Case Curve: A Novel Web-Based Platform and Mobile Phone Application to Evaluate Surgical Competence in Graduate Medical Education.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Competency-based medical education is well established, yet methods to evaluate and document acquisition of surgical skill remain underdeveloped. We describe a novel web-based application for competency-based surgical education at a single neurosurgical department over a 3-year period. METHODS: We used a web-based application to track procedural and cognitive skills acquisition for neurosurgical residents. This process included self-assessment, resident peer evaluations, evaluations from supervising attending physicians, and blinded video reviews. Direct observation by faculty and video recordings were used to evaluate surgical skill. Cases were subdivided into component skills, which were evaluated using a 5-point scale. The learning curve for each skill was continuously updated and compared with expectations. Progress was reviewed at a monthly surgical skills conference that involved discussion and analysis of recorded surgical performances. RESULTS: During an escalating 3-year pilot from 2019 to 2022, a total of 1078 cases in 39 categories were accrued by 17 resident physicians with 10 neurosurgical faculty who participated as evaluators. A total of 16 251 skill performances in 110 categories were evaluated. The most evaluated skills were those that were common to several types of procedures, such as positioning, hemostasis, and wound closure. The concordance between attending evaluations and resident self-evaluations was 76%, with residents underestimating their performance in 17% of evaluations and overestimating in 7%. CONCLUSION: We developed a method for evaluating and tracking surgical resident skill performance with an application that provides timely and actionable feedback. The data collected from this system could allow more accurate assessments of surgical skills and deeper insights into factors influencing surgical skill acquisition.

The Development of Skull Base Surgery as a Discipline: Remembrances of Dr Jon H. Robertson.

Skull base surgery is a young surgical subspecialty currently led by its second generation of surgeons. At present, there is no literature that narrates the connection of the present to the past. An extended interview was held with Dr Jon H. Robertson, who helped establish the subspecialty in Memphis, TN, to aid in identifying and connecting sentinel events and key figures in the development of the discipline. The field drastically evolved during his era of practice (1975-present), with the advent of advanced imaging and technology, as well as the emergence of multidisciplinary skull base surgical teams. The intersection of the careers of Jon H. Robertson, James T. Robertson, Gale Gardner, Edwin Cocke, John Shea, Jr., and Jerrall Crook in Memphis catalyzed the standardization of a multidisciplinary approach to cranial base pathology. We report the findings of Dr Jon H. Robertson's extended interview, told against the backdrop of the history of the subspecialty. The story of the development of skull base surgery is told from the unique perspective of one who lived and shaped a pivotal segment in this historical timeline.

Kidney Transplantation in an Elderly Veteran Population With Hepatitis C Virus Nucleic Acid Test-Positive Donors Results in Improved Outcomes After Prophylactic Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir Therapy.

BACKGROUND: The average age of waitlisted veterans is 64. Recent data has shown the safety and benefits of using kidneys from hepatitis C virus nucleic acid test (HCV NAT)-positive donors. However, these studies were limited to younger patients with initiation of therapy after transplant. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of a preemptive treatment protocol in an elderly veteran population. METHODS: This was a prospective, open-label trial with 21 deceased donor kidney transplantations (DDKTs) with HCV NAT-positive kidneys and 32 DDKTs with HCV NAT-negative transplanted between November 2020 and March 2022. The HCV NAT-positive recipients were treated with once-daily glecaprevir/pibrentasvir started preoperatively and continued for 8 weeks. Sustained virologic response (SVR)12 was determined by negative NAT Student's t test. Other endpoints included patient and graft survival as well as graft function. RESULTS: There was no major difference between the cohorts other than the increased number of donation after circulatory death kidneys in the non-HCV recipients. Post-transplant graft and patient outcomes were equivalent between the groups. Eight of the 21 HCV NAT-positive recipients had detectable HCV viral loads 1 day after transplant, but all were undetectable by day 7 with 100% SVR12. Calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate was improved in the HCV NAT-positive cohort at week 8 (58.26 vs 47.16 mL/min; P < .05) and continued to be improved over non-HCV recipients 1 year after transplant (71.38 vs 42.15 mL/min; P < .05). Immunologic risk stratification was similar in both cohorts. CONCLUSION: The HCV NAT-positive transplants with a preemptive treatment protocol results in improved graft function with minimal to no complications in an elderly veteran population.

Skull Base Registries: A Roadmap.

Hospitals, payors, and patients increasingly expect us to report our outcomes in more detail and to justify our treatment decisions and costs. Although there are many stakeholders in surgical outcomes, physicians must take the lead role in defining how outcomes are assessed. Skull base lesions interact with surrounding anatomy to produce a complex spectrum of presentations and surgical challenges, requiring a wide variety of surgical approaches. Moreover, many skull base lesions are relatively rare. These factors and others often preclude the use of prospective randomized clinical trials, thus necessitating alternate methods of scientific inquiry. In this paper, we propose a roadmap for implementing a skull base registry, along with expected benefits and challenges.

Determinants of tumor treating field usage in patients with primary glioblastoma: A single institutional experience.

Background: Determinates of tumor treating fields (TTFields) usage in patients receiving combined modality therapy for primary IDH wild-type glioblastoma are currently unknown. Methods: Ninety-one patients underwent maximal debulking surgical resection, completed external beam radiotherapy with concurrent Temozolomide (TMZ), and initiated adjuvant TMZ with or without TTFields. We performed a retrospective analysis of patient, tumor, and treatment-related factors that affected TTFields usage. Results: We identified three TTFields usage subgroups: 32 patients that declined TTFields, 40 patients that started, but had monthly compliance of less than 75% or used it for less than 2 months, and 19 patients who used TTFields for 2 or more months and maintained average monthly compliance greater than 75%. With 26.5 months median follow-up for surviving patients, the 1- and 3-year actuarial overall survival for all patients was 80% and 18%, respectively. On multivariate analysis TTFields use (P = .03), extent of surgical resection (P = 0.02), and MGMT methylation status (P = .01) were significantly associated with overall survival. TTFields usage was explored as a continuous variable and higher average usage was associated with longer overall survival (P = .03). There was no relationship between patient, tumor, or treatment-related factors and a patient's decision to use TTFields. Conclusions: No subgroup of patients was more or less likely to initiate TTFields therapy and no subgroup was more or less likely to use TTFields as prescribed. The degree of TTFields compliance may be associated with improved survival independent of other factors.

The Asterion-to-Transverse Process of the Atlas Line as a Surgical Landmark.

Introduction Proposed landmarks to predict the anatomical location and trajectory of the sigmoid sinus have varying degrees of reliability. Even with neuronavigation technology, landmarks are crucial in planning and performing complex approaches to the posterolateral skull base. By combining two major dependable structures-the asterion (A) and transverse process of the atlas (TPC1)-we investigate the A-TPC1 line in relation to the sigmoid sinus and in partitioning surgical approaches to the region. Methods We dissected six cadaveric heads (12 sides) to expose the posterolateral skull base, including the mastoid and suboccipital bone, TPC1 and suboccipital triangle, distal jugular vein and internal carotid artery, and lower cranial nerves in the distal cervical region. We inspected the A-TPC1 line before and after drilling the mastoid and occipital bones and studied the relationship of the sigmoid sinus trajectory and major muscular elements related to the line. We retrospectively reviewed 31 head and neck computed tomography (CT) angiograms (62 total sides), excluding posterior fossa or cervical pathologies. Bone and vessels were reconstructed using three-dimensional segmentation software. We measured the distance between the A-TPC1 line and sigmoid sinus at different levels: posterior digastric point (DP), and maximal distances above and below the digastric notch. Results A-TPC1 length averaged 65 mm and was posterior to the sigmoid sinus in all cadaver specimens, coming closest at the level of the DP. Using the transverse-asterion line as a rostrocaudal division and skull base as a horizontal plane, we divided the major surgical approaches into four quadrants: distal cervical/extreme lateral and jugular foramen (anteroinferior), presigmoid/petrosal (anterosuperior), retrosigmoid/suboccipital (posterosuperior), and far lateral/foramen magnum regions (posteroinferior). Radiographically, the A-TPC1 line was also posterior to the sigmoid sinus in all sides and came closest to the sinus at the level of DP (mean, 7 mm posterior; range, 0-18.7 mm). The maximal distance above the DP had a mean of 10.1 mm (range, 3.6-19.5 mm) and below the DP 5.2 mm (range, 0-20.7 mm). Conclusion The A-TPC1 line is a helpful landmark reliably found posterior to the sigmoid sinus in cadaveric specimens and radiographic CT scans. It can corroborate the accuracy of neuronavigation, assist in minimizing the risk of sigmoid sinus injury, and is a useful tool in planning surgical approaches to the posterolateral skull base, both preoperatively and intraoperatively.

Erratum: Skull Base Registries: A Roadmap.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/a-1934-9191.].

Simplifying the Surgical Classification and Approach to the Posterolateral Skull Base and Jugular Foramen Using Anatomical Triangles.

Introduction Lesions of the jugular foramen (JF) and postero-lateral skull base are difficult to expose and exhibit complex neurovascular relationships. Given their rarity and the increasing use of radiosurgery, neurosurgeons are becoming less experienced with their surgical management. Anatomical factors are crucial in designing the approach to achieve a maximal safe resection. Methods and methods Six cadaveric heads (12 sides) were dissected via combined post-auricular infralabyrinthine and distal transcervical approach with additional anterior transstyloid and posterior far lateral exposures. Contiguous surgical triangles were measured, and contents were analyzed. Thirty-one patients (32 lesions) were treated surgically between 2000 and 2016 through different variations of the retro-auricular distal cervical transtemporal approaches. Results We anatomically reviewed the carotid, stylodigastric, jugular, condylar, suboccipital, deep condylar, mastoid, suprajugular, suprahypoglossal (infrajugular), and infrahypoglossal triangles. Tumors included glomus jugulare, lower cranial nerve schwannomas or neurofibromas, meningiomas, chondrosarcoma, adenocystic carcinoma, plasmacytoma of the occipitocervical joint, and a sarcoid lesion. We classified tumors into extracranial, intradural, intraosseous, and dumbbell-shaped, and analyzed the approach selection for each. Conclusion Jugular foramen and posterolateral skull base lesions can be safely resected through a retro-auricular distal cervical lateral skull base approach, which is customizable to anatomical location and tumor extension by tailoring the involved osteo-muscular triangles.

Identifying the optimal cutoff point for MGMT promoter methylation status in glioblastoma.

Aim: To define the optimal cutoff point for determining methylation status of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) by pyrosequencing in glioblastoma. Patients & methods: A retrospective study of 109 glioblastoma patients was performed to determine the optimal cutoff point for MGMT methylation status. Results: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed 21% as the optimal cutoff (sensitivity: 68%; specificity: 59%) for MGMT methylation corresponding with the highest likelihood ratio of 1.66 and accuracy of 0.65. Methylation status (hazard ratio: 0.453; 95% CI: 0.279-0.735; p = 0.001) was associated with better overall survival. The crude model indicated linearity between methylation percent and survival rate; an increase of 10% of methylation resulted in a reduction of risk of death by 20% (p = 0.004). Conclusion: ROC analysis determined 21% as the optimal cutoff point for MGMT methylation status by pyrosequencing.

Lay abstract Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive cancer with less than 6% of patients surviving at 2 years from diagnosis. Patients with hypermethylation of the MGMT gene promoter have improved survival compared with those with unmethylated MGMT. There is considerable debate regarding the ideal cutoff value for calling MGMT promoter hypermethylated or not. The authors performed a retrospective study of 109 patients diagnosed with glioblastoma from 2000 to 2018 to determine the optimal cutoff point. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the researchers determined that 21% is the optimal cutoff for MGMT methylation. Methylation status and total surgical resection were associated with better survival. Further, the crude model indicates linearity between methylation percent and survival rate; an increase of 10% methylation resulted in a reduction of risk of death by 20% (p = 0.004).

Foundations of Advanced Neuroanatomy: Technical Guidelines for Specimen Preparation, Dissection, and 3D-Photodocumentation in a Surgical Anatomy Laboratory.

Objective This study was aimed to provide a key update to the seminal works of Prof. Albert L. Rhoton Jr., MD, with particular attention to previously unpublished insights from the oral tradition of his fellows, recent technological advances including endoscopy, and high-dynamic range (HDR) photodocumentation, and, local improvements in technique, we have developed to optimize efficient neuroanatomic study. Methods Two formaldehyde-fixed cadaveric heads were injected with colored latex to demonstrate step-by-step specimen preparation for microscopic or endoscopic dissection. One formaldehyde-fixed brain was utilized to demonstrate optimal three-dimensional (3D) photodocumentation techniques. Results Key steps of specimen preparation include vessel cannulation and securing, serial tap water flushing, specimen drainage, vessel injection with optimized and color-augmented latex material, and storage in 70% ethanol. Optimizations for photodocumentation included the incorporation of dry black drop cloth and covering materials, an imaging-oriented approach to specimen positioning and illumination, and single-camera stereoscopic capture techniques, emphasizing the three-exposure-times-per-eye approach to generating images for HDR postprocessing. Recommended tools, materials, and technical nuances were emphasized throughout. Relative advantages and limitations of major 3D projection systems were comparatively assessed, with sensitivity to audience size and purpose specific recommendations. Conclusion We describe the first consolidated step-by-step approach to advanced neuroanatomy, including specimen preparation, dissection, and 3D photodocumentation, supplemented by previously unpublished insights from the Rhoton fellowship experience and lessons learned in our laboratories in the past years such that Prof. Rhoton's model can be realized, reproduced, and expanded upon in surgical neuroanatomy laboratories worldwide.

Far Lateral Approach for Resection of Transverse Ligament Cyst.

Objectives This study was aimed to describe a far lateral approach for microsurgical resection of a transverse ligament cyst, with emphasis on the microsurgical anatomy and technique. Design A far lateral craniotomy is performed in the lateral decubitus position. After opening the dura laterally, dural sutures are placed for retraction. A stitch placed through the dentate ligament is advantageous to rotate the spinal cord to allow access to the ventral cyst. The cyst is marsupirlized and mass effect on the spinal cord is relieved. Photographs of the region are borrowed from Dr Rhoton's laboratory to illustrate the microsurgical anatomy. Participants The first author performed the surgery and edited the video. Chart review and literature review were performed by the other authors. Outcome Measures Outcome was assessed with postoperative neurological function. Results The patient was discharged home after an uneventful hospital course. At short-term follow-up, the patient had a significant improvement in postoperative strength. Conclusion The far lateral approach provides an adequate corridor to the ventrolateral brainstem in combination with utilization of the dentate ligament to reach ventral cysts compressing the spinal cord. An adequate understanding of the relevant microsurgical anatomy is a key to safe surgery in this region. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/5MGVPO2Q2pI .

Resection of a Recurrent Cervicomedullary Junction Fibromyxoid Sarcoma through a Far Lateral Approach.

Objectives This study describes a far lateral approach for the resection of a recurrent fibromyxoid sarcoma involving the ventrolateral brainstem, with emphasis on the microsurgical anatomy and technique. Design A far lateral craniotomy is performed in the lateral decubitus position and the transverse and sigmoid sinuses exposed. After opening the dura, sutures are placed to allow gentle mobilization of the sinuses. The recurrent tumor is immediately visible. The involved dura is resected and aggressive internal debulking is performed. Subarachnoid dissection gives access to the lower cranial nerves. The tumor is dissected off the affected portions of the brainstem. A dural graft is used to reconstitute the dura. Photographs of the region are borrowed from Dr. Rhoton's laboratory to illustrate the microsurgical anatomy. Participants The senior author performed the surgery. The video was edited by Dr. V.N. chart review, and literature review were performed by Drs. W.M. and J.B. Outcome measures Outcome was assessed with the extent of resection and postoperative neurological function. Results A near gross total resection of the lesion was achieved. The patient developed a left vocal cord paresis, but her voice was improving at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion Understanding the microsurgical anatomy of the craniocervical junction and ventrolateral brainstem and meticulous microneurosurgical technique are necessary to achieve adequate resection of lesions involving the ventrolateral brainstem. The far lateral approach provides an adequate corridor to this region. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtube/uYEhgPbgrTs .

Far Lateral Approach for Clipping of a Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm.

Objectives To describe a far lateral approach for microsurgical clipping of a ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm involving the hypoglossal nerve, with emphasis on the microsurgical anatomy, and technique. Design A far lateral craniotomy is performed in the lateral decubitus position and the transverse and sigmoid sinuses were exposed. After opening the dura, sutures are placed to allow gentle mobilization of the sinuses. The ipsilateral cerebellar tonsil is mobilized and the PICA is followed to its junction with the vertebral artery. Hypoglossal nerve rootlets are draped over the dome of the aneurysm. Mobilization of the PICA and the hypoglossal nerve away from the lateral medulla allows microsurgical clipping of the aneurysm neck. Photographs of the region are borrowed from Dr Rhoton's laboratory to illustrate the microsurgical anatomy. Participants The senior authors performed the surgery. The video was edited by Drs. V.N. and J.B. Chart review and literature review were performed by Drs. W.M. and J.B. Outcome Measures Outcome was assessed with successful clip occlusion and postoperative neurological function. Results There was complete clip occlusion of the PICA aneurysm with no postoperative neurological deficits. The patient was discharged home after an uneventful hospital course. Conclusion The far lateral approach provides an adequate corridor to the ventrolateral brainstem for microsurgical treatment of PICA aneurysms. An adequate understanding of the relevant microsurgical anatomy is the key to safe and effective clipping in this region. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/yhjKRIG5H74 .

Deconstruction of the Surgical Approach to the Jugular Foramen Region: Anatomical Study.

Introduction The jugular foramen occupies a complex and deep location between the skull base and the distal-lateral-cervical region. We propose a morphometric anatomical model to deconstruct its surgical anatomy and offer various quantifiable target-guided exposures and angles-of-attack. Methods Six cadaveric heads (12 sides) were dissected using a combined postauricular infralabyrinthine and distal transcervical approach with additional anterior transstyloid and posterior far lateral exposures. We identified anatomical landmarks and combined new and previously described contiguous triangles to expose the region; we defined the jugular and deep condylar triangles. Angles-of-attack to the jugular foramen were measured after removing the digastric muscle, styloid process, rectus capitis lateralis, and occipital condyle. Results Removing the digastric muscle and styloid process allowed 86.4° laterally and 85.5° anteriorly, respectively. Resecting the rectus capitis lateralis and jugular process provided the largest angle-of-attack (108.4° posteriorly). The occipital condyle can be drilled in the deep condylar triangle only adding 30.4° medially. A purely lateral approach provided a total of 280.3°. Cutting the jugular ring and mobilizing the vein can further expand the medial exposure. Conclusion The microsurgical anatomy of the jugular foramen can be deconstructed using a morphometric model, permitting a surgical approach customized to the pathology of interest.

Microvascular Decompression for Geniculate Neuralgia through a Retrosigmoid Approach.

Objectives To describe a retrosigmoid approach for the microvascular sectioning of the nervus intermedius and decompression of the 5th and 9th cranial nerves, with emphasis on microsurgical anatomy and technique. Design A retrosigmoid craniectomy is performed in the lateral decubitus position. The dura is opened and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is released from the cisterna magna and cerebellopontine cistern. Dynamic retraction without rigid retractors is performed. Subarachnoid dissection of the cerebellopontine angle exposes the 7th to 8th nerve complex. A neuromonitoring probe is used with careful inspection of the microsurgical anatomy to identify the facial nerve and the nervus intermedius as they enter the internal auditory meatus. The nervus intermedius is severed. A large vein coursing superiorly across cranial 9th nerve was coagulated and cut. A Teflon pledget is inserted between a small vessel and the 5th nerve. Photographs of the region are borrowed from Dr. Rhoton's laboratory to illustrate the microsurgical anatomy. Participants The senior author performed the surgery. The video was edited by Drs. V.N. and J.B. Outcome Measures Outcome was assessed by postoperative neurological function. Results The nervus intermedius was successfully cut and the 5th and 9th nerves were decompressed. The patient's pain resolved after surgery and at later follow-up. Conclusions Understanding the microsurgical anatomy of the cerebellopontine angle is necessary to identify the cranial nerves involved in facial pain syndromes. Subarachnoid dissection and meticulous microsurgical techniques are key elements for a successful microvascular decompression. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/pV5Wip7WusE .

Extended Retrosigmoid Approach for the Resection of a Pontomedullary Junction Cavernous Malformation.

Objectives To describe an extended retrosigmoid approach for the resection of a cavernoma involving the ponto-medullary junction, with emphasis on the microsurgical anatomy and technique. Design A retrosigmoid craniotomy is performed in the lateral decubitus position and the sigmoid sinus exposed. After opening the dura, sutures are placed medial to the sinus to allow its gentle mobilization. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is drained from the cisterna magna, and cerebellopontine cistern, and dynamic retraction is used over the cerebellum. Subarachnoid dissection of the cerebellopontine angle gives access to cranial nerves IX/X, VII/VIII, and VI. Inspection of the pontomedullary junction medial to the facial nerve reveals hemosiderin staining in that region. A small pial opening is made, exposing the hemorrhagic cavity. The cavernous malformation is then identified, dissected circumferentially, and resected. Photographs of the region are borrowed from Dr Rhoton's laboratory to illustrate the microsurgical anatomy. Participants The senior author performed the surgery. The video was edited by Drs. J.B. and V.N. Outcome Measures Outcome was assessed with extent of resection and postoperative neurological function. Results A gross total resection of the lesion was achieved. The patient did not develop any postoperative deficits. Conclusion Understanding the microsurgical anatomy of the cerebellopontine angle and meticulous microneurosurgical technique are necessary to achieve a complete resection of a brainstem cavernoma. The extended retrosigmoid approach provides an adequate corridor to the pontomedullary junction. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/FIKixWJT75w .

Orbitopterional Approach for the Resection of a Suprasellar Craniopharyngioma: Adapting the Strategy to the Microsurgical and Pathologic Anatomy.

Objectives To describe the orbitopterional approach for the resection of a suprasellar craniopharyngioma with emphasis on the microsurgical and pathological anatomy of such lesions. Design After completing the orbitopterional craniotomy in one piece including a supraorbital ridge osteotomy, the Sylvian fissure was split in a distal to proximal direction. The ipsilateral optic nerve and internal carotid artery were identified. Establishing a corridor to the tumor through both the opticocarotid and optic cisterns allowed for a wide angle of attack. Using both corridors, a microsurgical gross total resection was achieved. A radical resection required transection of the stalk at the level of the hypothalamus. Photographs of the region are borrowed from Dr Rhoton's laboratory to illustrate the microsurgical anatomy. Understanding the cisternal and topographic relationships of the optic nerve, optic chiasm, and internal carotid artery is critical to achieving gross total resection while preserving normal anatomy. Participants The surgery was performed by the senior author assisted by Dr. Jaafar Basma. The video was edited by Dr. Vincent Nguyen. Outcome Measures Outcome was assessed with extent of resection and postoperative visual function. Results A gross total resection of the tumor was achieved. The patient had resolution of her bitemporal hemianopsia. She had diabetes insipidus with normal anterior pituitary function. Conclusions Understanding the microsurgical anatomy of the suprasellar region and the pathological anatomy of craniopharyngiomas is necessary to achieve a good resection of these tumors. The orbitopterional approach provides the appropriate access for such endeavor. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/Be6dtYIGqfs .

Orbitopterional Approach with Extradural Clinoidectomy for the Resection of a Tuberculum Sellae Meningioma: Adapting the Strategy to the Microsurgical and Pathological Anatomy.

Objectives To describe the orbitopterional approach with extradural clinoidectomy for the resection of a tuberculum sellae meningioma, with an emphasis on the microsurgical and pathological anatomy of such lesions. Design After completing the orbitopterional craniotomy in one piece, the optic nerve is identified extradurally, unroofed, and the clinoid process resected. The falciform ligament is divided and the optic nerve is decompressed extradurally. Opening the frontotemporal dura exposes the tumor in the subfrontal region. The tumor is followed along the ipsilateral and contralateral optic nerves, and its dural tail is cut and coagulated at the level of the tuberculum. Care is taken to preserve the optic nerve perforators during the dissection. Photographs of the region are borrowed from Dr Rhoton's laboratory to illustrate the microsurgical anatomy. Participants The surgery was performed by the senior author assisted by Dr. Jaafar Basma, neurosurgery fourth-year resident. The video was edited by Dr. Vincent Nguyen, neurosurgery third-year resident. Outcome Measures Outcome was assessed with the extent of resection and visual symptoms. Results A near-total resection of the tumor was achieved. A small part of tumor significantly adherent to the optic nerve was intentionally left behind. The patient had a stable vision examination postoperatively. Conclusions Understanding the microsurgical anatomy of the suprasellar region and the pathological anatomy of the tuberculum sellae meningioma is necessary to achieve a good resection of these tumors while preserving functionality of the optic apparatus. The orbitopterional approach with anterior clinoidectomy provides the appropriate access for such endeavor. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/WtAP8uqSW0M .

Chemical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in neurosurgical patients: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and potentially life-threatening complication. The risk of serious hemorrhagic complications when starting chemical prophylaxis for VTE prevention is a substantial concern for neurosurgeons. The objective of this study was to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to determine if the rates of VTE and bleeding complications are different in patients undergoing chemoprophylaxis compared with placebo or mechanical prophylaxis alone following cranial or spinal procedures. METHODS: In February 2016 a systematic literature review was performed identifying 3944 articles from 4 different databases. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed after identifying the articles that met inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Nine articles that met the inclusion criteria were included. The quality of the studies was good, with all of them being classified as Level 2 evidence, with moderate Jadad scores. A meta-analysis comparing chemoprophylaxis with placebo in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis showed a significant benefit to chemical prophylaxis (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.37-0.71; p < 0.0001). No significant increase in major intracranial hemorrhage (p = 0.60), major extracranial hemorrhage (p = 0.98), or minor bleeding complications (p = 0.60) was found. CONCLUSIONS: Based on moderate-to-good quality of evidence, chemoprophylaxis is beneficial in preventing VTE, with no significant increase in either major or minor bleeding complications in patients undergoing cranial and spinal procedures. Further research is needed to determine whether this conclusion holds true for more specific subpopulations.