Comparing use of the Sonopet®ultrasonic bone aspirator to traditional instrumentation during the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach in pituitary tumor resection

Optimizing Tissue Harvesting Techniques for Establishing Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Organoids

OBJECTIVE

Brain tumors display remarkable cellular and molecular diversity, significantly impacting the progression and outcomes of the disease. The utilization of tumor tissue acquired through surgical handheld devices for tumor characterization raises important questions regarding translational research. This study seeks to evaluate the integrity of tissue resected using a microdebrider (MD) in the context of establishing tumor organoids from glioblastomas (GBM).

METHODS

Tumor samples were collected from patients with GBM using both tumor forceps (en bloc) and a MD. The time required to protocol completion and cell viability of paired samples was measured. H&E staining was performed to examine histologic morphology.

RESULTS

Ten paired samples were obtained from GBM patients using tumor forceps and the MD. Samples collected with the MD demonstrated significantly shorter processing times compared to those obtained through en bloc resection, with overall means of 31.7 ± 2.4 mins and 38.8±3 mins, respectively (P < 0.001). Cell viability measured at the end of protocol completion was comparable between tissues obtained using both the MD and en bloc, with mean viabilities of 80.2 ± 12.4% and 79.1 ± 12.5%, respectively (P = 0.848). H&E examination of tissues revealed no significant differences in the cellular and histologic characteristics of paired samples obtained using both methods across GBM tumors, nor in the corresponding established organoids.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor tissues obtained using the MD and en bloc methods demonstrate a high success rate in establishing GBM organoids, with the MD offering the advantage of significantly reduced processing time. Both methods display comparable cell viability and maintain consistent histologic characteristics in the resected tissue and the corresponding organoids.

Comparison of Resection Assisting Devices in the Process of Collecting Brain Tumor Tissue for Basic Research: Microdebrider Versus Ultrasonic Aspirator

INTRODUCTION

Brain tumors display significant inter and intratumoral heterogeneity, impacting disease progression and outcomes. Preserving surgically resected tissue is vital for ensuring accurate research results to enhance understanding of tumor pathophysiology. This study evaluates tissue integrity and viability of tissue resected using 2 surgical devices for tumor resection: a mechanical microdebrider (MD) and an ultrasonic aspirator (UA).

METHODS

Tumor samples were obtained from patients undergoing surgical resection of primary and secondary intracranial tumors. Cell viability was assessed, and histopathological analysis of Hematoxylin and Eosin -stained tissues was performed. Adherent monolayer and neurospheres cell cultures were established from paired samples. RNA isolation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction of housekeeping genes were conducted to compare genetic integrity.

RESULTS

The cellular viability was comparable between samples obtained using both the MD and the UA, with a mean viability of 75.2% ± 15.6 and 70.7% ± 16.8, respectively (P = 0.318). Histopathological evaluation indicated no discernible differences in cellular integrity between the devices. Cell culture success rates and growth characteristics were similar for both devices. RNA concentration and integrity were well-maintained in both MD and UA samples, with no significant differences (P = 0.855). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of housekeeping genes showed consistent results across matched tissues from both devices and different tumor pathologies.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical handheld devices provide valuable, high-quality tissue samples for research. Surgeon preference, tumor pathology, and anatomical location dictate device choice. Both MD and UA devices are reliable for obtaining quality tissue specimens, facilitating translational neuro-oncology research.

Advantages of a High-Powered Ultrasonic Vibration Cutting Device for Orthognathic Surgeries

This study aimed to evaluate the advantages of using a high-powered ultrasonic vibration cutting device (HP-UVCD) in orthognathic surgeries. We analyzed 22 consecutive patients who underwent Le FortⅠosteotomy and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies for cleft lip and palate. We used conventional power instruments, such as reciprocating saws and rotating burrs in the first 10 patients, and an HP-UVCD in the remaining 12 patients. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative inferior alveolar nerve affection were retrospectively investigated. The surgical time in the ultrasonic group (223±12.217 min) was significantly shorter than that in the conventional group (278±11.153 min, P =0.008). The amount of intraoperative blood loss in the ultrasonic group was an average of 230±45.154 g, and that in the conventional group was an average of 343±49.463 g. Although the blood loss in the ultrasonic group was reduced compared with that in the conventional group, this difference was not statistically significant ( P =0.118). All patients in both groups recovered normal sensation by 6 months postoperatively. Our findings suggest that the HP-UVCD can be used in place of a reciprocating saw or rotating burrs in orthognathic surgeries, resulting in reduced surgical time and minimal blood loss. The use of an ultrasonic bone-cutting device may allow for a safer and less invasive orthognathic surgery.

Specialised Surgical Instruments for Endoscopic and Endoscope-Assisted Neurosurgery: A Systematic Review of Safety, Efficacy and Usability

While there have been great strides in endoscopic and endoscope-assisted neurosurgical approaches, particularly in the treatment of deep-sited brain and skull base tumours, the greatest technical barrier to their adoption has been the availability of suitable surgical instruments. This systematic review seeks to identify specialised instruments for these approaches and evaluate their safety, efficacy and usability. Conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, SCOPUS and Web of Science were searched. Original research studies that reported the use of specialised mechanical instruments that manipulate tissue in human patients, cadavers or surgical models were included. The results identified 50 specialised instruments over 62 studies. Objective measures of safety were reported in 32 out of 62 studies, and 20 reported objective measures of efficacy. Instruments were broadly safe and effective with one instrument malfunction noted. Measures of usability were reported in 15 studies, with seven reporting on ergonomics and eight on the instruments learning curve. Instruments with reports on usability were generally considered to be ergonomic, though learning curve was often considered a disadvantage. Comparisons to standard instruments were made in eight studies and were generally favourable. While there are many specialised instruments for endoscopic and endoscope-assisted neurosurgery available, the evidence for their safety, efficacy and usability is limited with non-standardised reporting and few comparative studies to standard instruments. Future innovation should be tailored to unmet clinical needs, and evaluation guided by structured development processes.

Novel Application of an Ultrasonic Bone Aspirator for Endoscopic Modified Medial Maxillectomy

Background

Endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy (EMMM) is a surgical technique developed to approach maxillary sinus lesions, such as papilloma and postoperative maxillary cyst, while preserving the postoperative nasal morphology and nasal function. In this technique, a diamond burr is used to remove the bone, which may damage adjacent soft tissue. We developed EMMM using an ultrasonic bone aspirator (UBA) instead of a conventional diamond burr. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of the UBA in EMMM in comparison to the conventional diamond burr technique in terms of operative time, intraoperative complications, postoperative symptoms, and recurrence.

Methods

The medical records of all patients who underwent EMMM at Toyama University Hospital between June 2014 and December 2021 were reviewed. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were separated into Group 1, in which the UBA was used for EMMM, and Group 2, in which a drill with a diamond burr was used. Data on patient demographics, operation time, frequency of intraoperative complications and postoperative symptoms, and recurrence were statistically compared between the two groups.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in the patient demographic data, operative time, postoperative symptoms, or frequency of recurrence. The frequency of intraoperative damage to adjacent soft tissues was significantly lower in patients who underwent EMMM with the UBA in comparison to those who underwent EMMM with a conventional diamond burr.

Conclusion

The application of the UBA to EMMM can improve surgical safety and facilitate surgical procedures.

Piezosurgery versus Conventional Cutting Techniques in Craniofacial Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite its increasing use in craniofacial surgery, the evidence for piezosurgery over conventional bone-cutting techniques has not been critically appraised. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify and assess the evidence that exists for the use of piezosurgery in craniofacial surgery.

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken using a computerized search. Publication descriptors, methodologic details, and outcomes were extracted. Articles were assessed using the methodologic index for nonrandomized studies and Cochrane instruments. Random effects meta-analysis was completed.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies were included. Most studies were published within the past 5 years (51.3 percent) and were randomized controlled trials (56.4 percent). The mean age of patients was 27 years (range, 0.2 to 57 years), and the mean sample size was 44 (range, 12 to 180). Meta-analysis revealed that compared to conventional instruments, piezosurgery had a lower postoperative incidence of sensory disturbance, principally in mandibular procedures (OR, 0.29; 95 percent CI, 0.11 to 0.77; p = 0.01) and pain at postoperative day 3 (mean difference, -0.86; 95 percent CI, -1.20 to -0.53; p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in operating room time (mean difference, 8.60; 95 percent CI, -1.27 to 18.47; p = 0.80) or osteotomy time (mean difference, 0.35; 95 percent CI, -2.99 to 3.68; p = 0.84). Most studies were clinically homogenous (92 percent) and of high quality based on the methodologic index for nonrandomized studies instrument (84 percent). Few studies had domains at high risk of bias based on the Cochrane instrument (28.6 percent).

CONCLUSIONS

Piezosurgery has considerable benefits when compared to conventional instruments. Future studies should investigate its cost-effectiveness and benefits in terms of blood loss, edema/ecchymosis, and patient satisfaction.

Utilization of Discarded Surgical Tissue from Ultrasonic Aspirators to Establish Patient-Derived Metastatic Brain Tumor Cells: A Guide from the Operating Room to the Research Laboratory

Patient-derived cells from surgical resections are of paramount importance to brain tumor research. It is well known that there is cellular and microenvironmental heterogeneity within a single tumor mass. Thus, current established protocols for propagating tumor cells in vitro are limiting because resections obtained from conventional singular samples limit the diversity in cell populations and do not accurately model the heterogeneous tumor. Utilization of discarded tissue obtained from cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) of the whole tumor mass allows for establishing novel cell lines in vitro from the entirety of the tumor, thereby creating an accurate representation of the heterogeneous population of cells originally present in the tumor. Furthermore, while others have described protocols for establishing patient tumor lines once tissue has arrived in the research lab, a primer from the operating room (OR) to the research lab has not been described before. This is integral, as basic research scientists need to understand the surgical environment of the OR, including the methods utilized to obtain a patient's tumor resection, in order to more accurately model cancer biology in laboratory. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Establishment of brain tumor cell lines from patient-derived CUSA samples: processing brain tumor sample from the OR to the lab Support Protocol 1: Sterilization of microsurgical tools in preparation for dissection Support Protocol 2: Collagen coating of tissue culture flasks Basic Protocol 2: Selection of tumor cells in vitro Support Protocol 3: FACS sorting tumor sample to isolate cancer cells from heterogeneous cell population.

Loss of fidelity in scanned digital images compared to glass slides of brain tumors resected using cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator

Conversion of glass slides to digital images is necessary to capitalize on advances in computational pathology and could potentially transform our approach to primary diagnosis, research, and medical education. Most slide scanners have a limited maximum scannable area and utilize proprietary tissue detection algorithms to selectively scan regions that contain tissue, allowing for increased scanning speed and reduced file size compared to scanning the entire slide at high resolution. However, very small and faintly stained tissue fragments may not be recognized by these algorithms, leading to loss of fidelity in the digital image compared to the glass slides. Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) is frequently used in brain tumor resections, resulting in highly fragmented specimens that are used for primary diagnosis. Here we evaluated the rate of loss of fidelity in 296 digital images from 40 CUSA-resected brain tumors scanned using a Philips Ultra Fast Scanner. Overall, 54% of the slides (at least one from every case) showed loss of fidelity, with at least one tissue fragment not scanned at high resolution. The majority of the missed tissue fragments were small (<0.5 mm), but rare slides were missing fragments greater than 5 mm in greatest dimension. In addition, 19% of the slides with missing tissue showed no indication of loss of fidelity in the digital image itself; the missing tissue could only be appreciated upon review of the glass slides. These results highlight a potential liability in the use of digital images for primary diagnosis in CUSA-resected brain tumor specimens.

A Comparative Analysis of the Sonopet Ultrasonic Bone Aspirator to Traditional Instrumentation for Endoscopic Suturectomy for Craniosynostosis

OBJECTIVE

The goal of endoscopic treatment for craniosynostosis is to remove the fused suture and achieve calvarial remodeling with external orthosis. To reduce the need for secondary surgery and to minimize blood loss, instruments that maximize bone removal while minimizing blood loss and risk of dural injury are evolving. The authors therefore assess the safety and efficacy of the Sonopet Ultrasonic Bone Aspirator (UBA) (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) for endoscopic suturectomy compared to traditional instrumentation at our institution.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of consecutive endoscopic suturectomies performed from 2011 to 2019 at Weill Cornell Medical Center was conducted, including demographics, cephalic index, surgical indications, operative time, cosmetic and functional results, complications, estimated blood loss (EBL), re-operation rate, length of stay, and length of helmet therapy. These variables were then compared between the Sonopet and non-Sonopet cohorts.

RESULTS

Of the 60 patients who underwent endoscopic suturectomy, 16 cases (26.7%) utilized the Sonopet. Mean operative time was 2.8 ± 0.4 hours in the Sonopet group, compared to 3.2 ± 1.2 hours (P = 0.05) without the Sonopet. EBL was 17.8 ± 23.9 cc versus 34.7 ± 75.5 cc (P = 0.20) with versus without the Sonopet respectively. Length of stay and duration of helmet therapy were similar in both groups, ranging from 1 to 3 days (P = 0.68) and 7.25 to 12 months (P = 0.30) respectively. There were no reoperations in the Sonopet group with a mean follow up of 9.18 months. There were 3 reoperations in the non-Sonopet group with a mean follow up of 11.3 months. Among the cases utilizing the Sonopet, 13 (81%) were metopic and three (19%) were coronal synostoses. Of the non-Sonopet cases, 27 (61%) were sagittal, 8 (18%) were metopic, 7 (16%) were coronal, and 2 (5%) were lambdoid synostoses.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the Sonopet resulted in a mean decrease in operative time at our institution (P = 0.18). Lower EBL and reoperation rates with comparable LOS and helmet therapy duration were also seen. This modality should be considered a safe and effective adjunct in appropriate endoscopic craniosynostosis cases.

Review of Atypical and Anaplastic Meningiomas: Classification, Molecular Biology, and Management

Although the majority of meningiomas are slow-growing and benign, atypical and anaplastic meningiomas behave aggressively with a penchant for recurrence. Standard of care includes surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiation in anaplastic and partially resected atypical meningiomas; however, the role of adjuvant radiation for incompletely resected atypical meningiomas remains debated. Despite maximum treatment, atypical, and anaplastic meningiomas have a strong proclivity for recurrence. Accumulating mutations over time, recurrent tumors behave more aggressively and often become refractory or no longer amenable to further surgical resection or radiation. Chemotherapy and other medical therapies are available as salvage treatment once standard options are exhausted; however, efficacy of these agents remains limited. This review discusses the risk factors, classification, and molecular biology of meningiomas as well as the current management strategies, novel therapeutic approaches, and future directions for managing atypical and anaplastic meningiomas.

Ultrasonic aspiration in neurosurgery: comparative analysis of complications and outcome for three commonly used models

Introduction

Ultrasonic aspiration (UA) devices are commonly used for resecting intracranial tumors, as they allow for internal debulking of large tumors, hereby avoiding damage to adjacent brain tissue during the dissection. Little is known about their comparative safety profiles.

Methods and materials

We analyzed data from a prospective patient registry. Procedures using one of the following UA models were included: Integra® CUSA, Söring®, and Stryker® Sonopet. The primary endpoint was morbidity at discharge, defined as significant worsening on the Karnofsky Performance Scale. Secondary endpoints included morbidity and mortality until 3 months postoperative (M3), occurrence, type, and etiology of complications.

Results

Of n = 1028 procedures, the CUSA was used in n = 354 (34.4 %), the Söring in n = 461 (44.8 %), and the Sonopet in n = 213 (20.7 %). There was some heterogeneity of study groups. In multivariable analysis, patients in the Söring (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.29; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 0.80–2.08; p = 0.299), and Sonopet group (aOR, 0.86; 95 % CI, 0.46–1.61; p = 0.645) were as likely as patients in the CUSA group to experience discharge morbidity. At M3, patients in the Söring (aOR, 1.20; 95 % CI, 0.78–1.86; p = 0.415) and Sonopet group (aOR, 0.53; 95 % CI, 0.26–1.08; p = 0.080) were as likely as patients in the CUSA group to experience morbidity. There were also no differences for M3 morbidity in subgroup analyses for gliomas, meningiomas, and metastases. The grade (p = 0.608) and etiology (p = 0.849) of postoperative complications were similar.

Conclusions

Neurosurgeons select UA types with regard to certain case-specific characteristics. The safety profiles of three commonly used UA types appear mostly similar.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00701-019-04021-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Novel Application of Ultrasonic Bone Aspirator for Hump Nose

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to introduce and evaluate the efficacy of an ultrasonic bony aspirator in rhinoplasty for hump removal.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University medical center.

PATIENTS

Twenty patients who underwent hump removal using an ultrasonic bone aspirator from October 2013 to November 2016 were enrolled in the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients were followed for >3 months after surgery. External nose status and surgical results were investigated using photographs. Postoperative complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 30 patients enrolled in this study, 11 were females and 19 were males. Preoperative nasal deformities of all patients were characterized as bony humps. Postoperative dorsal status was significantly improved. There were no obvious complications such as over or under correction, delayed healing, infection, soft tissue injury, or deformity of the nasal dorsum.

CONCLUSION

Application of an ultrasonic bone aspirator to remove humps in rhinoplasty is easy, safe, and effective.

S1 Sacrectomy for Re-recurrent Rectal Cancer: Our Experience with Reconstruction Using an Expandable Vertebral Body Replacement Device

INTRODUCTION

R0 resection is achieved by high sacrectomy for local recurrence of colorectal cancer, but significant rates of perioperative complications and long-term patient morbidity are associated with this procedure. In this report, we outline our unique experience of using an expandable cage for vertebral body reconstruction following S1 sacrectomy in a 66-year-old patient with re-recurrent rectal cancer. We aim to highlight several key steps, with a view to improving postoperative outcomes.

TECHNIQUE

A midline laparotomy was performed with the patient in supine Lloyd-Davies position, demonstrating recurrence of tumor at the S1 vertebral body. Subtotal vertebral body excision of S1 with sparing of the posterior wall and ventral foramina was completed by using an ultrasonic bone aspirator. Reconstruction was performed using an expandable corpectomy spacer system. The system was assembled and expanded in situ to optimally bridge the corpectomy. The device was secured into the L5 and S2 vertebrae by means of angled end plate screws superiorly and inferiorly. Bone grafts were positioned adjacent to the implant after this.

RESULTS

Total operating time was 266 minutes with 350 mL of intraoperative blood loss. There were no immediate postoperative complications. The patient did not report any back pain at the time of discharge, and no neurological deficit was reported or identified. Postoperative CT scan showed excellent vertebral alignment and preservation of S1 height.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that high sacrectomy with an expandable metal cage is feasible in the context of re-recurrent rectal cancer when consideration is given to the method of osteotomy and vertebral body replacement.

Novel use of an ultrasonic bone aspirator for extended endoscopic frontal sinusotomy: A feasibility study

INTRODUCTION

Extended endoscopic frontal sinusotomy is often required for surgical management of anterior skull base pathology. Such approaches are necessary for access to pathology and maintenance of postoperative frontal sinus outflow tract drainage. Cold steel instrumentation and endoscopic high-speed microdrills are typically used for bony removal during extended frontal sinus approaches but are associated with certain drawbacks, such as thermal injury and obscuration of the surgical field with bone dust.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the ultrasonic bone aspirator (UBA) as an adjunctive tool for extended endoscopic frontal sinusotomy in the setting of skull base surgery.

METHODS

Medical records of patients who underwent either Draf IIB or Draf III sinusotomies from 2011 to 2014 were reviewed. The patients were split into two cohorts based on instrumentation: those who received sinusotomy primarily with the UBA, and those who had sinusotomy performed with conventional instrumentation only. The patients were followed up after surgery with routine endoscopic examinations and imaging when indicated. Patient demographics, surgical approach, operative complications, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients underwent endoscopic extended frontal sinusotomy for a variety of skull base pathologies with the UBA and the conventional instrumentation cohorts, which contained nine patients each. Five of the nine patients in the UBA cohort received Draf III sinusotomies compared with three of nine in the conventional cohort. Three patients in the UBA cohort experienced postoperative transient pressure hyperemia of the lip; this was seen in a single patient in the conventional cohort. All patients with postoperative endoscopic examinations maintained frontal sinus ostial patency to varying degrees, irrespective of cohort. Lund-Mackay scores and the need for operative revision of the frontal sinus were similar for both groups and seemed to be related to the use of postoperative radiation.

CONCLUSION

The UBA was a safe, effective tool for extended endoscopic frontal sinusotomy in endoscopic skull base surgery.

Piezoelectric technology in otolaryngology, and head and neck surgery: a review

BACKGROUND

Piezoelectric technology has existed for many years as a surgical tool for precise removal of soft tissue and bone. The existing literature regarding its use specifically for otolaryngology, and head and neck surgery was reviewed.

METHODS

The databases Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase and Cambridge Scientific Abstracts were searched. Studies were selected and reviewed based on relevance.

RESULTS

Sixty studies were identified and examined for evidence of benefits and disadvantages of piezoelectric surgery and its application in otolaryngology. The technique was compared with traditional surgical methods, in terms of intra-operative bleeding, histology, learning curve, operative time and post-operative pain.

CONCLUSION

Piezoelectric technology has been successfully employed, particularly in otology and skull base surgery, where its specific advantages versus traditional drills include a lack of 'blunting' and tissue selectivity. Technical advantages include ease of use, a short learning curve and improved visibility. Its higher cost warrants consideration given that clinically significant improvements in operative time and morbidity have not yet been proven. Further studies may define the evolving role of piezoelectric surgery in otolaryngology, and head and neck surgery.

Comprehensive review on endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery

Endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery is the standard procedure for surgery of most paranasal sinus diseases. Appropriate frame conditions provided, the respective procedures are safe and successful. These prerequisites encompass appropriate technical equipment, anatomical oriented surgical technique, proper patient selection, and individually adapted extent of surgery. The range of endonasal sinus operations has dramatically increased during the last 20 years and reaches from partial uncinectomy to pansinus surgery with extended surgery of the frontal (Draf type III), maxillary (grade 3-4, medial maxillectomy, prelacrimal approach) and sphenoid sinus. In addition there are operations outside and beyond the paranasal sinuses. The development of surgical technique is still constantly evolving. This article gives a comprehensive review on the most recent state of the art in endoscopic sinus surgery according to the literature with the following aspects: principles and fundamentals, surgical techniques, indications, outcome, postoperative care, nasal packing and stents, technical equipment.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery for olfactory groove meningiomas: outcomes and limitations in 50 patients

OBJECT

Recently, endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) has been introduced in the management of skull base tumors, with constantly improving outcomes and increasing indications. The authors retrospectively reviewed the effectiveness of EES in the management of olfactory groove meningiomas.

METHODS

Between February 2003 and December 2012, 50 patients (64% female) with olfactory groove meningiomas underwent EES at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The authors present the results of EES and analyze the resection rates, clinical outcome, complications, and limitations of this approach.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients presented with primary tumors, whereas six were previously treated elsewhere. The patients' mean age was 57.1 years (range 27-88 years). Clinical presentation included altered mental status (36%), visual loss (30%), headache (24%), and seizures (20%). The mean maximum tumor diameter was 41.6 mm (range 18-80 mm). All patients underwent EES, which was performed in stages in 18 giant tumors. Complete tumor resection (Simpson Grade I) was achieved in 66.7% of the 45 patients in whom it was the goal, and 13 (28.9%) had neartotal resection (> 95% of the tumor). Tumor size, calcification, and absence of cortical cuff from vasculature were significant factors that influenced the degree of resection (p = 0.002, p = 0.024, and p = 0.028, respectively). Tumor residual was usually at the most lateral and anterior tumor margins. Following EES, mental status was improved or normalized in 77.8% of the cases, vision was improved or restored in 86.7%, and headaches resolved in 83.3%. There was no postoperative deterioration of presenting symptoms. Complications were increased in tumors > 40 mm and included CSF leakage (30%), which was significantly associated with lobular tumor configuration (p = 0.048); pulmonary embolism/deep vein thrombosis, more commonly in elderly patients (20%); sinus infections (10%); and delayed abscess months or years after EES (6%). One patient had an intraoperative vascular injury resulting in transient hemiparesis (2%). There were no perioperative deaths. During a mean follow-up period of 32 months (median 22 months, range 1-115 months), 1 patient underwent repeat EES for tumor regrowth.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic endonasal surgery has shown good clinical outcomes regardless of patient age, previous treatment, or tumor characteristics. Tumor size > 40 mm, calcification, and absence of cortical vascular cuff limit GTR with EES; in addition, large tumors are associated with increased postoperative complications. Significant lateral and anterior dural involvement may represent indications for using traditional craniotomies for the management of these tumors. Postoperative CSF leakage remains a problem that necessitates innovations in EES reconstruction techniques.

Osteoradionecrosis of the hyoid bone--a novel application of the Sonopet ultrasonic aspirator

A 66-year-old man with a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil presented to the emergency department with two life-threatening episodes of haemoptysis 9 months after completion of chemoradiation. He was evaluated to rule out recurrent malignancy, and was determined to have osteoradionecrosis of his hyoid bone that had led to an oropharyngeal fistula. Given the proximity to branches of the external carotid, he was offered tracheostomy and resection of the protruding necrotic bone with ultrasonic bone aspirator, which was placed down the shaft of the laryngoscope to minimise damage to adjacent structures. He tolerated the procedure well with complete resolution of exposed bone on follow-up laryngoscopy.