Jehuda Soleman

Computer-assisted virtual planning and surgical template fabrication for frontoorbital advancement

OBJECT The authors describe a novel technique using computer-assisted design (CAD) and computed-assisted manufacturing (CAM) for the fabrication of individualized 3D printed surgical templates for frontoorbital advancement surgery. METHODS Two patients underwent frontoorbital advancement surgery for unilateral coronal synostosis. Virtual surgical planning (SurgiCase-CMF, version 5.0, Materialise) was done by virtual mirroring techniques and superposition of an age-matched normative 3D pediatric skull model. Based on these measurements, surgical templates were fabricated using a 3D printer. Bifrontal craniotomy and the osteotomies for the orbital bandeau were performed based on the sterilized 3D templates. The remodeling was then done placing the bone plates within the negative 3D templates and fixing them using absorbable poly-dl-lactic acid plates and screws. RESULTS Both patients exhibited a satisfying head shape postoperatively and at follow-up. No surgery-related complications occurred. The cutting and positioning of the 3D surgical templates proved to be very accurate and easy to use as well as reproducible and efficient. CONCLUSIONS Computer-assisted virtual planning and 3D template fabrication for frontoorbital advancement surgery leads to reconstructions based on standardizedmeasurements, precludes subjective remodeling, and seems to be overall safe and feasible. A larger series of patients with long-term follow-up is needed for further evaluation of this novel technique.

Evidence-Based Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most frequent neurosurgical entities caused by head trauma. Since cSDH affects mainly elderly patients and the population continues to age, it has become a common neurosurgical disease seen by both general and specialized health-care practitioners. Despite the increasing prevalence of cSDH, class I studies, and evidence regarding the management of this disease is lacking. We provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology and etiology of cSDH and discuss several controversial aspects of its management; including indication and timing of surgery, steroid treatment, the effectiveness of anti-epileptic prophylaxis, comparative effectiveness of various techniques for surgical evacuation, the timing of postoperative resumption of anticoagulant medication, and protocols for mobilization following evacuation of cSDH. Complications of surgical evacua‐ tion such as recurrent hematoma, postoperative epilepsy, brain injury and/or iatrogenic intracerebral bleeding due to hematoma evacuation, drainage insertion or irrigation, and ways to avoid them are also discussed. As the incidence of cSDH is expected to increase and most treatment aspects lack clear consensus, further large prospective studies are needed. For this reason, a randomized, prospective study evaluating one aspect of the management of cSDH is currently in progress at our institution.

Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid and bleeding risks with ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement

OBJECTIVE Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement is a common procedure for the treatment of hydrocephalus following diverse neurosurgical conditions. Most of the patients present with other comorbidities and receive antiplatelet therapy, usually acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Despite its clinical relevance, the perioperative management of these patients has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the peri- and postoperative bleeding complication rates associated with ASA intake in patients undergoing VP shunt placement. METHODS Of 172 consecutive patients undergoing VP shunt placement between June 2009 and December 2015, 40 (23.3%) patients were receiving low-dose ASA treatment. The primary outcome measure was bleeding events in ASA users versus nonusers, whereas secondary outcome measures were postoperative cardiovascular events, hematological findings, morbidity, and mortality. A subgroup analysis was conducted in patients who discontinued ASA treatment for < 7 days (n = 4, ASA Group 1) and for ≥ 7 days (n = 36, ASA Group 2). RESULTS No statistically significant difference for bleeding events was observed between ASA users and nonusers (p = 0.30). Cardiovascular complications, surgical morbidity, and mortality did not differ significantly between the groups either. Moreover, there was no association between ASA discontinuation regimens (< 7 days and ≥ 7 days) and hemorrhagic events. CONCLUSIONS Given the lack of guidelines regarding perioperative management of neurosurgical patients with antiplatelet therapy, these findings elucidate one issue, showing comparable bleeding rates in ASA users and nonusers undergoing VP shunt placement.

Craniotomy Without Flap Replacement for Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms to Reduce Ischemic Brain Injury: A Preliminary Safety and Feasibility Analysis

BACKGROUND Cortical and subcortical brain ischemia following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains a central challenge in improving patient outcome. Generally the bone flap is replaced after surgical clipping and no decompression is practiced in endovascularly treated patients. The aim of this preliminary safety and feasibility study is to clarify whether a first-line decompression would improve brain perfusion and salvage more tissue at risk in patients who developed delayed vasospasm. In addition, we assessed whether the risks involved with a second surgery to replace the bone flap would affect patient outcome. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients with aSAH who underwent surgical clipping and developed cerebral vasospasm from 2009 to 2012 at our institution. We selected cases where the bone flap was not replaced at initial surgery and needed a second procedure for bone flap replacement. Primary end points were new delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DINDs), the extent of brain infarctions, and patient functional outcome. Secondary end points were hazards of the second procedure for bone replacement. RESULTS We identified six patients in whom the surgeon chose not to replace the bone flap. In four patients, this was a pterional bone flap (standard), and in two patients it was a larger frontotemporoparietal flap. Despite the limited extent of the craniotomy, only one patient (16 %) required additional decompression. Two patients (33%) developed DINDs and five patients (83 %) showed delayed cerebral infarctions on computed tomography. Of those, three patients showed good outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score >4 and modified Rankin Scale score <3). No complications or new neurological deficits occurred during the second surgery for bone replacement. CONCLUSIONS To date, no standardized criteria exist to decide whether the bone flap should be removed or replaced at initial surgery. Our single-center experience in a limited number of patients reveals a pattern with respect to initial clinical parameters and imaging findings that might be a first step in developing standardized decision parameters. This may prevent secondary surgery for decompression in deleterious conditions during the vasospasm phase. Based on these findings, we have developed a protocol for a prospective study that will further investigate the benefits of this management.

Yield of early postoperative computed tomography after frontal ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement

Despite being widely used, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement is a procedure often associated with complications and revision surgeries. Many neurosurgical centers routinely perform early postoperative cranial computer tomography (CT) to detect postoperative complications (e.g., catheter malposition, postoperative bleed, over-drainage). Because guidelines are lacking, our study aimed to evaluate the yield of early routine postoperative CT after shunt placement for adult hydrocephalus. We retrospectively reviewed 173 patients who underwent frontal VP shunting for various neurosurgical conditions. Radiological outcomes were proximal catheter malposition, and ventricular width in preoperative and postoperative imaging. Clinical outcomes included postoperative neurological outcome, revision surgery because of catheter malposition or other causes, mortality, and finally surgical, non-surgical, and overall morbidity. In only 3 (1.7%) patients did the early routine postoperative CT lead to revision surgery. Diagnostic ratios for CT finding 1 asymptomatic patient who eventually underwent revision surgery per total number to scan were 1:58 for shunt malposition, 1:86 for hygroma, and 1:173 for a cranial bleed. Five (2.9%) patients with clinically asymptomatic shunt malposition or hygroma underwent intervention based on early postoperative CT (diagnostic ratio 1:25). Shunt malposition occurred in no patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus and 2 (40%) patients with stroke. Lower preoperative Evans’ Index was a statistically significant predictor for high-grade shunt malposition. We found a rather low yield for early routine postoperative cranial CT after frontal VP-shunt placement. Therefore, careful selection of patients who might benefit, considering the underlying disease and preoperative radiological findings, could reduce unnecessary costs and exposure to radiation.

Improved quality of life and cognition after early vagal nerve stimulator implantation in children

OBJECTIVE In patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, reduction of seizure duration and frequency at an early age is beneficial. Vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) was shown to reduce seizure frequency and duration in children; however, data in children under the age of 12 years are sparse. The aim of this study was to compare seizure outcome and quality of life after early (≤5 years of age) and late (>5 years of age) implantation of VNS in children. METHODS This study reviewed 45 consecutive children undergoing VNS implantation. Primary outcome measure was the reduction of seizure frequency. Secondary outcome measures were epilepsy outcome assessed by the McHugh and Engel classifications, reduction of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), psychomotor development, and quality of life measured by the Pediatric Quality of Life (PEDSQL™) questionnaire and caregiver impression (CGI) scale. The mean follow-up time was 72.3 months (±39.8 months). RESULTS Out of 45 patients included, in 14 (31.1%), VNS was implanted early and in 31, (68.9%) late. Reduction of seizure frequency, McHugh and Engel classifications, and reduction of AED were comparable in both groups. Quality of life measured by the CGI scale (2.1 ± 1.7 in the early group vs. 3.6 ± 1.6 in the late group; p = 0.004), as well as the difference of total PEDSQL™ Core scores (12.0 ± 24.0 in the early group vs. -5.2 ± 14.9 in the late group; p = 0.01) and cognitive PEDSQL™ Core (30.6 ± 32.0 in the early group vs. 2.4 ± 24.3 in the late group; p = 0.03) between preoperative and follow-up was significantly higher in the early implantation group. CONCLUSION Early VNS implantation in children leads to a significantly better quality of life and cognitive outcome compared with late implantation while reduction of seizure frequency and epilepsy outcome seems comparable. Therefore, in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, VNS implantation should be considered as early as possible.

Influence of Postoperative Thrombosis Prophylaxis on the Recurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma After Burr-Hole Drainage

Objectives: Chronic subdural hematoma is a commonly encountered disease in neurosurgic practice, whereas its increasing prevalence is compatible with the ageing population. Recommendations concerning postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis after burr-hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma are lacking. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma and postoperative application of thrombosis prophylaxis. Design: Retrospective, consecutive sample of patients undergoing burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma over 3 years. Setting: Single, academic medical center. Patients: All patients undergoing surgical evacuation of a chronic subdural hematoma with burr-hole drainage. Exclusion: patients under the age of 18 years, who presented with an acute subdural hematoma and those who underwent a craniotomy. Interventions: We compared patients receiving thrombosis prophylaxis treatment after burr-hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma with those who were not treated. Primary outcome measure was reoperation of chronic subdural hematoma due to recurrence. Secondary outcome measures were thromboembolic and cardiovascular events, hematologic findings, morbidity, and mortality. In addition, a subanalysis comparing recurrence rate dependent on the application time of thrombosis prophylaxis (< 48 vs > 48 hr) was undertaken. Measurements and Main Results: Overall recurrence rate of chronic subdural hematoma was 12.7%. Out of the 234 analyzed patients, 135 (57.3%) received postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis (low-molecular-weight heparin) applied subcutaneously. Recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma occurred in the thrombosis prophylaxis group and control group in 12 patients (8.9%) and 17 patients (17.2%), respectively, showing no significant difference (odds ratio, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.21 – 1.04]). A subanalysis comparing recurrence rate of chronic subdural hematoma dependent on the application time of thrombosis prophylaxis (< 48 vs > 48 hr) showed no significant difference either (odds ratio, 2.80 [95% CI, 0.83–9.36]). Higher dosage of thrombosis prophylaxis correlated with recurrence rates of chronic subdural hematoma, both in univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the application of postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis after burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma does not result in higher recurrence rates of chronic subdural hematoma. In addition, it seems that early administration of thrombosis prophylaxis (< 48 hr) has no influence on recurrence rates; however, high dosage seems to increase recurrence rates.

Incidental brain tumors in children: an international neurosurgical, oncological survey

PurposeIncidental pediatric brain tumors (IPBT) are increasingly being diagnosed. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the need and timing of their treatment. In the current study, we identify trends among pediatric neurosurgeons and oncologists with regard to IPBT management and approval of growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT).MethodsA questionnaire presenting six different cases of IPBT was emailed to all members of several leading societies in pediatric neurosurgery and oncology. Collected data included basic information concerning the responders (profession, experience, continent of practice), as well as responses to multiple questions regarding treatment of the lesion, permission to supply GHRT, and free text for comments.ResultsOne hundred forty-three responses were eligible for analysis (92 neurosurgeons, 51 oncologists, from a total of 6 continents). Initial recommendations for each case were heterogeneous. However, a few consistent trends were identified:Lesions that were stable over time lead to a common shift in treatment recommendation to a more conservative one.Growing lesions were commonly treated more aggressively.Neither profession nor experience had a consistent impact on recommendations.ConclusionsManagement recommendations for IPBT varied among the responders and seem to be influenced by many factors. However, stable lesions lead to a shift in management towards a “watch and wait” approach, while in growing lesions responders tended towards a “biopsy” or “resection” approach. This highlights the need for better understanding of the natural course of incidental brain tumors in children, as well as evaluating the potential risk for malignant transformation.

The Extended Subfrontal and Fronto-Orbito-Zygomatic Approach in Skull Base Meningioma Surgery: Clinical, Radiologic, and Cosmetic Outcome.

Objective:To review the outcome and cosmetic results of patients undergoing extended subfrontal and fronto-orbito-zygomatic craniotomy for resection of skull base meningiomas. Methods:All surgeries were performed in cooperation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon between 2006 and 2012. Clinical presentation, surgical techniques and complications, cosmetic, clinical, and radiologic outcomes are presented. Results:This study included 25 consecutive patients with 26 operations. Total and subtotal tumor removal was obtained in 19 (73.1%) and 7 (26.9%) patients, respectively. Permanent postoperative complications were seen in 5 (19.2%) patients. Eight of 10 patients with preoperative visual impairment showed recovery at 6 months follow-up. Anosmia was improved in 50% and no worsening was seen in any case of hyposmia. All patients showed improved or complete correction of exophthalmos, cognitive deficits, and epilepsy. One patient (3.8%) developed a postoperative ptosis. No mortality was documented. All patients reported a favorable cosmetic satisfactory score over 6 (8.67 ± 1.6). Tumor recurrence rate was 7.7% (n = 2). Conclusions:The extended subfrontal and fronto-orbito-zygomatic approach, used for resection of meningiomas located in the orbita and the skull base can provide better visibility of the tumor. In addition, these approaches lead to highly satisfying cosmetic and clinical results.