Risk factors associated with the surgical management of craniopharyngiomas in pediatric patients: analysis of 1961 patients from a national registry database

Endonasal endoscopic or endoscopic-assisted transcranial surgery of Rathke's cleft cysts: does the approach and surgical technique influence the radicality and recurrence rate?

OBJECTIVE

Resections of symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are mainly performed via an endonasal transsphenoidal approach. However, there is a lack of equivalent data in current literature concerning transcranial keyhole approach in the treatment of RCCs. In order to find general recommendations for the surgical treatment of RCCs also with regard to recurrence, the object of this study is the analysis and comparison of both techniques.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients having been surgically treated between January 2004 and August 2019 were retrospectively analysed. The transsphenoidal approach was chosen in 16 cases and the transcranial keyhole approach in 13 cases. Both surgical techniques were analyzed and compared concerning preoperative symptoms and cyst characteristics, complications, surgical radicality, endocrinological and ophthalmological outcome and recurrences in patients´ follow up.

RESULTS

The postoperative outcome of both techniques was identic and showed highly satisfying success rates with 92% for neurological deficits, 82% for endocrinological dysfunctions and 86% for visual deficits. In contrast, momentous postoperative complications were significantly more likely after transsphenoidal operations. After a mean follow-up time of 5.7 years, the recurrence rates of both cohorts were the same with 0% each.

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding its equal outcome with its lower complication rate, the authors suggest using the supraorbital keyhole approach for RCCs whose anatomical configuration allow both techniques. Yet, the decision should always consider the surgeon's personal experience and other individual patient characteristics. Further studies with higher numbers of cases and longer follow-up periods are necessary to analyse the effect of the selected approach on recurrence.

Benefits and limitations of a dual faculty neurosurgeon approach to resection of pediatric craniopharyngioma

PURPOSE

The utility and safety of including two neurosurgeons for tumor resections is unknown. This study compares outcomes among pediatric patients with craniopharyngiomas operated on with a dual or single surgeon approach (DSA, SSA).

METHODS

A single-center review identified all craniopharyngioma transsphenoidal or craniotomy resections from 2000 to 2020. Surgical years of experience (YOE) and rates of 5-year reoperations, complications, recurrence, and postoperative radiotherapy were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-six transsphenoidal and 68 craniotomies were identified among 62 patients. Eleven transsphenoidal (42.3%) utilized DSA and 15 utilized (57.7%) SSA. Eight craniotomies (11.8%) were DSA and 60 (88.2%) were SSA. The surgeon for SSA transsphenoidal procedures had a median of 10.7 YOE (IQR: 9.9-13.7) versus 6.6 (IQR: 2.7-16; p = 0.058) for the lead surgeon in DSAs. The co-surgeon in transsphenoidal DSAs had a median of 27 YOE (IQR: 11.8-35.7). The surgeon for SSA craniotomies had a median of 19.3 YOE (IQR: 12.1-26.4) versus 4.5 years (IQR: 1.3-15.3; p = 0.017) for the lead surgeon in DSA cases. The co-surgeon in DSA craniotomies had a median of 23.2 YOE (IQR: 12.6-31.4). Case complexity was similar across transsphenoidal groups. DSA transsphenoidal resections had fewer complications (18% DSA vs. 33% SSA), reoperations (45% vs. 53%), and radiation therapy (9.1% DSA vs. 33% SSA) than SSA.

CONCLUSION

Lead surgeons in DSAs are frequently junior surgeons while SSAs typically employ senior surgeons. Outcomes did not significantly differ between DSA and SSA. Mentorship through DSAs does not negatively affect patient care.

Long-term outcomes after a transcranial microsurgical approach to craniopharyngiomas: a 20-year clinical follow-up study

Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a mostly benign tumor that is nonetheless one of most formidable skull base lesions. CP tends to recur, and scarce clinical results are available regarding its long-term outcomes. From February 1996 to April 2002, craniopharyngiomas primarily resected by open surgery in a single-center and single-surgeon practice were screened. Medical information regarding patients' baseline, tumor parameters, endocrinological results, complications, and quality of life in those patients with a follow-up longer than 20 years were reviewed. Nineteen out of 187 patients who met the inclusion criteria were eligible, and 78.9% of the patients were admitted due to visual deficits. The transcranial approach was mostly applied for the first attempt of opening resection, with 94.7% gross total resection. The size of the tumor ranged from 25 to 45 mm with a mean maximal diameter of 34.7 mm. Although 7 out of 19 patients received an extra procedure, 6 patients (31.5%) regained fertility, with 3 women bearing a total of 5 children and 3 men fathering a total of 4 children, during the 21.4-year follow-up (range: 20.0-23.3 years). The mean Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score was 97.9 (range: 80-100) at the last follow-up, and the physical and mental 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores were 88.0 and 80.5, respectively. The tumor sizes of the patients who regained fertility were not significantly different from those of the patients who remained infertile (t = 1.29, P > 0.2). The time interval from prior surgery to tumor resection for recurrent cases ranged from 0.3 to 17.4 years (mean, 7.3 years). There was no significant difference in the time until tumor recurrence in the patients who underwent a second surgery, a third surgery, or a fourth surgery. The satisfactory results in the present study revealed favorable long-term outcomes following the transcranial management of CPs, with acceptable endocrinological function and tumor-free survival. A decisive policy of open surgery with the objective of radical tumor removal remains a valid method for the primary treatment of CPs, aiming to avoid retreatment after tumor recurrence involving vital hypothalamic structures or hydrocephalus.

The Influence of Facility Volume and Type on Skull Base Chordoma Treatment and Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of facility case volume and type on skull base chordoma treatment and overall survival (OS).

METHODS

The 2004-2016 National Cancer Database was queried for skull base chordoma patients receiving definitive treatment. Facilities were categorized into 2 cohorts by calculating the mean number of patients treated per facility and using cutoff numbers that were 0.5 SD above and below the computed mean to separate the groups. As, by definition of the inclusion criteria, all included facilities treated at least 1 patient, low-volume facilities were defined as treating 1 patient, and high-volume facilities were defined as treating ≥7 patients; mid-volume facilities (facilities treating ≥2 but ≤6 patients) were excluded. Differences in treatment course, outcomes, and OS by facility type were assessed.

RESULTS

The study included 658 patients (44.8% female, 79.5% White). The 187 unique facilities were categorized into 95 low-volume facilities (treating 1 patient during timeline) and 26 high-volume facilities (treating ≥7 patients during timeline). Kaplan-Meier log-rank analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between facility volume and OS (P < 0.001) and an improvement in OS in patients at academic facilities (P = 0.018). On Cox proportional hazards multivariate regression after adjusting for sex, age, Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index, and insurance type, high-volume facilities and academic facilities were associated with a lower mortality risk than low-volume facilities and nonacademic facilities (P < 0.001 and P = 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher facility case volume and academic facility type appear to be associated with improved survival outcomes in treatment of skull base chordomas.

90-Day Bundled Payment Simulation, Health Care Utilization, and Complications following Craniopharyngioma Resection in Adult Patients

Context Bundled payment and health care utilization models inform cost optimization and surgical outcomes. Economic analysis of payment plans for craniopharyngioma resection is unknown.

Objective This study aimed to identify impact of endocrine and nonendocrine complications (EC and NEC, respectively) on health care utilization and bundled payments following craniopharyngioma resection.

Design This study is presented as a retrospective cohort analysis (2000–2016) with 2 years of follow-up.

Setting The study included national inpatient hospitalization and outpatient visits.

Patients Patients undergoing craniopharyngioma resection were divided into the following four groups: group 1, no complications (NC); group 2, only EC; group 3, NEC; and group 4, both endocrine and nonendocrine complications (ENEC).

Interventions This study investigated transphenoidal or subfrontal approach for tumor resection.

Main Outcome Hospital readmission, health care utilization up to 24 months following discharge, and 90-day bundled payment performances are primary outcomes of this study.

Results Median index hospitalization payments were significantly lower for patients in NC cohort ($28,672) compared with those in EC ($32,847), NEC ($36,259), and ENEC ($32,596; p < 0.0001). Patients in ENEC incurred higher outpatient services and overall median payments at 6 months (NC: 38,268; EC: 49,844; NEC: 68,237; and ENEC: 81,053), 1 year (NC: 46,878; EC: 58,210; NEC: 81,043; and ENEC: 94,768), and 2 years (NC: 58,391; EC: 70,418; NEC: 98,838; and ENEC: 1,11,841; p < 0.0001). The 90-day median bundled payment was significantly different among the cohorts with the highest in ENEC ($60,728) and lowest in the NC ($33,089; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion ENEC following surgery incurred almost two times the overall median payments at 90 days, 6 months, 1 year. and 2 years compared with those without complications. Bundled payment model may not be a feasible option in this patient population. Type of complications and readmission rates should be considered to optimize payment model prediction following craniopharyngioma resection.

An analysis of clinical characteristics and postoperative complications in children craniopharyngioma

OBJECTIVE

Children treated for craniopharyngioma (CP) experience significant morbidity. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and postoperative complications of pediatric CP and to determine risk factors for complications to provide a theoretical basis for postoperative treatment.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we screened clinical data concerning children with CP who had undergone surgery at our hospital from December 2011 to June 2015. We statistically analyzed the relationship between age, sex, disease course, tumor location, extent of tumor resection, and neuroendocrine axis dysfunction.

RESULTS

Of 240 patients (males, n = 144; females, n = 96; mean age, 8.33 ± 4.64 years), the main clinical presentations were headache (n = 151, 62.92%), vomiting (n = 84, 35%), vision changes (n = 101, 42.08%), polydipsia and polyuria (n = 47, 19.58%), and growth retardation (n = 42, 17.5%). Hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction was the most common postoperative complication. There were 216 (90.00%) and 181 (75.42%) patients with pituitary-thyroid and pituitary-adrenal axis injuries, respectively. Being a prepubescent girl was a risk factor for impaired pituitary-thyroid and pituitary-adrenal axis function (P < 0.05). No correlation was found between sex (male), age, disease course, tumor location, extent of tumor resection, and impaired pituitary-thyroid and pituitary-adrenal axis function (P > 0.05). Pituitary-gonad axis injury was observed in 91 (37.92%) patients. Saddle and suprasellar region tumors were risk factors for impaired pituitary-gonad axis function (P < 0.05). No statistically significant correlation was found between sex, disease course, extent of resection, and impaired pituitary-gonad axis function (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Routine screening for complications during treatment is indicated for children with CP, to optimize the timing of interventions and reduce long-term morbidity.

Perioperative Complications in Endoscopic Endonasal versus Transcranial Resections of Adult Craniopharyngiomas

BACKGROUND

Adult craniopharyngiomas are low-grade tumors of the pituitary infundibulum that can be locally aggressive and frequently present with profound visual deficits and endocrinopathies. Surgical resection remains the preferred initial treatment for these lesions, and recently endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) have become increasingly used. However, minimal data exist comparing these techniques with traditional transcranial (TC) methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate perioperative differences in EEA and TC approaches for adult craniopharyngiomas over the past several decades.

METHODS

Craniopharyngioma surgeries in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2014 were identified. Complication rates, mortality rates, and annual treatment trends were stratified by procedure. Annual caseload was assessed with linear regression, and multivariate logistic regression models were created to determine predictors of inpatient mortality and perioperative complications.

RESULTS

From 1998-2014, a significant increase in EEAs for craniopharyngiomas (+4.36/year, r² = 0.80, P < 0.0001) was observed. In contrast, no increase in TC surgeries for these lesions was seen. In multivariate analysis, EEAs were more likely to experience postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (odds ratio = 2.61, P < 0.0001). However, EEAs were protective against all other perioperative complications including diabetes insipidus, panhypopituitarism, visual impairment, and even mortality (odds ratio = 0.41, P = 0.0007).

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past several decades, utilization of EEAs to resect adult craniopharyngiomas has increased. EEAs appear to be associated with lower rates of perioperative mortality and complications. However, long-term, prospective studies controlling for tumor size, location, and preoperative symptomatology are needed to determine when one approach should be used preferentially over the other.

Surgical techniques in the management of supratentorial pediatric brain tumors: 10 years' experience at a tertiary care center in the Middle East

Background:

The goal of this retrospective study is to present the first epidemiological data on pediatric supratentorial central nervous system (CNS) tumors in Lebanon and to review the various surgical management strategies used.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective case series of all pediatric patients who presented with a supratentorial CNS tumor and underwent surgery at our institution between 2006 and 2016. We collected and analyzed demographic characteristics, tumor location, clinical manifestations, histopathology, and surgical management strategies and outcome, and discussed them after dividing the tumors as per location and in view of published literature.

Results:

Ninety-nine children were studied with a male-to-female ratio of 2.3:1 and a mean age of 8.5 years. The most common location was convexity (44%) and included low-grade and high-grade glial tumors, along with other miscellaneous lesions. The next location was sellar/diencephalic (34%), including craniopharyngiomas, hypothalamic/optic pathway/thalamic gliomas, hamartomas, and pituitary/Rathke’s cyst, where there was notable use of endoscopic techniques (21%). Tumors in the pineal region (13%) were tectal gliomas, germ cell tumors, and pineoblastomas and were mostly treated endoscopically. The last group was lateral intraventricular tumors (8%) and was mostly choroid plexus lesions and ependymomas. Overall, the surgical objective was achieved in 95% with mild/moderate complications in 17%.

Conclusion:

A variety of pathologies may affect the pediatric population in the supratentorial region. Different surgical strategies, including microsurgical and endoscopic techniques, may be employed to remove, debulk, or biopsy these tumors depending on their location, suspected diagnosis, prognosis, and the need for treatment of possible associated hydrocephalus.

Racial and ethnic disparities among children with primary central nervous system tumors in the US

INTRODUCTION

Primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors are among the most common and lethal types of cancer in children. However, the existence of health disparities in CNS tumors by race or ethnicity remains poorly understood. This systematic review sought to determine whether racial and ethnic disparities in incidence, healthcare access, and survival exist among pediatric patients diagnosed with CNS tumors.

METHODS

A search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted. Inclusion criteria selected for studies published between January 1, 2005 and July 15, 2020 that focused on pediatric populations in the US, evaluated for potential differences based on racial or ethnic backgrounds, and focused on CNS tumors. A standardized study form was used to collect study information, population of interest, research design, and quality of analysis, sample size, participant demographics, pathology evaluated, and incidence or outcomes observed.

RESULTS

A total of 30 studies were inlcuded. Studies suggest White children may be more likely to be diagnosed with a CNS tumor and Hispanic children to present with advanced-stage disease and have worse outcomes. The degree of influence derived from socioeconomic factors is unclear. This review was limited by few available studies that included race and ethnicity as a variable, the overlap in databases used, and unclear categorization of race and ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

This review identified notable and at times contradicting variations in racial/ethnic disparities among children with CNS tumors, suggesting that the extent of these disparities remains largely unknown and prompts further research to improve health equity.

Analysis of 2141 pediatric craniopharyngioma admissions in the USA utilizing the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID): predictors of discharge disposition

OBJECTIVES

To recognize the national trends in management of pediatric craniopharyngioma and to address the significant predictors of discharge disposition.

METHODS

We utilized the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID), a pediatric inpatient sample generated by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) triennially from 1997 to 2016.

RESULTS

KID contains 2141 pediatric craniopharyngioma admissions. Patient demographics had no effect on discharge disposition. Based on the multivariable logistic regression analysis, we confirmed a significantly higher non-routine discharge rate among patients with hydrocephalus (P = 0.01). Patients who developed diabetes insipidus were at higher risk for non-routine discharge (P = 0.02). Admission of patients to a freestanding children's hospital increased the likelihood of routine discharge (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Hydrocephalus, diabetes insipidus, and admission to a freestanding children's hospital are significant independent predictors of discharge disposition.

Recognizing Risks and Optimizing Perioperative Care to Reduce Respiratory Complications in the Pediatric Patient

There have been significant advancements in the safe delivery of anesthesia as well as improvements in surgical technique; however, the perioperative period can still be high risk for the pediatric patient. Perioperative respiratory complications (PRCs) are some of the most common critical events that can occur in pediatric surgical patients and they can lead to increased length of hospitalization, worsened patient outcomes, and higher hospital and postoperative costs. It is important to determine the various factors that put pediatric patients at increased risk of PRCs. This will allow for more detailed and accurate informed consent, optimized perioperative management strategy, improved allocation of clinical resources, and, hopefully, better patient experience. There are only a few risk prediction models/scoring tools developed for and validated in the pediatric patient population, but they have been useful in helping identify the key factors associated with a high likelihood of developing PRCs. Some of these factors are patient factors, while others are procedure-related factors. Some of these factors may be modified such that the patient’s clinical status is optimized preoperatively to decrease the risk of PRCs occurring perioperatively. Fore knowledge of the factors that are not able to be modified can help guide allocation of perioperative clinical resources such that the negative impact of these non-modifiable factors is buffered. Additional training in pediatric anesthesia or focused expertise in pediatric airway management, vascular access and management of massive hemorrhage should be considered for the perioperative management of the less than 3 age group. Intraoperative ventilation strategy plays a key role in determining respiratory outcomes for both adult and pediatric surgical patients. Key components of lung protective mechanical ventilation strategy such as low tidal volume and moderate PEEP used in the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in pediatric intensive care units have been adopted in pediatric operating rooms. Adequate post-operative analgesia that balances pain control with appropriate mental status and respiratory drive is important in reducing PRCs.

Outcome of Chinese children with craniopharyngioma: a 20-year population-based study by the Hong Kong Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Study Group

PURPOSE

Craniopharyngioma is a rare low-grade neoplasm in children. Tumor progression occurs frequently, and survivors are at risk of long-term disease and treatment-related morbidities. We reviewed the population-based experience of managing pediatric craniopharyngioma in Hong Kong.

METHODS

The Hong Kong Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Study Group database was interrogated for patients with craniopharyngioma younger than 18 years between 1999 and 2018. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, outcomes, and long-term morbidities were summarized.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients with craniopharyngioma were included (approximate incidence of 1.1 per 1,000,000 individuals). The treatment approaches were heterogeneous and included surgery only, surgery with adjuvant radiation, and surgery with intracystic interferon. With a median follow-up of 6.1 years, 12 (43%) patients experienced disease progression, and 3 patients died of progression, postoperative complication, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 56.8% (± 10.0%) and 92.0% (± 5.4%), respectively. The 10-year PFS and OS rates were 37.3% (± 11.4) and 92.0% (± 5.4%), respectively. Patients receiving treatment in a high-volume center had significantly better outcomes than did those treated at other centers (PFS, p = 0.007; OS, p = 0.029). Period of diagnosis, sex, age at diagnosis, greatest tumor dimension, extent of resection, and radiotherapy use did not significantly affect patient survival. Long-term visual impairment (60%) and endocrinopathies (92%) were common.

CONCLUSION

Prognosis of pediatric craniopharyngioma in Hong Kong compares unfavorably with published reports. Centralization and standardization of treatment may prove valuable in mitigating patient outcomes.

Clinical Approach to Sodium Homeostasis Disorders in Children with Pituitary-Suprasellar Tumors

Children with pituitary-suprasellar tumors are at high risk of developing sodium metabolism disorders since the tumoral mass itself or surgical and medical treatment can damage AVP release circuits. Additional risk factors are represented by the use of hypotonic fluids, the young age, total parenteral nutrition, and obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to tumor pathology. The most frequent hyponatremic disorders related to AVP in these patients are the syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion and the cerebral/renal salt wasting syndrome, while hypernatremic conditions include central diabetes insipidus (CDI) and adipsic CDI. The main challenge in the management of these patients is to promptly distinguish the AVP release disorder at the base of the sodium imbalance and treat it correctly by avoiding rapid sodium fluctuations. These disorders can coexist or follow each other in a few hours or days; therefore, careful clinical and biochemical monitoring is necessary, especially during surgery, the use of chemotherapeutic agents, or radiotherapy. This monitoring should be performed by experienced healthcare professionals and should be multidisciplinary, including pediatric endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, and oncologists since maintaining sodium homeostasis also plays a prognostic role in terms of disease survival, therapeutic response, hospitalization rate, and mortality. In this review, we analyze the management of sodium homeostasis disorders in children with pituitary-suprasellar tumors and discuss the main challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions based on literature data and over 30 years of clinical experience at our Department of Pediatric Endocrinology.

Pediatric craniopharyngioma

BACKGROUND

Craniopharyngioma has historically been recognized to be a formidable pathology primarily due to its proximity to critical neurovascular structures and the challenging surgical corridors that surgeons have tried to reach this lesion.

FOCUS OF REVIEW

In this work, we review the medical and surgical management of these tumors with a focus on clinical presentation, diagnostic identification, surgical approach, and associated adjuvant therapies. We will also discuss our current treatment paradigm using endoscopic, open, and combined approaches to craniopharyngiomas. The management of craniopharyngiomas requires a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, endocrinologists, and neuroanesthesiologists as well as neurocritical care specialists to deliver the most comprehensive and safest surgical resection with minimal postoperative morbidity.

Endoscopic Transnasal Skull Base Surgery in Pediatric Patients

Introduction  In pediatric patients, endoscopic transnasal surgery (ETNS) poses challenges because of the small size of the developing skull and narrow endonasal corridors. Objective  This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ETNS in children by assessing our experience of endoscopic skull base surgery. Materials and Methods  All pediatric patients ( n  = 54) who were eligible for surgery using only the endonasal endoscopic approach at our tertiary center between 2012 and 2018 were included in this study. The surgeries were performed simultaneously by an endoscopic skull base team of neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists. Hormonal analyses were conducted before and after surgery in all patients with sellar/parasellar lesions. Patients older than 8 years underwent smell and visual testing. Results  In the 54 patients aged 1 to 17 years who underwent surgery, craniopharyngioma was the most common pathology (29.6%), followed by pituitary adenoma (22.2%). Gross total resection was achieved in 33 (76.7%) of 41 patients who underwent surgery because of the presence of tumors. All visual deficits improved, although one patient sustained olfactory deterioration. Sixteen (29.6%) patients presented with complications such as transient diabetes insipidus and temporary visual loss. Conclusions  Despite anatomy-related challenges in children, adequate results can be achieved with high rates of success, and the functional and anatomical integrity of the developing skull and nose of children can be preserved. In pediatric patients, ETNS is a safe and effective option for addressing various lesions along the skull base.

Paediatric and adult-onset male hypogonadism

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is of relevance in many processes related to the development, maturation and ageing of the male. Through this axis, a cascade of coordinated activities is carried out leading to sustained testicular endocrine function, with gonadal testosterone production, as well as exocrine function, with spermatogenesis. Conditions impairing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during paediatric or pubertal life may result in delayed puberty. Late-onset hypogonadism is a clinical condition in the ageing male combining low concentrations of circulating testosterone and specific symptoms associated with impaired hormone production. Testosterone therapy for congenital forms of hypogonadism must be lifelong, whereas testosterone treatment of late-onset hypogonadism remains a matter of debate because of unclear indications for replacement, uncertain efficacy and potential risks. This Primer focuses on a reappraisal of the physiological role of testosterone, with emphasis on the critical interpretation of the hypogonadal conditions throughout the lifespan of the male individual, with the exception of hypogonadal states resulting from congenital disorders of sex development.

Lessons learned in the evolution of endoscopic skull base surgery

OBJECTIVEEndoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) is a relatively recent addition to the neurosurgical armamentarium. As with many new approaches, there has been significant controversy regarding its value compared with more traditional approaches to ventral skull base pathology. Although early enthusiasm for new approaches that appear less invasive is usually high, these new techniques require rigorous study to ensure that widespread implementation is in the best interest of patients.METHODSThe authors compared surgical results for ESBS with transcranial surgery (TCS) for several different pathologies over two different time periods (prior to 2012 and 2012-2017) to see how results have evolved over time. Pathologies examined were craniopharyngioma, anterior skull base meningioma, esthesioneuroblastoma, chordoma, and chondrosarcoma.RESULTSESBS offers clear advantages over TCS for most craniopharyngiomas and chordomas. For well-selected cases of planum sphenoidale and tuberculum sellae meningiomas, ESBS has similar rates of resection with higher rates of visual improvement, and more recent results with lower CSF leaks make the complication rates similar between the two approaches. TCS offers a higher rate of resection with fewer complications for olfactory groove meningiomas. ESBS is preferred for lower-grade esthesioneuroblastomas, but higher-grade tumors often still require a craniofacial approach. There are few data on chondrosarcomas, but early results show that ESBS appears to offer clear advantages for minimizing morbidity with similar rates of resection, as long as surgeons are familiar with more complex inferolateral approaches.CONCLUSIONSESBS is maturing into a well-established approach that is clearly in the patients' best interest when applied by experienced surgeons for appropriate pathology. Ongoing critical reevaluation of outcomes is essential for ensuring optimal results.

Pediatric acquired subglottic stenosis: Associated costs and comorbidities of 7,981 hospitalizations

OBJECTIVES

Numerous risk factors have been characterized for acquired subglottic stenosis (ASGS) in the pediatric population. This analysis explores the comorbidities of hospitalized ASGS patients in the United States and associated costs and length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) from 2009 to 2012 for inpatients ≤ 20 years of age who were diagnosed with ASGS. International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification, Version 9 diagnosis codes were used to extract diagnoses of interest from 14, 045, 425 weighted discharges across 4179 hospitals in the United States. An algorithm was created to identify the most common co-diagnoses and subsequently evaluated for total charges and LOS.

RESULTS

ASGS was found in 7981 (0.06%) of total discharges. The mean LOS in discharges with ASGS is 13.11 days while the mean total charge in discharges with ASGS is $114,625; these values are significantly greater in discharges with ASGS than discharges without ASGS. Patients with ASGS have greater odds of being co-diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux, Trisomy 21, other upper airway anomalies and asthma, while they have lower odds of being diagnosed with prematurity and dehydration. Aside from Trisomy 21 and asthma, hospitalizations of ASGS patients with the aforementioned comorbidities incurred a greater LOS and mean total charge.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis identifies numerous comorbidities in children with ASGS that are associated with increased resource utilization amongst US hospitalizations. The practicing otolaryngologist should continue to advocate interdisciplinary care and be aware of the need for future controlled studies that investigate the management of such comorbidities.

The development of hypothalamic obesity in craniopharyngioma patients: A risk factor analysis in a well-defined cohort

BACKGROUND

Hypothalamic obesity (HO) is a major concern in patients treated for craniopharyngioma (CP). The influence of degree of resection on development of HO, event-free survival (EFS), and neuroendocrine sequelae is an issue of debate.

PROCEDURE

A retrospective cohort consisting of all CP patients treated between 2002 and 2012 in two university hospitals was identified. Multivariable logistic regression was used to study the associations between preoperative BMI, age at diagnosis, tumor volume, performed surgical resection, and presence of HO at follow-up.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (21 children and 14 adults) were included. Median follow-up time was 35.6 months (4.1-114.7). Four patients were obese at diagnosis. HO was present in 19 (54.3%) patients at last follow-up of whom eight were morbidly obese. Thirteen (37.1%) patients underwent partial resection (PR) and 22 (62.9%) gross total resection (GTR). GTR was related to HO (OR 9.19, 95% CI 1.43-59.01), but for morbid HO, obesity at diagnosis was the only risk factor (OR 12.92, 95% CI 1.05-158.73). EFS in patients after GTR was 86%, compared to 42% after PR (log-rank 9.2, P = 0.003). Adjuvant radiotherapy after PR improved EFS (log-rank 8.2, P = 0.004). Panhypopituitarism, present in 15 patients, was mainly seen after GTR.

CONCLUSIONS

HO is less frequent after PR than after GTR, but PR cannot always prevent the development of morbid obesity in patients with obesity at diagnosis. PR reduces the occurrence of panhypopituitarism. When developing a treatment algorithm, all these factors should be considered.

Effect of Preserving the Pituitary Stalk During Resection of Craniopharyngioma in Children on the Diabetes Insipidus and Relapse Rates and Long-Term Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of preserving an infiltrated pituitary stalk during the resection of craniopharyngioma of pituitary stalk origin on postoperative outcomes and thus provide a theoretical basis for microsurgical treatment and prognosis.

METHODS

We screened the clinical data of all 103 pediatric patients with craniopharyngioma undergoing surgical treatment at our department between January 2006 and January 2013 and conducted a retrospective analysis of 82 patients with craniopharyngioma originating in the pituitary stalk. The patients were followed up from 12 months to 8 years. We analyzed the effect of preserving the pituitary stalk on the early and persistent diabetes insipidus rates, postoperative relapse rate, and mortality.

RESULTS

In the total resection group (n = 67), the early and persistent diabetes insipidus rates were significantly lower in the 46 patients (68.7%) with a pituitary stalk than in those whose pituitary stalk was removed (P < 0.05); no significant difference was observed in the relapse rate between the 2 subgroups (P > 0.05). In the subtotal resection group (n = 15), a significant difference was observed in the early and persistent diabetes insipidus rates (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed in the relapse rate between the patients with a pituitary stalk and those whose pituitary stalk was removed (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

For children with craniopharyngioma of pituitary stalk origin, preserving the pituitary stalk has a significant effect on the early and persistent diabetes insipidus rates. When intraoperative exploration showed excessive adhesion between the tumor and pituitary stalk, we opted to preserve the pituitary stalk, which significantly reduced the early and persistent postoperative diabetes insipidus rates, without significantly increasing the relapse or mortality rate.

A reformed surgical treatment modality for children with giant cystic craniopharyngioma

OBJECTIVE

Surgical removal plays an important role in treating children's craniopharyngioma. For a safe and minimally invasive craniotomy, a reformed surgical modality was proposed in this paper by combining the insertion of an Ommaya reservoir system (ORS) by stereotactic puncture, aspiration of cystic fluid in 2-day interval for consecutive 7-10 days, and the delayed tumor resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eleven patients (aged from 5 to 9 years old) with giant cystic craniopharyngiomas who had undergone the reformed surgical modality during November 2014 and December 2015 were collected as group A. In contrast, seven patients (aged from 5 to 11 years old) who had undergone the traditional directed operation without any prior management from January 2014 to October 2014 were collected into group B. A retrospective analysis was performed for both groups at one institution. The preoperative and postoperative clinical presentations, neuroimaging, early postoperative outcome, and the surgery-related complications of both groups were reviewed.

RESULTS

For group A, the mean value of the maximum tumor diameters shank from 52.36 to 23.82 mm after implementing aspiration of the cystic fluid in 1-day interval for consecutive 8.23 days. Eight patients (72.73%) in group A underwent a gross total resection (GTR), while two (28.57%) patients underwent GTR in group B. The postoperative electrolyte disturbance rate and endocrine disorder rate of group B were significantly higher than those of group A (42.86 vs 36.36%; 71.43 vs 45.45%). Postoperative long-term diabetes insipidus only occurred in one patient of group B, and postoperative visual deterioration occurred in two patients of group B. Besides, one patient of group B died of severe postoperative hypothalamus dysfunction. Patients with residual tumors were applied with additional adjuvant radiotherapy, and no recurrence was observed in follow-up examinations.

CONCLUSION

A favorable outcome can be achieved by combining the insertion of an ORS by stereotactic puncture, aspiration of cystic fluid in 2-day interval for continuously 7-10 days, and the delayed tumor resection. This combined treatment modality maybe an effective method to treat children with giant cystic craniopharyngiomas.