Risk Factors and Management of Incisional Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage After Craniotomy: A Retrospective International Multicenter Study

Study of absorbable dural sealant to improve complications after craniocerebral surgery and its application strategy and standardized operation procedure

Background

Infection after craniocerebral operation has always been a very focused problem, and dural closure can reduce perioperative infection by reducing drainage volume and subcutaneous effusion, so how to effectively perform dural closure seems to be a small but not negligible problem.

Methods

We proposed a classification and grading system for dural incisions based on the type and degree of suture, and based on the system, a standardized operation process for ADS (absorbable dural sealant) was developed. Then, we conducted a retrospective study. We divided the included patients into 3 groups. Normalized group follows the ADS standard use process proposed by us, while Empirical group does not meet or only partially meets the ADS standard use process, or uses ADS based on its own experience, and Non-sealant group were patients who did not use ADS. And perioperative infection was used as the primary assessment metric to verify the effectiveness of ADS in blocking the dural membrane, and to try to propose a standardized use plan.

Results

A retrospective collection of 383 patients' clinical data was conducted between October 2019 and April 2023 in the Department of Neurosurgery of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. Of them, 128 belonged to the non-sealant group, 126 to the normalized group, and 129 to the empirical group. In our study, we discovered that, in comparison to the normalized group, postoperative cerebral infection rose by 17.2 % (OR = 2.437, P = 0.004) and 21.9 % (OR = 3.227, P < 0.001), respectively, in the empirical group and non-sealant group. In comparison to the normalized group, the empirical group and non-sealant group experienced a 13.2 % (OR = 1.882, P = 0.037) and 24.8 % (OR = 3.346, P < 0.001) increase in subcutaneous effusion development, respectively. Furthermore, when compared to the normalized group, the empirical group's (β = 48.556, P = 0.003) and non-sealant group's (β = 91.960, P < 0.001) subcutaneous or epidural drainage volume was significantly higher.

Conclusions

Correct and standardized use of ADS can improve the watertight suturing of the dura mater and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications such as infection, and is of great significance for perioperative management of neurosurgery.

Pterional vs. mini-pterional craniotomy for intracranial aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The mini-pterional craniotomy (mPT) was designed to be a minimally invasive alternative to the standard pterional (PT) approach. However, it remains unclear which technique produces better results. Thus, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis comparing functional, surgical, and aesthetic outcomes between mPT and PT in intracranial aneurysms. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for studies comparing mPT to PT in patients who underwent clipping of brain aneurysms until June 2024. Outcomes were modified Rankin Scale (mRS) or Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), surgical complications, operation time, length of stay, and patients' aesthetic satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed using the R software (version 4.4.0). Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. We included 6 studies with a total of 1011 patients, of whom 696 (63.1%) underwent mPT. The mean age was 59.0 ± 2.8 years, 67.6% were female, and 68.2% of all aneurysms were located in the middle cerebral artery. Unfavorable functional outcome (mRS ≥ 3 or GOS ≤ 3) at discharge (OR 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07-0.59; I2 = 0%), overall surgical complications (OR 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21-0.99; I2 = 72%), and operation time (MD - 54.42 min, 95% CI: -60.78 to - 48.06; I2 = 0%) were significantly lower in mPT compared to PT. Moreover, patients' aesthetic satisfaction was statistically higher in mPT (OR 2.91, 95% CI: 1.06-8.00; I2 = 0%). However, there was no significant difference in length of stay between groups (MD - 1.52 days, 95% CI: -3.75 to 0.72; I2 = 72%). Mini-pterional craniotomy is associated with better functional outcomes at discharge, fewer surgical complications, and a shorter operation time. Therefore, our results might suggest that mPT is a promising and preferable alternative to standard PT.

Risk Factors and Treatment Strategies for Subcutaneous Effusion Secondary to Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage After Craniotomy

OBJECTIVE

To confirm the incidence of subcutaneous effusion secondary to cerebrospinal fluid leakage after craniotomy, analyze the risk factors for cerebrospinal fluid leakage leading to subcutaneous effusion, summarize the underlying causes of its occurrence and explore the corresponding treatment strategies.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 757 patients who underwent craniotomy at our hospital from January to December 2023. The authors documented the sex, age, surgical characteristics, and history of chronic diseases for all patients, including those who developed subcutaneous effusion secondary to cerebrospinal fluid leakage. These factors were subjected to univariate regression analysis, and the identified risk factors were evaluated in a multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 757 patients who underwent craniotomy, 15 developed subcutaneous effusion secondary to cerebrospinal fluid leakage, representing an incidence of 1.98%. This group included 5 patients with acoustic neuroma surgery, 4 with neurovascular decompression, 4 with meningioma surgery, 1 patient undergoing a posterior corpus callosotomy for epilepsy, and 1 patient with cerebellar cavernoma resection. Factors such as acoustic neuroma surgery, neurovascular decompression, infratentorial surgery, longer surgical durations, larger cranial bone removals, higher body mass index, and smoking were associated with an increased risk of developing subcutaneous effusion secondary to cerebrospinal fluid leakage. The average time to onset was 40.8 ± 37.16 days. Three patients with subcutaneous effusion experienced elevated body temperatures, with one testing positive in blood cultures; no other complications were noted. All patients initially received conservative treatment and subsequently underwent surgical repair for the cerebrospinal fluid leak an average of 45.4 ± 57.94 days later, ultimately resulting in recovery and discharge.

CONCLUSION

In 2023, the incidence of subcutaneous effusion secondary to cerebrospinal fluid leakage after craniotomy at our hospital was 1.98%. The fundamental cause of this complication is the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the dura mater, leading to incomplete dural closure and subsequent fluid leakage. Factors such as younger age, acoustic neuroma surgery, neurovascular decompression, infratentorial surgery, longer surgery durations, larger cranial bone removals, higher body mass index, and smoking are associated with an increased risk of subcutaneous effusion. Once subcutaneous effusion occurs, conservative management is the initial step. To optimize outcomes, surgical repair of the cerebrospinal fluid leak should follow conservative treatment. This approach can significantly reduce the likelihood of treatment failure, decrease hospital stays, and cut unnecessary costs.

Safety and effectiveness of Evicel® fibrin sealant as an adjunct to sutured dural repair in children undergoing cranial neurosurgery

PURPOSE

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a challenging complication of intradural cranial surgery, and children are particularly at risk. The use of dural sealants confers protection in adults, but pediatric studies are scarce. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of Evicel® fibrin sealant as an adjunct to primary dural suturing in children undergoing cranial surgery.

METHODS

A multicenter trial prospectively enrolled pediatric subjects (< 18 years) undergoing cranial neurosurgery who, upon completion of primary sutured dural repair, experienced CSF leakage. As agreed by the EMA Evicel® Pediatric Investigation Plan, 40 subjects were intra-operatively randomized 2:1 to Evicel® or additional sutures ('Sutures'). Data analysis was descriptive. The efficacy endpoint was treatment success rate, with success defined as intra-operative watertight closure after provocative Valsalva maneuver (primary endpoint). Safety endpoints were postoperative CSF leakage (incisional CSF leakage, pseudomeningocele or both) and surgical site complications (secondary endpoints).

RESULTS

Forty subjects (0.6-17 years) were randomized to Evicel® (N = 25) or Sutures (N = 15) (intention-to-treat). Intracranial tumor was the most common indication and procedures were mostly supratentorial craniotomies. Success rates were 92.0% for Evicel® and 33.3% for Sutures, with a 2.76 estimated ratio of success rates (Farrington-Manning 95% CI [1.53, 6.16]). Sensitivity analyses in per-protocol and safety sets showed similar results. Despite a higher rescue treatment rate, the frequencies of postoperative CSF leakage and wound complications were higher for Sutures than for Evicel®.

CONCLUSION

This small-scale prospective study shows Evicel® treatment to be safe and effective as an adjunct to primary sutured dura mater closure in a pediatric population. Compared to additional sutures, Evicel® was associated with reduced postoperative CSF leakage and surgical site complications. (Trial registration: The trial was registered as NCT02309645 and EudraCT 2013-003558-26).

Cranial stair-step incision for minimizing postoperative complications in neuro-oncologic surgery: A propensity score-matched analysis

PURPOSE

Craniotomies for tumor resection can at times result in wound complications which can be devastating in the treatment of neuro-oncological patients. A cranial stair-step technique was recently introduced as an approach to mitigate these complications, especially in this patient population who often exhibit additional risk factors including steroids, chemoradiation, and VEGF inhibitor treatments. This study evaluates our cranial stair-step approach by comparing its postoperative complications using propensity score matching with those of a standard craniotomy wound closure.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with intracranial neoplasms undergoing primary craniotomy at a single institution. Patients with prior craniotomies and less than three months of follow-up were excluded. Analyses were performed using R Studio.

RESULTS

383 patients were included in the study, 139 of whom underwent the stair-step technique while the rest underwent traditional craniotomy closures. The stair-step cohort was older, had higher ASA classes, and had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease. The stair-step patients were administered fewer steroids before (40.29% vs. 56.56%, p < 0.01) and after surgery (87.05% vs. 94.26%, p = 0.02), fewer immunotherapy (12.95% vs. 20.90%, p = 0.05), but they received more radiation preoperatively (15.11% vs. 8.61%, p = 0.05). They also underwent fewer operations for recurrences and residuals (0.72% vs. 10.66%, p = 0.01). On propensity score matching, we found 111 matched pairs with no differences except follow-up duration (p < 0.01). The stair-step group had fewer soft tissue infections (0% vs. 3.60%, p = 0.04), fewer total wound complications (0% vs. 4.50%, p = 0.02), was operated on less for these complications (0% vs. 3.60%, p = 0.04), and had a shorter length of stay (6 vs. 9 days, p < 0.01). Notably, the average time to wound complication in our cohort was 44 days, well within our exclusion criteria and follow-up duration.

CONCLUSION

The cranial stair-step technique is safe and effective in reducing rates of wound complications and reoperation for neuro-oncologic patients requiring craniotomy.

Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid-Related Complications After Posterior Fossa and Posterolateral Skull Base Surgeries: Development of a Predictive Model and Clinical Risk Score

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pseudomeningocele (PMC) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak are common complications following posterior fossa and posterolateral skull base surgeries. We sought to 1) determine the rate of CSF-related complications and 2) develop a perioperative model and risk score to identify the highest risk patients for these events.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort of 450 patients undergoing posterior fossa and posterolateral skull base procedures from 2016 to 2020. Logistic regressions were performed for predictor selection for 3 prespecified models: 1) a priori variables, 2) predictors selected by large effect sizes, and 3) predictors with P ≤ 0.100 on univariable analysis. A final model was created by elimination of nonsignificant predictors, and the integer-based postoperative CSF-related complications (POCC) clinical risk score was derived. Internal validation was done using 10-fold cross-validation and bootstrapping with uniform shrinkage.

RESULTS

A total of 115 patients (25.6%) developed PMC and/or CSF leakage. Age >55 years (odds ratio [OR], 0.560; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.328-0.954), body mass index >30 kg/m2 (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.14-3.10), and postoperative CSF diversion (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.64-5.00) were associated with CSF leak and PMC. Model 2 was the most predictive (cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.690). The final risk score was devised using age, body mass index class, dural repair technique, use of bone substitute, and duration of postoperative CSF diversion. The POCC score performed well (cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.761) and was highly specific (96.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

We created the first generalizable and predictive risk score to identify patients at risk of CSF-related complications. The POCC score could improve surveillance, inform doctor-patient discussions regarding the risks of surgery, and assist in perioperative management.