Tailored Surgical Approaches for Foramem Magnum Tumors

Objective To describe our surgical techniques, analyze their safety and their postoperative outcomes for foramen magnum tumors (FMTs). Methods From 1986 to 2014, 34 patients with FMTs underwent surgeries using either the lateral suboccipital approach, standard midline suboccipital craniotomy, or the far lateral approach, depending on the anatomic location of the lesions. Results In the present series, there were 22 (64.7%) female and 12 (35.2%)male patients. The age of the patients ranged from12 to 63 years old.We observed 1 operativemortality (2.9%). A total of 28 patients (82.3%) achieved a score of 4 or 5 in the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Gross total resection (GTR) was obtained in 22 (64.7%) patients. After the surgery, 9 (26%) patients developed lower cranial nerve dysfunction (LCNd) weakness. The follow-up varied from 1 to 24 years (mean: 13.2 years). Conclusion Themajority of tumors located in the FMcan be safely and efficiently removed usingeither thelateral suboccipital approach, standardmiddlelinesuboccipital craniotomy, or the far lateral approach, depending on the anatomic location of the lesions.

Extended Pterional Approach for Medial Sphenoid Wing Meningioma: A Series of 47 Patients.

Background To describe our operative strategy and analyze its safety and effectiveness for the removal of medial sphenoid wing meningiomas (MSWMs) through the extended pterional approach. Method We identified 47 patients with MSWMs who were operated using this approach between 1986 and 2016. Medical charts, operative reports, imaging results, and clinical follow-up evaluations were reviewed and retrospectively analyzed. Results No surgical mortality was observed in this sample. Gross total resection was achieved in 30 (63.8%) patients. Intradural clinoidectomy was performed in 16 (34%) patients. The median length of follow-up was 8.5 years (range, 1-30 years). Conclusion The extended pterional approach associated with microsurgery techniques provided excellent results for the removal of MSWMs.

Lateral suboccipital retrosigmoid retrocondylar approach for foramen magnum meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe our approach and the surgical technique and analyze its safety and the outcome for foramen magnum meningiomas (FMMs). METHODS: From 1986 to 2016, 15 FMM patients were operated on using the lateral suboccipital retrocondylar approach. RESULTS: In this series, there were 12 (80%) female and 3 (20%) male patients. The patients ranged in age from 33 to 63 years. There was no operative dead, but two patients died during the follow-up period, which varied from 1 to 24 years (mean, 10.2 years). Twelve patients (80%) achieved Glasgow Outcome Scale 4 or 5. Gross total resection was achieved in 13 (86.6.7%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of FMM can be safely removed using the lateral suboccipital retrocondylar approach without condylar resection, associated to meticulous microsurgical technique.

Extended Retrosigmoid Approach for Cerebellopontine Angle Meningiomas: Operative Technique and Results-A Series of 28 Patients.

Background The purpose of this article is to describe our approach, surgical strategies, and results for resection of meningiomas located at cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Methods We retrospectively identified 28 patients with CPA meningiomas operated by the extended retrosigmoid approach. This approach incorporates a generous mastoidectomy and the sigmoid sinus exposure. Results The mean age was 33.8 years, with a follow-up of 12.5 years. Gross total removal (GTR) was achieved in 22 (78.5%) patients with low surgical mortality, acceptable morbidity, and recurrence rate of 7.1% (2 patients). Conclusion The extended retrosigmoid approach enhances the exposure of the CPA and posterior fossa cisterns and increases the surgical angle of maneuverability. This approach provides adequate access even to extensive CPA meningiomas, enabling, in most of cases, GTR to be safe and effective. The extended retrosigmoid approach used in this group of patients is an alternative to more extensive cranial base approaches.

Management strategies for neoplastic and vascular brain lesions presenting during pregnancy: A series of 29 patients.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of a brain tumor or intracranial vascular lesion during pregnancy is a rare event, but when it happens, it jeopardizes the lives of both the mother and infant. It also creates challenges of a neurosurgical, obstetric, and ethical nature. A multidisciplinary approach should be used for their care. METHODS: Between 1986 and 2015, 12 pregnant women diagnosed with brain tumors and 17 women with intracranial vascular lesion underwent treatment at the Neurosurgery Department of the Servidores do Estado Hospital and Rede D'Or/São Luis. The Neurosurgery Department teamed up with Obstetrics Anesthesiology Departments in establishing the procedures. The patients' records, surgical descriptions, imaging studies, and histopathological material were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 12 patients presenting with brain tumors, there were neither operative mortality nor fetal deaths. Among the vascular lesions, aneurysm rupture was responsible for bleeding in 6 instances. Arteriovenous malformation was diagnosed in 7 patients. In this subgroup, the maternal and fetal mortality rates were 11.7% and 23.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We can assert that the association between a brain tumor and vascular lesions with pregnancy is a very unusual event, which jeopardizes both the lives of the mother and infant. It remains incompletely characterized due to the rare nature of these potentially devastating events. Knowing the exact mechanism responsible for the interaction of pregnancy and with these lesions will improve the treatment of these patients.

The Extended Pterional Approach and Microsurgery Resection for Craniopharyngiomas, Operative Nuances and Results: A Series of 29 Patients

Objective The aim of this paper is to observe if the extended pterional approach for the removal of craniopharyngiomas is safe and effective. The mortality, morbidity, and recurrence rates are presented and discussed. Method This is a retrospective analysis of 29 craniopharyngioma patients who underwent surgery between January 1988 and December 2014 at the Department of Neurosurgery of the Hospital Federal dos Servidores do Estado, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The charts, operative reports and imaging studies were reviewed. Results We identified 17 males (58.6%) and 12 females (41.3%) ranging in age from 0.6 to 84 years (mean 57.4 years). Thirteen (44.8%) patients were infants or adolescents. Surgical mortality occurred in one patient (3.4%). Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 15 (51.7%) patients. The median follow-up time was 7.1 years. Conclusion The extended pterional approach provides adequate access to craniopharyngiomas, and the majority of lesions could be totally removed, with a low mortality rate, but the best treatment for craniopharyngiomas remains controversial.

Objetivo Observar se a craniotomia pterional estendida é uma técnica segura e efetiva. Método É um estudo retrospectivo de 29 pacientes com craniofaringiomas que foram submetidos a craniotomia pterional estendida entre 1988 e 2014. As imagens e os prontuários foram analisados. Resultados Esse grupo é composto por 17 homens (58,6%) e 12 mulheres (41,3%), e a idade variou de 0,6 a 84 anos (media 57,4 anos). Treze (44,8%) pacientes eram crianças ou adolescentes. A remoção total da lesão ocorreu em 15 (51,7%) indivíduos. A mortalidade cirúrgica: um paciente (3,4%). O follow-up médio é de 7,1 anos. Conclusão A craniotomia pterional estendida permitiu a remoção total da lesão na maioria dos pacientes, com baixa mortalidade, porém o melhor tratamento para o craniofaringioma ainda gera muita controvérsia.

The extended pterional approach allows excellent results for removal of anterior cranial fossa meningiomas.

Objective To describe a unique operative strategy, instead the classical pterional approach, and to analyses it safety and effectiveness for removal of anterior cranial fossa meningiomas. Method We identify 38 patients with tuberculum sellae and olphactory groove meningiomas operated between 1986 and 2013. Medical charts, operative reports, imaging studies and clinical follow-up evaluations were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. The pterional craniotomy is extended toward the frontal bone providing access through the subfrontal route, besides the usual anterolateral view provided by the classical pterional approach. Results Surgical mortality occurred in one patient (2.6%). Gross total resection was achieved in 27 patients (86.8%). Median time of follow-up was 69.4 months. Conclusion The extended pterional approach allows excellent results. Total removal of meningiomas of the anterior cranial fossa was obtained in 86.8 % of patients, with low morbidity and mortality.

The extended pterional approach allows excellent results for removal of anterior cranial fossa meningiomas / O acesso pterional extendido permite excelente resultado para a ressecção dos meningiomas da fossa craniana anterior

ABSTRACT Objective To describe a unique operative strategy, instead the classical pterional approach, and to analyses it safety and effectiveness for removal of anterior cranial fossa meningiomas. Method We identify 38 patients with tuberculum sellae and olphactory groove meningiomas operated between 1986 and 2013. Medical charts, operative reports, imaging studies and clinical follow-up evaluations were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. The pterional craniotomy is extended toward the frontal bone providing access through the subfrontal route, besides the usual anterolateral view provided by the classical pterional approach. Results Surgical mortality occurred in one patient (2.6%). Gross total resection was achieved in 27 patients (86.8%). Median time of follow-up was 69.4 months. Conclusion The extended pterional approach allows excellent results. Total removal of meningiomas of the anterior cranial fossa was obtained in 86.8 % of patients, with low morbidity and mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever a craniotomia pterional estendida, ao invés da abordagem pterional clássica, e analisar sua segurança e eficácia para a remoção dos meningiomas da fossa anterior. Método Identificamos 38 pacientes com meningiomas do tubérculo da sela e da goteira olfatória operados entre 1986 e 2013. Os prontuários, relatórios cirúrgicos, exames de imagem e acompanhamento pós-operatório foram analisados retrospectivamente. A craniotomia pterional com extensão para o osso frontal permite acesso pela via subfrontal além da via anterolateral do acesso pterional clássico. Resultados A mortalidade cirúrgica foi de 2,6% (um paciente). A remoção total foi alcançada em 86,8% (27 pacientes) com um tempo médio de seguimento de 69,4 meses. Conclusão A abordagem pterional estendida permite excelentes resultados. A remoção total dos meningiomas da fossa craniana anterior foi obtida em 86,8% dos pacientes, com baixa morbi-mortalidade.

Complete removal of the spinal nerve sheath tumors. Surgical technics and results from a series of 30 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Observe whether a microsurgical gross total removal (GTR) of a spinal nerve sheath tumors (SNSTs) is safe and decreases the tumor recurrence. METHOD: We identify 30 patients with 44 SNSTs. RESULTS: We operated upon 15 males and 15 females patients; mean age 40 years. GTR was achieved in 29 (96.6%) instances. Surgical mortality was 3.3% and the recurrence rate was 3.3%. The median follow-up time was 6.2 years. CONCLUSION: The surgical approach used in this group of patients afford that the great majority of tumors could be totally removed with low mortality and low recurrence rates, proving to be safe and effective.

Complete removal of the spinal nerve sheath tumors. Surgical technics and results from a series of 30 patients / Remoção completa dos tumores da bainha dos nervos raquianos. Técnica cirúrgica e resultados de uma série de 30 pacientes

Objective: Observe whether a microsurgical gross total removal (GTR) of a spinal nerve sheath tumors (SNSTs) is safe and decreases the tumor recurrence. Method: We identify 30 patients with 44 SNSTs. Results: We operated upon 15 males and 15 females patients; mean age 40 years. GTR was achieved in 29 (96.6%) instances. Surgical mortality was 3.3% and the recurrence rate was 3.3%. The median follow-up time was 6.2 years. Conclusion: The surgical approach used in this group of patients afford that the great majority of tumors could be totally removed with low mortality and low recurrence rates, proving to be safe and effective. .

Objetivo: Observar se a ressecção microcirúrgica completa dos shwannomas ou neurofibromas raquianos é uma técnica segura e efetiva. Método: Foram operados 30 pacientes com 44 schwannomas ou neurofibromas intrarraquiano. Resultados: A remoção total da lesão ocorreu em 27 casos (96.6%). A taxa de mortalidade cirúrgica observada nesta série foi de 3.3%. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 6.2 anos. Conclusão: A estratégia microcirúrgica empregada com esses pacientes propiciou a remoção total dos tumores na maioria dos pacientes, com baixa mortalidade e recidiva tumoral, mostrando ser segura e efetiva. .

Surgical strategy for intracranial dermoid and epidermoid tumors: An experience with 33 Patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to report on our surgical strategy and technique and to identify the best management for intracranial dermoids and epidermoids tumors (IDETs). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 33 consecutive patients (14 males and 19 females; mean age at surgery, 37.9 years) with pathologically confirmed IDETs who underwent surgical resection, with mean follow-up of 7.2 years. RESULTS: Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 24 cases (72.7%) with zero surgical mortality and a recurrence rate of 9%. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical strategies used in this group of patients enabled total removal of most tumors without surgical mortality and with low morbidity and recurrence rates, proving to be safe and effective.

Foramen magnum meningiomas: To drill or not to drill the occipital condyle? A series of 12 patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite the development of microsurgery and cranial base techniques, the surgical management of Foramen Magnum Meningiomas (FMM) continues to be a technical challenge to neurosurgeons. Controversy concerning the utility of systematic condyle drilling for approaching FMM has been raised. Our aim was to describe the surgical technique, analyze its safety, and the postoperative outcome in 12 consecutive FMM patients. METHODS: From 1986 to 2011, 12 patients with FMM underwent operations in the Department of Neurosurgery at Servidores do Estado Hospital and in a private clinic. All patients were operated using a standard suboccipital craniectomy, preserving the occipital condyle, opening of the Foramen Magnum, and ipsilateral removal of the posterior arch of C1. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality, nine patients achieved Glasgow Outcome Scale 4 or 5. Condylar resection was not deemed necessary in any case. Gross total resection was achieved in nine patients. After surgery, four patients developed lower cranial nerve weakness. There was no significant postoperative complication in the remaining patients. The average follow-up is 8.2 years. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of FMM can be safely removed with a retrocondylar lateral suboccipital approach without condylar resection, using meticulous microsurgical techniques.

Microsurgical ressection for parasagittal meningiomas with preservation of the parasagittal sinus and excelent neurovascular control.

OBJECTIVE: It was to observe whether a microsurgical gross total removal (GTR) of a parasagittal meningioma (PSM) outside the sinus is a safe and efficient procedure. METHOD: We identify 58 parasagittal meningiomas patients. Medical charts, operative reports, imaging studies and clinical follow-up evaluations were reviewed. RESULTS: GTR of the mass was achieved in 45 (77.7%) instances. The surgical mortality rate was 1.7%. The median follow-up time was 63 months. CONCLUSION: The surgical approach used in this group of patients afford that the great majority of tumors could be totally removed with low mortality, proving to be safe and effective.

Microsurgical ressection for parasagittal meningiomas with preservation of the parasagittal sinus and excelent neurovascular control / Ressecção microcirúrgica dos meningiomas parasagitais com excelente controle vascular e preservação do seio longitudinal superior

Objective: It was to observe whether a microsurgical gross total removal (GTR) of a parasagittal meningioma (PSM) outside the sinus is a safe and efficient procedure. Method: We identify 58 parasagittal meningiomas patients. Medical charts, operative reports, imaging studies and clinical follow-up evaluations were reviewed. Results: GTR of the mass was achieved in 45 (77.7%) instances. The surgical mortality rate was 1.7%. The median follow-up time was 63 months. Conclusion: The surgical approach used in this group of patients afford that the great majority of tumors could be totally removed with low mortality, proving to be safe and effective. .

Objetivo: Foi observar se a ressecção microcirúrgica extrassinusal dos meningiomas parasagitais é uma técnica segura e efetiva. Método: Foram estudados 58 pacientes portadores de meningiomas parasagitais. Quadros médicos, relatórios de operações, exames de imagem e seguimento clínico foram revisados. Resultados: A remoção total da lesão, fora do seio, ocorreu em 45 casos (77,7%). A taxa de mortalidade cirúrgica observada nesta série foi de 1,7%. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 63 meses. Conclusão: A estratégia microcirúrgica empregada propiciou a remoção total dos meningiomas na maioria dos pacientes, com baixa mortalidade e morbidade, mostrando ser segura e efetiva. .

Socioeconomic and educational factors interference in the prognosis for glioblastoma multiform.

BACKGROUND: To compare the survival of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients operated on at public hospital with that of patients operated on at the private hospitals. METHOD: We carried out a retrospective analysis of the patients' medical records, the surgical reports and the pre- and post-operative images of patients with a histopathological confirmed adult supratentorial GBM. Sixty-three patients were treated at public hospital and twenty-one at private hospitals. RESULTS: The present study revealed that the survival of patients treated in private hospitals was statistically superior to that of patients treated in public hospitals (11.9 vs. 7.7). CONCLUSIONS: Our study advances towards the confirmation of the hypothesis that socioeconomic and educational factors influence the Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) and the performance of radiotherapy treatment, with negative effects over the GBM patients' survival.

Glioblastoma Multiforme: A experiência do Hospital dos Servidores do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Glioblastoma Multiforme. The experience at the Hospital dos Servidores do Estado in Rio de Janeiro

Objetivos: O glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) é a neoplasia de mais alto grau de malignidade no grupo dos tumores astrocíticos.No adulto, é o tumor primário do sistema nervoso central (SNC) mais freqüente. O objetivo do atual estudo foi observar se os fatores prognóstico do GBM como a idade, o Karnofski Performance Status (KPS), a extensão da remoção tumoral, a realização de radioterapia, o volume tumoral, e a duração dos sintomas influenciaram a sobrevida dos pacientes.Métodos: Realizamos uma revisão retrospectiva dos prontuários dos pacientes operados no Hospital Servidores do Estado doRio de Janeiro no período de 1986 a 2008.Resultados: Observamos que a idade, a realização da radioterapia e o KPS influenciaram a sobrevida dos pacientes. As demais variáveis não tiveram implicações prognósticas.Conclusão: Apesar de inúmeras pesquisas, a sobrevida dos GBM praticamente não se alterou nos últimos 30 anos, permanecendo como um desafio terapêutico. A ressecção cirúrgica complementada com radioterapia ainda é o tratamento de escolha. O papel de cada variável no prognóstico dos pacientes ainda está por ser definida nas análises multivariadas.

Diagnosis of, surgical technique for and treatment results from medullary lipomas associated with spinal dysraphism: experience with 38 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To observe whether microsurgical removal of medullary lipomas and untethering of the medulla is a safe and efficient procedure. METHOD: A retrospective study was carried out on 38 patients with medullary lipomas associated with spinal dysraphism who underwent operations between January 1986 and January 2008, at the Neurosurgery Department of the Federal Hospital for State Public Servants, in Rio de Janeiro. RESULTS: No deaths occurred in this series, and there was no worsening of motor or bladder function among the patients. Seven individuals presented improvements in their motor deficit. Nine patients presented improvements in bladder function. Three individuals with trophic lesions achieved wound healing. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical removal of medullary lipomas associated with spinal dysraphism proved to be a safe procedure without deaths and with a low morbidity rate, and several patients achieved improvements in their neurological symptoms.

Diagnosis of, surgical technique for and treatment results from medullary lipomas associated with spinal dysraphism: experience with 38 patients / Diagnóstico, técnica cirúrgica e resultados nos lipomas medulares associados ao disrafismo vertebral: experiência com 38 pacientes

OBJECTIVE: To observe whether microsurgical removal of medullary lipomas and untethering of the medulla is a safe and efficient procedure. METHOD: A retrospective study was carried out on 38 patients with medullary lipomas associated with spinal dysraphism who underwent operations between January 1986 and January 2008, at the Neurosurgery Department of the Federal Hospital for State Public Servants, in Rio de Janeiro. RESULTS: No deaths occurred in this series, and there was no worsening of motor or bladder function among the patients. Seven individuals presented improvements in their motor deficit. Nine patients presented improvements in bladder function. Three individuals with trophic lesions achieved wound healing. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical removal of medullary lipomas associated with spinal dysraphism proved to be a safe procedure without deaths and with a low morbidity rate, and several patients achieved improvements in their neurological symptoms.

OBJETIVO: Observar se a remoção microcirúrgica dos lipomas medulares e a liberação da medula da tração exercida pelo lipoma é um procedimento seguro e eficaz. MÉTODO: Realizamos estudo retrospectivo de 38 pacientes com lipomas medulares associados ao disrafismo espinhal operados entre janeiro de 1986 a dezembro de 2009 no Serviço de Neurocirurgia do Hospital Federal dos Servidores do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. RESULTADOS: Nessa série não ocorreu nenhum óbito, ou piora da função motora ou vesical em nenhum paciente. Observamos melhora do défice motor em 7 pacientes. Nove pacientes apresentaram melhora da função vesical. Três indivíduos com lesões tróficas apresentaram cicatrização das suas feridas. CONCLUSÃO: A remoção microcirúrgica dos lipomas medulares associados ao disrafismo espinhal se mostrou segura, sem nenhum óbito, com baixa morbidade e com melhora dos sintomas neurológicos em vários pacientes.

Carcinoma adenoide cístico intracraniano / Intracranial adenoid cystic carcinoma

Os carcinomas adenoides císticos são tumores de crescimento lento, localmente agressivos e com tendência à recorrência. Têm particular interesse por infiltrar estruturas neurais e disseminar-se pelo perineuro. Envolvimento intracraniano é raro. Descreve-se um caso de carcinoma adenoide cístico originado na glândula lacrimal esquerda e invasão do seio cavernoso. Ressonância magnética demonstrou lesão tumoral, extra-axial, bem delimitada, semelhante a um meningioma da asa do esfenoide com invasão do seio cavernoso. O paciente apresentou boa resposta ao tratamento com cirurgia e radioterapia complementar.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a relatively common head and neck tumor that is slow growing, but locally aggressive and thus prone to recurrence. It is of particular interest because of its tendency to locally infiltrate neural structures and to spread perineurally. Intracranial involvement has been regarded as rare. A case report of a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma originated in the left lacrimal gland and involving the cavernous sinus is presented. Magnetic resonance image demonstrated a welldemarcated enhancing extra-axial tumour, resembling a sphenoid ridge meningioma extending into the cavernous sinus. This patient showed a good response to treatment with surgery followed by post-operative radiotherapy.

Mucopiocele fronto-orbitária e transtorno comportamental: relato de caso / Intracranial mucopyocele and cognitive impairment: case report

Objetivo: Descrever uma patologia rara, de crescimento lento, com bom prognóstico se adequadamente tratada. Método: Análise e descrição de um caso de mucopiocele fronto-orbitária e transtorno comportamental, submetido ao tratamento cirúrgico no Hospital dos Servidores do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Resultados: O paciente evoluiu com regressão completa dos sintomas prévios. Conclusão: Nas mucopioceles, os objetivos da cirurgia são: a confirmação do diagnóstico, a drenagem do conteúdo de muco e pus e a excisão ou marsupialização das paredes do cisto e da mucosa do seio comprometido. O diagnóstico correto dessa lesão leva à diminuição da morbidade e mortalidade, em virtude de o tratamento cirúrgico associado à antibioticoterapia venosa ser curativo.

Objective: To describe an uncommon pathology, slow-growing and good prognosis if well treated. Method: Analyze and description of fronto-orbital mucopyocele associated with cognitive impairment submitted a surgical treatment in Hospital dos Servidores do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Results:Following the surgery all previous symptoms resolved. Conclusion: The objectives of surgery in mucopyoceles are diagnostic confirmation, drainage of secretion, excision or marsupialization of cyst walls and mucous of compromised sinus. The correct diagnosis reduces de morbidity and mortality since the surgical treatment associated with venous antibiotics is curative.