Patients awaiting surgery for neurosurgical diseases during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: a multicentre cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The large number of infected patients requiring mechanical ventilation has led to the postponement of scheduled neurosurgical procedures during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of this study were to investigate the factors that influence the decision to postpone scheduled neurosurgical procedures and to evaluate the effect of the restriction in scheduled surgery adopted to deal with the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain on the outcome of patients awaiting surgery. DESIGN: This was an observational retrospective study. SETTINGS: A tertiary-level multicentre study of neurosurgery activity between 1 March and 30 June 2020. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 680 patients awaiting any scheduled neurosurgical procedure were enrolled. 470 patients (69.1%) were awaiting surgery because of spine degenerative disease, 86 patients (12.6%) due to functional disorders, 58 patients (8.5%) due to brain or spine tumours, 25 patients (3.7%) due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders and 17 patients (2.5%) due to cerebrovascular disease. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was mortality due to any reason and any deterioration of the specific neurosurgical condition. Second, we analysed the rate of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: More than one-quarter of patients experienced clinical or radiological deterioration. The rate of worsening was higher among patients with functional (39.5%) or CSF disorders (40%). Two patients died (0.4%) during the waiting period, both because of a concurrent disease. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine independent covariates associated with maintaining the surgical indication. We found that community SARS-CoV-2 incidence (OR=1.011, p<0.001), degenerative spine (OR=0.296, p=0.027) and expedited indications (OR=6.095, p<0.001) were independent factors for being operated on during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Patients awaiting neurosurgery experienced significant collateral damage even when they were considered for scheduled procedures.

Impact of the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the outcome of neurosurgical patients: a nationwide study in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the outcome of neurosurgical patients in Spain. SETTINGS: The initial flood of COVID-19 patients overwhelmed an unprepared healthcare system. Different measures were taken to deal with this overburden. The effect of these measures on neurosurgical patients, as well as the effect of COVID-19 itself, has not been thoroughly studied. PARTICIPANTS: This was a multicentre, nationwide, observational retrospective study of patients who underwent any neurosurgical operation from March to July 2020. INTERVENTIONS: An exploratory factorial analysis was performed to select the most relevant variables of the sample. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of mortality and postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: Sixteen hospitals registered 1677 operated patients. The overall mortality was 6.4%, and 2.9% (44 patients) suffered a perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of those infections, 24 were diagnosed postoperatively. Age (OR 1.05), perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 4.7), community COVID-19 incidence (cases/105 people/week) (OR 1.006), postoperative neurological worsening (OR 5.9), postoperative need for airway support (OR 5.38), ASA grade ≥3 (OR 2.5) and preoperative GCS 3-8 (OR 2.82) were independently associated with mortality. For SARS-CoV-2 postoperative infection, screening swab test <72 hours preoperatively (OR 0.76), community COVID-19 incidence (cases/105 people/week) (OR 1.011), preoperative cognitive impairment (OR 2.784), postoperative sepsis (OR 3.807) and an absence of postoperative complications (OR 0.188) were independently associated. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection in neurosurgical patients was associated with an increase in mortality by almost fivefold. Community COVID-19 incidence (cases/105 people/week) was a statistically independent predictor of mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CEIM 20/217.

Technical Nuances in Neuroendoscopic Lavage for Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants: Twenty Tips and Pearls after More than One Hundred Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm infants is a serious entity related to high mortality and morbidity. Neuroendoscopic lavage (NEL) is a suitable alternative for the management of this pathology. However, as with every endoscopic technique, it requires some experience and several cases to master. METHODS: We present a descriptive study of some technical nuances, tips, and tricks that have been learned in the last 8 years with over a hundred NELs performed in preterm infants. These variations are classified into 3 categories according to their temporal relationship with the surgical procedure: preoperative stage, intraoperative stage, and postoperative stage. We include a brief description of each one and the reasons why they are included in our current clinical practice. RESULTS: Twenty tips and pearls were described in detail and are reported here. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variations were exposed and related to the most frequent complications of this procedure: infection, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and rebleeding. CONCLUSIONS: NEL is a useful technique for the management of germinal matrix hemorrhage in preterm infants. These technical nuances have improved the results of our technique and helped us to prevent complications related to the procedure.

Basilar Artery Injury During Endonasal Surgery: Stepwise to Control Bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative injury during endoscopic endonasal surgery of the carotid artery has been previously described in the literature. However, the accidental damage of the basilar artery in such scenario is not defined. OBJECTIVE: To define the protocol of action for massive bleeding from an artery in the posterior fossa. METHODS: The reported patient was diagnosed with a partially calcified clival chordoma featured by a huge intradural component. An endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid transclival approach was selected for the treatment of this tumor. During the surgical procedure, the basilar artery injury was injured, causing intense bleeding. We present and discuss the surgical maneuvers that could save a patient's life after this dramatic complication. RESULTS: Different techniques were performed in order to control the massive bleeding, including injection of hemotastic matrix with thrombin (Floseal©), bipolar coagulation, and vessel reconstruction by means of a vascular clip. Finally, an autologous muscle graft reinforced with an overlying fibrin sealant patch (Tachosil©) was chosen and was an effective technique. Afterwards, the patient was treated with a flow diverter device to occlude an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm. A monoplegia of the right upper limb was the only remarkable sequel 6 mo after surgery. CONCLUSION: The muscle graft together with the coordinated action with interventional neuroradiology for the reconstruction of the vessel are possibly the best options to try to preserve the neurological function. In such a scenario, the assumption of potential ischemic events prevails over the intraoperative death of the patient.

Two-Stage Approach for Unstable Pediatric Craniocervical Junction Anomalies with a Halo Vest and Delayed Occipitocervical Fusion: Technical Note, Case Series, and Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: Malformations in the craniocervical junction (CCJ) are rare in the pediatric population but often need surgical treatment. We present a pediatric case series of patients treated with a 2-stage surgical approach with a halo vest and occipitocervical fusion and review complications and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a single-center case series was performed. Pediatric patients affected by congenital craniocervical junction anomalies and treated with a 2-stage approach were included. A halo vest was implanted in the first surgery, and ambulatory progressive reduction was performed. When a favorable anatomic situation was observed, arthrodesis was performed. Safety analysis was undertaken by analyzing the incidence of complications in both procedures. Effectivity analysis was carried out analyzing radiologic and clinical outcome (Goel grade and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score). Student t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen cases were included. Mean age of patients was 9.38 years. Safety analysis showed 2 halo loosenings, 1 pin infection, 2 wound infections, 1 cerebrospinal fluid leak, and 2 delayed broken rods. No major complications were observed. Radiologic analysis showed an improvement in the tip of the odontoid process to the McRae line distance (from -3.26 mm to -6.16 mm), atlantodental interval (from 3.05 mm to 1.88 mm), clival-canal angle (from 134.61° to 144.38°), and cervical kyphosis (from 6.39° to 1.54°). Clinical analysis also showed improvement in mean Goel grade (from 1.75 to 1.44) and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (from 15.12 to 16.41). CONCLUSIONS: The 2-stage approach was a suitable and effective treatment for craniocervical junction anomalies in pediatric patients.

Chest Implantation of Adjustable Gravitational Valves: An Easy, Safe, and Stable Alternative to Control Symptomatic Overdrainage in Shunted Children.

OBJECTIVE: Shunt overdrainage is a potential complication in pediatric hydrocephalus. The addition of adjustable gravitational units to previous shunt systems has been proposed as effective management for this problem. These devices have been traditionally implanted over the occipital bone. We propose chest implantation as an easier, safer, and more stable alternative in the pediatric population, especially in those cases with parieto-occipital shunts. METHODS: This study comprises a retrospective analysis from a unicentric case series of pediatric patients affected by overdrainage and managed with adjustable gravitational valves implanted in the chest. The device implantation technique is described in detail and takes no more than 15 minutes. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients met the criteria. The mean age of implantation was 9.62 years. The mean follow-up in the series was 38 months. The mean number of pressure adjustments was 2.48. The mean "deviation angle" of the device to the longitudinal body axis was 5.8°. The complications per year of shunt were <0.02 with no disconnection of the catheters in any case during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, chest implantation for adjustable gravitational devices was a suitable shunt modification in pediatric patients suffering from overdrainage.

Cranial expansion and aqueductoplasty for combined isolated fourth ventricle and slit-ventricle syndrome: a surgical alternative.

INTRODUCTION: An isolated fourth ventricle (IFV) is a rare entity observed in shunted patients and its treatment is still uncertain. Endoscopic aqueductoplasty has shown good results for restoring CSF flux between the third and fourth ventricles. However, it needs some grade of ventricular dilation to be performed. Some patients affected by IFV show slit-ventricle morphology in CT/MRI. Usually, the rise of opening pressure or the shunt externalization gets enough ventricular dilation. However, the lack of intracranial compliance in some patients makes these options unsuitable and high-ICP symptoms are developed without ventricular dilation. METHODS: We present a two cases series affected by IFV with no ventricular dilation in radiological exams. ICP sensors were implanted, observing high-ICP and establishing the diagnosis of craniocerebral disproportion. A two-stage surgical plan based on a dynamic cranial expansion followed by a supratentorial endoscopic aqueductoplasty was performed. A physical and mathematical model explaining our approach was also provided. RESULTS: Chess-table cranial expansion technique was performed in both patients. Six/seven days after the first surgery, respectively, ventricular dilation was observed in CT. Endoscopic precoronal aqueductoplasty was then performed. No postoperative complications were described. IFV symptoms improved in both patients. Eighteen and 12 months after the two-stage surgical plan, the patients remain symptom-free and void of flow is still observed between the third and the fourth ventricles in MRI. CONCLUSION: The two-stage approach was a suitable option for the treatment of these complex patients affected by both craniocerebral disproportion and isolated fourth ventricle.

Diastematobulbia type II without associated dermoid tumor: case report.

Split cord malformation (SCM) is a term used for all double spinal cords. It represents 3.8%-5% of spinal dysraphisms. Pang et al.'s embryological theory proposes the formation of an "accessory neurenteric canal" that communicates with the yolk sac and amnion. To the authors' knowledge, only three cases of diastematobulbia (basicranial SCM) associated with a spur or dermoid have been reported in the literature.The case patient is a newborn girl with an occipitocervical meningocele and dermal sinus associated with an anomaly of notochordal development in the transition between the medulla oblongata and the spinal cord (diastematobulbia) without a bony septum or dermoid cyst. The patient also has agenesis of the atlas and an absence of corticospinal tract decussation. This patient underwent reconstruction of the occipital meningocele and dermal sinus excision.To the authors' knowledge, this is the first described case of type II diastematobulbia (basicranial SCM), without a dermoid cyst. The authors analyzed the embryological errors present in the case patient and considered the option of further surgical treatment depending on the evolution of the patient's condition. At the time of this report, the patient had shown normal psychomotor development. However, this fact may only be due to the patient's young age. Considering that after initial untethering the patient remained clinically asymptomatic, conservative and close surveillance has been and continues to be the proposed treatment.

Neuroendoscopic lavage for the management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm infants: safety, effectivity, and lessons learned.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm infants is a matter of debate among pediatric neurosurgeons. Neuroendoscopic lavage (NEL) has been proposed as a suitable technique for the management of this pathology. The authors present their experience with 46 patients treated with NEL after germinal matrix hemorrhage, describe their technique, and analyze the outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients affected by grade III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) treated with NEL was performed. Nonmodifiable risk factors such as gestational age, weight at birth, modified Papile grade, and intercurrent diseases were reviewed. Safety analysis was performed, evaluating the incidence of postoperative complications. Effectivity was measured using radiological (frontal horn index and white matter injury), CSF biochemical (proteins, blood, and cellularity), and clinical variables. Permanent shunt rate and shunt survival were analyzed. The motor outcome was measured using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) at 18-24 months, and the neurocognitive outcome was evaluated according to the grade of adaptation to schooling. RESULTS: Forty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients were treated with a single NEL in 21 cases, 2 lavages in 13 cases, and 3 lavages in 12 cases. The mean gestational age at birth was 30.04 weeks, and the mean weight at birth was 1671.86 g. Hyaline membrane disease was described in 4.8% of the cases, hematological sepsis in 43.47%, persistent ductus arteriosus in 23.9%, and necrotizing enterocolitis in 10.9% of the cases. Modified Papile grade III and IV IVHs were observed in 60.9% and 39.1% of the cases, respectively. Postoperative infection was diagnosed in 10 of the 46 cases, CSF leak in 6, and rebleeding in 3. The mean frontal horn index decreased from 49.54 mm to 45.50 mm after NEL. No white matter injury was observed in 18 of 46 patients, focal injury was described in 13 patients, and diffuse bilateral white matter injury was observed in 15 patients. All CSF biochemical levels improved after lavage. The shunt rate was 58.7%, and shunt survival at 1 year was 50%. GMFCS grades I, II, III, IV, and V were observed in 44.74%, 21.05%, 2.63%, 15.79%, and 15.79% of patients, respectively. Good neurocognitive results were observed in 53.3% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendoscopic lavage was a suitable alternative for the management of IVH in preterm infants in our series. Good motor and neurocognitive results were achieved by this technique, and the permanent shunt rate was reduced compared with historical controls.

Fully Endoscopic Transforaminal-Transchoroidal Approach for Tectal Area Tumor Removal.

BACKGROUND: The surgical approaches to lesions located in the tectal area have remained controversial. The essential functions in the surrounding areas and the difficulties in obtaining a good surgical view during tumor removal have made these procedures risky and challenging. Endoscopic transforaminal approaches have been previously described for biopsy and intraventricular tumor removal. However, the endoscopic transforaminal-transchoroidal gross resection technique for such cases has barely been described. METHODS: The endoscopic entry points and trajectories were planned using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Once the endoscope was inside the ventricular system, the angles of work and tumor exposure of the upper posterior part of the third ventricle were carefully evaluated. If the angle of work was insufficient for tumor removal, the choroidal fissure was opened using endoscopic bipolar electrode and dissectors. Tumor removal was performed using an endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator. We have presented a 3-case series of patients affected by tectal tumors that were treated using a fully endoscopic transforaminal-transchoroidal approach. RESULTS: Total gross resection of the tumors was achieved in 2 patients. Subtotal resection was achieved in the third patient. No major complications had developed in relationship to the procedure. No new cognitive impairment was reported secondary to this technique. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, a fully endoscopic transforaminal-transchoroidal approach was a suitable treatment for this complex pathological entity. Opening of the choroidal fissure added an extra angle of work and improved the exposure of the upper posterior part of the third ventricle.

Transcavernous sinus pituitary gland transposition: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary transposition preserving gland function is possible when approaching superior clival region tumors. Clinical experience along with detailed anatomical knowledge makes this technique safe and effective. METHOD: We present a step by step description of our technique based on the most recent anatomical references to get a pituitary transposition through the different compartments of the cavernous sinus. By this technique, we achieve minor gland manipulation and a better surgical view of this area. We support this technique with an anatomical analysis on cadaveric specimens and clarifying dissection images. CONCLUSIONS: Transcavernous sinus pituitary gland transposition is an easily feasible technique and allows gland shifting preserving pituitary function.

Dynamic Chess-Table Cranial Expansion for Treatment of Craniocerebral Disproportion: Technical Note and Volumetric Results.

OBJECTIVE: Craniocerebral disproportion (CCD) is a challenging disease, and several expansile procedures have been used for its treatment. This report describes the dynamic chess-table cranial expansion technique and reports on 9 patients with primary and secondary CCD treated with this procedure. METHODS: Nine patients affected by CCD were treated with chess-table cranial expansion and reviewed. Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and radiologic findings were analyzed. ICP was monitored using epidural or telemetric sensors. Intracranial volume was measured using computed tomography image processing tools before the surgery, 24 hours after the surgery, and 1 month later. A mathematical model was developed to explain the clinical and surgical results. RESULTS: Five patients had secondary CCD and 4 had primary CCD. The mean age for cranial expansion was 16.78 years. The most frequent symptoms were headaches, nausea/vomiting, and decreased consciousness. Slit ventricles and sutural sclerosis were observed in 33.3% and 55.6% of patients. The mean ICP before the procedure was 48.67 mm Hg. Progressive cranial expansion was seen in all patients after surgery. The mean ICP decreased to 11 mm Hg and mean intracranial volume expansion was 85.8 cm3 at 1 month after surgery. There were no serious complications after surgery. All patients improved their symptoms, and no patient needed additional cranial expansion procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Chess-table cranial expansion is a safe and effective procedure and may be used as an alternative treatment for CCD. Progressive expansion of the intracranial volume is related to a decrease in ICP recordings and an improvement of symptoms.

Long-term reliability of the telemetric Neurovent-P-tel sensor: in vivo case report.

Intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements are imperative for the proper diagnosis and treatment of several neurological disorders. Telemetric sensors have shown their utility for ICP estimation in short-term monitoring in humans. However, their long-term reliability is uncertain. The authors present the case of a 37-year-old woman diagnosed with benign intracranial hypertension and obesity. The patient underwent gastric bypass surgery for ICP control. In order to monitor ICP before and after bariatric surgery, a Neurovent-P-tel sensor was implanted in the left frontal lobe. After gastric bypass, normal ICP values were recorded, and the patient's visual fields improved. However, the patient experienced incapacitating daily headaches. The authors decided to implant a Codman Microsensor ICP transducer in the right frontal lobe to assess the long-term reliability of the Neurovent-P-tel measurements. A comparison of the recordings at 24 and 48 hours showed good correlation and reliability during long-term monitoring with the Neurovent-P-tel, with minimal zero drift after 11 months of implantation.