Costs and Perioperative Outcomes Associated with Open versus Endoscopic Resection of Sinonasal Malignancies with Skull Base Involvement

[Endoscopic endonasal anterior skull base surgery : Presentation of a monocentric entity profile]

BACKGROUND

Extended endoscopic endonasal surgery (EEES) is an essential part of treatment of various pathologies of the anterior skull base. In addition to significant improvements in the quality of life of affected patients and a lower complication profile compared to open skull base surgery, the therapeutic results are comparable if the indications are correct.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of all endoscopic endonasal skull base procedures performed at the University Skull Base Center Hamburg under the direction of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology between June 2018 and November 2022 were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

A total of 50 cases were identified. Of these, 56% (28/50) were malignant tumors, 24% (12/50) were benign pathologies with direct skull base involvement, and 20% (10/50) were anterior skull base defects with rhinoliquorrhea. In 96% (48/50) of cases, the preoperatively set goal of surgery (representative biopsy, complete resection, closure of the skull base defect) could be achieved. Complications grade III or higher according to Clavien-Dindo occurred in 4/50 cases. During the observation period, n = 5 olfactory neuroblastomas were diagnosed, all of which were exclusively and successfully operated on endoscopically.

CONCLUSION

In recent years, the spectrum of endoscopically resectable pathologies of the anterior skull base has steadily expanded. In particular, midline-related tumors such as olfactory neuroblastoma or iatrogenic/idiopathic skull base defects with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea are treated completely endoscopically with very good results. Nevertheless, there are also limitations to this technique. Due to high variance in the scope of frontobasal surgery, the extent, and the complex anatomy, as well as the overlapping responsibilities of the specialist disciplines, establishment of certified skull base centers and bundling of frontobasal surgery at these centers is highly relevant for quality assurance.

Long-Term Outcomes of Endoscopic Resection versus Open Surgery for Locally Advanced Sinonasal Malignancies in Combination with Radiotherapy

Objective  Our objective was to compare the long-term outcomes of endoscopic resection versus open surgery in combination with radiotherapy for locally advanced sinonasal malignancies (SNMs). Methods  Data for continuous patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma who received surgery (endoscopic or open surgery) combined with radiotherapy in our center between January 1999 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. A 1:1 matching with propensity scores was performed. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local recurrence rate (LRR) were evaluated. Results  We identified 267 eligible patients, 90 of whom were included after matching: 45 patients in the endoscopy group and 45 in the open group. The median follow-up time was 87 months. In the endoscopic group, 84.4% of patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), with a mean gross tumor volume (GTV) dose of 68.28 Gy; in the open surgery group, 64.4% of patients received IMRT, with a mean GTV dose of 64 Gy. The 5-year OS, PFS, and LRR were 69.9, 58.6, and 24.5% in the endoscopic group and 64.6, 54.4, and 31.8% in the open surgery group, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that the surgical approach was not associated with lower OS, PFS, or LRR. The overall postoperative complications were 13% in the endoscopic group, while 21.7% in the open group. Conclusion  For patients with locally advanced SNMs, minimally invasive endoscopic resection, in combination with a higher radiation dose and new radiation techniques such as IMRT, yields survival outcomes similar to those of open surgery in combination with radiotherapy.

Different Approaches in Skull Base Surgery Carry Risks for Different Types of Complications

Complications are not uncommon in the complex field of skull base surgery. The intrinsic relationship of lesions in this region to important neurovascular structures, dura mater, and bone may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The evolution of endoscopic endonasal surgery has had a significant impact on this field as a less invasive option for treatment of selected lesions, but major morbidity may still occur; moreover, endoscopic approaches have been associated with higher rates of some specific complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Based on a presented case report, the authors discuss the management of various complications associated with different approaches for resection of skull base malignancies, including epidural and intradural pneumocephalus, subdural hematoma, and subdural empyema. Important lessons learned by the senior author throughout more than 30 years of his skull base surgery practice are highlighted. The inherent risk of complications in skull base surgery emphasizes the importance of their avoidance, prevention, and learning from one's unfavorable experience so as not to repeat them.

In-Hospital Cost Comparison for Open Versus Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Meningioma Resection

Objective

To determine the in-hospital cost implications of an endoscopic expanded endonasal approach (EEEA) for meningioma resection relative to the open transcranial approach.

Methods

All anterior skull base meningioma surgeries performed over a period from January 1st, 2015 to October 31th, 2017 were evaluated. The electronic medical record was reviewed for patient factors, tumor characteristics, and cost variables associated with each hospital stay and univariate analysis was performed using R software. All cost data were converted into August 2021-equivalent dollar amounts using the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.

Results

Thirty-five patients met study criteria, including 27 patients undergoing an open transcranial approach and 8 undergoing an EEEA. Average length of stay for patients undergoing an open approach was 9.3 days compared to 5.6 within the EEEA group ( P = .126). The average total in-hospital cost of patient undergoing an EEEA was $35417.1 compared to $46406.9 among patients undergoing an open transcranial approach ( P = .168). On univariate analysis, the cost of an open transcranial approach relative to the EEEA was $10989.8 ( P = .411).

Conclusions

The open transcranial approach remained the dominant surgical approach to anterior skull base meningiomas over our study time period. However, despite limited patient numbers the EEEA was associated with decreased total in-hospital costs.

Comparative Outcomes by Surgical Approach in Patients with Malignant Sinonasal Disease

Objective There is a paucity of data on comparative outcomes for open versus endoscopic surgery for patients with malignant sinonasal pathology. Most of the available studies are limited by a sample size <100 patients.

Design This is a retrospective cohort study.

Setting The findings of this study come from a single-institution tertiary care center from 2008 to 2019.

Participants In total, 199 patients who underwent surgery for malignant sinonasal disease participated in this study.

Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measures were perioperative complications and reoperation.

Results Patients in our sample had a mean age of 59.7 years (SD, 20.4). In total, 62% were male and 72% were white. An endoscopic-only approach was used in 41% of patients and an open or combined approach in 59% of patients. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common pathology (43.0%), followed by sarcoma (9.5%), skin cancer (6.5%), sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (6.5%), and adenocarcinoma (5.5%). The all-cause complication rate was 14.6%. Patients with an open resection had a higher rate of intraoperative complications (5.9 vs. 0%; p = 0.043), postoperative complications (19.5 vs. 3.7%; p = 0.001), and all-cause complications (21.0 vs. 3.7%; p < 0.001). The likelihood of early reoperation (<6 months) or late reoperation (>6 months) did not significantly differ by surgical approach (p = 1.000 and 0.741, respectively).

Conclusion The endoscopic approach for resection of malignant sinonasal disease is viable for select patients and may be associated with a favorable complication rate compared with the open approach.

The Selective Role of Open and Endoscopic Approaches for Sinonasal Malignant Tumours

Endoscopic endonasal surgery has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of selected cases of sinonasal cancers. However, in cases of locally advanced neoplasms, as well as recurrences, the most appropriate approach is still debated. The present review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on the utility of open approaches to resect sinonasal malignant tumours. Published comparative studies and meta-analyses suggest comparable oncological results with lower morbidity for the endoscopic approaches, but selection biases cannot be excluded. After a critical analysis of the available literature, it can be concluded that endoscopic surgery for selected lesions allows for oncologically safe resections with decreased morbidity. However, when endoscopic endonasal surgery is contraindicated and definitive chemoradiotherapy is not appropriate, craniofacial and transfacial approaches remain the best therapeutic option.

In-Hospital Costs Associated With an Expanded Endonasal Approach to Anterior Skull Base Tumors

Objective:

To determine in-hospital costs associated with performing an EEA to anterior skull base pathology and to identify drivers of cost variability for patients undergoing endoscopic anterior skull base surgery.

Methods:

All endoscopic anterior skull base surgeries performed over a period from January 1st, 2015 to October 24th, 2017 were evaluated. The electronic medical record was reviewed for patient factors, tumor characteristics, and cost variables associated with each hospital stay and univariate analysis was performed using Stata software.

Results:

An EEA was associated with an average total in-hospital cost of $44 545. Compared to patients undergoing a transsphenoidal approach to pituitary tumor resection, EEA patients incurred higher in-hospital costs across all variables including a total cost increase of $15 921 (95% confidence interval $5720-26 122, P = .002). Univariate analysis of all endoscopic anterior skull base surgery patients showed a cost increase of $30 616 associated with post-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak ($10 420-50 811, P = .004), $14 610 with post-operative diabetes insipidus (DI) ($4610-24 609, P = .004), and $11 522 with African-American patients relative to Caucasian patients ($3049-19 995, P = .008).

Conclusions:

Patients who undergo endoscopic EEA for resection of anterior skull base tumors typically incur greater in-hospital costs than patients undergoing a standard TSA. Post-operative complications such as CSF leak and DI, as well as ethnicity, are significant drivers of cost-variability.

Endoscopic versus open surgery in patients with malignant sinonasal tumours and brain invasion. A case series study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety, effectiveness and perioperative costs of endonasal endoscopic approach in brain invasive malignant sinonsal tumours patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a case series bidirectional study; that included 30 brain invasive malignant sinonsal tumours patients treated by endonasal endoscopic approach (2015-2017) and 53 by open surgery (2010-2015). Propensity score matching was used to compensate the prognostic factors; in a sample of 50 patients (25 per group). Primary response variables was local control and 3-years overall survival. Perioperative cost variables were analyzed.

RESULTS

A number of 50 patients were included after matching (25 in each therapeutic group). The age average was 55 years and male proportion was 62%. Squamous cell carcinoma and grade II lesions were the most represented in the sample. Endonasal endoscopic approach reduced surgical time in 1 h 20 min, transfusion needs in 5.5 fold and hospitalization in 19 days; in comparison with open technique. Oncologic control based on surgical free margins, local control, overall survival and progression free survival after three years was higher when the resection was performed endoscopically. Functional status was enhanced and complications diminished by using endoscopic approach. Saving was estimated in $7 355.18 per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Endonasal endoscopic approach represents a safe, effective and economic procedure in selected patients with malignant sinonasal tumors and brain invasion.

Surgical Management of Sinonasal Cancers: A Comprehensive Review

Surgery plays an important role in the treatment of sinonasal cancer. Many surgical approaches have been described, including open, endoscopic, or combined approaches. The choice is based on several criteria: general criteria related to the oncological results and morbidity of each technique, specific criteria related to the tumor (tumor extensions, tumor pathology), the patient, or the surgeon himself. The aims of this review are (i) to provide a complete overview of the surgical techniques available for the management of sinonasal malignant tumors, with a special focus on recent developments in the field of transnasal endoscopic surgery; (ii) to summarize the criteria that lead to the choice of one technique over another. In particular, the oncological outcomes, the morbidity of the different techniques, and the specificities of each histologic subtype will be discussed based on a comprehensive literature review.

Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Angiography for Assessing Flap Perfusion in Skull Base Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Objective This study was aimed to study the current use of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography during skull base reconstruction and understand its efficacy in predicting postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement and flap.

Study Design The Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched from the date of inception until August 2020 for studies of ICG flap perfusion assessment during skull base reconstruction. The primary outcome of interest was the development of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after skull base reconstruction. Secondary outcomes of interest included postoperative meningitis, flap MRI enhancement, flap necrosis, flap perfusion measurements, and total complications.

Results Search results yielded 189 studies, from which seven studies with a total of 104 patients were included in the final analysis. There were 44 nasoseptal flaps (NSF), two lateral nasal wall flaps (LNWF), 14 pericranial flaps (PCF), and 44 microvascular free flaps. The rates of CSF leak and postoperative MRI enhancement were 11 and 94%, respectively. There was one case of postoperative meningitis. Pooled analysis of the available data showed that intraoperative ICG flap perfusion was associated with flap enhancement on postoperative MRI (p = 0.008) and CSF leak (p = 0.315) by Fisher's exact test.

Conclusion The available literature suggests intraoperative ICG enhancement is associated with postoperative MRI enhancement. Given the small sample sizes in the literature and the rarity of complications associated with skull base reconstruction, intraoperative ICG enhancement has not been predictive of flap necrosis or postoperative complications such as CSF leak or meningitis.

Level of Evidence This study presents level 3 evidence as a systematic review of case studies, case reports, and retrospective and prospective trials with no blinding, controls, and inconsistently applied reference standards.

Endoscopic versus open surgery in patients with malignant sinonasal tumors and brain invasion. A case series study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety, effectiveness and perioperative costs of endonasal endoscopic approach in brain invasive malignant sinonsal tumors patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a case series bidirectional study; that included 30 brain invasive malignant sinonsal tumors patients treated by endonasal endoscopic approach (2015-2017) and 53 by open surgery (2010-2015). Propensity score matching was used to compensate the prognostic factors; in a sample of 50 patients (25 per group). Primary response variables was local control and 3-years overall survival. Perioperative cost variables were analyzed.

RESULTS

A number of 50 patients were included after matching (25 in each therapeutic group). The age average was 55 years and male proportion was 62%. Squamous cell carcinoma and grade II lesions were the most represented in the sample. Endonasal endoscopic approach reduced surgical time in 1 hour 20 minutes, transfusion needs in 5.5 fold and hospitalization in 19 days; in comparison with open technique. Oncologic control based on surgical free margins, local control, overall survival and progression free survival after three years was higher when the resection was performed endoscopically. Functional status was enhanced and complications diminished by using endoscopic approach. Saving was estimated in $7 355.18 per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Endonasal endoscopic approach represents a safe, effective and economic procedure in selected patients with malignant sinonasal tumors and brain invasion.

The effect of prior radiation on the success of ventral skull base reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak after ventral skull base reconstruction is a primary outcome of interest to skull base surgeons. Exposure to pre-operative radiation may put patients at an increased risk of skull base reconstructive failure. A systematic search identified studies which included patients receiving ventral skull base reconstruction in the setting of pre-operative radiation. A meta-analysis using a random effects model was conducted to estimate an odds ratio of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in patients exposed to pre-operative radiation. A meta-analysis of 13 studies demonstrated that the odds ratio of CSF leak was 1.73 (95% CI 0.98-3.05). The majority of studies (77%) used vascularized tissue grafts for reconstruction. We identified an increased incidence of CSF leak among patients undergoing ventral skull base reconstruction after prior radiation therapy, although not of statistical significance. Skull base surgeons should exercise caution when planning reconstruction in this population.

Long-Term Survival Outcomes and Treatment Experience of 64 Patients With Esthesioneuroblastoma

Background: Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare sinonasal malignancy, lacking a unified staging system and treatment. Management at a single center was retrospectively evaluated to inform future treatment options and prognostic factors. Methods: Clinical data of 64 consecutive ENB patients, including prognostic factors and treatment methods, were reviewed retrospectively. Data were collected to calculate overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Results: The majority of tumors 84.4% were within Kadish C stage, 79.7% were within T3 or T4, and 64.0% were within Hyams grade III or IV. A total of 50 (78.1%) patients received surgery and combined radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy, 10 (15.6%) received surgery with or without chemotherapy alone, and 4 (6.3%) received radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy alone. The majority of patients (79.7%) underwent endoscopic resection (endoscopic and endoscopically assisted). Surgery combined with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy resulted in significantly better OS (84.4 vs. 50.6%, 84.4 vs. 37.5%) compared to surgery alone and radiotherapy alone (P = 0.0064). Endoscopic surgery group (endoscopic and endoscopically assisted) resulted in significantly better 5-year PFS (61.7 vs. 22.2%) compared to the open surgery group (P < 0.001). Although endoscopic surgery group was not a statistically significant predictor of 5-year OS (P = 0.54), the 5-year OS was 79.3% for the endoscopic surgery group and 76.2% for the open surgery group. A Cox regression analysis identified intracranial extension and surgery combined with radiotherapy as independent factors affecting 5-year OS while cervical lymph node metastasis and Hyams grade IV as independent factors affecting 5-year PFS. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that surgery combined with radiotherapy is the best treatment approach for ENB. For advanced tumors, endoscopic surgery is an effective treatment, and its survival rate is equal to or better than open surgery.

Frailty as a Predictor of Postoperative Complications Following Skull Base Surgery

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

Frailty has emerged as a powerful risk stratification tool across surgical specialties; however, an analysis of the impact of frailty on outcomes following skull base surgery has not been published. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) as a predictor of perioperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing skull base surgery.

METHODS

A mFI-5 score was calculated for patients undergoing skull base surgeries using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2005 to 2018. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of increasing frailty with complications in the 30-day postoperative period, with a subanalysis by operative location.

RESULTS

A total of 17,912 patients who underwent skull base procedures were identified, with 45.5% of patients having a frailty score of one or greater; 44.9% were male and the mean age was 52.0 (±16.1 SD) years. Multivariable regression analysis revealed frailty to be an independent predictor of overall complications (odds ratio [OR]: 1.325, P < .001), life-threatening complications (OR: 1.428, P < .001), and mortality (OR: 1.453, P < .001). Higher frailty also correlated with increased length of stay. When procedures were stratified by operative location, frailty correlated significantly with overall complications for middle, posterior, and multiple-fossae operations but not the anterior fossa.

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty demonstrates a significant and stepwise association with life-threatening postoperative morbidity, mortality, and length of stay following skull base surgeries. mFI-5 is an objective and easily calculable measure of preoperative risk, which may facilitate perioperative planning and counseling regarding outcomes prior to surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 131:1977-1984, 2021.

Surgical outcomes of endoscopic versus open resection for the management of sinonasal malignancies

The purpose of this review is to assess the surgical outcomes of two different treatment modalities, endoscopic and open resection, for the management of sinonasal malignancies by comparing the effectiveness of these two methods. A wide search was carried out considering various electronic databases for English language articles from 2013 to 2018 using keywords such as sinonasal malignancies, endoscopic surgery, open resection for sinonasal malignancies, and endoscopic versus open surgery. One thousand articles were identified from the literature for screening. After a thorough systematic assessment and based on the selection criteria, 10 articles with 4,642 patients were included in this quantitative analysis. With a total of 4,642 patients, 1,730 patients were operated on using endoscopic resection and 2,912 patients were operated on using open resection. The endoscopic approach was found to have a shorter hospital stay compared to open surgical resection (P<0.05). The rate of positive margins and the recurrence rate for open surgical resection were both smaller compared to those for endoscopic resection (P>0.05), and the endoscopic approach had smaller complication rates and a higher survival rate compared to open resection (P>0.05). Though endoscopic resection and open surgical resection have comparable postoperative benefits, preoperative evaluation of cases presenting with sinonasal malignancies is necessary for determining the right treatment method to obtain the best possible results postoperatively.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Versus Open Skull Base Surgery in Pediatric Patients

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

To characterize the pathology and outcomes of skull base surgery in the pediatric population by open versus endoscopic surgical approach.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

A retrospective review of pediatric patients (<18 years) who underwent skull base surgery for nonmalignant disease from May 2000 to August 2019 was performed. Patient demographics, pathology, and operative characteristics by surgical approach were recorded and analyzed. Patients with a combined endoscopic/open approach were classified as open for the analysis.

RESULTS

Eighty-two pediatric skull base patients were identified with a mean age of 11.3 years (standard deviation 5.2). A purely endoscopic approach was used in 63 (77%) patients, a purely open approach was used in nine (11%) patients, and a combined open/endoscopic approach was used in 10 (12%) patients. The all-cause complication rate was 9.8%. There was no statistically significant difference in rate of complications between patients with an open versus endoscopic approach for resection (15.8% vs. 7.9%; P = .379). Risk of having a complication did not significantly vary by patient age. The odds of having a complication with an open approach was not statistically significant in a multivariable model adjusted for age, sex, race, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, tracheostomy requirement, and vascular flap use (odds ratio 2.76, 95% confidence interval 0.28-26.94; P = .383).

CONCLUSIONS

Our retrospective study demonstrates a similar risk of complication for open versus endoscopic approach to resection in pediatric skull base patients at our institution. Safety and feasibility of the endoscopic approach has previously been demonstrated in children, and this is the first study to directly compare outcomes with open approaches.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:996-1001, 2021.

Cost-effectiveness of endoscopic endonasal vs transcranial approaches for olfactory groove meningioma

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) have been adopted as an alternative to standard transcranial approaches for olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs). However, the relative cost-effectiveness remains controversial.

METHODS

Cost-utility analysis from a societal perspective comparing EEA vs transcranial approaches for OGM was used in this study. Surgical treatment was modeled using decision analysis, and a Markov model was adopted over a 20-year horizon. Parameters were obtained from literature review. Costs were expressed in 2017 Canadian dollars.

RESULTS

In the base case, EEA was cost-effective compared with transcranial surgery with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $33 523 ($30 475 USD)/QALY. There was a 55% likelihood that EEA was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay of $50 000/QALY. EEA remained cost-effective at a cerebrospinal fluid leak rate below 60%, gross total resection rate above 25%, and base cost less than $66 174 ($60 158 USD).

CONCLUSION

EEA may be a cost-effective alternative to transcranial approaches for selected OGM.

Role of craniofacial surgery in oral and maxillofacial tumors involving the skull base: A retrospective analysis of 126 patients

OBJECTIVES

Oral and maxillofacial tumors involving the skull base (SB) are rare and complex, making treatment difficult and controversial. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the treatment efficacy of craniofacial surgery (CFS).

STUDY DESIGN

Patients who underwent CFS for these tumors between May 2000 and November 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinicopathologic and treatment modality data were collected and follow-up was recorded. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests and Cox-regression model were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 126 patients were enrolled (70 males and 56 females; 97 malignant tumors). Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for the majority of tumors. The lip-submandibular-neck approach was most frequently applied. Through-and-through SB bone or partial dura resection was performed in 42 cases. A pathologic positive margin was found in 18 cases. Of the included patients, 80 underwent simultaneous craniofacial reconstruction. The postoperative complications rate was 11.1%. Estimated 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival rates were 78.8%, 68.2%, and 54.4% respectively; and the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 77.4%, 66.8%, and 63.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated postoperative complications, radiotherapy, recurrence, and metastasis status had a negative impact on survival (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although tumors involving the SB had various clinicopathologic characteristics, with interdisciplinary cooperation, CFS is an optimal option.

ICAR: endoscopic skull-base surgery

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic skull-base surgery (ESBS) is employed in the management of diverse skull-base pathologies. Paralleling the increased utilization of ESBS, the literature in this field has expanded rapidly. However, the rarity of these diseases, the inherent challenges of surgical studies, and the continued learning curve in ESBS have resulted in significant variability in the quality of the literature. To consolidate and critically appraise the available literature, experts in skull-base surgery have produced the International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery (ICAR:ESBS).

METHODS

Using previously described methodology, topics spanning the breadth of ESBS were identified and assigned a literature review, evidence-based review or evidence-based review with recommendations format. Subsequently, each topic was written and then reviewed by skull-base surgeons in both neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Following this iterative review process, the ICAR:ESBS document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus.

RESULTS

The ICAR:ESBS document addresses the role of ESBS in primary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, intradural tumors, benign skull-base and orbital pathology, sinonasal malignancies, and clival lesions. Additionally, specific challenges in ESBS including endoscopic reconstruction and complication management were evaluated.

CONCLUSION

A critical review of the literature in ESBS demonstrates at least the equivalency of ESBS with alternative approaches in pathologies such as CSF rhinorrhea and pituitary adenoma as well as improved reconstructive techniques in reducing CSF leaks. Evidence-based recommendations are limited in other pathologies and these significant knowledge gaps call upon the skull-base community to embrace these opportunities and collaboratively address these shortcomings.

Surgical Outcomes of Endoscopic Versus Open Resection for Primary Sinonasal Malignancy: A Meta-analysis

Background

Endoscopic resection (ER) for uncommon sinonasal malignancies (SNMs) has been reported to confer superior surgical outcomes compared to open resection (OR) based on indirect comparisons of limited evidence.

Objective

The aim of this study was to pool all direct comparative studies in the literature to validate this potential superior association.

Methods

Systematic searches of 7 electronic databases from their inception to April 2019 were conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. There were 1001 articles identified for screening. Outcomes of interest were pooled as risk ratios (RRs) and mean difference (MD) and analyzed using a random-effects model.

Results

There were 10 studies included in this meta-analysis, with 900 SNM patients in total where ER and OR were utilized in 399 (44%) and 501 (56%) cases, respectively. Compared to OR, random-effects (RE) modeling indicated ER resulted in statistically comparable complications (RR = 0.68; P-effect = .12) and recurrence (RR = 0.84; P-effect = .35). ER was associated with significantly shorter length of stay (LOS) compared to OR (MD = −2.9 days; P-effect <.01).

Conclusions

The use of ER to manage SNM was associated with significantly favorable reduction in LOS compared to OR. However, with respect to other surgical outcomes and recurrence, the current literature does not indicate either ER or OR as statistically superior. Therefore, until greater validation of these associations can be proven, expectations that ER for SNMs confers superior surgical outcomes compared to OR should be tempered.

Predictors of Short-term Morbidity and Mortality in Open Anterior Skull Base Surgery

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To describe rates of complications and mortality within 30 days of open anterior skull base surgery using a large, multi-institutional outcomes database.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

The study included patients who underwent open anterior skull base surgery as listed in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database from 2007 through 2014.

RESULTS

A total of 336 open anterior skull base surgeries were identified. One hundred nine (32.4%) patients experienced a complication, reoperation, or mortality. The most common events were postoperative transfusion (15.8%), reoperation (10.1%), and readmission (8.0%). Significant independent predictors of any adverse event included higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and increased total operative time (both P < .05). The only predictor of mortality was higher ASA score (P = .02). Predictors of increased hospital stay included impaired sensorium (P = .04), coma >24 hours (P < .001), lower preoperative hematocrit (P = .02), higher ASA score (P = .04), and increased total operative time (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Open anterior skull base surgery is understandably complex, and is thus associated with a relatively high adverse event rate. Knowledge of factors associated with adverse events has the potential to improve preoperative optimization of controllable variables and translate into improved surgical outcomes for patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 129:1407-1412, 2019.

Combined Endoscopic Transorbital and Endonasal Repair of High Flow Orbital Apex/Middle Fossa Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak with a Nasoseptal Flap

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

High flow orbital apex or middle fossa cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can be life threatening and complex to repair. These leaks associated with large dural defects are most commonly repaired with an open temporalis muscle patch or free flaps, but these flaps do not always stop the leak.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 65-year-old patient presented two years after orbital exenteration and radiation for squamous cell carcinoma. He developed multi-organism meningitis and pneumocephalus secondary to a large high-flow orbital apex/middle fossa CSF leak. To repair the leak, a combined endoscopic transorbital/endonasal approach with pedicled nasospetal flap and dermis fat graft was used. We describe the unique endoscopic technique that was used to treat the life threatening high flow orbital apex/middle fossa CSF leak. The technique allowed the use of the transposed pedicled flap, which is an alternative to the free flap in controlling CSF leak. Cisternogram post-operatively and clinical exam confirmed resolution of CSF leak. Although a critically ill patient at admission with a modified Rankin scale (MRS) of 5, he was discharged home on continued IV antibiotic therapy with a MRS of 3. Endoscopic evaluation at three months after treatment showed the effectiveness of the flap and he continued to improve clinically.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case to describe a combined endoscopic transorbital and endonasal repair of high flow orbital apex/middle fossa CSF leak with a pedicled nasoseptal flap. These techniques can be utilized during initial reconstruction after orbital exenteration or as a salvage flap.