Postoperative aseptic intracranial granuloma: the possible influence of fluid hemostatics

Granuloma formation as a late complication of burr-hole surgery for chronic subdural hematoma

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment remains the mainstream therapeutic regimen for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), and burr-hole craniostomy with subdural drainage is the preferable approach. Herein, we reported a case of intracranial granuloma formation as a late complication of burr-hole surgery for CSDH.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 31-year-old man presented with a 1-month history of headache. Head computed tomography (CT) showed a subdural hematoma in the left frontal-temporal-parietal region with significant midline shifting. A burr-hole evacuation of the hematoma with closed-system drainage was performed. CT obtained immediately after the surgery demonstrated that the hematoma was mostly evacuated. Nine months later, he presented to us again due to intermittent headache in the left temporoparietal region. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a space-occupying mass at the site of the original hematoma. A bone-flap craniotomy was performed for resecting the mass. Histopathological examination revealed a granuloma. The microbial cultivation of the resected specimen was negative. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the headache was relieved.

CONCLUSION

Granuloma formation is an extremely rare late complication of burr-hole surgery for CSDH. Physicians involved in the perioperative management of CSDH should be aware of this condition, and bone-flap craniotomy may be warranted.

Surgicel® Granuloma Mimicking Recurrent Thyroid Tumor After Thyroidectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Oxidized regenerated cellulose, commonly known by the brand name Surgicel®, is a hemostatic agent widely used in various surgical procedures. While it is generally considered safe and effective, there have been reports of complications associated with its use, including the formation of pseudotumoral lesions. This article presents a case of a patient who developed a Surgicel® granuloma in the thyroid bed, mimicking a recurrent tumor. Surgicel® is known to cause a chronic inflammatory reaction, leading to foreign body giant cell formation and fibroblastic proliferation. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying pseudotumoral lesions caused by oxidized cellulose. The characteristic appearance of oxidized cellulose fragments and the presence of a granulomatous reaction can help distinguish these lesions from tumor recurrence or abscesses. To prevent Surgicel® granuloma, it is recommended to use the minimal amount necessary to achieve hemostasis. It is also important to document its use in the operative report. In cases where a recurrent mass lesion is suspected postoperatively, a comprehensive medical history, imaging studies, and FNA are essential for accurate diagnosis and management. This case report highlights the importance of considering Surgicel®-induced granuloma in the differential diagnosis of recurrent thyroid-bed tumors. A correct diagnosis can help avoid unnecessary aggressive interventions, particularly in cancer patients.

Cottonoid Retention After Craniotomy: Causes and Ways to Avoid It

Nonabsorbable surgical material left in an surgical wound may cause early postoperative infections and specific types of granulomas; thus, it represents a dangerous complication in neurosurgery. The authors have analyzed their experience and present four cases of cottonoid retention after intracranial tumor resection. During 5-year period (from 2013 until 2017), the incidence of such an undesirable event after craniotomy for various indications was 0.07%. It was not related to the professional experience of the operating neurosurgeon, but cases of deep-seated lesions, the presence of brain edema or excessive bleeding of neoplastic or peritumoral tissue, prolonged surgeries, use of cottonoids without marking thread, and inadequate counting of disposable surgical materials at the end of the procedure may increase the risk of this complication. In all of the presented cases, the retained cottonoids were clearly seen on postoperative computed tomography because of the presence of radiopaque identifiers. All of the patients underwent an urgent reoperation for removal of the foreign body within 24 h after completion of the primary surgery, and they subsequently experienced an uneventful postoperative course without any complications. Well-coordinated work of the surgical team-in particular, appropriate communication between the surgeon and the circulating nurse during counting of surgical materials at the end of the procedure-is absolutely necessary for prevention of cottonoid retention after brain surgery.

Pre-operative imaging and post-operative appearance of standard paediatric neurosurgical approaches: a training guide for neuroradiologists

A short-cut narrative review was conducted according to the SANRA guidelines to identify studies describing normal and abnormal postoperative radiological features of the most common paediatric neurosurgical procedures. Rather than focusing on the original pathology addressed by neurosurgical means, this review explored three main areas of operative neurosurgery: ventricular access, supratentorial & infratentorial craniotomies, and posterior fossa/craniocervical junction decompression. A total of twenty-three landmark papers were included for review based on their relevance to address the research question and serve as a practical guide for paediatric neuroradiology trainees and fellows. Accurate in text referencing of the ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, and weblink, has also been provided for all trials discussed in the results section. All the above is complemented by relevant iconography meant to describe a wide range of postoperative changes and early complications. Finally, the review is enriched by a discussion touching upon haemostatic agents, intentionally retained foreign bodies and the future of machine learning for neuroradiology reporting. Overall, the information presented in a systematic fashion will not only help trainees and fellows to deepen these topics and expand their knowledge in preparation for written and oral boards, but will also represent a useful resource for everyone including trained neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons themselves.

Intradural Intramedullary Mixed Type Hemangioma: Optimizing the Surgical Management through Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring

Intradural intramedullary mixed type hemangioma is a rare histotype of primary spinal cord tumors, though it can carry a severe clinical burden leading to limb dysfunction or motor and sensory disturbances. Timely intervention with radical resection is the hallmark of treatment but achieving it is not an easy task even for experienced neurosurgeons. We herein present an exemplificative case presenting with sudden paraplegia in which total resection was achieved under intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring. A thorough discussion on the operative technique and the role of neuromonitoring in allowing a safe surgical management of primary spinal cord tumors is presented.

Dealing with the surgical and medical challenges of penetrating brain injuries

Peacetime has reduced the overall incidence of penetrating brain injuries (PBI), and those related to missile penetration are not common anymore at least in western countries. Nevertheless, PBI still occur, and car crashes or work accidents are their main causes. The management of such cases is characterized by many challenges, not only from a surgical and medical point of view, but also for the different and sometimes bizarre dynamics by which they present. Herein we report an unusual deep penetrating brain injury, due to a high-energy crash against a metallic rod in a construction site, with a good surgical outcome despite dramatic clinical conditions on admission. A discussion of the surgical results and functional outcome related to PBI, as found in the English medical literature, is provided. Moreover the most common postoperative complications along with the diagnostic flow charts and therapeutic options useful to prevent inappropriate treatment are highlighted.