Endoscopic endonasal approach to the craniovertebral junction

The surgical approach to lesions of the ventral craniovertebral junction (CVJ) has evolved significantly in the last several years with the advent of endoscopic...     

Sigmoid incision rescue nasoseptal flap technique for endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery

Conclusion The sigmoid-incision (S-I) rescue flap technique has the advantage of both reduced-invasiveness and providing a sufficient surgical corridor for endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EESBS). Objective Skull base reconstruction with nasoseptal flap (NSF) is critically important in managing post-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage after tumor removal by EESBS. The NSF needs to be elevated before sphenoidotomy and posterior septectomy to preserve the pedicle. However, most extradural surgery without CSF leakage does not require NSF and, therefore, NSF preparation is often futile. As a result, a rescue flap technique to overcome this problem has been developed, whereby a new S-I rescue flap method is used that enables wide exposure of the sphenoidal rostrum and smooth manipulation of surgical instruments to preserve the NSF pedicle. Materials and methods Starting in April 2014, 19 cases underwent EESBS with S-I rescue flap. Results All patients underwent tumor resection under an adequate operative field with smooth manipulation of surgical instruments. Two complications were experienced. One patient had CSF leak after removal of the nasal packing, but the leakage was successfully closed by conventional NSF. Another patient had epistaxis from the septal wall, but this was controlled by electrocautery.     

Reverse rotation flap for reconstruction of donor site after vascular pedicled nasoseptal flap in skull base surgery

Endonasal skull base surgery is growing exponentially as a subspecialty. In recent years, advances in endoscopic techniques and intraoperative navigation systems have allowed us to expand the indications of endoscopic skull base surgery. Major skull base centers worldwide are addressing larger and more complex lesions using endoscopic techniques. As a consequence, the skull base defects are more challenging to reconstruct. In this report, we present a novel technique to reconstruct the denuded septum remaining after the use of the vascular pedicled nasoseptal flap. Laryngoscope, 2010     

Endoscopic endonasal approaches to the craniovertebral junction: The Otolaryngologist's perspective

ObjectiveTo review indications and techniques for the endoscopic endonasal approach to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ), analyze postoperative outcomes, and discuss important technical considerations.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on all patients undergoing endonasal endoscopic approaches to the CVJ from May 2007 to June 2017. Demographic information, presenting symptoms, imaging results, treatment course, postoperative functional status, and follow-up were recorded.ResultsThere was a total of 30 patients in this series, with a mean follow-up of 11.7 months. The average age was 33.6 years (range, 5–75 years), with 18 females and 12 males. The majority of patients (n = 22, 73.3%) had Chiari malformation type 1 with basilar invagination and symptomatic cervicomedullary compression as the indication for surgery. Intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) was noted in 3 cases of odontoid resection and a single case of skull base resection. There were no postoperative CSF leaks. Overall, 81% of patients resumed regular diet by post-operative day 2 (range, 0–8 days). Severe postoperative dysphagia occurred in two cases with one requiring gastrostomy tube placement and another utilizing total parenteral nutrition for support prior to eventual gastrostomy. On average, patients were extubated by postoperative day 0.93 (range 0–3 days), with 85% extubated by postoperative day 1. A tracheotomy was required in one patient.ConclusionThe endonasal endoscopic approach is a valuable technique for access to the CVJ with minimal disruption of respiratory and alimentary function.     

鼻内镜下经口咽入路处理颅颈交界区腹侧病变

目的 探讨鼻内镜下经口咽入路处理颅颈交界区腹侧病变的手术方法及临床效果.方法 回顾性总结2002年8月至2006年11月16例颅颈交界区腹侧病变的患者行鼻内镜下经口咽入路手术资料,其中斜坡脊索瘤6例,寰枕畸形5例,颅底凹陷症合并Chiari畸形3例,齿状突骨折2例.用0°鼻内镜行中下斜坡区手术,30°鼻内镜行颅颈畸形手术.结果 16例患者均进行2～48个月随访,术后患者临床症状均有所改善.其中6例脊索瘤患者中,1例术后6个月复发并死亡,1例术后7个月复发,1年术后2年复发,均再次手术治疗,余3例至今未复发.8例颅颈畸形患者症状均有所改善,其中1例术后行后入路钢板固定,1例颅底凹陷症合并Chiari畸形的患者术后行后颅窝减压.结论 颅颈交界处病变采用鼻内镜下经口咽入路方法直接、术野清晰、微创、操作空间大、疗效满意.