－36d内治愈,无1例发生脑脊髓膜炎;36例腰椎手术脑脊液漏患者随访术后3月－2年内发现形成脑脊液囊肿。结论：通过术中对硬脊膜损伤及时修补或堵塞,术后采取正确的保守治疗措施,绝大多数脑脊液漏均可治愈,极少数保守治疗无效者需开放切口,重新修补硬膜。对晚期形成的交通性或有症状的脑脊液囊肿,可 采取手术切除。     

Foramen magnum meningioma: transoral resection with a bone baffle to prevent CSF leakage. Case report

A case of meningioma situated at the anterior rim of the foramen magnum with successful removal via a transoral approach is reported. A new technique of preventing cerebrospinal fluid leakage is described utilizing fascia lata and a bone baffle without any attempt to close the dura, either by primary suture or tissue sealants.     

前路减压内固定修复严重胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的 探讨胸腰椎爆裂骨折的损伤机制及前路减压修复重建的必要性。方法1999年1月～2004年1月,收治26例严重胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者,男23例,女3例,年龄23～62岁。其中T2 6例,L1 12例,L2 4例,L3 3例,L4 1例。神经功能按改良Frankel分级评定：A级2例,B级13例,C级5例,D级6例。手术均行前路减压内固定重建术,其中4例因脊柱三柱结构损伤严重,同期先行后路减压椎弓根螺钉撑开复位固定融合术。结果26例术后影像学检查胸腰椎生理弧度基本恢复正常,椎管内减压彻底、充分。均获随访1～6年,平均17．7个月。术后3个月植骨区达骨性融合,神经功能除2例脊髓完全损伤出现不可逆恢复外,其余有1～3级不同程度改善。未出现脑积液漏、钢板螺钉松动断裂、明显植骨块吸收伤椎塌陷、继发性脊柱后突及节段性不稳等并发症,临床疗效满意。结论前路减压内固定修复重建严重胸腰椎爆裂骨折,具有减压彻底、植骨充分及内固定牢固等特点,有助于椎体高度恢复和神经功能改善。     

The pathological changes in the spinal cord after dural tear with and without autologous fascia repair

Purpose

Dural tear is one of the common complications of spinal surgery leading to cerebrospinal fluid leakage followed by serial secondary symptoms. However, little is known about pathological changes of the spinal cord after dural tear. In the present study, we aimed to study the pathological changes in the spinal cord after dural tear with and without autologous fascia repair.

Methods

Sixty Sprague–Dawley rats were used for dural tear and autologous fascia graft repair models. Three days and 1 week after surgery, the pathological changes in the spinal cord were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and spinal somatosensory evoked potentials test.

Results

Neuroinflammation was found in the parenchyma of the spinal cord characterized by gliosis, increased expression of inflammatory factors and infiltration of exogenesis immunocells in the rats without repair, which impaired the sensory conduction function of the spinal cord at the early stage of injury. Repairing with autologous fascia could attenuate neuroinflammation and help to maintain normal sensory conduction function of the spinal cord.

Conclusion

Dural tear could cause a series of inflammatory reactions in the spinal cord and further impair its sensory conduction function at the early stage of injury. Repairing with autologous fascia was a necessary and effective way to prevent the neuroinflammation and to maintain the normal function of the spinal cord.     

经后路脊柱前中柱次全切三柱重建治疗严重胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的 探讨后路脊柱前中柱次全切三柱重建术治疗严重胸腰椎爆裂骨折的临床价值.方法 对36例严重胸腰椎爆裂骨折行此手术.采用ASIA分级对神经功能评估.比较术前、术后及末次随访时伤椎前缘压缩率、脊柱局部Cobb角、椎管矢状径侵占率,评估复位、减压及融合情况.结果 术后血气胸、脑脊液漏各1例,均治愈.平均随访17.8个月,无其他并发症.神经功能除A级外均有1～2级的恢复.伤椎前缘压缩率、脊柱局部Cobb角、椎管矢状径侵占率术后及末次随访时较术前有统计学差异(P＜0.05),末次随访时较术后无明显变化(P＞0.05).结论 该手术创伤小、并发症少、减压彻底,能有效重建脊柱三柱结构,防止复位丢失及内固定失败,是治疗严重胸腰椎爆裂骨折的理想手术方式.     

Supraorbital keyhole surgery for optic nerve decompression and dura repair

Supraorbital keyhole surgery is a limited surgical procedure with reduced traumatic manipulation of tissue and entailing little time in the opening and closing of wounds. We utilized the approach to treat head injury patients complicated with optic nerve compression and cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CSF). Eleven cases of basal skull fracture complicated with either optic nerve compression and/or CSF leakage were surgically treated at our department from February 1995 to June 1999. Six cases had primary optic nerve compression, four had CSF leakage and one case involved both injuries. Supraorbital craniotomy was carried out using a keyhole-sized burr hole plus a small craniotomy. The size of craniotomy approximated 2 x 3 cm2. The optic nerve was decompressed via removal of the optic canal roof and anterior clinoid process with high-speed drills. The defect of dura was repaired with two pieces of tensa fascia lata that were attached on both sides of the torn dural defect with tissue glue. Seven cases with optic nerve injury included five cases of total blindness and two cases of light perception before operation. Vision improved in four cases. The CSF leakage was stopped successfully in all four cases without complication. As optic nerve compression and CSF leakage are skull base lesions, the supraorbital keyhole surgery constitutes a suitable approach. The supraorbital keyhole surgery allows for an anterior approach to the skull base. This approach also allows the treatment of both CSF leakage and optic nerve compression. Our results indicate that supraorbital keyhole operation is a safe and effective method for preserving or improving vision and attenuating CSF leakage following injury.     

前路椎体次全切除术与后路全椎板切除术治疗颈椎脊髓损伤的疗效对比

目的对比分析前路椎体次全切除术与后路全椎板切除术治疗颈椎脊髓损伤的疗效。方法回顾性分析2015年1月—2016年1月,重庆医科大学附属第二医院秀山分院骨科和第二军医大学附属长征医院闸北分院骨科收治的76例重度颈椎脊髓损伤患者临床资料。术前所有患者均出现完全性或不完全性瘫痪症状,美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级A级(完全性瘫痪,48例)或B级(不完全性瘫痪,28例),其中34例行前路椎体次全切除减压内固定术(前路组),42例行后路全椎板切除减压内固定术(后路组)。记录所有患者呼吸机使用时间,气管插管时间,术前、术后ASIA运动及感觉评分,术后并发症发生情况。结果所有手术顺利完成,患者随访(12.0±0.7)个月。后路组呼吸机使用时间、气管插管时间均少于前路组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);术后12个月,两组患者ASIA运动及感觉评分均较术前及术后2周显著改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。术后12个月,前路和后路组患者ASIA分级A级(12 vs.19)、B级(15 vs.16)例数差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。前路组术后发生血肿1例,感染1例,脑脊液漏3例;后路组出现脑脊液漏1例,深静脉血栓1例。结论前路椎体次全切除术与后路全椎板切除术治疗颈椎脊髓损伤同样可恢复患者神经功能,后路全椎板切除可缩短呼吸机使用时间及气管插管时间。     

Patch technique for repair of a dural tear in microendoscopic spinal surgery

A dural tear is a common but troublesome complication of endoscopic spinal surgery. The limitations of space make repair difficult, and it is often necessary to proceed to an open operation to suture the dura in order to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. We describe a new patch technique in which a small piece of polyglactin 910 is fixed to the injured dura with fibrin glue. Three pieces are generally required to obtain a watertight closure after lavage with saline. We have applied this technique in seven cases. All recovered well with no adverse effects. MRI showed no sign of leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.     

Epidural blood patch for the treatment of intracranial hypotension due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage after thoracic spine surgery

We report a case of a 44-year-old woman successfully treated by an epidural blood patch for intracranial hypotension due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage into the thoracic cavity after thoracic spine surgery. The patient was admitted to our hospital with the complaint of postural headaches. She had received anterior thoracic instrumentation for thoracic disc herniation four months earlier. Lumbar puncture demonstrated low CSF pressure, and Gd-enhanced MR images displayed diffuse dural enhancement. Accordingly, she was diagnosed as having intracranial hypotension. 111In-DTPA cisternography revealed a CSF leakage into the left thoracic cavity, possibly caused by dural laceration during thoracic spine surgery. To avoid the risk of direct surgery, we performed epidural blood patch; 3 ml of autologous blood was injected into the epidural cavity. Postoperatively postural headaches immediately disappeared. MRI taken one year later revealed disappearance of diffuse dural enhancement, and 111In-DTPA cisternography revealed no CSF fluid leaks. Epidural blood patch seems to be a choice of treatment for CSF leak after spinal surgery.     

持续腰部引流治疗脑脊液漏

目的探讨持续腰部引流治疗脑脊液漏的原理、方法和疗效。方法30例脑脊液漏患者,入院后均经过保守治疗7d,脑脊液漏不能自愈,随后行腰椎穿刺置管持续引流脑脊液。术后随访12个月。结果持续引流治愈23例,7例引流无效。无效患者均行修补手术治疗。结论腰部持续引流治疗脑脊液漏具有疗效好、创伤小、简单、安全等诸多优点,且容易被患者接受。     

老年腰椎椎管狭窄症患者术中硬膜囊撕裂位置及术中术后处理对策

目的探讨老年腰椎椎管狭窄症患者手术发生硬膜囊撕裂的解剖学机制,比较撕裂位置及术中、术后处理对策。方法回顾性分析2012年01月~2014年01月本院行腰椎后路手术的216例〉70岁老年患者,记录患者一般资料、病程时间、术前诊断、手术方式和节段、术中硬膜囊撕裂的位置、术后脑脊液漏情况和处理方法以及并发症等。结果共计151例患者入选,其中男89例,女62例,年龄70~93岁,平均78.12岁。术中发生硬膜囊撕裂共计34例,术后出现脑脊液漏23例,硬膜囊撕裂位置发生率硬膜囊后外侧〉根袖〉硬膜囊外侧〉硬膜囊腹侧。术中采取硬膜囊缝合修补、明胶海绵压迫、生物蛋白胶粘合等处理,术后常规给予预防感染、神经根脱水、补液等治疗,均于术后3~10 d拔管,3~4周切口愈合,全部患者未出现严重并发症。结论 〉70岁老年腰椎椎管狭窄症患者术中硬膜囊撕裂及术后脑脊液漏的发生率高于整体人群,且多位于硬膜囊后外侧及根袖,术中及时发现并仔细缝合或修补破损的硬膜、术后间断夹闭引流管、延长拔管时间能获得良好的效果。     

颈前路手术早期并发症分析

目的总结颈椎前路手术早期并发症并提出预防措施。方法采用前路手术治疗184例颈椎疾病患者,对术后发生的早期并发症情况进行分析。结果共36例50例次出现术后早期并发症,并发症例次发生率为27.1%,其中喉返神经损伤3例,咽喉部刺激症状10例,脑脊液漏5例,脊髓损害加重4例,颈部血肿1例,内固定移位2例,低钠血症13例,肺部感染6例,下肢深静脉血栓2例,脑血管意外1例,死亡3例(脊髓损伤合并合并严重低钠血症和肺部感染2例,脑血管意外1例)。结论熟悉颈椎前路手术临床解剖、做好围手术期处理、熟练和规范操作是减少颈椎前路手术早期并发症的关键。     

前路椎体骨化物复合体可控前移技术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症的脊髓原位减压效果

目的:观察颈椎前路椎体骨化物复合体可控前移(anterior controllable antedisplacement fusion,ACAF)技术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症(ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament,OPLL)的脊髓原位减压效果。方法:回顾分析2017年6月~2018年12月我院收治的78例OPLL患者的人口学信息、影像资料以及术后指标(年龄、性别、症状持续时间、椎管侵占率和骨化累及椎体数量)。其中采用ACAF治疗42例,单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术(简称单开门椎板成形术open-door laminoplasty,LAM)治疗36例,平均随访时间21.7±4.0(12~30)个月。比较两组患者术前及末次随访时的JOA评分、脊髓面积、Cobb角、Kang′s分级以及C5神经麻痹、脑脊液漏、吞咽困难等并发症情况。结果:末次随访时,ACAF组与LAM组相比,在JOA评分(14.17±0.81分vs 13.81±1.12分,P<0.05)、脊髓面积(74.12±4.48mm^2 vs 70.36±5.60mm^2,P<0.05)、Cobb角(20.07°±1.28°vs 9.99°±0.65°,P<0.05)和Kang′s分级(0.93±1.40 vs 2.00±0.89,P<0.05)方面具有优势。对比ACAF组与LAM组的术后并发症,两组间C5神经麻痹(4.8%vs 11.1%)、脑脊液漏(2.4%vs 2.8%)、吞咽困难(9.5%vs 0%)无统计学差异。ACAF组2例出现C5神经麻痹的患者未能顺利完成原位减压。结论:ACAF手术可通过恢复椎管容积和形态实现脊髓原位减压,减压效果良好。在恢复颈椎曲度和脊髓位置形态方面,ACAF较LAM为优。     

Polypropylene mesh substitute for the fascial defect after using for the dural repair--technical note

Use of the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle (anterior sheath) as a dural substitute and patching of the large defect of the anterior sheath with polypropylene mesh are described. Five patients were treated using the anterior sheath and the mesh. No postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, infection, or abdominal wall hernia occurred. The mesh is useful as a patch for the sheath defect.     

Prevention of CSF Leakage by Staged Operation for Clival Metastatic Tumor

The transoral approach is a direct route to the clivus. However, application of this approach is infrequent because of the risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula and subsequent meningitis. We report a case of clival metastatic tumor treated by staged operation without CSF leakage. A 39-year-old man was found to have a tumor in clivus extending to the intradural space. Two-staged resection through the lateral suboccipital and transoral approach was performed and the dural defect was replaced by a fascia in the first operation. CSF leakage was prevented by this procedure. The patient received radiotherapy postoperatively.     

Prevention of CSF Leakage by Staged Operation for Clival Metastatic Tumor

The transoral approach is a direct route to the clivus. However, application of this approach is infrequent because of the risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula and subsequent meningitis. We report a case of clival metastatic tumor treated by staged operation without CSF leakage. A 39-year-old man was found to have a tumor in clivus extending to the intradural space. Two-staged resection through the lateral suboccipital and transoral approach was performed and the dural defect was replaced by a fascia in the first operation. CSF leakage was prevented by this procedure. The patient received radiotherapy postoperatively.