Teamwork in skull base surgery: An avenue for improvement in patient care

Workforce Challenges for the Neurosurgical Care of Brain Tumors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

Limited neurosurgical workforces remain one of the critical problems experienced in low resource settings. Therefore, our study aims to explore and summarize the key challenges to neurosurgical care of brain tumors in terms of workforce in LMICs. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar from inception to October 20, 2022. All extracted data were screened independently by 2 reviewers and thematically analyzed. We found and screened 3764 articles, of which 33 studies were included in our final analysis as per our inclusion criteria. Among the studies included, 33% highlighted the limited number of neurosurgeons, 39% emphasized the absence of specialized surgical teams, 7% pointed out a shortage of nursing staff, and 4% noted suboptimal anesthesia teams. The study uncovered the need for improved training programs in neuro-oncology (32%) and neuro-anesthesia (3%), as well as improved collaboration (32%), and multidisciplinary team structures (15%), are essential for tackling these workforce challenges and improving patient outcomes. It is crucial to implement targeted interventions and policy changes to address the barriers to the workforce in providing effective neurosurgical care to patients with brain tumors in developing countries. This might entail capacity building and training programs for healthcare professionals. Policymakers should consider allocating resources and funding for workforce development and making neurosurgical care a priority in healthcare plans.

Evidence Against a Traumatic Brain Injury "July Effect": An Analysis of 3 160 452 Patients From the National Inpatient Sample

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The "July Effect" hypothesizes increased morbidity and mortality after the addition of inexperienced physicians at the beginning of an academic year. However, the impact of newer members on neurosurgical teams managing patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) has yet to be examined. This study conducted a nationwide analysis to evaluate the existence of the "July Effect" in the setting of patients with TBI.

METHODS

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Central Distributor's National Inpatient Sample data set was queried for patients with TBI using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 codes. Discharges were included for diagnoses of traumatic epidural, subdural, or subarachnoid hemorrhages. Only patients treated at teaching hospitals were included to ensure resident involvement in care. Patients were grouped into July admission and non-July admission cohorts. A subgroup of patients with neurotrauma undergoing any form of cranial surgery was created. Perioperative variables were recorded. Rates of different complications were assayed. Groups were compared using χ2 tests (qualitative variables) and t-tests or Mann-Whitney U-tests (quantitative variables). Logistic regression was used for binary variables. Gamma log-linked regression was used for continuous variables.

RESULTS

The National Inpatient Sample database yielded a weighted average of 3 160 452 patients, of which 312 863 (9.9%) underwent surgical management. Patients admitted to the hospital in July had a 5% decreased likelihood of death (P = .027), and a 5.83% decreased likelihood of developing a complication (P < .001) compared with other months of the year. July admittance to a hospital showed no significant impact on mean length of stay (P = .392) or routine discharge (P = .147). Among patients with TBI who received surgical intervention, July admittance did not significantly affect the likelihood of death (P = .053), developing a complication (P = .477), routine discharge (P = .986), or mean length of stay (P = .385).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggested that there is no "July Effect" on patients with TBI treated at teaching hospitals in the United States.

Special Considerations in Pediatric Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

Originally pioneered in adults, endoscopic endonasal approaches for skull base pathology are being increasingly applied as a minimally invasive alternative for young children. Intrinsic anatomic differences between these patient populations have sparked discussions on the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of these techniques in pediatric patients. This work aims to serve as a primer for clinicians engaged in the rapidly evolving field of pediatric endoscopic skull base surgery. A succinct overview of relevant embryology, sinonasal anatomy, and diagnostic workup is presented to emphasize key differences and unique technical considerations. Additional discussions regarding select skull base lesions, reconstructive paradigms, potential surgical complications, and postoperative care are also highlighted in the setting of multidisciplinary teams.

An institutional experience in applying quality improvement measures to pituitary surgery: clinical and resource implications

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the authors' experience developing a Lean Six Sigma clinical care pathway (CCP) for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal operations.

METHODS

Using Lean Six Sigma quality improvement principles-including the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control framework-the authors developed a CCP for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal operations, incorporating preoperative, intraoperative, and inpatient and outpatient postoperative phases of care. Efficacy and quality metrics were defined as postoperative length of stay (LOS), presentation to the emergency department (ED) or readmission within 30 days of discharge, and hospital charges. The study included all adult patients who underwent elective endoscopic endonasal resection for pituitary adenoma, Rathke's cleft cyst, craniopharyngioma, pituicytoma, or arachnoid cyst during the sampling period (April 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022).

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-eight patients met criteria and were included; 94 were treated before and 134 were treated after implementation of the CCP. Differences between groups in age, gender, race, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, geographic distribution, preoperative serum sodium, tumor size, adenoma functional status, and prior surgery were not significant. The mean postoperative LOS significantly decreased from 4.5 to 1.7 days following CCP implementation (p < 0.0001); LOS variability also decreased, with the standard deviation declining from 3.1 to 1.5 days. The proportion of patients discharged on postoperative day (POD) 1 significantly increased from 0% to 61.9% (p < 0.0001). Fewer than one-quarter of the patients (23.4%) were discharged by POD 2 prior to the CCP, while 88.8% of were discharged by POD 2 after CCP implementation (p < 0.0001). Rates of 30-day ED presentations or readmissions were not significantly different (2.1% vs 6.0%, p = 0.20, and 7.5% vs 6.7%, p > 0.99, respectively). Mean per-patient hospital costs declined from $38,326 to $26,289 (p < 0.0001), with an associated change in cost variability from a standard deviation of $16,716 to $12,498.

CONCLUSIONS

CCP implementation significantly improved LOS and costs of endoscopic endonasal resection, without adversely impacting postoperative ED presentations or readmissions.

Surgery versus radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma: Shared decision making in a multidisciplinary clinic

Background

Our neurosurgical unit adopted a model of shared decision-making (SDM) based on multidisciplinary clinics for vestibular schwannoma (VS). A unique feature of this clinic is the interdisciplinary counseling process with a surgeon presenting the option of surgery, an oncologist radiosurgery or radiotherapy, and a specialist nurse advocating for the patient.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. All new patients seen in the combined VS clinic and referred from the skull base multidisciplinary team (MDT) from beginning of June 2013 to end of January 2019 were included. Descriptive statistics and frequency analysis were carried out for the full cohort.

Results

Three hundred and fifty-four patients presenting with new or previously untreated VS were included in the analysis. In our cohort, roughly one-third of patients fall into each of the treatment strategies with slightly smaller numbers of patients undergoing surgery than watch, wait and rescan (WWR) ,and SRS (26.6% vs. 32.8% and 37.9%, respectively).

Conclusion

In our experience, the combined surgery/oncology/specialist nurse clinic streamlines the patient experience for those with a VS suitable for either microsurgical or SRS/radiotherapy treatment. Decision-making in this population of patients is complex and when presented with all treatment options patients do not necessarily choose the least invasive option as a treatment. The unique feature of our clinic is the multidisciplinary counseling process with a specialist nurse advocating and guiding the patient. Treatment options are likely to become more rather than less complex in future years making combined clinics more valuable than ever in the SDM process.

Intracranial wide neck aneurysms: clinical and angiographic outcomes of endovascular management

Background

The treatment of intracranial wide neck aneurysms (WNAs) is usually difficult, hence several endovascular techniques were developed. This study aims to assess the clinical and angiographic imaging outcome of endovascular management of intracranial wide neck aneurysm. Forty patients were referred to the neuro-endovascular unit, at our hospital, each with a wide neck aneurysm. They were assessed regarding clinical presentation, aneurysm size, the character of the aneurysm, and the age and sex of the patient. Post-procedural, clinical, and angiographic outcomes of the patients who underwent endovascular intervention were reviewed.

Results

In this study, the mean aneurysmal neck was 5.4 ± 1.6 mm (mm). Endovascular intervention was carried out in all 40 patients in the form of simple coiling in 3 patients, double-catheter technique in 5 patients, balloon-assisted coiling (BAC) in 16 patients, stent-assisted coiling (SAC) in 13 patients, and flow diverter (FD) in 3 patients. Regarding clinical outcome, 4 patients had unfavorable outcome (the modified Rankin Scale, mRS > 2) at presentation and 3 patients at discharge. There was no unfavorable clinical outcome at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Overall angiographic outcome at 1-year follow-up, 37/40 aneurysms (92.5%) had complete occlusion while two aneurysms had neck recurrence and one aneurysm had neck recanalization.

Conclusion

The current endovascular techniques in the treatment of WNAs are considered effective, feasible, and safe.

Effects of a transsphenoidal surgery quality improvement program on patient outcomes and hospital financial performance

OBJECTIVE

A comprehensive quality improvement (QI) program aimed at all aspects of patient care after pituitary surgery was initiated at a single center. This initiative was guided by standard quality principles to improve patient outcomes and optimize healthcare value. The programmatic goal was to discharge most elective patients within 1 day after surgery, improve patient safety, and limit unplanned readmissions. The program is described, and its effect on patient outcomes and hospital financial performance over a 5-year period are investigated.

METHODS

Details of the patient care pathway are presented. Foundational elements of the QI program include evidence-based care pathways (e.g., for hyponatremia and pain), an in-house research program designed to fortify care pathways, patient education, expectation setting, multidisciplinary team care, standard order sets, high-touch postdischarge care, outcomes auditing, and a patient navigator, among other elements. Length of stay (LOS), outcome variability, 30-day unplanned readmissions, and hospital financial performance were identified as surrogate endpoints for healthcare value for the surgical epoch. To assess the effect of these protocols, all patients undergoing elective transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors and Rathke's cleft cysts between January 2015 and December 2019 were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 609 adult patients who underwent elective surgery by experienced pituitary surgeons were identified. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and payer mix did not change significantly over the study period (p ≥ 0.10). The mean LOS was significantly shorter in 2019 versus 2015 (1.6 ± 1.0 vs 2.9 ± 2.2 midnights, p < 0.001). The percentage of patients discharged after 1 midnight was significantly higher in 2019 versus 2015 (75.4% vs 15.6%, p < 0.001). The 30-day unplanned hospital readmission rate decreased to 2.8% in 2019 from 8.3% in 2015. Per-patient hospital profit increased 71.3% ($10,613 ± $19,321 in 2015; $18,180 ± $21,930 in 2019), and the contribution margin increased 42.3% ($18,925 ± $19,236 in 2015; $26,939 ± $22,057 in 2019), while costs increased by only 3.4% ($18,829 ± $6611 in 2015; $19,469 ± $4291 in 2019).

CONCLUSIONS

After implementation of a comprehensive pituitary surgery QI program, patient outcomes significantly improved, outcome variability decreased, and hospital financial performance was enhanced. Future studies designed to evaluate disease remission, patient satisfaction, and how the surgeon learning curve may synergize with other quality efforts may provide additional context.

Pituitary Adenoma Surgery Survey: Neurosurgical Centers and Pituitary Adenomas

OBJECTIVE

Pituitary adenoma surgery has evolved rapidly in recent decades. This study aims to determine current practice across a wide range of European neurosurgical centers.

METHODS

A list of eligible departments performing pituitary adenoma surgery was created. The survey consisted of 58 questions. For analysis, the departments were divided into four subgroups: academic/nonacademic, high-volume/low-volume, "mainly endoscopic/mainly microscopic practice," and geographical regions.

RESULTS

Data from 254 departments from 34 countries were obtained. In 108 centers (42.5%), <30 pituitary adenomas were operated per year. Twenty (7.9%) centers performed >100 adenoma surgeries per year. Number of neurosurgeons performing endonasal surgeries are as follows: 1 in 24.9% of centers and 2 in 49.8% of centers. All residents assisted endonasal surgeries in 126 centers (49.8%). In 28 centers (21.1%), all residents performed endonasal surgery under supervision during residency. In 141 centers (56.8%), the endoscopic approach was used in >90% of the surgeries. Regular pituitary board (either weekly or once a month) meetings were held in 147 centers (56.3%). Nonfunctioning adenomas represent >70% of pituitary caseload in 149 centers (58.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

In our survey, most centers perform less than 100 surgeries for pituitary adenomas. In most centers, pituitary surgeries are performed by one or two neurosurgeons. Residents have a limited exposure to this type of surgery, and the formal pituitary board is not a standard. Nonfunctioning adenomas make up most of surgically treated adenomas. This study can serve as a benchmark for further analyses of pituitary adenoma centers in Europe.

Socioeconomic Implications of Professional Relationships within Modern Care Delivery Systems

No physician can successfully deliver high-value patient care in the modern-day health care system in isolation. Delivery of effective patient care requires integrated and collaborative systems that depend on dynamic professional relationships among members of the health care team. An overview of the socioeconomic implications of professional relationships within modern care delivery systems and potential employment models is presented.

Multi-Disciplinary Skull Base Conference and its Effects on Patient Management

OBJECTIVE

Examine the effects of a multi-disciplinary skull base conference (MDSBC) on the management of patients seen for skull base pathology in a neurotology clinic.

METHODS

Retrospective case review of patients who were seen in a neurotology clinic at a tertiary academic medical center for pathology of the lateral skull base and were discussed at an MDSBC between July 2019 and February 2020. Patient characteristics, nature of the skull base pathology, and pre- and post-MDSBC plan of care was categorized.

RESULTS

A total of 82 patients with pathology of the lateral skull base were discussed at a MDSBC during an 8-month study period. About 54 (65.9%) had a mass in the internal auditory canal and/or cerebellopontine angle while 28 (34.1%) had other pathology of the lateral skull base. Forty-nine (59.8%) were new patients and 33 (40.2%) were established. The management plan changed in 11 (13.4%, 7.4-22.6 95% CI) patients as a result of the skull base conference discussion. The planned management changed from some form of treatment to observation in 4 patients, and changed from observation to some form of treatment in 4 patients. For 3 patients who underwent surgery, the planned approach was altered.

CONCLUSIONS

For a significant proportion of patients with pathology of the lateral skull base, the management plan changed as a result of discussion at an MDSBC. Although participants of a MDSBC would agree of its importance, it is unclear how an MDSBC affects patient outcomes.

Orbital Surgical Guidelines-Clinical Evaluation

Orbital disorders may present with change in form or function or may be discovered incidentally during clinical or imaging evaluations. A standardized orbital clinical examination, with appropriate ancillary tests, is helpful in narrowing the differential diagnosis and in the development of plans for management, with an eye toward minimizing the morbidity of the disease or its treatment. Evaluation and management may best be performed with a multidisciplinary team, which has become more common in skull base surgery.

Transnasal endoscopic skull base surgery in the COVID-19 era: Recommendations for increasing the safety of the method

Transnasal endoscopic skull base surgery (eSBS) has been adopted in recent years, in great part to replace the extended procedures required by external approaches. Though sometimes perceived as "minimally invasive", eSBS still necessitates extensive manipulations within the nose/paranasal sinuses. Furthermore, exposure of susceptible cerebral structures to light and heat emanated by the telescope should be considered to comprehensively evaluate the safety of the method. While the number of studies specifically targeting eSBS safety still remains scarce, the problem has recently expanded with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which also has implications for the safety of the surgical personnel. It must be stressed that eSBS may directly expose the surgeon to potentially high volumes of virus-contaminated aerosol. Thus, the anxiety of both the patient and the surgeon must be taken into account. Consequently, safety requirements must follow the highest standards. This paper summarizes current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 biology and the peculiarities of human immunology in respect of the host-virus relationship, taking into account the latest information concerning the SARS-CoV-2 worrisome affinity for the nervous system. Based on this information, a workflow proposal is offered for consideration. This could be useful not only for the duration of the pandemic, but also during the unpredictable timeline involving our coexistence with the virus. Recommendations include technical modifications to the operating theatre, personal protective equipment, standards of testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection, prophylactic pretreatment with interferon, anti-IL6 treatment and, last but not least, psychological support for the patient.

Safety and Efficacy of the Neuroform Atlas Stent for Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The Neuroform Atlas (Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, CA, USA) is a low-profile laser cut self-expanding nitinol stent designed to provide coil support and wall apposition during aneurysm embolisation. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis of outcomes after treatment with the Neuroform Atlas stent for the purpose of coil embolisation.

METHODS

The primary objectives of this meta-analysis were to define the safety (treatment-related complications, neurologic outcomes, mortality rate) and the efficacy (aneurysm occlusion rate) of the treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the Neuroform Atlas stent. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane CENTRAL Library for all published studies on the treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the Neuroform Atlas device up to 6 April 2020. The review was prepared in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies were analysed (577 patients with 593 intracranial aneurysms). The mean age was 58.2 years and 35.6% were male. Technical success of the procedure was 100%. RROC1/RROC2 (Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC) 1/2) (total occlusion/neck remnant) at a mean follow-up of 8.9 months was achieved in 94.8%. RROC3 was 4.9%. All-cause mortality was 1.8% and permanent residual neurological deficit or disability was 2.7%. Overall complications at follow-up were 6.2%.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis demonstrated good rates of occlusion at follow-up for aneurysms treated with the Atlas device at follow-up. The safety profile appears similar to other low-profile intracranial stents.

Expanded transnasal approaches to the skull base in the Middle East: Where do we stand?

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic transnasal surgery has gained rapid global acceptance over the last two decades. The growing literature and understanding of anterior skull base endoscopic anatomy, in addition to new dedicated endoscopic instruments and tools, have helped to expand the use of the transnasal route in skull base surgery.

OBJECTIVE

Report our early experience in expanded endoscopic transnasal surgery (EETS) and approach to skull base neoplasms.

DESIGN

Descriptive, retrospective case series.

SETTING

Major tertiary care center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective case review was conducted at King Saud University Medical City between December 2014 and August 2019. Cases with skull base neoplasms that underwent EETS were included. EETS was defined as endoscopic surgical exposure that extended beyond the sellar margins (prechiasmatic sulcus superiorly, clival recess inferiorly, cavernous carotid lines laterally). Routine transsphenoidal pituitary neoplasms, neoplasms of sinonasal origin and meningoencephaloceles were excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Preoperative clinical assessment, imaging results, surgical approach, and hospital course were all retrieved from the patient electronic charts. Clinical follow-up, perioperative complications, and gross residual tumor rates were documented and reviewed.

SAMPLE SIZE AND CHARACTERISTICS

45 cases of EETS, 13 males and 32 females with mean age of 39.0 (17.7) years (range 2-70 years).

RESULTS

The series comprised a wide range of pathologies, including giant pituitary adenoma (8 cases), meningioma (23 cases), craniopharyngioma (4 cases), chordoma (4 cases), optic pathway glioma (2 cases), epidermoid neoplasms (2 cases), astrocytoma (1 case), and teratoma (1 case). For the entire series, gross total resection was achieved in 25/45 operations (55.5%). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak was the most common complication observed in 9 patients (20%) which were all managed endoscopically. Major vascular complications occurred in 2 patients (4.4%) and are described. Other complications are outlined as well. No mortality was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

EETS to the skull base can be done with results comparable to traditional approaches. More work is needed to expand our experience, improve outcomes, and educate the public and medical community in our region about the usefulness of this approach.

LIMITATIONS

Sample size and study design.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

Single Center Experience in Stent-Assisted Coiling of Complex Intracranial Aneurysms Using Low-Profile Stents : The ACCLINO® Stent Versus the ACCLINO® Flex Stent

PURPOSE

The introduction of low-profile stent systems has broadened and facilitated the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. This retrospective case series study was conducted to assess and compare the clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients with complex intracranial aneurysms who were treated with ACCLINO® (AS) and ACCLINO® flex stents (AFS).

METHODS

In 85 patients (female 61; male 24) a total of 95 complex intracranial aneurysms, 71 (74.7%) in the anterior circulation and 24 (25.3%) in the posterior circulation were treated. Angiographic and clinical data, aneurysm characteristics and follow-up results were analyzed.

RESULTS

The AS was used in 47 cases (49.5%) and the AFS in 48 cases (50.5%). Initial angiography after the intervention showed a complete occlusion in 52.6% (Raymond-Roy occlusion classification [RROC] 1), a neck remnant in 38.9% (RROC 2) and an incomplete occlusion in 8.4% (RROC 3). Follow-up (AS: 25.2 ± 15.4 months; AFS: 9.6 ± 8.0 months) revealed an occlusion rate of 70.5% (RROC 1), 27.4% (RROC 2) and 2.1% (RROC 3). There was no statistically significant difference between the initial (p = 0.484) and the follow-up occlusion rate (p = 0.284) when comparing the two devices. Recoiling was performed in 8 cases (8.4%). The overall complication rate was 9.5% with 5 strokes (5.3%), 2 hemorrhages (2.1%), 1 in-stent stenosis (1.1%), 1 stent occlusion (1.1%) and 2 stent thromboses (2.1%). There was no procedure-related mortality.

CONCLUSION

Using the ACCLINO® and ACCLINO® flex stent system is a feasible and effective procedure with an acceptable safety profile. Initial and follow-up angiographic results were satisfactory.

Accuracy of Length of Virtual Stents in Treatment of Intracranial Wide-Necked Aneurysms

Background and Purpose

Precise stent deployment is important for successful treatment of intracranial aneurysms by stent-assisted coiling (SAC). We evaluated the accuracy of virtual stents generated using commercial stent planning software by comparing the length of virtual and actually deployed intracranial laser cut stents on three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (3D-DSA) images.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 75 consecutive cases of intracranial wide-necked aneurysms treated with the SAC technique using laser cut stents. Based on 3D-DSA images acquired by C-arm CT, stent sizing and placement were intraoperatively simulated by a commercial software application. The difference in length of the stents was estimated by measuring proximal discrepancies between the end points of the virtual and actually deployed stents on fused pre-procedural and post-procedural 3D-DSA images. Discrepancies between distal stent end points were manually minimized. The Kruskal–Wallis test was applied to test whether stent location, type, and length had an effect on difference in length between virtual and real stent.

Results

The median difference in length between virtual and real stents was 1.58 mm with interquartile range 1.12–2.12 mm. There was no evidence for an effect of stent location (p = 0.23), stent type (p = 0.33), or stent length (p = 0.53) on difference in length between virtual and real stents.

Conclusions

Stent planning software allows 3D simulation of laser cut stents overlain on 3D-DSA images of vessels and may thus be useful for stent selection and deployment of laser cut stents during stent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms.

Stent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms using LEO stents: long-term follow-up in 153 patients

PURPOSE

Coiling associated with placement of a self-expandable intracranial stent has improved the treatment of intracranial wide-necked aneurysms. Little is known, however, about the durability of this treatment. The purpose of this report is to present our experience with the LEO stent and to evaluate the complications, effectiveness, and long-term results of this technique.

METHODS

We analyzed the records of 155 intracranial unruptured aneurysms that were treated by stent-assisted coiling with a LEO stent between 2008 and 2012. Procedural, early post-procedural, and delayed complications were recorded. Clinical and angiographic follow-up of patients was conducted over a period of at least 36 months.

RESULTS

No procedural mortality was observed. One-month morbidity was observed in 14 out of 153 patients (9,15%). One hundred thirty-eight patients (with 140 aneurysms) had clinical and angiographic follow-up for more than 36 months. No aneurysm rupture was observed during follow-up. Four patients presented an intra-stent stenosis at 8 months, and 6 patients who had an early recurrence were retreated. Final results showed 85% complete occlusion, 13% neck remnants, and 2% stable incomplete occlusion.

CONCLUSION

Stent-assisted coiling with the LEO stent is a safe and effective treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The long-term clinical outcomes with the LEO stent are excellent with a high rate of complete occlusion that is stable over time.

Extent of Endoscopic Resection for Anterior Skull Base Tumors: An MRI-Based Volumetric Analysis

Objective  To determine the volume of ventral skull base tumor removed following endoscopic endonasal (EEA) resection using MRI-based volumetric analysis and to evaluate the inter-rater reliability of such analysis. Design  Retrospective case series. Setting  Academic tertiary care hospital. Participants  EEA patients November 2012 to August 2015. Main Outcome Measures  Volumetric analysis of pre- and immediately postoperative MR imaging was performed independently by two investigators. The percentage of total tumor resected was evaluated according to resection goal and tumor type. Results  A total of 39 patients underwent resection. Intraclass correlation coefficients between the raters were 0.9988 for preoperative and 0.9819 for postoperative images. Tumors (and average percentage removed) included 17 nonsecreting pituitary adenomas (95.3%), 8 secreting pituitary adenomas (86.2%), 4 meningiomas (81.6%), 3 olfactory neuroblastomas (100%), 2 craniopharyngiomas (100%), 1 large B-cell lymphoma (90.5%), 1 germ cell neoplasm (48.3), 1 benign fibrous connective tissue mass (93.4%), 1 epidermoid cyst (68.4%), and 1 chordoma (100%). For tumors treated with intent for gross total resection, 96.9 ± 4.8% was removed. Conclusion  EEAs achieved tumor resection rates of ∼97% when total resection was attempted. The radiographic finding of residual tumor is of uncertain clinical significance. The volumetric analysis employed in this study demonstrated high inter-rater reliability and could facilitate further study.

Role of Endoscopic Skull Base and Keyhole Surgery for Pituitary and Parasellar Tumors Impacting Vision

Significant advances over the last 2 decades in imaging technology, instrumentation, anatomical knowledge, and reconstructive techniques have resulted in the endonasal endoscopic approach becoming an integral part of modern skull base surgery. With growing use and greater experience, surgical outcomes continue to incrementally improve across many skull base pathologies, including those tumors that impact vision and ocular motility. The importance of the learning curve and use of a multi-disciplinary approach is critical to maximizing success, minimizing complications, and enhancing quality of life in these patients. Realizing the limits of the endonasal route and reasonable use of transcranial approaches such as the supraorbital eyebrow craniotomy, it may br appropriate to consider nonsurgical therapy including various forms of radiotherapy [corrected] and medical treatment options.

Stent-assisted coil embolization of challenging intracranial aneurysms: initial and mid-term results with low-profile ACCLINO devices

BACKGROUND

Stent-assisted coiling using low-profile, self-expandable and retrievable stents is a valid option in endovascular treatment of challenging intracranial aneurysms. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of ACCLINO 1.9 F and ACCLINO Flex stent systems, designed for use as adjunctive products in coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

Case files of 47 patients, and 52 aneurysms in total, treated with at least one ACCLINO 1.9 F or ACCLINO Flex stent were retrospectively evaluated. Technical success, complications, and angiographic outcomes were assessed based on immediate post-procedural controls along with 6th and 12th month angiograms.

RESULTS

Mechanical untoward event rate, including asymptomatic complications, is 9.6 % (five out of 52 aneurysms). Failed dual-stenting attempt rate is 15.4 % (two out of 13). Overall procedure-related morbidity is 4.2 % with no neurologic sequelae. Initial occlusion rate is 90.4 % (47 aneurysms). One patient had residual filling in the aneurysm neck, which was stable throughout follow-up. The remaining four cases had spontaneous follow-up occlusion. Recanalization rate at 6th month is 2.1 % with one aneurysm requiring retreatment. One patient was lost to follow-up. There is no mortality associated with treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Stent-assisted coil embolization with ACCLINO stents in single or dual configurations is a feasible treatment option for challenging intracranial aneurysms. Follow-up results are encouraging; techniques were effective in complex cases and there were no clinically significant adverse outcomes.

Minimally invasive surgery of the anterior skull base: transorbital approaches

Minimally invasive approaches are becoming increasingly popular to access the anterior skull base. With interdisciplinary cooperation, in particular endonasal endoscopic approaches have seen an impressive expansion of indications over the past decades. The more recently described transorbital approaches represent minimally invasive alternatives with a differing spectrum of access corridors. The purpose of the present paper is to discuss transorbital approaches to the anterior skull base in the light of the current literature. The transorbital approaches allow excellent exposure of areas that are difficult to reach like the anterior and posterior wall of the frontal sinus; working angles may be more favorable and the paranasal sinus system can be preserved while exposing the skull base. Because of their minimal morbidity and the cosmetically excellent results, the transorbital approaches represent an important addition to established endonasal endoscopic and open approaches to the anterior skull base. Their execution requires an interdisciplinary team approach.

Hyper-Realistic, Team-Centered Fleet Surgical Team Training Provides Sustained Improvements in Performance

OBJECTIVE

The high-stress, fast-paced environment of combat casualty care relies on effective teamwork and communication which translates into quality patient care. A training course was developed for U.S. Navy Fleet Surgical Teams to address these aspects of patient care by emphasizing efficiency and appropriate patient care. An effective training course provides knowledge and skills to pass the course evaluation and sustain the knowledge and skills acquired over time.

DESIGN

The course included classroom didactic hours, and hands-on simulation sessions. A pretest was administered before the course, a posttest upon completion, and a sustainment test 5 months following course completion. The evaluation process measured changes in patient time to disposition and critical errors made during patient care.

SETTING

Naval Base San Diego, with resuscitation and surgical simulations carried out within the shipboard medical spaces.

PARTICIPANTS

United States Navy medical personnel including physicians of various specialties, corpsmen, nurses, and nurse anesthetists deploying aboard ships.

RESULTS

Time to disposition improved significantly, 11 ± 3 minutes, from pretest to posttest, and critical errors improved by 4 ± 1 errors per encounter. From posttest to sustainment test, time to disposition increased by 3 ± 1, and critical errors decreased by 1 ± 1.

CONCLUSIONS

This course showed value in improving teamwork and communication skills of participants, immediately upon completion of the course, and after 5 months had passed. Therefore, with ongoing sustainment activities within 6 months, this course can substantially improve trauma care provided by shipboard deployed Navy medical personnel to wounded service members.

Assessing the cost of contemporary pituitary care

OBJECT

Knowledge of the costs incurred through the delivery of neurosurgical care has been lagging, making it challenging to design impactful cost-containment initiatives. In this report, the authors describe a detailed cost analysis for pituitary surgery episodes of care and demonstrate the importance of such analyses in helping to identify high-impact cost activities and drive value-based care.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of consecutively treated patients undergoing an endoscopic endonasal procedure for the resection of a pituitary adenoma after implementation and maturation of quality-improvement initiatives and the implementation of cost-containment initiatives.

RESULTS

The cost data pertaining to 27 patients were reviewed. The 2 most expensive cost activities during the index hospitalization were the total operating room (OR) and total bed-assignment costs. Together, these activities represented more than 60% of the cost of hospitalization. Although value-improvement initiatives contributed to the reduction of variation in the total cost of hospitalization, specific cost activities remained relatively variable, namely the following: 1) OR charged supplies, 2) postoperative imaging, and 3) use of intraoperative neuromonitoring. These activities, however, each contributed to less than 10% of the cost of hospitalization. Bed assignment was the fourth most variable cost activity. Cost related to readmission/reoperation represented less than 5% of the total cost of the surgical episode of care.

CONCLUSIONS

After completing a detailed assessment of costs incurred throughout the management of patients undergoing pituitary surgery, high-yield opportunities for cost containment should be identified among the most expensive activities and/or those with the highest variation. Strategies for safely reducing the use of the targeted resources, and related costs incurred, should be developed by the multidisciplinary team providing care for this patient population.

Flow diverter treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms. A meta-analysis

Introduction

Treatment of complex anterior circulation aneurysms with flow diverters (FDs) has become common practice in neurovascular centers. However, this treatment method for posterior circulation aneurysms (PCAs) still remains controversial.

Methods

Through searches for reports on the treatment of PCAs with FDs, we conducted a systematic review of the literature on its clinical efficacy and safety using random-effect binomial meta-analysis.

Results

We included 14 studies, which reported on a total of 225 PCAs in 220 patients. Procedure-related good outcome rate was 79 % (95 % confidence interval (CI), 72–84), with significantly lower odds among patients with ruptured aneurysms and basilar artery aneurysms. Procedure-related mortality rate was 15 % (95 % CI 10–21), with significantly higher rates among patients with giant aneurysms and basilar artery aneurysms. The rate of complete aneurysm occlusion at 6-month digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was 84 %. Ischemic stroke rate was 11 %. Perforator infarction rate was 7 %. Postoperative subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) rate was 3 %. Intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) rate was 4 %.

Conclusions

Flow diverter treatment of PCAs is an effective method, which provides a high rate of complete occlusion at 6-month DSA. However, compared with anterior circulation aneurysms, patients with PCAs are at significantly higher risk of mortality, ischemic stroke and perforator infarction. Our findings indicate that, in most clinical centers, flow diverter treatment of PCAs should be conducted in carefully selected patients with poor natural history and no optimal treatment strategy. For ruptured and giant basilar artery aneurysms, there is still no good treatment option.

Building a Successful Endoscopic Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery Practice

Building an endoscopic cranial base practice can be challenging and is predicated on the right team. Successful outcomes stem from an efficient and talented team that improves its skills experientially in a supportive environment. As with most new endeavors that are beyond the traditional approach, there is a great deal of up-front effort and investment required. This article explores some of the key building blocks necessary for a successful endoscopic cranial base and pituitary program and highlights some of the lessons learned during the authors' journey at the Cleveland Clinic.

Time-driven activity-based costing: a driver for provider engagement in costing activities and redesign initiatives

OBJECT

To date, health care providers have devoted significant efforts to improve performance regarding patient safety and quality of care. To address the lagging involvement of health care providers in the cost component of the value equation, UCLA Health piloted the implementation of time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC). Here, the authors describe the implementation experiment, share lessons learned across the care continuum, and report how TDABC has actively engaged health care providers in costing activities and care redesign.

METHODS

After the selection of pilots in neurosurgery and urology and the creation of the TDABC team, multidisciplinary process mapping sessions, capacity-cost calculations, and model integration were coordinated and offered to engage care providers at each phase.

RESULTS

Reviewing the maps for the entire episode of care, varying types of personnel involved in the delivery of care were noted: 63 for the neurosurgery pilot and 61 for the urology pilot. The average cost capacities for care coordinators, nurses, residents, and faculty were $0.70 (range $0.63-$0.75), $1.55 (range $1.28-$2.04), $0.58 (range $0.56-$0.62), and $3.54 (range $2.29-$4.52), across both pilots. After calculating the costs for material, equipment, and space, the TDABC model enabled the linking of a specific step of the care cycle (who performed the step and its duration) and its associated costs. Both pilots identified important opportunities to redesign care delivery in a costconscious fashion.

CONCLUSIONS

The experimentation and implementation phases of the TDABC model have succeeded in engaging health care providers in process assessment and costing activities. The TDABC model proved to be a catalyzing agent for cost-conscious care redesign.

Integrated Anterior, Central, and Posterior Skull Base Unit - A New Perspective

The skull base is one of the most complex anatomical regions and forms the floor of the cranial cavity. Skull base surgery involves open, microscopic, and endoscopic approaches to the anterior, middle, or posterior cranial fossa. A multispecialty team approach is essential in treating patients with skull base lesions. Traditionally, rhinologists are involved in providing access to anterior skull base lesions while otologists are involved in the treatment of lesions of the posterior skull base. This is the case in most skull base centers today. In this article, we share a new perspective of an integrated skull base unit where a team of otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons treat anterior, middle, and posterior skull base pathologies. The rationale for this approach is that most technical skills required in skull base surgery are interchangeable and apply whether an endoscopic or microscopic approach is used. We show how the different skills apply to the different approaches and share our experience with an integrated skull base unit.

Pilot Study on Early Postoperative Discharge in Pituitary Adenoma Patients: Effect of Socioeconomic Factors and Benefit of Specialized Pituitary Centers

Introduction Pituitary neoplasms are benign entities that require distinct diagnostic and treatment considerations. Recent advances in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery have resulted in shorter lengths of stay (LOS). We implemented a postoperative day (POD) 1 discharge paradigm involving a multidisciplinary approach and detailed preoperative evaluation and review of both medical and socioeconomic factors. Methods The experience of a single neurosurgeon/ears, nose, throat (ENT) team was reviewed, generating a preliminary retrospective database of the first 30 patients who underwent resection of pituitary lesions under the POD 1 discharge paradigm. We assessed multiple axes from their preoperative, in-house, and postoperative care. Results There were 14 men and 16 women with an average age of 53.8 years (range: 27-76 years). There were 22 nonsecretory and 8 secretory tumors with average size of 2.80 cm (range: 1.3-5.0 cm). All 30 patients underwent preoperative ENT evaluation. Average LOS was 1.5 ± 0.7 days. A total of 18 of 30 patients were discharged on POD 1. The insurance status included 15 with public insurance such as emergency Medicaid and 15 with private insurance. Four patients had transient diabetes insipidus (DI); none had permanent DI. Overall, 28 of 30 patients received postoperative steroids. Factors that contributed to LOS > 1 day included public insurance status, two or more medical comorbidities, diabetes mellitus, transient panhypopituitarism, and DI. Conclusion The implementation of a POD 1 discharge plan for pituitary tumors is feasible and safe for elective patients. This implementation requires the establishment of a dedicated Pituitary Center model with experienced team members. The consistent limitation to early discharge was socioeconomic status. Efforts that incorporate the analysis of social disposition parameters with proper management of clinical sequelae are crucial to the maintenance of ideal LOS and optimal patient outcomes.

Demystifying process mapping: a key step in neurosurgical quality improvement initiatives

Reliable delivery of optimal care can be challenging for care providers. Health care leaders have integrated various business tools to assist them and their teams in ensuring consistent delivery of safe and top-quality care. The cornerstone to all quality improvement strategies is the detailed understanding of the current state of a process, captured by process mapping. Process mapping empowers caregivers to audit how they are currently delivering care to subsequently strategically plan improvement initiatives. As a community, neurosurgery has clearly shown dedication to enhancing patient safety and delivering quality care. A care redesign strategy named NERVS (Neurosurgery Enhanced Recovery after surgery, Value, and Safety) is currently being developed and piloted within our department. Through this initiative, a multidisciplinary team led by a clinician neurosurgeon has process mapped the way care is currently being delivered throughout the entire episode of care. Neurosurgeons are becoming leaders in quality programs, and their education on the quality improvement strategies and tools is essential. The authors present a comprehensive review of process mapping, demystifying its planning, its building, and its analysis. The particularities of using process maps, initially a business tool, in the health care arena are discussed, and their specific use in an academic neurosurgical department is presented.

Comparison of clinical and radiologic outcomes among stent-assisted, double-catheter, and balloon-assisted coil embolization of wide neck aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms can be technically challenging in cases of wide necks or unfavorable dome-to-neck ratio. Coils deployed without supporting devices may herniate from the aneurysm sac into the parent artery, causing thromboembolic complications or vessel occlusion. Therefore, alternative strategies for managing wide-necked aneurysms have been introduced such as stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC), balloon-assisted coil embolization (BAC), and double-catheter coil embolization (DCC).

METHODS

SAC, BAC, or DCC were used to treat 201 patients with 207 wide-neck aneurysms between 2008 and 2013. Initial occlusion rates, recanalization rates, and periprocedural complications were retrospectively evaluated. The mean follow-up periods for SAC, BAC, and DCC were 16.2 months, 11.6 months, and 14.3 months, respectively.

RESULTS

Clinical and anatomical analyses were conducted in 201 patients with 207 anuerysms. Complete occlusion rates of SAC, DCC, and BAC were 63.8 %, 46.7 %, and 63.2 %, respectively, and incomplete occlusion rates were 13.4 %, 15.5 %, 10.5 %, respectively (p value = 0.798). No rebleeding or hemorrhage occurred after coil embolization. Recanalization rates did not differ among the SAC, DCC, and BAC groups (7.1 % vs. 11.1 % vs. 7.9 %, p value = 0.696). Statistically insignificant results were observed in the rate of periprocedural complications among SAC, DCC, and BAC (11.0 % vs. 13.3 % vs. 15.8 %, p value = 0.578).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in the recurrence rate and periprocedural complication rate, and no rebleeding or aneurysmal rupture after treatment. Sufficient occlusion rates were achieved with SAC, DCC, and BAC. Notably, DCC does not require the use of antiplatelet agents and achieves coil stability without compromising the parent artery or major branch. Thus, we believe that the double-catheter technique was found to be a feasible and safe treatment modality for branching wide-neck aneurysms.

Spinal dermoid sinus in a Dachshund with vertebral and thoracic limb malformations

BACKGROUND

Dermoid sinus is an uncommon epithelial-lined fistula that may be associated with vertebral malformations. In humans, Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare condition characterized by congenital cervical vertebral fusion and may be associated with other developmental defects, including dermoid sinus. The present case report describes an adult Dachshund with cervical and cranial thoracic vertebral malformations as well as thoracic limb malformations resembling KFS with a concurrent type IV dermoid sinus.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 1.5 year-old Dachshund with congenital thoracic limbs deformities and cervical-thoracic vertebral malformations presented with cervical hyperesthesia, rigidity of the cervical musculature and tetraparesis. Neurologic, radiographic, and computed tomography (CT) (2D, 3D, CT fistulography) examinations revealed skeletal anomalies, a dermoid sinus in the cranial thoracic region and epidural gas within the vertebral canal. Surgical resection and histopathological evaluation of the sinus tract were performed and confirmed a type IV dermoid sinus. The clinical signs progressively recovered postoperatively, and no recurrent signs were observed after 6 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical vertebral malformations associated with limbs anomalies have not been reported in dogs and may represent a condition similar to KFS in humans. KFS can occur concurrently with other congenital conditions including dermoid sinus and should be included among the complex congenital anomalies described in dogs.