Combined endoscopic approach in the management of suprasellar craniopharyngioma.

INTRODUCTION: Craniopharyngiomas are dysontogenic tumors with benign histology but aggressive behavior. The surgical challenges posed by the tumor are well recognized. Neuroendoscopy has recently contributed to its surgical management. This study focuses on our experience in managing craniopharyngiomas in recent years, highlighting the role of combined endoscopic trans-ventricular and endonasal approach. CASE SERIES: Ninety-two patients have been treated for craniopharyngioma from 2000 to 2016 by the senior author. A total of 125 procedures, microsurgical (58) and endoscopic (67), were undertaken. Combined endoscopic approach was carried out in 18 of these patients, 16 children and 2 young adults. All of these patients presented with a large cystic suprasellar mass associated with hydrocephalus. In the first instance, they were treated with a transventricular endoscopic procedure to decompress the cystic component. This was followed by an endonasal transsphenoidal procedure for excision within the next 2 to 6 days. All these patients improved after the initial cyst decompression with relief of hydrocephalus while awaiting remaining tumor removal in a more elective setting. Gross total resection could be done in 84% of these patients. Diabetes insipidus was the most common postsurgical complication seen in 61% patients in the immediate period but was persistent in only two patients at 1-year follow-up. None of the children in this group developed morbid obesity. There was one case of CSF leak requiring repair after initial surgery. Peri-operative mortality was seen in one patient secondary to ventriculitis. DISCUSSION: The patients who benefit most from the combined approach are those who present with raised intracranial pressure secondary to a large tumor with cyst causing hydrocephalus. Intraventricular endoscopic cyst drainage allows resolution of hydrocephalus with restoration of normal intracranial pressure, gives time for proper preoperative work up, and has reduced incidence of CSF leak after transnasal surgery. CONCLUSION: Combined endoscopic approach thus gives a unique opportunity to remove these lesions more radically with less morbidity.

Salvage treatment of distant recurrent brain metastases with Gamma Knife surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyze the results following salvage Gamma Knife® surgery (GKS) for distant recurrent brain metastases in patients previously treated with GKS for brain metastases. METHODS: Survival time and freedom from new distant recurrences (DR) were studied in 251 patients treated with salvage GKS for brain metastases that had developed following a first GKS. The patients were followed prospectively and the results related to a number of patient parameters as well as the results following the first GKS. RESULTS: The median survival time was 9.6 months, and the median time of freedom from developing DR was 7.5 months after salvage GKS. The survival time was unrelated to age, gender, prior WBRT, and primary disease. It was significantly longer in patients with a single DR at salvage GKS as compared to those with multiple ones (16 versus 8.3 months). Patients with 2-4 DRs lived longer than those with >4 lesions, 10 versus 5.8 months. The survival was significantly longer following salvage GKS as compared to following the first GKS. The prognosis of a patient with DR may therefore be less ominous than previously assumed. A classification system for DRs based on their clinical impact and treatability is therefore suggested. CONCLUSIONS: The longer survival time following salvage GKS as compared to following the first GKS suggests that many patients benefit from salvage GKS. A classification system of DR is suggested to estimate its clinical impact.

Double neural tube defect: a case report and discussions on neural tube development.

OBJECTIVE: Double neural tube defect is a rare congenital problem. A case illustration and current literatures on neural tube closure theory are discussed. The available theories are summarised and compared with regard to the case report. CASE REPORT: A preterm baby with a parietal encephalocele and thoracic myelomeningocele is reported and management described. A two-staged surgery was performed. CONCLUSION: The present case, the first described in Southeast Asia, appears to support a multi-site closure theory.

Large lipoma of the spermatic cord presenting as post-operative recurrent hernia in a middle aged gentleman: a case report.

A gentleman who presented with a left inguinal hernia was operated and treated by hernioplasty. After a few years he presented with a clinical scenario of recurrent hernia. During surgery the lump was found to be a large lipoma that was not documented and found during the first operation.