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Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης

Sunday, February 7, 2021

Use of tissue sealant patch (TachoSil) in the management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks after anterior cervical spine discectomy and fusion.

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Use of tissue sealant patch (TachoSil) in the management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks after anterior cervical spine discectomy and fusion.

Br J Neurosurg. 2021 Feb 04;:1-8

Authors: Gazzeri R, Galarza M, Callovini G

Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fast, sutureless technique to repair anterior cervical dural tears. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of cervical degenerative diseases. Although uncommon, incidental durotomy with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak during ACDF is a potentially serious complication. Yet, its technical management for the prevention of CSF leak is controversial.
METHODS: Between September 2012 and June 2018 we encountered seven cases (2 female/5 male) presenting with intraoperative CSF leaks secondary to incidental dural tears during ACDF surgery. All the cases were surgically treated using a topical fibrin sealant patch (TachoSil) with high adesive strength and fibrin glue (Tisseel). Intraoperative source of leakage, time to leakage control, quantity of Sealant Sponge used and postoperative complications were evaluated.
RESULTS: Dural tears were tipically the result of dissection of adherent posterior longitudinal ligament and/or calcified disc from the cervical dural sac to allow full decompression of the spinal cord. Effective repair of dural tear defined as cessation of CSF leak after topical sealant agents application was achieved no later than one minute in all cases. Evident clinical and/or radiological postoperative CSF leak was used to determine the patient's postoperative result. Postoperative CSF leak was not evident during a minimum 6 months follow up.
CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we have reported our experience with a new sealing technique to manage CSF leaks from iatrogenic cervical dural lacerations. Tachosil tissue sealant patch is a rapid sutureless technique that may help in repairing introperatively incidental dural tears, thus reducing the risk of postoperative CSF leaks. To our knowledge, this is the first series to report the use of Tachosil adhesive sealant patch for the treatment of incidental dural tears during anterior cervical discectomy.

PMID: 33538190 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Cerebrospinal fluid leakage after cranial surgery in the pediatric population-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

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Cerebrospinal fluid leakage after cranial surgery in the pediatric population-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Childs Nerv Syst. 2021 Feb 04;:

Authors: Slot EMH, van Baarsen KM, Hoving EW, Zuithoff NPA, van Doormaal TPC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a common complication after neurosurgical intervention. It is associated with substantial morbidity and increased healthcare costs. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aim to quantify the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage in the pediatric population and identify its risk factors.
METHODS: The authors followed the PRISMA guidelines. The Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane database were searched for studies reporting CSF leakage after intradural cranial surgery in patients up to 18 years old. Meta-analysis of incidences was performed using a generalized linear mixed model.
RESULTS: Twenty-six articles were included in this systematic review. Data were retrieved of 2929 patients who underwent a total of 3034 intradural cranial surgeries. Surprisingly, only four of the included articles reported their definition of CSF leakage. The overall CSF leakage rate was 4.4% (95% CI 2.6 to 7.3%). The odds of CSF leakage were significantly greater for craniectomy as opposed to craniotomy (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.7 to 13.4) and infratentorial as opposed to supratentorial surgery (OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.7 to 20.6). The odds of CSF leakage were significantly lower for duraplasty use versus no duraplasty (OR 0.41 95% CI 0.2 to 0.9).
CONCLUSION: The overall CSF leakage rate after intradural cranial surgery in the pediatric population is 4.4%. Risk factors are craniectomy and infratentorial surgery. Duraplasty use is negatively associated with CSF leak. We suggest defining a CSF leak as "leakage of CSF through the skin," as an unambiguous definition is fundamental for future research.

PMID: 33538867 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Step Back in Order to Go Forward: Willful Enlargement and Sandwich Closure Technique for Spinal Dura Repair after Several Unsuccessful Closure Attempts.

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Step Back in Order to Go Forward: Willful Enlargement and Sandwich Closure Technique for Spinal Dura Repair after Several Unsuccessful Closure Attempts.

J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg. 2021 Feb 04;:

Authors: Sitz M, Rot S, Gutowski P, Kreißl L, Lemcke J

Abstract
A CSF leak is a common complication in spine surgery which is usually closed effectivly by suture and/or epidural patches. There is currently no algorithm to treat a recurrent CSF leak that fails to be closed initially. We describe the case of a recurrent cerebrospinal fluid leak that we have successfully treated using an inlay-onlay dural repair technique.

PMID: 33540456 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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A comparison of efficacy and quality of life between transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) and endoscopic thyroidectomy axillo-breast approach (ETABA) in thyroid surgery: non-randomized clinical trial.

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A comparison of efficacy and quality of life between transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) and endoscopic thyroidectomy axillo-breast approach (ETABA) in thyroid surgery: non-randomized clinical trial.

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Feb 04;:

Authors: Wongwattana P, Laoveerakul P, Santeerapharp A

Abstract
PURPOSE: Recently, there are many new surgical methods of endoscopic thyroidectomy, which have advantages in cosmetic results while do not increase the complication rates. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare both intra- and post-operative results and quality of life between TOETVA and endoscopic thyroidectomy axillo-breast approach (ETABA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A non-randomized, patient preference clinical trial was performed in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery department, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical center. Patients who decided to go for endoscopic thyroidectomy were allocated into two groups. Demographics data, operative time, intra-operative blood loss, post-operative pain score, length of hospital stay, complications were collected. Overall satisfaction was evaluated by visual analogue scale and quality of life was evaluated by SF-36 questionnaires.
RESULTS: 22 patients were totally included and equally allocated in 2 groups (11 patients per group). All of the operations were lobectomy. There was no significant difference in demographic data. The results showed that pain score at 3 days post-operation and average pain score were significantly higher in TOETVA group. Average pain score was 3.67 ± 1.11 in ETABA group and 5.15 ± 1.35 in TOETVA (p = 0.011); however, the operative time, intra-operative blood loss, length of hospital stay, complications and overall satisfaction were not significantly different. Different change in the quality of life was not detected in both groups.
CONCLUSION: Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach and ETABA both have comparable results and do not worsen the quality of life.

PMID: 33538873 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Effects of tranexamic acid on human nasal ciliary beat frequency.

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Effects of tranexamic acid on human nasal ciliary beat frequency.

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Feb 04;:

Authors: Behr W, Horschke F, Nastev A, Mueller CE, Sommer JU, Folz B, Li H, Geisthoff UW, Stuck BA, Birk R

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with recurrent epistaxis, particularly due to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) are recommended to apply topical tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce bleeding events. Those patients may suffer ciliary dysfunction due to TXA's effects on ciliary beating frequency (CBF) and their consequences.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: Human nasal epithelial cells were harvested with a nasal brush in 30 healthy subjects. We investigated the CBF in RPMI medium using high-frequency video microscopy. TXA was added to the cells in various concentrations ranging from 2 to 5%, including the therapeutic concentration (2%) and a control (0%).
RESULTS: CBF in the control condition was 6.1 ± 1.6 Hz. TXA reduces CBF in a time and concentration dependent manner, to, e.g. 4.3 ± 1.2 Hz with 2% TXA and 3.3 ± 0.9 Hz with 5% TXA after 16-20 min. The differences in CBF were statistically significant for all concentrations of TXA.
CONCLUSIONS: TXA has the potential to significantly impair nasal epithelial function. Therefore, frequent or regular topical nasal application of TXA should be done under close monitoring of nasal function, especially in patients with co-morbidities like chronic rhinosinusitis.

PMID: 33538874 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Pituitary Carcinoma Diagnosis and Survival Improvement, with Affordable Care Act Correlation: A SEER Database Study

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J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722747

Background Pituitary carcinomas are challenging tumors to diagnose and treat due to their rarity and limited data surrounding their etiology. Traditionally, these patients have exhibited poor survival. Over the last several decades, our understanding of pituitary carcinomas has dramatically increased, and there have been recent initiatives to improve patient access to health care, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This study investigates whether there were any changes in incidence and treatment outcomes of pituitary carcinoma that correlated with these advances. Methods A retrospective case review was conducted utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of the National Cancer Institute. Those with primary site pituitary tumors with noncontiguous metastases were identified from 1975 to 2016. Demographic data, overall, and cause-specific outcomes were obtained. The data were analyzed using SPSS to generate 5-year Kaplan–Meier curves. Results The incidence of pituitary carcinoma pre- and post-ACA was 0.31 and 2.14 diagnoses/year, respectively. This represents a significant increase (Chi-square, p < 0.00002). In addition, 1-, 2-, and 5-year overall survival of these patients was determined to be 88.2, 74.0, and 66.6% which was significantly improved compared with prior studies. Cause-specific survival of these patients follow similar trends exhibiting 94.1, 79.0, 71.1% after 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. Conclusion The survival for pituitary carcinoma has improved significantly which signals a change in how practitioners should counsel their patients. There is a significant surge in the number of cases in the post-ACA timeline, which suggests that improving patient access has played a part in wider recognition and treatment initiation for this disease.
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

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Reducing ICU Length of Stay: The Impact of a Multidisciplinary Perioperative Pathway in Vestibular Schwannoma

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10-1055-s-0040-1722666_200180-1.jpg

J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722666

Objective This study was aimed to evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary perioperative pathway on length of stay (LOS) and postoperative outcomes after vestibular schwannoma surgery. Setting This study was conducted in a tertiary skull base center. Main Outcome Measures The impact of the pathway on intensive care unit (ICU) LOS was evaluated as the primary outcome measure of the study. Overall resource LOS, postoperative complications, and readmission rates were also evaluated as secondary outcome measures. Methods Present study is a retrospective review. Results A universally adopted perioperative pathway was developed to include standardization of preoperative education and expectations, intraoperative anesthetic delivery, postoperative nursing education, postoperative rehabilitation, and utilization of stepdown and surgical floor units after ICU stay. Outcomes were measured for 95 consecutive adult patients who underwent surgical resection for vestibular schwannoma (40 cases before implementation of the perioperative pathway and 55 cases after implementation). There were no significant differences in the two groups with regard to tumor size, operative time, or medical comorbidities. The mean ICU LOS decreased from 2.1 in the preimplementation group to 1.6 days in the postimplementation group (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in overall resource LOS postoperative complications or readmission rates between groups. Conclusion Multidisciplinary, perioperative neurotologic pathways can be effective in lowering ICU LOS in patients undergoing vestibular schwannoma surgery without compromising quality of care. Further research is needed to continue to sustain and continuously improve these and other measures, while continuing to provide high-quality care to this patient population.
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

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Extended Scalp Flaps for Extensive Soft Tissue Scalp Defects as a Day Surgery Procedure Under Local Anesthetic: A Single Centre Experience

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10-1055-s-0040-1715560_190275-1.jpg

J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1715560

Background Cutaneous malignancies are on the rise, associated with an increased number in scalp cancers that require wide local excision (WLE) to ensure clearance; the inelastic nature of the scalp poses a particular challenge when dealing with such large defects. Case presentation A series of 68 cases with large scalp defects following WLE for the clearance of squamous cell carcinoma, atypical fibroxanthoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and melanoma skin cancers are presented. These cases were treated in one center under local anesthesia and underwent extended scalp flaps to close the resulting defect primarily without the use of skin grafts for the flap donor site on the scalp. Conclusion Extended scalp flap is a safe and reproducible solution for extensive scalp defects, which results in quicker wound healing with cosmetically superior results, and can be performed safely and comfortably under local anesthesia in the day case setting.
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

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Skull Base Anatomy in Patients with Bilateral Choanal Atresia: A Radiographic Study

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J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722230

Background The risk of skull base injury during choanal atresia repair can be mitigated via thorough understanding of skull base anatomy. There is a paucity of data describing differences in skull base anatomy between patients with coloboma, heart defects, atresia choanae, growth retardation, genital abnormalities, and ear abnormalities (CHARGE) syndrome and those without. Objectives The aim of this study was to measure nasal and skull base anatomy in patients with isolated bilateral choanal atresia (BCA), CHARGE syndrome, and other syndromic congenital anomalies. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients with bilateral choanal atresia and computed tomography of the face between 2001 and 2019 were evaluated. Choanal width, height, mid-nasal height, and skull base slope were measured radiographically. Differences in anatomy between healthy patients, those with CHARGE syndrome, and those with other congenital anomalies were compared. Results Twenty-one patients with BCA and relevant imaging were identified: 7 with isolated BCA, 6 with CHARGE syndrome, and 8 with other congenital anomalies. A t-test indicated insignificant difference in skull base slope, choanal height, choanal width, or mid-nasal skull base height between isolate BCA cases and patients with any congenital anomaly. When comparing CHARGE to isolated BCA cases, mid-nasal height was shorter in CHARGE patients (p = 0.03). There were no differences in measurements between patients with congenital anomalies excluding CHARGE (p > 0.05). Two patients in the congenital anomaly group were found to have bony skull base defects preoperatively. Conclusion This study represents the largest description of skull base and nasal anatomy in patients with CHARGE syndrome and BCA. Surgeons should be aware of the lower skull base in CHARGE patients to avoid inadvertent skull base injury.
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

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Antibiotic Use in Lateral Skull Base Surgery: A Survey of the North American Skull Base Society

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10-1055-s-0040-1722642_200239-1.jpg

J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722642

Objectives Antibiotic use in lateral skull base surgery (LSBS) has not been thoroughly investigated in the literature. There is wide variability in antibiotic use and insufficient data to guide management. This study aims to describe the factors and patterns influencing antibiotic use in LSBS among the membership of the North American Skull Base Society (NASBS). Design An online-based survey was designed and distributed to the membership of the NASBS. Data was analyzed using bivariate analysis and logistic regression modeling. Setting Online-based questionnaire. Participants NASBS membership. Main Outcome Measures Use of intraoperative antibiotics and use of postoperative antibiotics. Results The survey response rate was 26% (208 respondents). Of the 208 total respondents, 143 (69%) respondents performed LSBS. Most respondents are neurosurgeons (69%) with the remaining being otolaryngologists (31%). The majority of respondents (79%) are fellowship-trained in skull base surgery. Academic or government physicians make up 69% of respondents and 31% are in private practice with or without academic affiliations. Bivariate analysis showed that practice setting significantly influenced intraoperative antibiotic use (p = 0.01). Geographic location significantly affected postoperative antibiotic use (p = 0.01). Postoperative antibiotic duration was significantly affected by presence of chronic otitis media, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and surgeon training (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, and p = 0.006, respectively). Logistic regression modeling showed that the motivation to reduce infection significantly impacted postoperative antibiotic use (p = 0.0 3). Conclusion This study demonstrates significant variations in intraoperative and postoperative antibiotic use in LSBS among the NASBS membership. Appropriate guidelines for optimal perioperative antibiotic use patterns should be determined with randomized studies in the future.
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

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Functional Outcomes and Postoperative Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis after Translabyrinthine Approach for Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: A Radiographic Demonstration of Anatomic Predictors

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10-1055-s-0040-1722716_200276-1.jpg

J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722716

Introduction While regarded as an effective surgical approach to vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection, the translabyrinthine (TL) approach is not without complications. It has been postulated that postoperative cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (pCVST) may occur as a result of injury and manipulation during surgery. Our objective was to identify radiologic, surgical, and patient-specific risk factors that may be associated with pCVST. Methods The Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained and the medical records of adult patients with VS who underwent TL craniectomy at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center between 2009 and 2019 were reviewed. Demographic data, radiographic measurements, and tumor characteristics were collected. Outcomes assessed included pCVST and the modified Rankin score (mRS). Results Sixty-one patients ultimately met inclusion criteria for the study. Ten patients demonstrated radiographic evidence of thrombus. Patients who developed pCVST demonstrated shorter internal auditory canal (IAC) to sinus distance (mean: 22.5 vs. 25.0 mm, p = 0.044) and significantly smaller petrous angles (mean: 26.3 vs. 32.7 degrees, p = 0.0045). Patients with good mRS scores (<3) appeared also to have higher mean petrous angles (32.5 vs. 26.8, p = 0.016). Koos' grading and tumor size, in our study, were not associated with thrombosis. Conclusion More acute petrous angle and shorter IAC to sinus distance are objective anatomic variables associated with pCVST in TL surgical approaches.
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

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