Efficacy evaluation of neuroendoscopy vs burr hole drainage in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma:An observational study

BACKGROUND Chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH)is a common disease in neurosurgery.The traditional treatment methods include burr hole drainage,bone flap craniectomy and other surgical methods,and there are certain complications such as recurrence,pneumocephalus,infection and so on.With the promotion of neuroendoscopic technology,its treatment effect and advantages need to be further evaluated.AIM To study the clinical effect of endoscopic small-bone approach in CSDH.METHODS A total of 122 patients with CSDH admitted to our hospital from August 2018 to August 2021 were randomly divided into two groups using the digital table method:the neuroendoscopy group(n=61 cases)and the burr hole drainage group(n=61 cases).The clinical treatment effect of the two groups of patients with CSDH was compared.RESULTS At the early postoperative stage(1 d and 3 d),the proportion of 1/2 re-expansion of brain tissue in the hematoma cavity and the proportion of complete reexpansion was higher in the neuroendoscopy group than in the burr hole drainage group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).The recurrence rate of hematoma in the neuroendoscopy group was lower than that in the burr hole drainage group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).No intracranial hematoma,low cranial pressure,tension pneumocephalus or other complications occurred in the neuroendoscopy group.CONCLUSION The neuroendoscopic approach for the treatment of CSDH can clear the hematoma under direct vision and separate the mucosal lace-up.The surgical effect is apparent with few complications and definite curative effect,which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Research progress of localization technique assisted neuroendoscopy for cerebral hemorrhage

Neurosurgeons who perform intracere-bral hemorrhage(ICH)evacuation procedures have lim-ited options for monitoring hematoma evacuation and intraoperatively assessing residual-hematoma burden.In recent years,neuroendoscope-assisted,minimally inva-sive surgery for spontaneous ICH is simple and effective and becoming increasingly common.Many methods are applied in neuronavigation-assisted surgery for ICH evac-uation,such as neuroendoscopy,three-dimensional(3D)reconstruction,intraoperative ultrasound,and stereotac-tic craniotomy.Compared with a traditional craniotomy operation,hematoma removal(using methods of accurate localization)can reduce iatrogenic damage,protect white matter,and shorten patients’recovery time.This paper mainly outlines the treatment of basal ganglia-cerebral hemorrhage with neuroendoscopy assistance using local-ization techniques.

Unilateral Bone Window Cerebral Falx Incision of Bilateral Frontal Lobes Cerebral Contusion and Laceration under Neuroendoscopy and Literature Review

Background: Bilateral frontal lobes cerebral contusion and laceration is one unique brain injury in neurosurgery department. It is characteristic of recessive attacking and develops quickly. The unilateral cerebral falx incision is a new minimally invasive surgery that can solve bilateral frontal lobes cerebral contusion and laceration in one surgery. However, it has some limitations in removal of contralateral frontal hematoma and hemostasis due to the limited field of view under the microscope. The unilateral bone window cerebral falx incision of bilateral frontal lobes cerebral contusion and laceration under a neuroendoscopy can acquire a good illumination and field of view. This is beneficial to complete removal of contralateral hematoma, effective hemostasis and retaining brain tissue functions to the maximum extent. Case Presentation: The patient, a 55-year-old man, was hospitalized for “consciousness disorder by 12 h because of car accident”. Physical Examination: Coma, GCS score of E1V2M5, bilateral pupil diameter of 2 mm, presence of light response, contusion of scalp at the left top, peripheral dysphoria and bilateral Bartter syndrome negative. The patient has a history of non-traumatic cerebral stroke 3 years ago. Head CT: Longitudinal fracture of frontal parietal occipital bone, bilateral frontal lobes contusion and laceration, subarachnoid hemorrhage. Diagnosis: Bilateral frontal lobes contusion and laceration, longitudinal fracture of frontal parietal occipital bone, subarachnoid hemorrhage and hematoma of scalp. In emergency treatment, unilateral bone window cerebral falx incision of bilateral frontal lobes cerebral contusion and laceration under a neuroendoscopy was performed. The surgery has achieved satisfying effect. Discussion: This case realized the goal of removing contralateral frontal hematoma through unilateral craniotomy under a neuroendoscopy. Due to the clear field of view, it retained extracerebral layer structures of contralateral olfactory nerve protection frontotemporal completely. Moreover, this surgical technique is conducive to intraoperative recognition of pericallosal arteries and lateral fractured blood vessels. It also involves protection, which conforms to the minimally invasive philosophy. The proposed surgical technology can eliminate contralateral frontal hematoma under a good field of view. However, it is suggested not to manage with the further operation on patients who have brain swelling and difficulties in exposure of cerebral falx. These patients need to determine causes of brain swelling and choose bilateral craniectomy if necessary. Conclusions: Unilateral bone window cerebral falx incision of bilateral frontal lobes cerebral contusion and laceration under a neuroendoscopy is a new application of minimally invasive philosophy in craniocerebral injury operation. It still needs further clinical verifications and experience accumulation.

Comparative study of curative effect between neuroendoscopy and microscope via order nasal sphenoid sinus approach of pituitary adenoma resection

Objective:To study the effect and prognosis and serological parameters between neuroendoscopy and microscope via order nasal sphenoid sinus approach of pituitary adenoma resection.Methods:120 patients with pituitary adenoma were admitted in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2018, and were divided into two groups: observation group and control group, 60 cases in each group. The patients in the observation group were treated with pituitary tumor resection via the order nasal sphenoid sinus approach under neuroendoscopy, and the patients in the control group were treated with the pituitary adenoma resection under the microscope. The effects of operation on clinical efficacy, complications, prognosis, hormone level and visual function were compared between the two groups.Results: The total resection rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group, and the recurrence rate, intraoperative bleeding, operative time and postoperative hospital stay were significantly lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant. The levels of ACTH, TSH and HGH in the two groups decreased significantly 2 weeks after operation, and the levels of hormone in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group 2 weeks after operation. The levels of NE, E, ATⅡ and R increased significantly in both groups, and the levels of stress indexes in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group. 2 weeks after operation, the MD, PSD, VFI of the two groups was significantly higher than that of the pre-operation group. The MD, VFI of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the PSD was significantly lower than that of the control group. The main complications were cerebrospinal fluid leakage, urinary avalanche, intracranial hemorrhage and infection. The overall incidence of the patients in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Conclusion: The curative effect of pituitary adenoma resection via transsphenoidal approach by neuroendoscopy is significantly better than that of microsurgery. Neuroendoscopic surgery can significantly reduce intraoperative bleeding and stress response, thereby reducing the incidence of complications and contributing to the prognosis.

Neuroendoscopy in Epilepsy Surgery

Epilepsy surgery has constantly evolved in various fields of knowledge. Surgical criteria have shifted from standard procedures to individualized forms of treatment, depending on physiological tests and specific imagenology findings in an individual patient. New instruments and applications based upon older instruments have been described in the treatment of epilepsy surgery, including the use of endoscopes. Frequent indications of neuroendoscopy in epilepsy surgery have been mostly to assist in open procedures, particularly when fluid-filled spaces are present within the surgical field, such as cystic parasites, tumors, arachnoid, or other types of cysts. Other indications certainly include cases of temporal lobe epilepsy, where ventricular exploration precedes intraventricular electrode placing as a tool to localize epileptogenic zones. Although described several years ago, there has been a recent trend in performing endoscopy-assisted section of the corpus-callosum in patients with generalized seizures. As neurosurgical instruments and techniques continue their progress, endoscopy will be included more frequently as part of the armamentarium in epilepsy surgery.

Clinical application of reserved gastric tube in neuroendoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary tumor

BACKGROUND The neuroendoscopic approach has the advantages of a clear operative field,convenient tumor removal,and less damage,and is the development direction of modern neurosurgery.At present,transnasal surgery for sphenoidal pituitary tumor is widely used.But it has been found in clinical practice that some patients with this type of surgery may experience post-operative nausea and vomiting and other discomforts.AIM To explore the effect of reserved gastric tube application in the neuroendoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors.METHODS A total of 60 patients who underwent pituitary adenoma resection via the endoscopic endonasal approach were selected and randomly divided into the experimental and control groups,with 30 in each group.Experimental group:After anesthesia,a gastric tube was placed through the mouth under direct vision using a visual laryngoscope,and the fluid accumulated in the oropharynx was suctioned intermittently with low negative pressure throughout the whole process after nasal disinfection,during the operation,and when the patient recovered from anesthesia.Control group:Given the routine intraoperative care,no gastric tube was left.The number of cases of nausea/vomiting/aspiration within 24 h post-operation was counted and compared between the two groups;the scores of pharyngalgia after waking up,6 h post-operation,and 24 h postoperation.The frequency of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection were compared.The hospitalization days of the two groups were statistically compared.RESULTS The times of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the experimental group were lower than that in the control group,and the difference in the incidence of nausea was statistically significant(P<0.05).After the patient woke up,the scores of sore throat 6 h after the operation and 24 h after operation were lower than those in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The number of cases of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection was higher than that of the control group,but there was no statistically significant difference from the control group(P>0.05).The hospitalization days of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Reserving a gastric tube in the endoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors,combined with intraoperative and postoperative gastrointestinal decompression,can effectively reduce the incidence of nausea,reduce the number of vomiting and aspiration in patients,and reduce the complications of sore throat The incidence rate shortened the hospitalization days of the patients.

Neuroendoscopy Combined with Lateral Ventricle Drainage and Urokinase Infusion in the Treatment of 20 Patients with Hypertensive Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of neuroendoscopy combined with lateral ventricle drainage and urokinase infusion for the treatment of hypertensive intraventricular hemorrhage.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 20 patients diagnosed with intraventricular hemorrhage between March 2017 and August 2018 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College,Shihezi University(Shiohezi,China)was performed.While actively treating primary lesions,20 patients with intraventricular hemorrhage were selected and treated using minimally invasive neuroendoscopic removal of intraventricular hematoma combined with lateral ventricular drainage and urokinase perfusion according to each patient’s condition.Results:One day after surgery,head computed tomography examination revealed that>50% of the hematoma in the lateral ventricle was removed in 14 cases,and 20%-50% of the hematoma in the other 6 cases.After follow-up,13 patients exhibited satisfactory recovery,5 died(3 due to lung infection,1 due to intracranial infection,and 1 due to multiple organ failure),and 2 were in a vegetative state.Conclusion:Neuroendoscopy should be used as much as possible in treating intraventricular hemorrhage given its advantages of minimal injury,complete removal of hematoma,high safety,and wide clinical applicability.

Positioning and design by computed tomography imaging in neuroendoscopic surgery of patients with chronic subdural hematoma

BACKGROUND Neuroendoscopy is a very useful technique to Chronic Subdural Hematoma(CSH).But how to achieve the goal of treatment more minimally invasive?AIM To develop a simple,fast and accurate preoperative planning method in our way for endoscopic surgery of patients with CSH.METHODS From June 2018 to May 2020,forty-two patients with CSH,admitted to our hospital,were performed endoscopic minimally invasive surgery;computed tomography(CT)imaging was employed to locate the intracerebral hematoma and select the appropriate endoscopic approach before the endoscopic surgery.The clinical data and treatment efficacy were analyzed.RESULTS According to the learning of CT scanning images,the surgeon can accurately design the best minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgical approach and realize the precise positioning and design of the drilling site of the skull and the size of the bone window,so as to provide the most effective operation space with the smallest bone window.In this group,the average operation time was only about 1 h,and the clearance rate of hematoma was about 95%.CONCLUSION Patients with CSH can achieve good therapeutic effect by using our way to positioning and design to assist the operation of CSH according to CT scan and image,and our way is very useful and necessary.

“In situ bone flap” combined with vascular pedicled mucous flap to reconstruction of skull base defect

BACKGROUND At present,neuroendoscopy technology has made rapid development,and great progress has been made in the operation of lesions in the saddle area of the skull base.However,the complications of cerebrospinal fluid and intracranial infection after the operation are still important and life-threatening complications,which may lead to poor prognosis.AIM To investigate the method of in situ bone flap combined with nasal septum mucosal flap for reconstruction of enlarged skull base defect by endonasal sphenoidal approach and to discuss its application effect.METHODS Clinical data of 24 patients undergoing transnasal sphenoidal endoscopic approach in the Department of Neurosurgery,Affiliated 2 Hospital of Nantong University from January 2019 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent multi-layer reconstruction of skull base using in situ bone flap combined with nasal septum mucosa flap.The incidence of intraoperative and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection were analyzed,and the application effect and technical key points of in situ bone flap combined with nasal septum mucosa flap for skull base bone reconstruction were analyzed.RESULTS There were 5 cases of high flow cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)leakage and 7 cases of low flow CSF leakage.Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 2 patients(8.3%)and intracranial infection in 2 patients(8.3%),which were cured after strict bed rest,continuous drainage of lumbar cistern combined with antibiotic treatment,and no secondary surgical repair was required.The patients were followed up for 8 to 36 months after the operation,and no delayed cerebrospinal fluid leakage or intracranial infection occurred during the follow-up.Computed tomography reconstruction of skull base showed satisfactory reconstruction after surgery.CONCLUSION The use of in situ bone flap combined with vascular pedicled mucous flap to reconstruction of skull base defect after endonasal sphenoidal approach under neuroendoscopy has a lower incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and lower complications,which has certain advantages and is worthy of clinical promotion.

3D-slicer软件在高血压脑出血神经内镜微创手术治疗的应用价值

目的探讨3D-slicer软件在高血压性脑出血神经内镜微创手术术前计划的应用价值。方法回顾性分析30例高血压性脑出血行神经内镜微创手术的临床资料,术前用3D-slicer软件对头颅CT原始数据资料进行三维重建,准确测量脑内血肿的各项参数,个体化选择手术入路,在神经内镜辅助下行血肿清除术,研究虚拟现实技术的可靠性和精确性。结果根据术前3D-slicer软件重建结果,均成功穿刺血肿达目标位置,并在神经内镜辅助下顺利完成手术操作。本组手术时间21~75 min,平均37 min;术中失血40~100 ml,平均70 ml;术后CT复查提示血肿残留平均约2.71 ml,血肿清除率达93.8%,未发现颅内再出血及与手术相关并发症。结论 3D-slicer软件可为高血压性脑出血神经内镜微创手术提供客观、精确定位,提高手术成功率。

Application of neuroendoscopic surgical techniques in the assessment and treatment of cerebral ventricular infection

Cerebral ventricular infection (CVI) is one of the most dangerous complications in neurosurgery because of its high mortality and disability rates. Few studies have examined the application of neuroendoscopic surgical techniques (NESTs) to assess and treat CVI. This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted using clinical data of 32 patients with CVI who were assessed and treated by NESTs in China. The patients included 20 men and 12 women with a mean age of 42.97 years. NESTs were used to obliterate intraventricular debris and pus, fenestrate or incise the intraventricular compartment and reconstruct cerebrospinal fluid circulation, and remove artificial material. Intraventricular irrigation with antibiotic saline was applied after neuroendoscopic surgery (NES). Secondary hydrocephalus was treated by endoscopic third ventriculostomy or a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Neuroendoscopic findings of CVI were used to classify patients into Grade Ⅰ(n = 3), Grade Ⅱ(n = 13), Grade Ⅲ(n = 10), and Grade Ⅳ(n = 6) CVI. The three patients with grade ⅠCVI underwent one NES, the 23 patients with grade Ⅱ/Ⅲ CVI underwent two NESs, and patients with grade Ⅳ CVI underwent two (n = 3) or three (n = 3) NESs. The imaging features and grades of neuroendoscopy results were positively related to the number of neurosurgical endoscopic procedures. Two patients died of multiple organ failure and the other 30 patients fully recovered. Among the 26 patients with secondary hydrocephalus, 18 received ventriculoperitoneal shunt and 8 underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy. There were no recurrences of CVI during the 6- to 76-month follow-up after NES. Application of NESTs is an innovative method to assess and treat CVI, and its neuroendoscopic classification provides an objective, comprehensive assessment of CVI. The study trial was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.

Neuroendoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal approach for resection of nonfunctional pituitary adenomas

BACKGROUND Nonfunctional pituitary adenoma is a common type of pituitary adenoma, which can lead to headache, visual field disturbance, and cranial nerve damage due to increased tumor volume. Neuroendoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal approaches have been widely used in the resection of nonfunctional pituitary adenomas. However, the clinical efficacy in neuroendoscopic and microscopic surgery is still controversial. AIM To explore the clinical efficacy of neuroendoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal approach for resection of nonfunctional pituitary adenomas. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 251 patients with nonfunctional pituitary adenomas;138 underwent neuroendoscopic surgery via transsphenoidal approach, and 113 underwent microscopic surgery via transsphenoidal approach between July 2010 and September 2015. All patients were followed up for > 6 mo. Gender, age, course of disease, tumor diameter, tumor location, and percentage of patients with headache, visual impairment, sexual dysfunction, and menstrual disorders were contrasted between the two groups to compare the difference of preoperative data. Cure rate, symptom improvement rate, recurrence rate, the postoperative hospital stay, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and the incidence of postoperative complications were compared in order to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of neuroendoscopic and microscopic surgery.RESULTS There was no significant difference in cure rate, symptom improvement rate, and recurrence rate between neuroendoscopy group and microscopy group (82.6% vs 85.8%, P > 0.05;90.6% vs 93.8%, P > 0.05;5.1% vs 9.7%, P > 0.05). In the neuroendoscopy group, the postoperative hospital stay was 8.4 ± 0.6 d;operating time was 167.2 ± 9.6 min;intraoperative blood loss was 83.4 ± 9.3 mL, and the rates of diabetes insipidus and electrolyte imbalance were 4.3% and 8.0%, respectively. The corresponding results in the microscopic group were 11.2 ± 0.6 d, 199.7 ± 9.3 min, 138.8 ± 13.6 mL, and 32.7% and 20.4%, respectively. There were significant differences in postoperative hospital stay, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and the rates of diabetes insipidus and electrolyte imbalance between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Neuroendoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal approaches have similar clinical efficacy for the resection of nonfunctional pituitary adenomas. Neuroendoscopic surgery reduces operating time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative recovery, and complications.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in obstructive hydrocephalus: A case report and analysis of operative technique

BACKGROUND The endoscopic third ventriculostomy(ETV)is a neuroendoscopical procedure that represents a more suitable alternative to the extracranial shunting.It consists of fenestrating the floor of the third ventricle and thus establishing a free flow of the cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricles to the site of resorption in the subarachnoid space.It offers a more physiological solution and a chance at a shunt-free life for children with hydrocephalus.The main indication for the procedure is obstructive hydrocephalus,however,it can also be useful in patients with other forms of hydrocephalus.CASE SUMMARY We present a treatment flow of a 9-year-old patient,diagnosed with an obstructive hydrocephalus due to tectal glioma that was successfully treated with an ETV.We review the important factors influencing the success rate such as age,aetiology,shunt history,preoperative planning and visualisation of the basilar artery.CONCLUSION Even though the ETV effectively controls obstructive hydrocephalus in more than 75%of all cases,the overall success rate of the procedure varies and could be approved by the correct preoperative patient selection.

Effects of endoscopic surgery via different approaches on neurological function and complications in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

Objective:To study the effects of different approaches of neuroendoscopic treatment on neurological function and complications of patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.Methods:72 patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage diagnosed and treated in our hospital were selected as research objects.They were divided into the study group(n=37)and the control group(n=35)according to different approaches.The study group was the lateral fissure approach,and the control group was the anterior coronary suture approach.The curative effect,hematoma clearance,postoperative wake time,postoperative cerebral edema,daily living ability,neurological function,and complications in the two groups were observed.Results:The efficacy of the study group was higher than that of the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The postoperative cerebral edema,postoperative wake time,and postoperative intracranial pressure in the study group were lower than those in the control group,and the hematoma clearance rate in the study group was higher than that in the control group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05);At 3 and 6 months after treatment,the daily living ability of the study group was higher than that of the control group,and neurological dysfunction of the study group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);The complication rate of the study group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);There was no significant difference in mortality rate between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Different approaches have different effects on patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.Compared with the anterior coronary suture approach,the lateral fissure approach has less damage to nerve function,and has less postoperative complications.

Giant Intracranial Arachnoid Cyst Causing Acute Neurologic Symptoms

Intracranial arachnoid cysts (IAC) are benign lesions containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Most of them are clinically silent and remain static in size. However some may present with mild and slow progressive symptoms caused by the cyst. The authors present the case of 54-year-old woman who presented with acute symptoms of severe headache, vomiting, and gait disturbance of 2 day’s duration. She had no history of head trauma. On admission, neurological examination revealed that the patient had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, and a left side hemiplegia. A CT scan revealed a hypodense fluid collection in the right frontoparietal region that mimicked an arachnoid cyst. The symptoms were improved after an emergency marsupialisation via craniotomy.

Surgical Treatment for Neonatal Hydrocephalus: Catheter-Based Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion or Endoscopic Intervention?

Neonatal hydrocephalus can arise from a multitude of disturbances, among them congenital aqueductal stenosis, myelomeningocele or posthemorrhagic complications in preterm infants. Diagnostic work-up comprises transfontanellar ultrasonography, T2 weighted MRI and clinical assessment for rare inherited syndromes. Classification of hydrocephalus and treatment guidelines is based on detailed consensus statements. The recent evidence favors catheter-based cerebrospinal fluid diversion in children below 6 months, but emerging techniques such as neuroendoscopic lavage carry the potential to lower shunt insertion rates. More long-term study results will be needed to allow for individualized, multidisciplinary decision making. This article gives an overview regarding contemporary pathophysiological concepts, the latest consensus statements and most recent technical developments.

Advances in surgical treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage

Intraventricular hemorrhage(IVH)is a dangerous acute cerebrovascular disease.The 30-day mortality rate of patients with IVH is 5 times that of patients with cerebral hemorrhage.In recent years,more and more studies have shown that timely clearance of intraventricular hematoma is closely related to good prognosis.The advantages of surgical intervention in patient management are impressive.This article briefly reviews the positive advances in the surgical treatment of IVH such as external ventricular drainage(EVD)combined with intraventricular fibrinolysis(IVF)and continuous lumbar cistern drainage(LCD),as well as their safety and efficacy,especially the remarkable role of neuroendoscopy in the removal of intraventricular hematomas.

Endoscopic surgery versus craniotomy in the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage(SICH)has high morbidity and mortality,with no clear standard of treatment available.Compared with the craniotomy approach,neuroendoscopy is a relatively minimally invasive treatment method,and may be an efficient alternative.Therefore,this meta-analysis aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of neuroendoscopy and craniotomy in SICH patients.Methods:The electronic databases Web of Science,PubMed,EmBase,MEDLINE,and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched.According to the PRISMA template,we finally selected and analyzed 14 eligible studies that evaluated neuroendoscopy versus craniotomy.Primary outcomes included operation time,intraoperative blood loss volume,evacuation rate,residual hematoma,complications,hospital stay duration,clinical outcomes,and other parameters.Results:A total of 4 randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and 10 retrospective studies(non-RCTs)involving 1652 patients were included in the final analysis.In the neuroendoscopy(NE)group,operation time(p<0.00001),intraoperative blood loss volume(p<0.0001),hematoma evacuation rate(p=0.0002),complications(p<0.00001),hospitalization days(p=0.004),and mortality(p<0.0001)were significantly different from those of the craniotomy(C)group,with a higher rate of good recovery compared with the craniotomy group(P<0.00001).Conclusions:These findings suggest that patients with SICH and physicians may benefit more from neuroendoscopic surgery than craniotomy.

Evolution of transmaxillary approach to tumors in pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa:anatomic simulation and clinical practice

Background:The endoscopic transnasal approach has been proven to have advantages on the removal of the tumors in pterygopalatine fossa(PPF)and infratemporal fossa(ITF).Herein,this study aimed to describe a modified approach for resection of the tumors in these areas,both in cadaveric specimen and clinical patients.Methods:The 20 adult cadaveric specimens and five patients with tumors in PPF and ITF were enrolled in this study.For the cadaveric specimens,ten were simulated anterior transmaxillary approach and ten were performed modified endoscopic transnasal transmaxillary approach.The exposure areas were compared between two groups and main anatomic structure were measured.Surgery was operated in the five patients with tumors of PPF and ITF to verify the experience from the anatomy.Perioperative management,intraoperative findings and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed.Results:The modified endoscopic transnasal transmaxillary approach provided as enough surgical exposure and high operability to the PPF and ITF as the anterior transmaxillary approach did.The diameter of maxillary artery in the PPF was 3.77±0.78 mm(range:2.06-4.82mm),the diameter of middle meningeal artery in the ITF was 2.79±0.61 mm(range:1.54-3.78 mm).Four patients who suffered schwannoma got total removal and one of adenocystic carcinoma got subtotal removal.The main complications were facial numbness and pericoronitis of the wisdom tooth.No permanent complication was found.Conclusions:With the widespread use of neuroendoscopy,the modified endoscopic transnasal transmaxillary approach is feasible and effective for the resection of tumors located in PPF and ITF,which has significant advantages on less trauma and complications to the patients.

Application of endoscopic endonasal approach in skull base surgeries: summary of 1886 cases in a single center for 10 consecutive years

Background:Endonasal endoscopic skull base surgery has undergone rapid technological developments and is now widely performed,but its strengths and weaknesses deserve further investigation and deliberation.This study was performed to investigate the surgical indications,complications,and technical advantages and disadvantages of endonasal endoscopic skull base surgery.Methods:The clinical data of 1886 endoscopic endonasal skull base surgeries performed in our ward at Beijing Tiantan Hospital from June 2006 to June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:One thousand ninety-three(73.4%,1490)pituitary adenomas,54(24.9%,217)chordomas,28(80.0%,35)craniopharyngiomas,and 15(83.3%,18)meningiomas underwent total resection.Two patients died postoperatively,both having pituitary adenomas.Other postoperative complications included olfactory disorders(n=226,11.9%),postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage(n=78,4.1%),hypopituitarism(n=74,3.9%),diabetes insipidus(n=64,3.4%),intracranial infection(n=36,1.9%),epistaxis(n=24,1.3%),vascular injury(n=8,0.4%),optic nerve injury(n=8,0.4%),and oculomotor movement impairment(n=4,0.2%).In total,1517(80.4%)patients were followed up for 6 to 126 months(average,42.5 months)postoperatively.A total of 196(13.2%)pituitary adenomas and 13(37.1%)craniopharyngiomas recurred but no meningiomas recurred.Chordomas recurred in 97(44.7%)patients,in whom 5-year survival rate was 65%.Conclusion:Endoscopic surgery is an innovative surgical technique and the first choice for most midline extradural lesions such as chordomas,and an excellent choice for pituitary adenomas.It probably will be a good technique for many kinds of craniopharyngiomas and a common technique for most of skull base meningiomas,so the surgical indications of these cases should be chosen carefully to make good use of its respective advantages.