A Single Layer Synthetic Dural Substitute Inlay is an Effective Sellar Reconstruction Technique in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

Reconstruction of the Anterior Skull Base Using the Nasoseptal Flap: A Review

The nasoseptal flap is a workhorse reconstructive option for anterior skull base defects during endonasal surgery. This paper highlights the versatility of the nasoseptal flap. After providing a brief historical perspective, this review will focus on the relevant primary literature published in the last ten years. We will touch upon new applications of the flap, how the flap has been modified to expand its reach and robustness, and some of the current limitations. We will conclude by discussing what the future holds for improving upon the design and use of the nasoseptal flap in anterior skull base reconstruction.

Clinical management of dural defects: A review

Dural defects are common in spinal and cranial neurosurgery. A series of complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, occur after rupture of the dura. Therefore, treatment strategies are necessary to reduce or avoid complications. This review comprehensively summarizes the common causes, risk factors, clinical complications, and repair methods of dural defects. The latest research progress on dural repair methods and materials is summarized, including direct sutures, grafts, biomaterials, non-biomaterial materials, and composites formed by different materials. The characteristics and efficacy of these dural substitutes are reviewed, and these materials and methods are systematically evaluated. Finally, the best methods for dural repair and the challenges and future prospects of new dural repair materials are discussed.

Perioperative Outcomes of a Hydrocortisone Protocol after Endonasal Surgery for Pituitary Adenoma Resection

Introduction In pituitary adenomas (PAs), the use of postoperative steroid supplementation remains controversial, as it reduces peritumoral edema and sinonasal complaints but disrupts the detection of adrenal insufficiency (AI). It is unclear whether postoperative cortisol supplementation has a measurable effect on improving outcomes in patients with pituitary adenoma undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS). The objective of the study was to evaluate a postoperative steroid treatment protocol on various surgical outcomes in patients with PA undergoing ETS.

Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed for patients undergoing ETS from 2005 to 2020 for PA at a single tertiary academic center. Patients were divided into two groups: those managed by a routine postoperative glucocorticoid supplementation protocol (steroid protocol) and those who received supplementation based on postoperative cortisol laboratory assessment (steroid sparing protocol). Management was otherwise the same between groups. Evaluation of length of stay (LOS), sinonasal outcomes, 30-day readmission, and perioperative complications, including AI, were performed.

Results Among 535 patients, 21% (n = 111) received postoperative steroids, while the remainder (n = 424) did not. There were no differences in mean LOS (3 vs. 3 days, p = 0.72), sinonasal complaints (27 vs. 19%, p = 0.12), 30-day readmission (5% vs. 5%, p = 0.44), and perioperative complications (5 vs. 5%, p = 0.79) between both the groups. A multivariate model supported that both groups were comparable in predicting LOS, 30-day readmission, and complications. No reduction in readmission for AI was seen.

Conclusion Routine administration of postoperative glucocorticoids did not significantly improve patient outcomes in patients with PA who underwent ETS.