Endoscopic Transseptal Approach with Posterior Nasal Spine Removal: A Wide Surgical Corridor to the Craniovertebral Junction and Odontoid: Technical Note and Case Series

A randomized prospective comparative study on sinonasal morbidity and quality of life of transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery for pituitary adenomas: endonasal versus trans-septal approach

PURPOSE

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (Endonasal approach) is commonly used to treat pituitary adenomas. The extent of dissection possibly changes the anatomy and the physiology of the nasal cavities and could give rise to post-operative morbidity and the quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to investigate sinonasal morbidity and general QoL in patients who underwent surgery for treatment of pituitary adenoma, comparing Endonasal and endoscopic trans-septal transsphenoidal approach (Trans-septal approach).

METHODS

A prospective observational study, recruiting 40 patients undergoing surgery for pituitary adenoma, 20 via Endonasal approach and 20 via Trans-septal approach at our institution. Surveys with Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS), and Short Form Health Survey 36 version 2 (SF-36v2) were obtained to collect QoL data pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

All the 40 patients completed the questionnaires. At 6 months postoperatively, the SNOT-22 and CSS score shows significant improvements both in Endonasal approach (p = 0.01) and in Trans-septal approach (p = 0.02). No significant difference in sinonasal morbidity is observed between the two groups for SNOT-22 (p = 0.13) and CSS scores, except for sinus headache (p = 0.49), with a better score in Endonasal approach. The mean SF-36v2 scores remain the same in pre- and post-operative periods, but an improvement in time is seen in general health (p = 0.027), and general health compared to one year ago (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery has negligible morbidity and does not negatively affect the nasal function in the long term. Endonasal approach and Trans-septal approach are comparable in terms of morbidity outcomes and general QoL, leaving the choice of the approach to the surgeon preference.

Novelties for increased safety in cranio-vertebral surgery: a review

The cranio-vertebral junction (CVJ) was formerly considered a surgical "no man's land" due to its complex anatomical and biomechanical features. Surgical approaches and hardware instrumentation have had to be tailored in order to achieve successful outcomes. Nowadays, thanks to the ongoing development of new technologies and surgical techniques, CVJ surgery has come to be widely performed in many spine centers. Accordingly, there is a drive to explore novel solutions and technological nuances that make CVJ surgery safer, faster, and more precise. Improved outcome in CVJ surgery has been achieved thanks to increased safety allowing for reduction in complication rates. The Authors present the latest technological advancements in CVJ surgery in terms of imaging, biomaterials, navigation, robotics, customized implants, 3D-printed technology, video-assisted approaches and neuromonitoring.

Reconsideration of the transoral odontoidectomy in complex craniovertebral junction patients with irreducible anterior compression

Background

Although the single-stage posterior realignment craniovertebral junction (CVJ) surgery could treat most of the basilar invagination (BI) and atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD), there are still some cases with incomplete decompression of the spinal cord, which remains a technique challenging situation.

Methods

Eleven patients were included with remained myelopathic symptoms after posterior correction due to incomplete decompression of the spinal cord. Transoral odontoidectomy assisted by image-guided navigation and intraoperative CT was performed. Clinical assessment and image measurements were performed preoperatively and at the most recent follow-up.

Results

Eleven patients were followed up for an average of 47 months. Symptoms were alleviated in 10 of 11 patients (90.9%). One patient died of an unknown reason 1 week after the transoral approach. The clinical and radiological parameters pre- and postoperatively were reported.

Conclusion

Transoral odontoidectomy as a salvage surgery is safe and effective for properly selected BI and AAD patients after inadequate indirect decompression from posterior distraction and fixation. Image-guided navigation and intraoperative CT can provide precise information and accurate localization during operation, thus enabling complete resection of the odontoid process and decompression of the spinal cord.