Infrasellar Craniopharyngiomas: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Although craniopharyngiomas account for a large percentage of pediatric intracranial tumors, there is a bimodal age distribution. Most of these neoplasms are suprasellar or sellar in location. In this report we describe an unusual case of an infrasellar craniopharyngioma in a child. Only four previous cases of infrasellar craniopharyngiomas with no sellar involvement have been described. Infrasellar craniopharyngiomas are part of the continuum representing intracranial craniopharyngiomas and ameloblastomas of the jaw. A transnasal endoscopic biopsy was performed with a preliminary diagnosis of craniopharyngioma. The patient then underwent a radical resection of the infrasellar tumor via a subfrontal transbasal approach. This case illustrates a rare and unusual location for a craniopharyngioma. Craniopharyngiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infrasellar neoplasms. Infrasellar craniopharyngiomas compromise part of the spectrum of tumors originating from enamel-forming neural crest cells.     

Extracranial Infrasellar Ectopic Craniopharyngioma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We present a case of a purely infrasellar craniopharyngioma that initially presented as a sphenoid sinus mass. Craniopharyngiomas are usually located within the sella. Purely infrasellar craniopharyngiomas have only rarely been reported in the literature. A 25-year-old woman presented with 6-month history of progressive headaches. Initial neuroimaging revealed the presence of a sphenoid sinus mass. Initially, she underwent an endoscopic biopsy of the mass by our ENT service. Pathology was consistent with craniopharyngioma and she was referred to neurosurgery for further surgical management. She then underwent an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for complete resection of the purely extracranial, infrasellar craniopharyngioma. The Rathke pouch arises from the roof of the primitive mouth and grows toward the brain at the fourth week of gestation. Normally, it loses its attachment with the stomadeum completely by the eighth week of gestation. The craniopharyngeal canal (CPC) extends from the floor of the sella to the vomer and may rarely give rise to ectopic craniopharyngiomas. This case shows that such ectopic tumors may arise anywhere along the CPC. Endoscopic endonasal approach provides an excellent route for the resection of these tumors.     

A Modified Combined Transseptal/Transnasal Binostril Approach for Pituitary Lesions in Patients with a Narrow Nasal Space: Technical Note

We describe a modification of the combined transseptal/transnasal binostril approach using a two-surgeon, four-handed technique (modified Stamm''s approach) for pituitary lesions in patients with narrow nasal spaces. This approach comprises of a transseptal route through one nostril and a transnasal route without harvesting a pedicled nasoseptal flap (NSF) through the other. On the transseptal side, the nasal septum was removed using an endoscopic septoplasty technique. On the transnasal side, the mucosa containing the septal branch of the sphenopalatine artery over the face of the sphenoid and nasal septum was preserved for harvesting the NSF if an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak was encountered. This approach was performed in six patients with pituitary lesions, including four nonfunctioning macroadenomas, one growth hormone-producing macroadenoma, and one Rathke''s cleft cyst, all of which were associated with a severe deviation of the nasal septum and/or narrow nasal space. The meticulous and comfortable manipulation of an endoscope and instruments were achieved in all six patients without surgical complications. Our findings, although obtained in a limited number of cases, suggest that the modified Stamm''s approach may be useful for selected patients, particularly those with a severe deviation of the nasal septum, without considerable damage to the nasal passages.     

VIDEO-ASSISTED ANAL FISTULA TREATMENT: TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE FIRST BRAZILIAN EXPERIENCE

Backgroung

Anorectal fistula represents an epithelized communication path of infectious origin between the rectum or anal canal and the perianal region. The association of endoscopic surgery with the minimally invasive approach led to the development of the video-assisted anal fistula treatment.

Aim

To describe the technique and initial experience with the technique video-assisted for anal fistula treatment.

Technique

A Karl Storz video equipment was used. Main steps included the visualization of the fistula tract using the fistuloscope, the correct localization of the internal fistula opening under direct vision, endoscopic treatment of the fistula and closure of the internal opening which can be accomplished through firing a stapler, cutaneous-mucosal flap, or direct closure using suture.

Results

The mean distance between the anal verge and the external anal orifice was 5.5 cm. Mean operative time was 31.75 min. In all cases, the internal fistula opening could be identified after complete fistuloscopy. In all cases, internal fistula opening was closed using full-thickness suture. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. After a 5-month follow-up, recurrence was observed in one (12.5%) patient.

Conclusion

Video-assisted anal fistula treatment is feasible, reproducible, and safe. It enables direct visualization of the fistula tract, internal opening and secondary paths.     

Anterior versus posterior procedure for surgical treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis: A retrospective analysis

Background:

Approach for surgical treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis has been controversial. The aim of present study is to compare the clinical, radiological and functional outcome of anterior versus posterior debridement and spinal fixation for the surgical treatment of thoracic and thoracolumbar tuberculosis.

Materials and Methods:

70 patients with spinal tuberculosis treated surgically between Jan 2001 and Dec 2006 were included in the study. Thirty four patients (group I) with mean age 34.9 years underwent anterior debridement, decompression and instrumentation by anterior transthoracic, transpleural and/or retroperitoneal diaphragm cutting approach. Thirty six patients (group II) with mean age of 33.6 years were operated by posterolateral (extracavitary) decompression and posterior instrumentation. Various parameters like blood loss, surgical time, levels of instrumentation, neurological recovery, and kyphosis improvement were compared. Fusion assessment was done as per Bridwell criteria. Functional outcome was assessed using Prolo scale. Mean followup was 26 months.

Results:

Mean surgical time in group I was 5 h 10 min versus 4 h 50 min in group II (P>0.05). Average blood loss in group I was 900 ml compared to 1100 ml in group II (P>0.05). In group I, the percentage immediate correction in kyphosis was 52.27% versus 72.80% in group II. Satisfactory bony fusion (grades I and II) was seen in 100% patients in group I versus 97.22% in group II. Three patients in group I needed prolonged immediate postoperative ICU support compared to one in group II. Injury to lung parenchyma was seen in one patient in group I while the anterior procedure had to be abandoned in one case due to pleural adhesions. Functional outcome (Prolo scale) in group II was good in 94.4% patients compared to 88.23% patients in group I.

Conclusion:

Though the anterior approach is an equally good method for debridement and stabilization, kyphus correction is better with posterior instrumentation and the posterior approach is associated with less morbidity and complications.     

Laparoscopic gastric wedge resection for Dieulafoy's disease following preoperative endoscopic localization with India ink and endoscopic clips.

BACKGROUND: Dieulafoy's lesion is a vascular malformation, usually of the stomach but occasionally of the small or large bowel. It is an uncommon, but clinically significant, source of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Three cases have been reported in the literature of laparoscopic gastric wedge resection of these lesions by using intraoperative endoscopic localization. We present the only reported case of preoperative endoscopic localization of a Dieulafoy's lesion with India ink and an endoscopic clip before laparoscopic resection. CASE REPORT: We present an 82-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department with 3 episodes of hematemesis. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an actively bleeding Dieulafoy's lesion in the fundus of the stomach along the greater curvature, which was controlled endoscopically. However, the patient had a recurrent episode of bleeding. Repeat endoscopy was performed and the lesion was tagged with 2 endoscopic clips and marked with India ink. A laparoscopic wedge resection was performed after the India ink was identified in the fundus. The patient did well postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Preoperative localization of a Dieulafoy's lesion with India ink and endoscopic clips before laparoscopic wedge resection is a feasible procedure. Therefore, no need exists for intraoperative endoscopy to aid in the localization, as previously reported.     

Complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches used for patients referred for bile duct injuries and other major complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were reviewed and the results of a coordinated radiologic, endoscopic, and surgical approach were assessed.From April 1991 to October 1993, 23 patients were observed. Seven patients had biliary strictures, five had biliary lesions, five presented with retained common bile duct (CBD) stones, and one had a minor cystic duct leak. Five patients had miscellaneous abdominal fluid collections; in addition, biloma or bile ascites were present in 10/23 cases. Correct definition of iatrogenic lesions was mainly made by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) (n=15), associated in six cases also with percutaneous cholangiography (PTC). Minimally invasive treatment included the full range of endoscopic and interventional radiological procedures. Six patients with biliary strictures, one patient with a biliary lesion, all five patients with residual CBD stones, and four patients with abdominal collections were treated by minimally invasive techniques: Therefore, laparotomy was avoided in 70% of cases (16/23 patients). Open surgery was necessary in 7/23 patients (30%), because of ductal lesion (n=4), ductal stricture by endoloop (n=1), iliac artery injury (n=1), and phlegmon of gallbladder bed (n=1).It appears that careful assessment of complications after LC is mandatory and often requires the combined use of ERCP/PTC and cross-sectional imaging. After a first diagnostic phase, complications should be managed by a multidisciplinary approach wherein the radiologist and the endoscopist strictly cooperate with the surgeon in order to obtain an immediate relief of the initial clinical problem, such as jaundice, bile leak, or infection, and then plan a definitive treatment which is tailored to each patient's problem. Using this approach the whole event of LC and its complications can be managed within the field of minimally invasive therapy in most cases.     

What is the Best Route to the Meckel Cave? Anatomical Comparison between the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach and a Lateral Approach

Background Traditionally, a pterional approach is utilized to access the Meckel cave. Depending on the tumor location, extradural dissection of the Gasserian ganglion can be performed. An endoscopic endonasal access could potentially avoid a craniotomy in these cases. Methods We performed an endoscopic endonasal approach as well as a lateral approach to the Meckel cave on six anatomic specimens. To access the Meckel cave endoscopically, a complete sphenoethmoidectomy and maxillary antrostomy followed by a transpterygoid approach was performed. For lateral access, a pterional craniotomy with extradural dissection was performed. Results The endoscopic endonasal approach allowed adequate access to the Gasserian ganglion. All the relevant anatomy was identified without difficulty. Both approaches allowed for a similar exposure, but the endonasal approach avoided brain retraction and improved anteromedial exposure of the Gasserian ganglion. The lateral approach provided improved access posterolaterally and to the superior portion. Conclusion The endoscopic endonasal approach to the Meckel cave is anatomically feasible. The morbidity associated with brain retraction from the open approaches can be avoided. Further understanding of the endoscopic anatomy within this region can facilitate continued advancement in endoscopic endonasal surgery and improvement in the safety and efficacy of these procedures.     

胸乳入路腔镜包膜内甲状腺切除术的临床体会

目的:探讨经胸乳入路行腔镜包膜内甲状腺切除术的手术方法及应用价值。方法:回顾分析为36例患者经胸乳入路行腔镜包膜内甲状腺切除术的临床资料,其中结节性甲状腺肿24例,腺瘤11例,乳头状癌1例。结果:35例成功完成腔镜手术,1例术中病理诊断为乳头状癌改行传统甲状腺癌根治术。手术时间平均(110.3±55.2)min,术中出血量平均(3.1±0.8)ml,术后2～3 d拔除引流管,患者痊愈出院,无声音嘶哑、抽搐、皮下积液等并发症发生,术后患者满意度较高。结论:经胸乳入路行腔镜包膜内甲状腺切除术具有安全性高、美容效果佳等优点,手术并发症少,术后患者满意度较高,值得推广。     

腔镜与开放甲状腺手术的疗效分析

目的：探讨经胸乳入路行腔镜甲状腺手术的临床价值及手术方法。方法：回顾分析2010年1月至2013年6月为39例患者行腔镜下经胸乳入路甲状腺手术（实验组）的临床资料,并与同期开展的36例开放甲状腺手术（对照组）进行对比分析。结果：两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、切口引流量、颈部瘢痕增生等差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;两组住院时间、并发症发生率差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。两组患者均未出现甲亢危象、喉返神经、喉上神经损伤、甲状旁腺损伤等严重并发症。结论：腔镜下经胸乳入路甲状腺手术的操作时间较开放手术长,术中、术后出血较开放手术多,但仍是较安全、有效的术式,且美容效果良好。在患者有美容要求的情况下,有条件的医院可选择性开展。     

Endoscopic versus Open Approach to the Infratemporal Fossa: A Cadaver Study

Introduction Various lateral and anterior approaches to access the infratemporal fossa (ITF) have been described. We provide our observations regarding the endoscopic transpterygoid and preauricular subtemporal approaches, listing their respective advantages and limitations through cadaveric dissection. Methods A cadaver study was performed on five adult specimens. An endoscopic transpterygoid approach to the ITF was completed bilaterally in three specimens, and an open preauricular ITF approach was performed bilaterally in two specimens. Results After completing the cadaveric dissections, we studied differences between the endoscopic transpterygoid approach and open preauricular subtemporal approaches in regard to exposure and ease of dissection of different structures in the ITF. Conclusions In comparison with a lateral approach, the endonasal endoscopic transpterygoid approach provides better visualization and more direct exposure of median structures such as the nasopharynx, eustachian tube, sella, and clivus. We concluded that the endoscopic transpterygoid approach can be utilized to resect benign lesions and some select group of malignancies involving the infratemporal and middle cranial fossae. Open approaches continue to play an important role, especially in the resection of extensive malignant tumors extending to these regions.     

经胸乳入路腔镜甲状腺切除术25例报告

目的:总结初期开展经胸乳入路腔镜甲状腺切除术的经验。方法:回顾分析为25例患者经胸乳入路行腔镜甲状腺切除术的临床资料。结果:23例成功完成手术,1例因术中出血中转开放手术,1例术中冰冻切片病理提示甲状腺癌,中转行扩大腺叶切除术。手术时间50~170m in,平均83m in;行单侧甲状腺部分切除术17例,双侧甲状腺部分切除或次全切除术7例。术后出现喉返神经暂时性损伤1例,皮下气肿1例。结论:经胸乳入路腔镜甲状腺手术美容效果好,手术安全,并发症少,是较理想的腔镜甲状腺手术。     

胸乳入路腔镜甲状腺切除术51例

目的：探讨胸乳入路腔镜下甲状腺手术的临床应用价值。方法我科自2010年3月至2013年4月完成胸乳入路腔镜甲状腺切除术51例,其中甲状腺腺瘤22例,结节性甲状腺肿29例。结果51例手术均取得成功,其中一侧腺叶部分切除术22例,一侧次全切除术23例,一侧次全切除另侧部分切除术4例,双侧次全切2例。无喉返神经、喉上神经损伤、无甲状旁腺损伤。手术时间60~120 min,出血量5~20 ml。颈部皮肤瘀斑8例,未予特殊处理,出院后两周自行吸收。皮下气肿15例,经过挤压、负压吸引痊愈。切口渗出较多、脂肪液化2例,经过局部引流、压迫在一周内痊愈。手术区域巨大血肿1例,术后4 h 再次局部麻醉下从胸部切口吸引清除,加置1根引流管,压迫止血后痊愈。51例随访6~24个月,无复发,所有患者对美体效果满意。结论胸乳入路腔镜下甲状腺切除术是治疗良性甲状腺疾病的一种很好的选择,颈部无痕的美容效果受到部分患者的欢迎,值得临床推广;但由于颈部解剖复杂,血管、神经变异较多,内镜下操作空间小,操作具有相当的难度,因此在开展初期应该选择合适的病例,循序渐进,逐步扩大手术适应证。     

Facial Nerve Outcome after Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: A Comparative Meta-Analysis of Endoscopic versus Open Retrosigmoid Approach

The minimal access retrosigmoid endoscopic approach to vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection has been used with promising results. However, it has not been compared with the standard open approach in the literature. We performed a meta-analysis review for all articles describing both approaches for VS from 1996 to 2011. We found 1861 articles. After review and discussion, we narrowed our study to 25 articles, 4 endoscopic and 21 open. The total number of patients was 3026 for open and 790 for endoscopic. The mean tumor sizes in the open and endoscopic series were 2.5 cm and 2.7 cm, respectively. Good facial nerve outcome was achieved in 67% of the open series patients and in 94% of the endoscopic series patients. Other outcomes in the open and endoscopic series were the following: gross total resection, 91% versus 97%; functional hearing, 22.6% versus 46%; wound infection, 1.3% versus 2.6%; and recurrence, 5.4% versus 2.2%. We acknowledge the limitations of our study, but we can state that the endoscopic approach is not inferior to the standard open approach. In expert hands the endoscopic approach can offer as good a result as the open, with potential benefits such as less pain and a shorter length of stay in the hospital. There is a need for more controlled studies for a definitive comparison.     

Technical tricks to facilitate totally endoscopic major pulmonary resections

Lobectomies using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) are becoming more and more accepted since several recent studies have demonstrated their safety and efficacy for stage I lung cancer. However, "video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy" usually means that a utility incision or a mini-thoracotomy is used for insertion of conventional instruments. We use a totally endoscopic approach in which only endoscopic instruments and video display are used. On the basis of our preliminary experience of 81 cases with this approach, we present some technical details that are important for a successful endoscopic procedure.     

Multiple desmoid tumors in a patient with Gardner's syndrome – Report of a case

INTRODUCTION

Desmoid tumor (DT) is a common manifestation of Gardner''s Syndrome (GS), although it is a rare condition in the general population. DT in patients with GS is usually located in the abdominal wall and/or intra-abdominal cavity.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a case of a 32 years-old female patient with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), who was already submitted to total colectomy and developed multiple DT, located in the abdominal wall and in the left breast. The patient underwent several surgical procedures, with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons. Wide surgical resections of the left breast and the abdominal wall tumors were performed in separate steps. Polypropylene mesh reconstruction and muscle flaps were needed to cover the defects of the thoracic and abdominal walls. After partial necrosis of the adipose-cutaneous flap in the abdomen that required a new skin graft, she had a satisfactory outcome with complete healing of the surgical incisions.

DISCUSSION

DT is frequent in GS, however, breast localization is very rare, with few cases reported in the literature. Recurrence of DT is not negligible, even after a wide surgical resection. GS patients must be followed up closely, and clinical examination, associated with imaging studies, should be performed to detect any signs of tumor.

CONCLUSION

DT represents one of the most significant causes of the morbidity and mortality that affects FAP patients following colectomy. In general, the surgical procedures to excise DT are highly complex, requiring a multidisciplinary team.     

经胸乳入路腔镜甲状腺手术180例体会

目的:总结经胸乳入路腔镜甲状腺手术的技巧及并发症的预防经验。方法:回顾分析2011年6月至2013年8月为180例患者经胸乳入路行腔镜甲状腺切除术的手术过程及并发症发生情况,总结手术并发症的危险因素及预防措施。结果:179例手术获得成功,1例因术中出血中转开放手术。单发甲状腺腺瘤43例,结节性甲状腺肿116例,原发性甲状腺机能亢进2例,甲状腺癌19例。手术时间平均(105±10)min;术中出血量10~50 ml,平均(15±9.5)ml;术后发生皮下淤血7例、颈前积液12例、颈部及胸前皮肤发紧不适5例、一过性低钙18例、喉上神经损伤9例、暂时性喉返神经损伤13例。结论:掌握手术适应证,具备熟练的腔镜操作技巧,严格遵循腔镜手术操作规范,熟悉甲状腺的解剖结构,是手术成功及减少并发症的关键。     

单中心分化型甲状腺癌全乳晕径路内镜手术学习曲线分析

目的 评估单中心治疗分化型甲状腺癌全乳晕径路内镜手术的近期疗效,并进一步分析其学习曲线。方法 回顾性分析2015年11月至2017年5月上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院北院普外科开展的100例全乳晕径路内镜手术治疗分化型甲状腺癌病例。按手术先后顺序将所有病例分为5组,A、B、C、D及E组各20例。比较各组在手术数据（包括各阶段和总手术时间、术中出血量、淋巴结清扫数、甲状旁腺误切率、开放甲状腺手术中转率和术中并发症发生例数）及术后相关数据（包括术后住院时间、总引流量和术后并发症发生例数）的差异,绘制并分析学习曲线。结果 所有入组病例均完成全乳晕径路内镜手术,无中转。比较各组总手术时间及各阶段手术时间,差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。A组共发生术中并发症3例,多于其余各组（P=0.035）。A组发生术后皮瓣淤斑12例,多于其余各组（P<0.001）。多因素学习曲线函数分析表明,学习期例数为31例。结论 分化型甲状腺癌全乳晕径路内镜手术具有较长的学习曲线学习期,针对其特点行有效规范的操作是手术安全可行的保障。     

经胸乳入路腔镜甲状腺切除的手术技巧

目的探讨经胸乳入路行腔镜下甲状腺切除的可行性与安全性并总结手术技巧。方法对我院2010年8月至2012年8月期间的40例经胸乳入路行腔镜下甲状腺切除患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果40例患者均经胸乳入路完成腔镜下甲状腺切除,无中转开放病例,无大出血、高碳酸血症、严重皮下气肿及胸前皮肤坏死的病例。未发生永久性喉返神经损伤及永久性甲状旁腺功能低下。1例患者术后2 d出现声音嘶哑,对症处理后恢复正常。1例患者术后2d出现四肢末端麻木,予以静脉及口服补钙治疗3d后症状缓解。1例患者术后有颈胸部皮肤发紧不适感,1个月后自行缓解。手术时间（102±28.4）min（55～182min）,术中出血量为（46±16.6）mL（30～106mL）,术后引流管留置时间（4±2.2）d（2～7d）,术后住院时间（4±1.1）d（3～8 d）。术后平均随访13个月,无低钙、低甲状旁腺激素的病例,无声音嘶哑及局部甲状腺肿复发的病例;2例患者出现甲状腺功能低下,给予调整口服甲状腺素剂量后恢复正常。所有患者对美容效果满意。结论经胸乳入路行腔镜下甲状腺切除是安全、可行的,美容效果满意。＂Y＂形的穿刺隧道、＂上黄中白下红＂的胸前间隙分离和倒梯形的颈部间隙标志是建立操作空间的关键,而充分的暴露、循序渐进的操作顺序和寻准间隙锐钝结合的分离是腔镜下腺体切除的手术要点。     

Synchronous bilateral endoscopic adrenalectomy: experiences after 18 operations

Background: Patients who undergo unilateral adrenalectomy are known to benefit from the endoscopic procedure. Only a few reports on bilateral endoscopic adrenalectomy exist. The optimal approach and the value of this operation were assessed in this study. Methods: For 18 patients, synchronous bilateral lateral adrenalectomy with intraoperative repositioning was performed for different indications. The transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches were varied on both sides. Results: With the reported procedure, the operative time diminished considerably. Blood loss was low, and no blood transfusions were required. No conversion to an open procedure was necessary. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, except for one death from pulmonary embolism. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7 days, and the follow-up evaluation showed overall improvement. Conclusion: The risk associated with endoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy is low. Transperitoneal and retroperitoneal lateral adrenalectomy are recommended as approaches of choice. The authors advocate early bilateral adrenalectomy for Cushings disease after unsuccessful transsphenoidal operation and ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone production from an inaccessible tumour.