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International Journal of Surgery... Dec 2023The pineal region tumors are challenging for neurosurgeons and can lead to secondary hydrocephalus. The introduction of the exoscope has provided clinical interventions...
BACKGROUND
The pineal region tumors are challenging for neurosurgeons and can lead to secondary hydrocephalus. The introduction of the exoscope has provided clinical interventions with high image quality and an ergonomic system for pineal region tumor operations. In this study, the authors describe the exoscopic approach used to facilitate the surgical resection of pineal region tumors and relieve hydrocephalus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this retrospective cohort study, we consecutively reviewed the clinical and radiological data of 25 patients with pineal region lesions who underwent three-dimensional exoscopic tumor resection at a single center.
RESULTS
The patient cohort consisted of 16 males and 9 females, with an average age of 34.6 years (range, 6-62 years; 8 cases aged ≤18). Pathological examination confirmed eight pineal gland tumors, four gliomas, nine germ cell neoplasms, two ependymomas, and two metastatic tumors. Preoperative hydrocephalus was present in 23 patients. Prior to tumor resection, external ventricular drainage (EVD) with Ommaya reservoir implantation was performed in 17 patients. Two patients received preoperative endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), and five patients received a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, including one who received both procedures. Gross total resection was achieved in 19 patients (76%) in the 'head-up' park bench position using the exoscope. Eight patients (31.6%) with third ventricle invasion received subtotal resection, mainly in glioma cases, which was higher than those without invasion (0%), but not statistically significant ( P =0.278, Fisher's exact test). No new neurological dysfunction was observed after surgery. Two patients (8%) developed intracranial and pulmonary infections, and two patients (8%) suffered from pneumothorax. Hydrocephalus was significantly relieved in all patients postoperatively, and four patients with relapse hydrocephalus were cured during the long-term follow-up. Postoperative adjuvant management was recommended for indicated patients, and a mean follow-up of 24.8±14.3 months showed a satisfied outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
The exoscope is a useful tool for pineal region tumor resection and hydrocephalus relief, particularly with posterior third ventricle invasion, as total resection could be achieved without obvious complication. The special superiority of the exoscope for the indicated pineal region tumors should be highlighted.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adult; Pinealoma; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Pineal Gland; Glioma; Ventriculostomy; Third Ventricle; Hydrocephalus; Brain Neoplasms
PubMed: 37755386
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000707 -
Journal of Medical Biography Sep 2023Dr Ayub Khan Ommaya (1930-2008) was a pioneering figure in the field of neurosurgery, with a particular focus on traumatic brain injury. As history books have held, he...
Dr Ayub Khan Ommaya (1930-2008) was a pioneering figure in the field of neurosurgery, with a particular focus on traumatic brain injury. As history books have held, he was a man of great intellect and vision, possessing a rare combination of scientific rigour and compassionate empathy. One of Dr Ommaya's most notable contributions was his development of the Ommaya reservoir, a device used to deliver drugs directly into the brain. This groundbreaking technology transformed the treatment of brain tumours and other neurological disorders, enabling clinicians to administer medications with unprecedented precision and efficacy. From his groundbreaking research on traumatic brain injury to his visionary invention of the Ommaya reservoir, Ommaya's legacy continues to inspire and inform the work of countless medical professionals around the world. This historical paper delves into Ommaya's remarkable life story, highlighting his extraordinary contributions to the field of neurosurgery.
PubMed: 37722807
DOI: 10.1177/09677720231198502 -
Medicine Sep 2023Reconstruction of wound complications in patients with advanced cancer with distant metastases is challenging for plastic surgeons. This may be due to the cancer...
RATIONALE
Reconstruction of wound complications in patients with advanced cancer with distant metastases is challenging for plastic surgeons. This may be due to the cancer patients' hypercoagulability and potential intolerance to general anesthesia. This article aimed to discuss the risk of free-flap reconstruction in such cases.
PATIENT CONCERNS
The patient was a 58-year-old female with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and brain metastasis. The patient underwent brain radiotherapy and chemotherapy through the Ommaya Reservoir.
DIAGNOSES
A year ago, she underwent several local flap closures for recurrent wound healing failure due to wound complications, including infection, wound dehiscence, and subsequent device removal.
INTERVENTIONS
A radial forearm free flap was created under general anesthesia. The patient was discharged in the third postoperative week since the flap remained stable.
OUTCOMES
At follow-up a month thereafter, the patient exhibited signs of recovery without any complications even while continuing her chemotherapeutic regimen.
LESSONS
Free flap placement is not an absolute contraindication in cancer patients with distant metastases. Nevertheless, it is associated with clinical challenges and operator hesitancy. This is a case of a successful free flap in a cancer patient with hypercoagulability and suspected floating tumor cells. Postoperative management, in this case, is appropriate.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Lung Neoplasms; Scalp; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Free Tissue Flaps; Brain Neoplasms
PubMed: 37682134
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035097