Surgical approaches to meningiomas of the lateral ventricles

Background

Intraventricular meningiomas account for 0.5–3% of all intracranial meningiomas. The majority occur in the atrium of the lateral ventricle. Surgical experience with intraventricular meningiomas is rare in the literature, and several surgical approaches exist.

Methods

Between 1987 and 2007, 13 patients underwent resection of intraventricular meningiomas. All patients had tumors of the lateral ventricles. These patients were retrospectively identified and their records reviewed.

Results

Eleven tumors were found in the atrium, one in the frontal horn, and one in the body of the lateral ventricle. In 9 of 13 cases, the tumor occurred in the left lateral ventricle. Patients commonly presented with headache and cognitive difficulties. A visual field deficit was noted preoperatively in one patient. Four patients underwent preoperative angiography, but no patients underwent embolization. Gross total resection was achieved in all cases: 6 via a middle temporal gyrus approach, 5 via a superior parietal lobule approach, and 2 via a transcallosal approach. Image-guided stereotaxis was used in 6 cases. Pathology was benign in 12 of 13 cases; atypical features were identified in one case. There was no operative mortality, and no patients showed evidence of recurrence. Postoperatively, 3 patients developed new cognitive-linguistic deficits that subsequently resolved. One of these patients developed a new visual field deficit after surgery.

Conclusions

Several approaches are available for the surgical treatment of intraventricular meningiomas. Tumor location, extension, and laterality drive the selection algorithm for these approaches. Preoperative angiography is rarely useful, and surgical cure is the rule.     

Shortening the learning curve in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery: A reproducible polymer tumor model for the trans-sphenoidal trans-tubercular approach to retro-infundibular tumors

Background

Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery attracts an increasing number of young neurosurgeons. This recent technique requires specific technical skills for the approaches to non-pituitary tumors (expanded endoscopic endonasal surgery). Actual residents’ busy schedules carry the risk of compromising their laboratory training by limiting significantly the dedicated time for dissections.

Objective

To enhance and shorten the learning curve in expanded endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery, we propose a reproducible model based on the implantation of a polymer via an intracranial route to provide a pathological retro-infundibular expansive lesion accessible to a virgin expanded endoscopic endonasal route, avoiding the ethically-debatable need to hundreds of pituitary cases in live patients before acquiring the desired skills.

Methods

A polymer-based tumor model was implanted in 6 embalmed human heads via a microsurgical right fronto-temporal approach through the carotido-oculomotor cistern to mimic a retro-infundibular tumor. The tumor's position was verified by CT-scan. An endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal trans-tubercular trans-planum approach was then carried out on a virgin route under neuronavigation tracking.

Results

Dissection of the tumor model from displaced surrounding neurovascular structures reproduced live surgery's sensations and challenges. Post-implantation CT-scan allowed the pre-removal assessment of the tumor insertion, its relationships as well as naso-sphenoidal anatomy in preparation of the endoscopic approach.

Conclusion

Training on easily reproducible retro-infundibular approaches in a context of pathological distorted anatomy provides a unique opportunity to avoid the need for repetitive live surgeries to acquire skills for this kind of rare tumors, and may shorten the learning curve for endoscopic endonasal surgery.     

The microsurgical treatment of cranio-orbital tumors assisted by intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring and neuronavigation

Objective

Total resection of cranio-orbital tumors without any major complications is still a challenge for neurosurgeons. Intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring and neuronavigational system have been widely used in microneurosurgery, but their effects during microsurgical treatment of cranio-orbital tumors warrant further investigation.

Methods

Thirty-eight patients with cranio-orbital tumors admitted to our hospital underwent microsurgery assisted by intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring. We also simultaneously performed intraoperative neuronavigation in 20 patients. A retrospective review of clinical notes, operation records and prognoses of all patients was performed.

Results

Gross total resection was achieved in 29 patients (76%), near total resection in 5 (13%), subtotal resection in 3 (8%) and partial resection in 1 (3%). With the helps of electromyogram (EMG) monitoring of levator palpebrae superioris (LPS) muscle and navigation system, no surgical damages to the oculomotor nerve and other important structures occurred. A follow-up study showed that 31 patients (82%) resumed normal lives (Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score 5), 5 patients (13%) had independent lives (GOS score 4), and 2 patients (5%) were unable to live independently (GOS score 3).

Conclusion

Microsurgical treatment assisted by intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring and neuronavigation might be a useful method for resection of cranio-orbital tumors, especially better for protection of the important cranial nerve and structure in the kull base.     

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 resection of sinonasal and skull base malignancies in children: feasibility and outcomes

Background

The aim of this study is to present our experience in treating paediatric sinonasal and skull base malignancies with exclusively endonasal endoscopic approach and measure its feasibility.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of seven patients under age of 19?years who have sinonasal and skull base malignancies and treated with endoscopic endonasal approach. The main outcome measures are the surgical resection, complications, survival rate, recurrence and gross facial growth.

Results

Radical tumour resection was achieved in all cases with negative margins; no major complications were observed. Mean follow-up was 65?months and no evidence of recurrences. Facial growth assessment showed no gross changes.

Conclusion

In selected cases, endoscopic endonasal approach of paediatric sinonasal and skull base malignancies could be an alternative approach. Despite of our few cases, it showed a feasibility of this technique with satisfactory oncological control. A further collaborative study with larger number is needed to have more valid conclusion.     

Clinical features and pathophysiological mechanism of the hemianoptic complication after the occipital transtentorial approach

Objective

To obtain detailed insight into neuro-ophthalmological characteristics and pathophysiology of hemianoptic complications after occipital transtentorial surgery.

Methods

We reviewed the cases of 14 patients surgically treated by the occipital transtentorial approach. Treated lesions included 6 posterior third ventricle tumors, including pineal and tectal lesions, 3 falco-tentorial meningiomas, and 5 superior cerebellar lesions. The surgeries were performed by the unilateral occipital transtentorial approach with patients in the prone position.

Results

Visual functions were preoperatively normal in all patients. After surgery, 11 patients (79%) showed hemianoptic complications detected by a confrontation test in the immediate postoperative period. The condition began to improve in the early postoperative days. The visual field recovered completely in 6 patients within 10 days, 2 patients recovered within 3 months, and 3 patients complained of permanent visual field defects. Optometric neuro-ophthalmic evaluation in the early postoperative period failed to detect complete homonymous hemianopsia, but homonymous inferior quadrantanopia and scotomatous defects were observed in 6 patients. These visual field defects were permanent in 3 patients. Postoperative MRI showed no morphological abnormality except these three patients. Atrophic change of the occipital lobe with preservation of striate cortex was associated with persistent visual field defects in two patients. Cerebral blood flow evaluation by single photon emission computed tomography suggested that temporary local hyperperfusion of the retracted occipital region when visual field defect was present.

Conclusion

Hemianoptic visual field defects can recover via inferior quadrantanopia or scotomatous defect. All of these defects are attributable to injury to the optic radiation as well to the occipital lobe. Hyperperfusion of the retracted occipital region may underlie the pathophysiology of hemianoptic complications after the occipital transtentorial approach.     

Vestibular schwannoma microsurgery with special reference to facial nerve preservation

Objective

To retrospectively study the outcomes of vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection.

Methods

Between January 2003 and December 2006, 103 consecutive patients who had undergone VS resection were included in this study. Medical records, operation summaries, follow-up data, and neuroradiological findings were analyzed. The relationship between tumor size, location, and topography relative to the facial nerve bundles was studied for a mean duration of 16 months (range: 3–39 months).

Results

Complete tumor resection in combination with anatomic preservation of the facial nerve was achieved in 101 (98.1%) cases. The facial nerve was fully preserved in 100% of cases with small or medium tumors and in 37/39 patients with large tumors. Overall, 83.5% of patients had normal or near-normal facial nerve function 3–12 months post-surgically. The mortality rate was 0%.

Conclusions

Even in large VS, preservation of facial nerve function (H-B Grade I or II) should be prioritized over total resection. For tumors >3 cm, the goal of low morbidity and maintenance of normal facial nerve function can be attained with the retrosigmoid transmeatal approach, refined microsurgical technique, and intraoperative facial nerve monitoring.     

Bilateral sphenoorbital hyperostotic meningiomas with proptosis and visual impairment: a therapeutic challenge. Report of three patients and review of the literature

Objective

Bilateral hyperostotic sphenoorbital meningiomas are extremely uncommon. Due to extensive infiltration of the orbits and the frontotemporal skull base, often only a subtotal tumor resection is feasible. Thus far, no treatment algorithms have been suggested for this rare tumor entity. We report on the surgical management of 3 patients.

Methods

All 3 patients underwent a pterional approach for surgical resection. Surgery was performed in two stages, primarily treating the most affected side. Treatment consisted of microsurgical resection of the infiltrated sphenoid wing and orbital walls, intraorbital tumor removal and optic nerve decompression. Orbital wall reconstruction was performed using titanium mesh allografts. Radiation therapy was administered in 1 patient with residual tumor infiltration of the cavernous sinus.

Results

Our series includes 2 women (51 and 68 years old) suffering from simultaneous progressive bilateral loss of vision and proptosis and 1 woman (69 years old) who developed contralateral disease after surgical resection of a hyperostotic sphenoorbital meningioma 16 years earlier. After optic nerve decompression, vision improved in 2 cases after surgery. Initial visual deterioration was observed in 1 case but improved on longterm follow-up. The degree of proptosis was reduced in all treated eyes.

Conclusion

In bilateral hyperostotic sphenoorbital meningiomas we propose staged surgery when clinical and radiological progression is observed. Subtotal tumor resection with the aim of optic nerve decompression and subsequent orbital reconstruction provides satisfactory results. The most affected eye should be treated first. In case of additional cavernous sinus infiltration, focal radiation therapy can be considered.     

Suprasellar pediatric craniopharyngioma resection via endonasal endoscopic approach

Purpose

Purely endoscopic endonasal approaches to surgical resection of pediatric suprasellar craniopharyngiomas are uncommonly performed. The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility and to describe the short-term outcomes of endonasal endoscopic approaches for the gross total resection of suprasellar craniopharyngiomas in the pediatric population.

Methods

A combined neurosurgical–otolaryngologic team performed gross total resection of craniopharyngiomas in seven pediatric patients (mean age 9.6 years) at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia over 2011–2012. Short-term outcomes were analyzed over a mean follow-up period of 6.3 months.

Results

All tumors involved the sellar and/or suprasellar space and contained some cystic component. The mean maximal tumor diameter was 31.5 mm (range 18.5–62.0 mm). Using a binostril approach, gross total tumor resection was obtained in all patients (100 %). All patients with preoperative visual dysfunction demonstrated improvement in visual acuity. New or stable panhypopituitarism was observed in all cases. All patients developed postoperative diabetes insipidus, and cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred in one patient (15 %).

Conclusions

Complete radiographic resection of pediatric craniopharyngioma can be achieved via a purely endoscopic endonasal approach. In particular, this approach can be performed safely using the “two-nostrils-four-hands” technique with intraoperative neuronavigation. This approach should be highly considered in patients with progressive visual dysfunction. Further studies are needed to characterize the long-term surgical and clinical outcome of pediatric patients treated with this surgical approach.     

Endoscopy in the management of intra-ventricular lesions: Preliminary experience in the Middle East

Objectives

The study is aimed at evaluating neuroendoscopic procedures in the management of various intra-cranial intra-ventricular lesions.

Methods

We retrospectively review 24 consecutive patients harboring various intra-ventricular lesions with or without associated hydrocephalus, operated and managed by the authors between December 2002 and December 2007. Depending on the preoperative imaging and working diagnosis, endoscopic biopsy or endoscopic resection/debulking, along with concomitant treatment of hydrocephalus via third ventriculostomy or fenestration of the septum pellucidum and ventriculo-peritoneal shunting, were done.

Results

The single endoscopic procedure was successful in most of the patients (22/24), where the goals of surgery in attaining a diagnostic biopsy or resection, and simultaneous treatment of hydrocephalus, were attained helping guide further therapy. The endoscopic procedure was the only procedure needed in most of the patients.

Conclusions

The endoscopic procedures carried a high success rate in the management of intra-ventricular lesions, and were especially valuable in patients harboring chemo and/or radiosensitive deep seated tumors.     

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。     

Preservation of olfaction in surgery of olfactory groove meningiomas

Introduction

Olfaction is commonly considered as secondary among the sensory functions, perhaps reflecting a lack of interest in sparing olfaction after surgery for the olfactory groove meningiomas (OGM). However, considering the repercussions of olfaction for the quality of life, the assessment of post-operative olfaction should be necessary. We retrospectively reviewed the olfactory outcome in patients with OGM and investigated the factors associated with sparing the post-operative olfaction.

Methods

Between 1993 and 2012, 40 patients with OGM underwent surgical resection and estimated the olfactory function using the Korean version of “Sniffin'Sticks” test (KVSS). Variable factors, such as tumor size, degree of preoperative edema, tumor consistency, preoperative olfactory function, surgical approaches, patient's age, and gender were analyzed with attention to the post-operative olfactory function.

Results

Anatomical and functional preservation of olfactory structures were achieved in 26 patients (65%) and 22 patients (55%), respectively. Among the variable factors, size of tumor was significant related to the preservation of post-operative olfaction. (78.6% in size <4 cm and 42.3% in size >4 cm, p = 0.035). Sparing the olfaction was significantly better in patients without preoperative olfactory dysfunction (84.6%) compared with ones with preoperative olfactory dysfunction (40.7%, p = 0.016). The frontolateral approach achieved much more excellent post-operative olfactory function (71.4%) than the bifrontal approach (36.8%, p = 0.032).

Conclusions

If the tumor was smaller than 4 cm and the patients did not present olfactory dysfunction preoperatively, the possibility of sparing the post-operative olfaction was high. Among the variable surgical approaches, frontolateral route may be preferable sparing the post-operative olfaction.     

前颅窝底脑膜瘤手术入路的选择与评价

目的：探讨和评价切除前颅窝底脑膜瘤的最佳手术入路,方法：回顾性分析我科手术治疗的前颅窝底脑膜瘤68例,将其分为前部和后部二组,大,中,小三型,采用5种不同的手术入路,比较全切除率,手术结果和并发症发生情况。结果：肿瘤的全切除率与肿瘤大小和部位有关。中,小型肿瘤和前部肿瘤的全切除率较高,翼点入路和眶颧入路明显优于双侧或单侧额下入路,全切除率高,术后并发症少和手术效果好,结论：前颅窝底前部脑膜瘤宜采用眶颧侧裂入路,后部脑膜瘤宜采用翼点侧裂入路切除肿瘤,双侧额下入路应尽量少用。     

Pre-chiasmatic transection of the optic nerve can save contralateral vision in patients with optic nerve sheath meningioms

Objectives

With respect to its characteristic pattern of growth from the orbit into the intracranial space toward the chiasm, patients with optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSM) are threatened to loose function of both optic nerves. Fortunately, in less than 5% both optic nerves are involved initially. Hence, prevention of vision of the contralateral eye is the foremost aim of any therapy. Performing pre-chiasmatic transection might offer a further treatment option to avoid further tumor growth toward the chiasm.

Patients and methods

In this retrospective study 12 patients with ONSM and blindness of the affected eye were included. The surgical approach was performed either from pterional intradural or as a combined approach from pterional extra- and intradural.

Results

Without any exceptions, vision of the contralateral eye could be preserved and did not show any deterioration after surgery or during the follow-up time of 50.6 months. Furthermore in 58.3% of patients gross total tumor resection could be achieved. During follow up observation in 67% of patients no further tumor progress or recurrences could be observed. 4 patients, however, showed delayed tumor progress or recurrences that were treated by radiotherapy.

Conclusion

Pre-chiasmatic transection of the optic nerve might offer a surgical treatment option to control tumor growth and to preserve vision of the contralateral eye.     

内镜下经鼻人路治疗颅底中央区恶性肿瘤

目的探讨内镜下经鼻人路切除颅底中央区恶性肿瘤的手术方法和治疗效果。方法回顾性分析颅底恶性肿瘤32例。采用内镜下经鼻人路27例,颅一鼻联合人路5例;其中术后行一期颅底重建16例。结果肿瘤全切除15例,近全切除13例。部分切除4例。术后症状明显改善或缓解23例,无明显好转9例。主要并发症为：脑脊液鼻漏和颅内感染各1例,均治愈;无颅内出血及死亡病例。随访6,74个月,平均27．8个月;至随访期结束,无肿瘤复发10例,带瘤生存12例,死亡10例,5年生存率46．2％。病人术后3个月KPS评分比人院时显著提高（P〈0．05）。结论内镜下经鼻入路结合可靠的颅底重建,能有效切除颅底中央区恶性肿瘤,并提高病人近期生活质量。     

Surgical Experience of Infratentorial Meningiomas : Clinical Series at a Single Institution during the 20-Year Period

Objective

Based on surgical outcomes of patients with infratentorial meningiomas surgically treated at our institution, we analyzed the predictors for surgical resection, recurrence, complication, and survival.

Methods

Of surgically treated 782 patients with intracranial meningioma, 158 (20.2%) consecutive cases of infratentorial location operated on between April 1993 and May 2013 at out institute were reviewed retrospectively. The patients had a median age of 57.1 years (range, 16--77 years), a female predominance of 79.7%, and a mean follow-up duration of 48.4 months (range, 0.8--242.2 months).

Results

Gross total resection (Simpson''s grade I & II) was achieved in 81.6% (129/158) of patients. Non-skull base location was an independent factor for complete resection. The recurrence rate was 13.3% (21/158) and the 5-, 10-, and 15-year recurrence rates were 8.2%, 12.0%, and 13.3%, respectively. Benign pathology, postoperative KPS over than 90, low peritumoral edema, and complete resection were significantly associated with longer recurrence-free survival rate. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates were 96.2%, 94.9%, and 94.9%, respectively. Benign pathology, postoperative KPS over than 90 and complete resection were significantly associated with a longer survival rate. The permanent complication rate was 13% (21/158). Skull base location and postoperative KPS less than 90 were independent factors for the occurrence of permanent complication.

Conclusion

Our experience shows that infratentorial meningiomas represent a continuing challenge for contemporary neurosurgeons. Various factors are related with resection degree, complications, recurrence and survival.     

Transsulcal approach supported by navigation-guided neurophysiological monitoring for resection of paracentral cavernomas

Objectives

The aim of the study is to evaluate tools that can improve surgical precision and minimize surgical trauma for removal of cavernomas in the paracentral area. Moreover, the surgical strategies for the treatment of symptomatic epilepsy in cavernoma patients are discussed.

Patients and methods

Between June 2000 and July 2007, 17 patients suffering from paracentral cavernoma underwent surgery via a transsulcal approach with the aid of neuronavigation, functional mapping and neurophysiological intraoperative monitoring. To optimize outcome for procedures in the paracentral area, the hemosiderin-stained tissue was removed entirely except for a small proportion on the side of precentral gyrus.

Results

All cavernomas and their adjacent sulci could be precisely located with the aid of ultrasonography-assisted neuronavigation. By combining preoperative fMRI and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, including SEP, MEP and cortical mapping, the motor cortex could be defined in all cases. Thus damage to the primary motor area could be avoided during resection of cavernomas. All the lesions located in the paracentral area were removed completely via transsulcal microsurgical approach without neurological deficits. No significant seizures were induced during surgery.

Conclusions

The successful excision of these lesions was effected by the following four key factors: (1) the precise location of the lesion supported by intraoperative neuronavigation; (2) the preservation of the eloquent area with the aid of functional mapping; (3) a minimally invasive transsulcal microsurgical approach; and (4) the entire removal of cavernoma and hemosiderin-stained tissue.