Rossana Romani

Lateral supraorbital approach applied to olfactory groove meningiomas: experience with 66 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVEThe lateral supraorbital approach for safely and completely removing olfactory groove meningiomas was assessed. METHODSBetween September 1997 and June 2008, a total of 656 meningiomas were operated on by the senior author (JH) at the Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital; 66 were olfactory meningiomas. We retrospectively analyze the clinical data, radiological findings, surgical treatment, histology, and outcome of all the olfactory groove meningioma patients and discuss the operative techniques used. RESULTSSixty-six patients were operated on by the lateral supraorbital approach. The median preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale score was 80 (range, 40–100). Three patients were redo cases in which the primary operation had been performed elsewhere. Seemingly complete tumor removal was achieved in 60 patients (91%); there was no surgical mortality. Postoperatively, 6 patients (9%) had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 5 (8%) had new visual deficits, 4 (6%) had wound infections, 4 (6%) had cotton granulomas, and 1 (2%) had a postoperative hematoma. The median Karnofsky score at discharge was 80 (range, 40–100). Six patients had recurrent tumors; 3 underwent reoperations after an average of 21 months (range, 1–41 months); 1 was treated with radiosurgery, and 2 were only followed. During the median follow-up time of 45 months (range, 2–128 months), there were 4 recurrences (6%) diagnosed on average 32 months (range, 17–59 months) after surgery. CONCLUSIONThe lateral supraorbital approach can be used safely for olfactory groove meningiomas of all sizes with no mortality and relatively low morbidity. Surgical results and tumor recurrence with this fast and simple approach are similar to those obtained with more extensive, complex, and time-consuming approaches.

Microsurgical management of pineal region lesions: personal experience with 119 patients

BACKGROUND Lesions of the pineal region are histopathologically heterogeneous but often accompanied with severe progression of clinical signs. Surgical treatment remains challenging because of the close vicinity of the deep venous system and the mesencephalo-diencephalic structures in this region. We present the surgical approaches and techniques in a consecutive series of 119 patients treated by the senior author (J.H.) between 1980 and 2007 at 2 different neurosurgical university centers in Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland. METHODS Of the included patients, 107 (90%) presented with pineal region tumors and 12 (10%) with vascular malformations. The ITSC route was used for removal of the lesion in 111 (93%) patients and the OIH approach in 8 (7%) patients. All except one patient were operated on in a sitting position. RESULTS We reviewed all clinical data and radiographic images and analyzed all surgical videos. The pineal lesions were removed completely in most cases (88%). There was no surgical mortality. Twenty-two (18%) of the patients had complications in the postoperative period; these included 1 epidural hematoma, 9 transient Parinaud syndrome, 2 meningitis, 3 wound infections, 2 transient memory disturbances, 2 mild hemiparesis, 1 CSF fistula, and 2 cranial nerves palsies (IV and VI). During a 3.5-year follow-up, 12 patients with malignant lesions died; all patients with benign tumors survived. CONCLUSIONS The ITSC route is a safe and effective surgical approach, associated with low morbidity, complete lesion removal, and definitive histopathologic diagnosis. Considering risk vs benefit, we therefore believe that the surgical treatment can be offered in most cases as the first treatment option for pineal tumors.

Lateral supraorbital approach applied to tuberculum sellae meningiomas: experience with 52 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND Various surgical approaches for the removal of tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) have previously been described. OBJECTIVE To assess the reliability and safety of the lateral supraorbital (LSO) approach to remove TSMs. METHODS We identified all TSM patients operated on at the Department of Neurosurgery at Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, by the senior author (J.H.) using the LSO approach between September 1997 and August 2010. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data, radiological findings, surgical treatment, histology, and outcome of patients and discuss the operative technique. RESULTS Apparent complete tumor removal was achieved in 45 patients (87%). Of 42 patients, preexisting visual deficit improved in 22, remained the same in 13, and worsened in 7, and de novo visual deficit occurred in 1 patient. At 3 months post-discharge, 47 patients (90%) had a good recovery, 4 (8%) were moderately disabled, and 1 (2%) died 40 days after surgery of unexplained cardiac arrest. Seven patients (13%) had minimal residual tumors, 2 of which required reoperation. During the median follow-up of 59 months (range, 1-133 months), tumor recurred in 1 of the patients who had undergone a second operation. CONCLUSION TSMs of all sizes can be removed via the LSO approach with minimal morbidity and mortality. Low-power or no coagulation is recommended near the optic nerves and the optic chiasm to preserve their vascular support from the internal carotid artery perforators. Our results are comparable to those obtained using more extensive and time-consuming approaches. We recommend the LSO approach to remove TSMs.

Sitting Position for Removal of Pineal Region Lesions: The Helsinki Experience

OBJECTIVE To present a summary of anesthetic considerations for use of the sitting position in procedures to remove lesions of the occipital and suboccipital regions, with a special reference to the Helsinki experience with more than 300 operations in 1997-2007, and a retrospective study evaluating the incidence of venous air embolism (VAE) and hemodynamic stability in patients operated in the steep sitting position. METHODS Anesthesiology reports of 72 patients with a mean (± standard deviation [SD]) age of 33 years ± 18 treated by the senior author (J.H.) for pineal region tumors using the infratentorial supracerebellar approach in the sitting position during an 11-year period were retrospectively reviewed for the incidence of VAE and hemodynamic stability. RESULTS In the sitting position, median systolic blood pressure changed -8 (-95 to +50) mm Hg without alteration in heart rate. Based on patient records, the incidence of VAE was 19% (14 of 72 patients). In five patients, end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO(2)) decreased more than 0.7 kPa (5.25 mm Hg), possibly indicating VAE. Comparing patients with and without VAE, no differences in change of blood pressure, heart rate, or amount of administered vasoactive agents were observed. Postoperative duration of ventilator treatment and hospital stay were similar in patients with and without VAE. No signs of arterial embolization were seen postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS The sitting position is associated with risk for hypotension. The same surgical approach and procedure does not exclude the occurrence of VAE. In this study, the unaltered hemodynamics in patients during VAE indicates relatively small VAE. Possible explanations for this are early recognition of air leakage and good cooperation between the surgical and anesthesia teams.

Microsurgical management of large and giant paraclinoid aneurysms

BACKGROUND Because of the complex topographic anatomical relationship between vascular, dural and bone structures, paraclinoid aneurysms, especially those of larger size, remain a great challenge for vascular neurosurgeons. We present our microneurosurgical experience of 51 consecutive patients with large and giant paraclinoid aneurysms to scrutinize our personal strategies related to surgical treatment. METHODS Fifty-one patients with large or giant paraclinoid underwent micorneurosurgical aneurysm treatment. Operative strategies were planned according to preoperative state-of-the-art imaging studies, and a pterional-transsylvian approach was routinely used. Proximal control of the internal carotid artery (ICA) was achieved by exposure of the cervical portion of the vessel. Intraoperative electroencephalogram and somatosensory evoked potential monitoring, indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography and/or microvascular Doppler ultrasonography (MDU) were regularly used. A postoperative digital subtraction angiography or computed tomography angiography was performed to verify the efficacy of treatment. RESULTS Forty-three large and giant paraclinoid aneurysm necks (84%) were directly clipped, seven unclippable aneurysms (14%) were trapped with extra-intracranial high-flow revascularization, and one aneurysm (2%) was treated with only ICA proximal Hunterian ligation. Two patients (4%) died in the early postoperative period. In 84% of the patients, the Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 4 or 5 at discharge. At the 6-month follow-up examination, the Rankin Outcome Scale score was 0-2 in 90% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Temporary parent vessel occlusion, retrograde suction decompression, endoaneurysmectomy, parent vessel clip reconstruction, and bypass vascular anastomosis are essential techniques to treat complex paraclinoid aneurysms. The combined use of electrophysiological monitoring, MDU, intraoperative ICG videoangiography, and endoscopy can substantially improve microsurgical outcome.

Microsurgical treatment of third ventricular colloid cysts by interhemispheric far lateral transcallosal approach-experience of 134 patients

BACKGROUND Colloid cysts are rare tumors (incidence 3.2/1000000 pear year) located in the anterosuperior part of the third ventricle. In this article, we present our microneurosurgical experience on 134 patients focusing on the nuances of ITA with demonstrative videoclips. METHODS This surgical series is based on the microsurgical experience of the senior author (JH) at 2 Finnish neurosurgical centers (Helsinki and Kuopio, 1980-2007). Surgical anatomy is demonstrated, and the pitfalls of the different surgical steps are analyzed to avoid complications. The series reflects the whole patient profile of Southern and Eastern Finland, without any selection bias. RESULTS There was no surgical mortality, and morbidity remained mainly transitory among 134 patients treated by ITA. CONCLUSIONS Favorable overall outcome of this series demonstrates that removal of third ventricular colloid cyst via transcallosal approach is a direct and safe way to treat these lesions.

Microsurgery for previously coiled aneurysms: experience with 81 patients.

BACKGROUND:Residual and recurrent intracranial aneurysms after endovascular treatment with Guglielmi detachable coils may necessitate a microsurgical occlusion. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the microsurgical technique and describe how the location, morphology, and appearance of the coiled aneurysm affect the technique. METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed 81 patients with 82 previously coiled aneurysms treated microsurgically at 2 Finnish neurosurgical university hospitals in Helsinki and Kuopio between July 1995 and August 2009. Seven videos were selected to demonstrate the microsurgical strategy in various locations. RESULTS:Fifty-eight aneurysms (71%) were located at anterior circulation and 24 (29%) at posterior circulation. Fifteen patients were operated on within the first month (early surgery) after coiling, whereas 66 were treated later (late surgery). Complete or partial removal of coils during surgery may facilitate clipping, but is significantly (P < .001) more difficult to accomplish in late surgery. Removal of coils may also increase the chance of poor outcome. Chance of poor outcome also increased with intraoperative aneurysm rupture, size of the aneurysm, and posterior circulation location. Good clinical outcome (same or better clinical condition 3 months after surgery) was achieved in 71 patients (88%). After microsurgery, 4 patients were severely disabled and 6 patients died, 3 of them because of poor clinical condition. CONCLUSION:Complete microsurgical occlusion of the residual aneurysm is possible. However, in large or giant aneurysms direct microsurgery is a challenging high-risk procedure, and we recommend that these patients be referred to a dedicated neurovascular center to minimize surgical complications. Even in experienced hands, use of different bypass procedures may be the best option for demanding growing lesions, especially those in the posterior circulation.

Lateral Supraorbital Approach Applied to Anterior Clinoidal Meningiomas: Experience With 73 Consecutive Patients

BACKGROUND:Anterior clinoidal meningiomas (ACMs) are a subgroup of meningiomas accounting for less than 10% of supratentorial meningiomas. OBJECTIVE:To assess the reliability and safeness of the lateral supraorbital approach (LSO) to remove ACMs. METHODS:Between September 1997 and October 2009, a total of 73 ACM patients were operated on at the Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, by the senior author (J.H.). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data, radiological findings, surgical treatment, histology, and outcome of patients, and discuss the operative technique. RESULTS:Seventy-three patients were operated on by applying the LSO approach. Apparently complete removal was achieved in 57 patients (78%). Anterior clinoidectomy was performed in 21 cases. Preexisting visual deficit improved in 11 of 39 patients and worsened in 4; 3 had de novo visual deficit. At 3 months after discharge, 60 (82%) patients had a good recovery, 9 (12%) patients were moderately disabled, 1 presented with severe disability, and 3 (4%) patients died of surgery-related causes. Sixteen (22%) patients had residual tumors, 6 of which required reoperation. During the median follow-up of 36 months (range, 3-146), tumor recurred in 3 patients: 2 were followed-up and 1 was reoperated on. CONCLUSION:ACMs can be removed via the LSO approach with relatively low morbidity and mortality. Anterior clinoidectomy is required only in selected cases, and we prefer the intradural approach during the LSO approach. High-power coagulation should be avoided in proximity of the optic nerve.

Application of microscope integrated indocyanine green video-angiography during microneurosurgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a review.

Indocyanine Green Video Angiography (ICG-VA) is recently introduced to the practice of cerebrovascular neurosurgery. This technique is safe and noninvasive and provides reliable real-time information on the patency of blood vessels of any size, as well as residual filling of aneurysms. In this article, a review of the literature and our experience with ICG-VA during microneurosurgery of intracranial aneurysms is presented.

Microneurosurgical management of internal carotid artery bifurcation aneurysms

BACKGROUND Internal carotid artery bifurcation aneurysms form 2% to 9% of all IAs. They are more frequent in younger patients than other IAs. In this article, we review the practical microsurgical anatomy, the preoperative imaging, surgical planning, and the microneurosurgical steps in the dissection and the clipping of ICAbifAs. METHODS This review and the whole series on IAs are mainly based on the personal microneurosurgical experience of the senior author (JH) in 2 Finnish centers (Helsinki and Kuopio), which serve, without patient selection, the catchment area in Southern and Eastern Finland. RESULTS These 2 centers have treated more than 11 000 patients with IAs since 1951. In the Kuopio Cerebral Aneurysm Database of 3005 patients with 4253 IAs, 831 (28%) patients had altogether 980 ICA aneurysms, of whom 137 patients had 149 (4%) ICAbifAs. Ruptured ICAbifAs, found in 78 (52%) patients, with median size of 8 mm (range, 2-60 mm), were associated with ICH in 15 (19%) patients. Ten (7%) ICAbifAs were giant (> or = 25 mm). Multiple aneurysms were seen in 59 (43%) patients. The ICAbifAs represented 18% of all IAs ruptured before the age of 30 years. CONCLUSIONS The main difficulty in microneurosurgical management of ICAbifAs is to preserve flow in all the perforators surrounding or adherent to the aneurysm dome. This necessitates perfect surgical strategy based on preoperative knowledge of 3D angioarchitecture and proper orientation during the microsurgical dissection.