Is it time to rethink microsurgical training for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms in Australia?

BACKGROUND: Case volume and complexity for microsurgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms have changed due to the growing use of endovascular therapy in clinical practice. The authors sought to quantify the clinical exposure of Australian neurosurgery trainees to cerebral aneurysm microsurgery. METHODS: This observational, retrospective cross-sectional study examined the Australian National Hospital Morbidity database for all admissions related to microsurgical and endovascular treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) and unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) for the years 2008 to 2018. Procedural volumes were compared with neurosurgical trainee figures to investigate the rate of procedural exposure relative to the neurosurgical workforce. RESULTS: A total of 8,874 (41.6%) microsurgical procedures (3,662 for aSAH, 5,212 for UIAs), and 12,481 (58.4%) endovascular procedures (6,018 for aSAH, 6,463 for UIAs) were performed. Trainee exposure to microsurgery in aSAH declined from 9.1 to 7.3 cases per trainee per annum (mean 7.7), with case complexity confined mostly to simple anterior circulation aneurysms. There are significant state-by-state differences in the preferred treatment modality for aSAH. During the same study period, the number of microsurgical cases for UIAs increased (from 8.9 to 13.5 cases per trainee per annum, mean 11.0). Significantly more endovascular procedures are performed than microsurgery (10.7 to 17.0, mean 12.7 cases, for aSAH; 8.0 to 21.5, mean 13.7 cases, for UIAs). CONCLUSIONS: Trainee exposure to open aneurysm surgery for aSAH have significantly declined in both case volume and complexity. There is an overall increase in the number of surgeries for elective aneurysms, but this varies widely from state-to-state.

Relationship between Recurrence Rates of Rathke's Cleft Cysts and Surgical Approaches to Sellar Reconstruction.

Objective The main purpose of this article is to address the question of whether reconstructing the sellar floor following Rathke's cleft cyst excision results in increased rates of recurrence. Methods and Design A retrospective case series was compiled from medical records and radiological investigations at a single institution over a time period spanning 25 years. Episodes of cyst recurrence were determined from magnetic resonance imaging scans and outpatient encounters. Details regarding surgical procedure and techniques were obtained from operation notes. Perioperative morbidity was also recorded. Results Twenty-three adult patients were treated surgically for a Rathke's cleft cyst at the study institution between 1992 and 2017. The overall cyst recurrence rate was 48%, with 39% of all patients requiring redo surgery within the timeframe of the study. The mean time to redo surgery for recurrence was 4 years. Cyst recurrence rates were 57% postmicroscopic procedures, and 26% postendoscopic procedures ( p = 0.148). In the nonreconstructed group, the recurrence rate was 17%, and in the reconstructed group the recurrence rate was 41% ( p = 0.3792). Complications arising after nonreconstructive procedures were delayed cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, pneumocephaly, and multiple episodes of meningitis. All these patients required return to theater for secondary reconstruction of the pituitary fossa floor. Conclusion The results of this small study suggest that reconstruction of the sellar floor, and microscopic rather than endoscopic techniques, may be associated with a higher rate of Rathke's cleft cyst recurrence. However, these trends did not reach statistical significance. Patients undergoing nonreconstructive procedures may be more prone to certain postoperative complications.

Repeated spontaneous intra-tumoural and subarachnoid haemorrhage in an anticoagulated patient with a previously-irradiated vestibular Schwannoma: Case report.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by vestibular schwannomas (VS) is rare with no clear pathological mechanism supported in the existing literature. However, anticoagulation treatment as well as previous radiation therapy appear to be a crucial risk factor for subarachnoid haemorrhage from a VS. We report an unusual case of both intratumoural and subarachnoid haemorrhage in a patient with a VS on anticoagulation treatment previously treated with stereotactic radiosurgery. We emphasize the need for caution when considering the use of radiation therapy for treatment of VS in patients on chronic anticoagulation therapy.

Anterior pseudoarthrectomy for symptomatic Bertolotti's syndrome.

Painful L5/S1 pseudoarthrosis has been previously managed with posterior excision and/or lumbar fusion. To our knowledge, the anterior approach for L5/S1 pseudoarthrectomy in the treatment of Bertolotti's syndrome has not been described. We present two patients with severe symptomatic L5/S1 pseudoarthroses that were successfully excised via an anterior retroperitoneal approach with 2 year clinical and radiological follow-up. The literature regarding surgical treatments for Bertolotti's syndrome is reviewed. The technique for an anterior retroperitoneal approach is described. This approach has been safe and effective in providing long term symptomatic relief to our two patients. Further studies comparing the outcomes of anterior versus posterior pseudoarthrectomy will guide the management of this condition.

Challenges in the surgical management of spine trauma in the morbidly obese patient: a case series.

OBJECT: The treatment of morbidly obese individuals with spine trauma presents unique challenges to spine surgeons and trauma staff. This study aims to increase awareness of current limitations in the surgical management of spine trauma in morbidly obese individuals, and to illustrate practical solutions. METHODS: Six morbidly obese patients were treated surgically for spine trauma over a 2-year period at a single trauma center in Australia. All patients were involved in high-speed motor vehicle accidents and had multisystem injuries. All weighed in excess of 265 pounds (120 kg) with a body mass index ≥ 40 (range 47.8-67.1). Cases were selected according to the considerable challenges they presented in all aspects of their management. RESULTS: Best medical and surgical care may be compromised and outcome adversely affected in morbidly obese patients with spine trauma. The time taken to perform all aspects of care is usually extended, often by many hours. Customized orthotics may be required. Imaging quality is often compromised and patients may not fit into scanners. Surgical challenges include patient positioning, surgical access, confirmation of the anatomical level, and obtaining adequate instrument length. Postoperative nursing care, wound healing, and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis are also significant issues. CONCLUSIONS: Management pathways and hospital guidelines should be developed to optimize the treatment of morbidly obese patients, but innovative solutions may be required for individual cases.

Giant orbital oncocytoma.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Oncocytomas are rare benign tumours often arising from the lacrimal or salivary glands, usually small in size. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We report a giant unilateral orbital oncocytoma in a 19-year-old male from Papua New Guinea, presenting with progressive proptosis-threatening vision. Due to retro-ocular extension of the lesion, surgical excision was performed via a fronto-orbitozygomatic craniotomy and orbitotomy. A sub-total excision of the lesion was achieved, with overall improvement in proptosis and cosmesis. CONCLUSION: This appears to be the first documented case of a giant intra-orbital oncocytoma being resected neurosurgically via craniotomy.