Endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea occurs due to communication between the intracranial subarachnoid space and the sinonasal mucosa. It could be due to trauma, raised intracranial pressure (ICP), tumors, erosive diseases, and congenital skull defects. Some leaks could be spontaneous without any specific etiology. The potential leak sites include the cribriform plate, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinus. Glucose estimation, although non-specific, is the most popular and readily available method of diagnosis. Glucose concentration of > 30 mg/dl without any blood contamination strongly suggests presence and the absence of glucose rules out CSF in the fluid. Beta-2 transferrin test confirms the diagnosis. High-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance cisternography are complementary to each other and are the investigation of choice. Surgical intervention is indicated, when conservative management fails to prevent risk of meningitis. Endoscopic closure has revolutionized the management of CSF rhinorrhea due to its less morbidity and better closure rate. It is usually best suited for small defects in cribriform plate, sphenoid, and ethmoid sinus. Large defects can be repaired when sufficient experience is acquired. Most frontal sinus leaks, although difficult, can be successfully closed by modified Lothrop procedure. Factors associated with increased recurrences are middle age, obese female, raised ICP, diabetes mellitus, lateral sphenoid leaks, superior and lateral extension in frontal sinus, multiple leaks, and extensive skull base defects. Appropriate treatment for raised ICP, in addition to proper repair, should be done to prevent recurrence. Long follow-up is required before leveling successful repair as recurrences may occur very late.

The role of subgaleal suction drain placement in chronic subdural hematoma evacuation

Introduction:

There is lack of uniformity about the preferred surgical treatment, role of drain, and type of drain among various surgeons in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). The present study is aimed to evaluate role of subgaleal drain.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective study of 260 patients of CSDH treated surgically. Burr-hole irrigation with and without suction drain was done in 140 and 120 patients, respectively. Out of 120 patients without suction drain 60 each were managed by single and two burr holes. Pre- and postoperative GCS was recorded. Recurrent hematomas, CSDH secondary to tumor, due to intracranial hypotension, coagulopathy, children below 18 years, and patients treated by twist drill craniostomy or craniotomy were excluded. Subgaleal closed-system drainage with low negative pressure was used.

Results:

Age of the patients ranged from 18 to 75 years with mean age of 57 years. There were 9, 47, 204 patients in GCS of 3-8, 9-12, and 13-15, respectively. Both the groups were comparable in terms of age, etiology, gender, and neurological status. There was no difference in the mortality in both the group. The recurrence and postoperative pneumocephalus was significantly less in suction drain group as compared to without drain group. There was no infection or any other complication related to suction drainage.

Conclusion:

Subgaleal closed suction drainage was safe, simple, and effective in the management of CSDH. Recurrence rate was low in the suction drain group.

Role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in tuberculous meningitis with hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is one of the commonest complications of tuberculous meningitis (TBM). It can be purely obstructive, purely communicating, or due to combinations of obstruction in addition to defective absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) as an alternative to shunt procedures is an established treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus in TBM. ETV in TBM hydrocephalus can be technically very difficult, especially in acute stage of disease due to inflamed, thick, and opaque third ventricle floor. Water jet dissection can be helpful in thick and opaque ventricular floor patients, while simple blunt perforation is possible in thin and transparent floor. Lumbar peritoneal shunt is a better option for communicating hydrocephalus as compared to VP shunt or ETV. Intraoperative Doppler or neuronavigation can help in proper planning of the perforation to prevent neurovascular complications. Choroid plexus coagulation with ETV can improve success rate in infants. Results of ETV are better in good grade patients. Poor results are observed in cisternal exudates, thick and opaque third ventricle floor, acute phase, malnourished patients as compared to patients without cisternal exudates, thin and transparent third ventricle floor, chronic phase, well-nourished patients. Some of the patients, especially in poor grade, can show delayed recovery. Failure to improve after ETV can be due to blocked stoma, complex hydrocephalus, or vascular compromise. Repeated lumbar puncture can help faster normalization of the raised intracranial pressure after ETV in patients with temporary defect in CSF absorption, whereas lumbar peritoneal shunt is required in permanent defect. Repeat ETV is recommended if the stoma is blocked. ETV should be considered as treatment of choice in chronic phase of the disease in obstructive hydrocephalus.

Chronic subdural hematoma

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical conditions. There is lack of uniformity in the treatment of CSDH amongst surgeons in terms of various treatment strategies. Clinical presentation may vary from no symptoms to unconsciousness. CSDH is usually diagnosed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is more sensitive in the diagnosis of bilateral isodense CSDH, multiple loculations, intrahematoma membranes, fresh bleeding, hemolysis, and the size of capsule. Contrast-enhanced CT or MRI could detect associated primary or metastatic dural diseases. Although definite history of trauma could be obtained in a majority of cases, some cases may be secondary to coagulation defect, intracranial hypotension, use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, etc., Recurrent bleeding, increased exudates from outer membrane, and cerebrospinal fluid entrapment have been implicated in the enlargement of CSDH. Burr-hole evacuation is the treatment of choice for an uncomplicated CSDH. Most of the recent trials favor the use of drain to reduce recurrence rate. Craniotomy and twist drill craniostomy also play a role in the management. Dural biopsy should be taken, especially in recurrence and thick outer membrane. Nonsurgical management is reserved for asymptomatic or high operative risk patients. The steroids and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors may also play a role in the management. Single management strategy is not appropriate for all the cases of CSDH. Better understanding of the nature of the pathology, rational selection of an ideal treatment strategy for an individual patient, and identification of the merits and limitations of different surgical techniques could help in improving the prognosis.

Endoscopic management of colloid cysts

BACKGROUND

Microsurgical resection, stereotactic aspiration, endoscopically assisted microsurgical resection, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt have been the treatment options for colloid cysts of the third ventricle. Recently, an endoscopic approach has been recognized as an effective alternative to open surgery. There is suspicion about the long-term recurrence rate and about obtaining complete removal of cyst.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a prospective study of 24 patients with colloid cyst who underwent endoscopic resection. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans revealed hydrocephalus in all the patients. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done in all cases.

RESULTS

Age ranged from 16 to 57 years. There were 16 male and 8 female patients. The diameter of the cyst varied from 14 to 24 mm. Operating time ranged from 90 to 156 minutes. Total resection was achieved in 21 patients. All patients with subtotal excision underwent coagulation of residual cyst wall. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 78 months (mean, 37 months). None of the patients developed any symptoms at 26, 31, and 39 months of follow-up. Preoperative symptoms disappeared in all the patients except for memory disorders and seizures in one patient each. No residual cyst was observed on the postoperative MRIs in 21 patients. Hospital stay was 4 to 10 days (median, 6 days). No endoscopic operation was converted into an open resection.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic excision of a colloid cyst is an effective and safe alternate method. Although the follow-up time was short, residual cyst wall remained asymptomatic without any evidence of growth after subtotal excision and coagulation of wall.

Endoscopic interlaminar management of lumbar disc disease

INTRODUCTION

The role of surgery by minimally invasive techniques for lumbar disc disease remains unclear in the Cochrane review. There are reports of significant advantages of endoscopy over open or microdiscectomy techniques, such as better visualization of the lesion, smaller incision sizes with lower short-term morbidity, reduced hospital stay, and better education.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four hundred consecutive lumber disc herniation patients underwent endoscopic interlaminar lumbar discectomy from January 2006 to December 2010 by single surgeon by Destandu system (Karl Storz, Germany). Single-level and double-level disc with unilateral or bilateral symptoms (including central, sequestrated, or migrated disc) were included. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back pain and leg pain and MacNab criteria were recorded pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean VAS score before surgery was 7.9 as compared with a 1.5 score 3 months after surgery. Postoperative VAS scores were significantly better in 90% of cases. Overall, 91% of patients had good-to-excellent results according to MacNab criteria. Accidental intraoperative single-facet injury, minor dural tear, recurrence, postoperative discitis, and persistent paresthesia were seen in 3, 7, 2, 2, and 1 patients, respectively. The mean follow- up was 24 months (range 10 months to 5 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic interlaminar technique (ILT) was a safe and effective alternative procedure for lumber disc disease. This was associated with some complications, especially in the initial learning curve. Once the practitioner is over the learning curve and has acquired expertise, this procedure was safe and effective.

Endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoid surgery of pituitary adenoma

Endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoid surgery (EETS) is increasingly used for pituitary lesions. Pre-operative CT and MRI scans and peroperative endoscopic visualization can provide useful anatomical information. EETS is indicated in sellar, suprasellar, intraventricular, retro-infundibular, and invasive tumors. Recurrent and residual lesions, pituitary apoplexy and empty sella syndrome can be managed by EETS. Modern neuronavigation techniques, ultrasonic aspirators, ultrasonic bone curette can add to the safety. The binostril approach provides a wider working area. High definition camera is much superior to three-chip camera. Most of the recent reports favor EETS in terms of safety, quality of life and tumor resection, hospital stay, better endocrinological, and visual outcome as compared to the microscopic technique. Nasal symptoms, blood loss, operating time are less in EETS. Various naso-septal flaps and other techniques of CSF leak repair could help reduce complications. Complications can be further reduced after achieving the learning curve, good understanding of limitations with proper patient selection. Use of neuronavigation, proper post-operative care of endocrine function, establishing pituitary center of excellence and more focused residency and endoscopic fellowship training could improve results. The faster and safe transition from microscopic to EETS can be done by the team concept of neurosurgeon/otolaryngologist, attending hands on cadaveric dissection, practice on models, and observation of live surgeries. Conversion to a microscopic or endoscopic-assisted approach may be required in selected patients. Multi-modality treatment could be required in giant and invasive tumors. EETS appears to be a better surgical option in most pituitary adenoma.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is considered as a treatment of choice for obstructive hydrocephalus. It is indicated in hydrocephalus secondary to congenital aqueductal stenosis, posterior third ventricle tumor, cerebellar infarct, Dandy-Walker malformation, vein of Galen aneurism, syringomyelia with or without Chiari malformation type I, intraventricular hematoma, post infective, normal pressure hydrocephalus, myelomeningocele, multiloculated hydrocephalus, encephalocele, posterior fossa tumor and craniosynostosis. It is also indicated in block shunt or slit ventricle syndrome. Proper Pre-operative imaging for detailed assessment of the posterior communicating arteries distance from mid line, presence or absence of Liliequist membrane or other membranes, located in the prepontine cistern is useful. Measurement of lumbar elastance and resistance can predict patency of cranial subarachnoid space and complex hydrocephalus, which decides an ultimate outcome. Water jet dissection is an effective technique of ETV in thick floor. Ultrasonic contact probe can be useful in selected patients. Intra-operative ventriculo-stomography could help in confirming the adequacy of endoscopic procedure, thereby facilitating the need for shunt. Intraoperative observations of the patent aqueduct and prepontine cistern scarring are predictors of the risk of ETV failure. Such patients may be considered for shunt surgery. Magnetic resonance ventriculography and cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging are effective in assessing subarachnoid space and stoma patency after ETV. Proper case selection, post-operative care including monitoring of ICP and need for external ventricular drain, repeated lumbar puncture and CSF drainage, Ommaya reservoir in selected patients could help to increase success rate and reduce complications. Most of the complications develop in an early post-operative, but fatal complications can develop late which indicate an importance of long term follow up.

Transoral extrusion of the ventriculo-peritoneal shunt: A case report and review of literature

There are several case reports of complications of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. Extrusion of the peritoneal end of the shunt through mouth is extremely rare. There are few case reports. We are reporting one such case. A 1-year male child was admitted with the peritoneal end of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt coming out through mouth since 6 hours after an episode of vomiting. He was conscious and had no neurological deficits. The anterior fontanelle was depressed. There was no infection. The peritoneal end of the shunt was removed through the mouth. Shunt revision was performed. The patient was discharged 10 days after the revision without any complications. At 1-year follow-up the patient is doing well. Possible mechanisms of bowel perforation are discussed. Pulling the peritoneal end through mouth is probably the best way of management as small spontaneous gut perforation seals off spontaneously. It also decreases the possibility of infection, other morbidities, and hospital stay.