Safety and effectiveness of spinal dural defect repair in the management of superficial siderosis: A systematic review and patient-level analysis

OBJECTIVE

Superficial siderosis (SS) is a disabling neurodegenerative condition that may be caused by spinal dural defects. Surgical repair is increasingly performed, however clinical outcomes remain unclear.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE was conducted (inception to February 2020). Studies reporting cases of (i) superficial siderosis, (ii) spinal dural defect, (iii) and surgical closure of the defect were included. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, operative technique and clinical outcome were extracted for patient-level analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 26 publications were included, which reported 38 patients with a median age of 58 years, and a male predominance (78.9 %). Ataxia (85.7 %) and hearing loss (80.0 %) were the most common presenting symptoms. The causative dural defect was most commonly ventral in location (91.7 %) and most commonly identified by CT myelography (48.6 %). Operative technique was highly variable and included primary suture, fibrin glue, dural substitute, or tissue (fat or muscle) graft. Clinical improvement was reported in 21 %, with stabilisation of symptoms in the majority (66 %) and clinical deterioration in 13.2 %. Surgical complications were observed in 7.9 %.

CONCLUSION

In patients with superficial siderosis and spinal dural defect, operative closure leads to improvement or stabilisation of symptoms in the vast majority (87%) of patients.

Keyhole retrosigmoid approach without watertight dural closure - Evaluation of a minimalistic approach

BACKGROUND

The retrosigmoid craniotomy is a versatile surgical approach to the cerebellopontine angle though cerebrospinal fluid leak remains a concern, with a reported prevalence of 0-22 %. A host of closure materials and strategies have been proposed to achieve a watertight dural closure to varying degrees of success. We review our series of keyhole retrosigmoid craniotomies and describe our simple, standardized method of closure without watertight dural closure.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all retrosigmoid craniotomies performed by the senior author was completed. Closure was achieved by placing an oversized piece of gelatin in the subdural space. The dura is grossly approximated. An oversized sheet of collagen matrix is placed as an overlay followed by gelatin sponge in the craniectomy defect held in place with titanium mesh. The superficial layers are approximated. The skin is closed with a running sub-cuticular suture followed by skin glue. Patient demographics, cerebrospinal fluid leak risk factors, and surgical outcomes were determined.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients were included. There was one case (0.9 %) of CSF leak, which resolved with placement of a lumbar drain for 5 days. The patient had one defined risk factor (morbid obesity, BMI 41.0 kg/m²).

CONCLUSIONS

Obtaining a watertight dural layer closure has been the generally accepted strategy in preventing CSF leaks in a traditional retrosigmoid approach. In keyhole retrosigmoid approaches it may not be necessary by utilizing a simple gelfoam bolstered collagen matrix onlay technique potentially improving outcome measures including operative time.

A prospective, randomized, controlled study comparing two surgical procedures of decompressive craniectomy in patients with traumatic brain injury: Dural closure without dural closure

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is used to treat severe traumatic brain injury [TBI]. The present study compared dural open and closed surgical procedures for DC and their relationship with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (E) (GOS-E) scores and survival in prospective randomized controlled TBI patients. Patients aged 10-65 (36.97 ± 13.23) with DC were hospitalized in the neurotrauma unit of King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India. The patients were randomized into test; with dural closure (n = 60) and control without dural closure (OD) (n = 60) groups. After decompressive craniectomy, patients were monitored daily until hospital discharge or death and for three months. GSC/E leakage, infection, and functional status were also assessed. Age (p = 0.795), sex (p = 0.104), mode of injury (p = 0.195), GCS score (p = 0.40, p = 0.469), Rotterdam score (p = 0.731), and preoperative midline shift (MLS) (p = 0.378) did not vary between the OD and CD groups. Neither technique affected the mortality, motor score, or pupil response (p > 0.05). After one and three months, GOS extension was associated with open and closed dural procedures (p = 0.089). Intracranial pressure, brain bulge, GCS score, and MLS were not associated with theoperative method(p > 0.05). The open dural group had a significantly shorter procedure time than the closed dural group (P = 0.026). Both groups showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between CSF leak and post-traumatic hydrocephalus. Dural opensurgery for a compressed craniectomy is shorter and not associated with significant surgical consequences compared to close dural close surgery.

Simple sutureless closure of a thoracic ventral dural defect in a patient with superficial siderosis: technical report

BACKGROUND

Closure of the ventral dura mater of the thoracic spinal cord is challenging because it requires both avoiding spinal cord damage and obtaining sufficient working space in an anatomically narrow area. We report a case of superficial siderosis (SS) due to chronic bleeding from a thoracic ventral dural defect in which we preformed dural repair using as a simple sutureless method and obtained good results.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 75-year-old man complained of slowly progressive gait, speech, and hearing disturbances over 5 years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed SS in the brain and the spinal cord and a dural defect ventral to the spinal cord at the T2 level. Neurological examination revealed bilateral cerebellar ataxia and mild motor weakness in left iliopsoas muscle. T2 and T3 hemi-laminectomy was performed in the prone position. Transdurally, a dural defect on the ventral side of the spinal cord and a fluid-filled space beyond it could be observed. With endoscopic assistance, a blood clot in the space was confirmed. For dural closure, we performed a simple manipulation using a collagen-based dural graft. The graft was cut into pieces, softened with saline, and simply packed into the space with minimal strain on the spinal cord despite the narrow space. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful. Postoperative MRI at 1 year showed the space had disappeared.

CONCLUSION

In patients with SS, sutureless dural closure using a collagen-based dural graft allows for effective, minimally invasive dural closure, even for thoracic ventral lesions.

Reducing meningo-cerebral adhesions by implanting an interpositional subdural polyesterurethane graft after high-grade glioma resection

BACKGROUND

Meningo-cerebral adhesions are frequently encountered during recurrent high-grade glioma resections. Adhesiolysis not only lengthens operation times, but can also induce focal cortical tissue injury that could affect overall survival.

METHODS

Immediately after the primary resection of a high-grade glioma, a polyesterurethane interpositional graft was implanted in the subdural space covering the entire exposed cortex as well as beneath the dural suture line. No postoperative complications were documented. All patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Upon repeat resection for focal tumor recurrence, the graft was shown to effectively reduce meningo-cerebral adhesion development.

CONCLUSION

The implantation of a synthetic subdural graft is a safe and effective method for preventing meningo-cerebral adhesions.

Superficial Siderosis With Verrucous Vegetation Around a Dural Defect Confirmed by Intraoperative Ultrasonography

Superficial siderosis (SS) of the central nervous system (CNS) is a rare disease caused by repeated hemorrhages in the subarachnoid space. We describe surgical treatment of an SS case in which a dural defect with verrucous vegetation in the spinal canal was detected by intraoperative ultrasonography (US). After laminectomy, intraoperative US imaging confirmed verrucous vegetation and epidural fluid collection around the ventral dural defect before incision of the posterior dura mater. As intraoperative US also showed a dural defect at the ventral and right sides of the spinal cord, the posterior dural incision was made in a manner that was slightly more right lateral than standard midline. The ventral dural defect was repaired by direct sutures. After repair, intraoperative US imaging confirmed dural hole closure, removal of vegetation and resolution of the collected fluid. Dural closure was successful and symptoms partially improved despite the patient’s long history of SS. Intraoperative US can help surgeons make decisions about precise dural incision before repair. Intraoperative US is useful for detecting the level of dural defect and verrucous vegetation before repair and confirming closure of the dural defect, successful removal of vegetation and resolution of fluid collection after repair.

Suturing of the Arachnoid Membrane for Reconstruction of the Cisterna Magna: Technical Considerations

BACKGROUND

Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula following cranial or spinal surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. To prevent CSF fistulas, various techniques have been described. Here, we describe the arachnoid membrane continuous-running suture technique in cisterna magna reconstruction for preventing postoperative CSF leakage.

METHODS

After craniotomy and dural opening, the incision of the arachnoid of the cisterna magna was performed using a diamond blade. To prevent the arachnoid from drying out and shrinking during surgery, it was periodically irrigated with warm saline solution. Posterior fossa surgery was performed. When closing the membranes, the arachnoid membrane was closed with the running-suture technique. After the first surgical knot was made in the cranial end of the arachnoid opening, continuous suturing with a 2-mm distance between the stitches was performed without stretching them. After every 3 stitches, the free end of the thread was pulled gently along the suturing axis, and the edges of the arachnoid were closed. After the arachnoid edges were approximated, the surgical knot was tied. Watertight closure was checked by performing the Valsalva maneuver at the end of the surgery.

RESULTS

No CSF leakages were observed after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Arachnoid membrane suturing seems to be safe and effective in preventing postoperative CSF leakage and CSF-related complications. Using continuous running suturing alone, without any sealant, might be effective in cases with untraumatized arachnoid membrane.

Efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol dural sealant system in cranial and spinal neurosurgical procedures: Meta-analysis

Background:

We aimed to assess the efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) dura sealant to achieve watertight closure, prevention of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and to investigate its possible side effects.

Methods:

We searched Medline (through PubMed), Scopus, and the Cochrane Library through December 2019. We included articles demonstrating cranial or spinal procedures with the use of PEG material as a dural sealant. Data on intraoperative watertight closure, CSF leak, and surgical complications were extracted and pooled in a meta-analysis model using RevMan version 5.3 and OpenMeta (Analyst).

Results:

Pooling the controlled trials showed that PEG resulted in significantly more intraoperative watertight closures than standard care (risk ratio [RR] = 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.24, 1.66]). However, the combined effect estimate did not reveal any significant difference between both groups in terms of CSF leaks, the incidence of surgical site infections, and neurological deficits (P = 0.7, 0.45, and 0.92, respectively). On the other hand, pooling both controlled and noncontrolled trials showed significance in terms of leak and neurological complications (RR = 0.0238, 95% CI [0.0102, 0.0373] and RR = 0.035, 95% CI [0.018, 0.052]). Regarding intraoperative watertight closure, the overall effect estimate showed no significant results (RR=0.994, 95% CI [0.986, 1.002]).

Conclusion:

Dura seal material is an acceptable adjuvant for dural closure when the integrity of the dura is questionable. However, marketing it as a factor for the prevention of surgical site infection is not scientifically proved. We suggest that, for neurosurgeons, using the dural sealants are highly recommended for duraplasty, skull base approaches, and in keyhole approaches.

In vivo evaluation of bilayer ORC/PCL composites in a rabbit model for using as a dural substitute

OBJECTIVE

After a neurosurgical procedure, dural closure is commonly needed to prevent cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) leakage and to reduce the risk of complications, including infections and chronic inflammatory reactions. Although several dural substitutes have been developed, their manufacturing processes are complicated and costly and that many of them have been implicated in causing postoperative complications. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of new bilayer ORC/PCL composites in a rabbit model.

METHODS

Two formulations of bilayer oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC)/poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) knitted fabric-reinforced composites and an autologous graft (pericranium) were employed for dural closure in forty-five male rabbits. Systemic reaction and the local reaction of the samples were assessed and compared at one-, three- and six-months post-implantation by blood chemistry and gross, and microscopic assessment using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome stains.

RESULTS

No signs of CSF leakage or systemic infection were seen for all samples. All samples demonstrated minimal adhesion to adjacent tissues. The degree of host fibrous connective tissue ingrowth into both composites was comparable to that of the autologous group, but bone formation and osteoclast activities were significantly greater. Both composites progressively degraded over times and the residual thickness of the nonporous layer was 50% of the initial thickness at six months post-implantation.

DISCUSSION

Bilayer ORC/PCL composites were successfully employed for dural closure in the rabbit model. They were biocompatible and could support dural regeneration comparable to that of the autologous group, but induced greater osteogenesis.

Surgical nuances and placement of subgaleal drains for supratentorial procedures-a prospective analysis of efficacy and outcome in 150 craniotomies

Background

For supratentorial craniotomy, surgical access, and closure technique, including placement of subgaleal drains, may vary considerably. The influence of surgical nuances on postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage or impaired wound healing overall remains largely unclear. With this study, we are reporting our experiences and the impact of our clinical routines on outcome in a prospectively collected data set.

Method

We prospectively observed 150 consecutive patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy and recorded technical variables (type/length of incision, size of craniotomy, technique of dural and skin closure, type of dressing, and placement of subgaleal drains). Outcome variables (subgaleal hematoma/CSF collection, periorbital edema, impairment of wound healing, infection, and need for operative revision) were recorded at time of discharge and at late follow-up.

Results

Early subgaleal fluid collection was observed in 36.7% (2.8% at the late follow-up), and impaired wound healing was recorded in 3.3% of all cases, with an overall need for operative revision of 6.7%. Neither usage of dural sealants, lack of watertight dural closure, and presence of subgaleal drains, nor type of skin closure or dressing influenced outcome. Curved incisions, larger craniotomy, and tumor size, however, were associated with an increase in early CSF or hematoma collection (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, p < 0.01 resp.), and larger craniotomy size was associated with longer persistence of subgaleal fluid collections (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Based on our setting, individual surgical nuances such as the type of dural closure and the use of subgaleal drains resulted in a comparable complication rate and outcome. Subgaleal fluid collections were frequently observed after supratentorial procedures, irrespective of the closing technique employed, and resolve spontaneously in the majority of cases without significant sequelae. Our results are limited due to the observational nature in our single-center study and need to be validated by supportive prospective randomized design.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00701-019-04196-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Plasma-rich fibrin in neurosurgery: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage represents an important and sometimes challenging complication in both cranial and spinal surgery. Current available options for dural closure pose inherent problems regarding safety, efficacy, immunogenicity, cost, and invasiveness. In this article, the use of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) derived from the patient's own blood is proposed to facilitate dural closure. We aim to describe the safety, feasibility, and applicability of L-PRF membranes and plugs in cranial and spinal neurosurgery.

METHODS

A retrospective study reviewing clinical and surgical characteristics was conducted in 47 patients in whom the use of L-PRF was attempted to reinforce dural closure at a single institution during 1 year. Procedures included skull base, posterior fossa, and spinal revision surgeries.

RESULTS

L-PRF membranes and/or plugs were used in 44 surgeries. The preparation of L-PRF failed in three cases. L-PRF membranes were used as onlay grafts to augment sealing or sutured into a defect. No short-term complications related to the use of L-PRF were recorded. Postoperative CSF leakage was present in two endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgeries and in one spinal CSF leak repair.

CONCLUSION

L-PRF is safe, inexpensive, and completely autologous and can be rapidly and non-invasively harvested to aid in dural closure. Theoretical advantages include a regenerative bioactive potential, which could lead to improved wound healing and reduced infection rates. These findings warrant larger prospective studies to determine the potential role of L-PRF in neurosurgery.

Management of Dural Tears in Endoscopic Lumbar Spinal Surgery: A Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

The incidental dural tear is a common complication in lumbar spine surgery. It has been reported that the incidence of dural tears is much greater in endoscopic procedures. Primary closure via suturing remains challenging in endoscopic procedures. The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review on the surgical technique for dural closure and repair in endoscopic spine surgery.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using the database PubMed. In total, 12 studies reported specifically about the surgical treatment for dural tear in percutaneous and tubular assisted endoscopic technique. The dural tear rate, the technique of dural closure, postoperative time of bed rest, postoperative symptoms related to cerebrospinal fluid fistula, and revision surgery were assessed.

RESULTS

The overall rate of dural tears in endoscopic spinal surgery was 2.7%, with a range from 0% to 8.6%. The incidence of a dural tear was much greater in cases with lumbar stenosis (3.7%) than in lumbar disc herniation (2.1%). The greatest rate was accompanied by resecting synovial cysts. In addition, the risk of dural tear is greater in bilateral decompression procedures via a unilateral approach. There is no consensus about the ideal technique for dural closure in endoscopic procedures. Furthermore, there is a debate whether dural tear requires surgical treatment or not.

CONCLUSIONS

An autologous muscle or fat graft in combination with fibrin glue or a fibrin-sealed collagen sponge seems to be a good and safe method for the management of dural tear in lumbar endoscopic spine surgery.

Evaluation of Metallic Artifacts Caused by Nonpenetrating Titanium Clips in Postoperative Neuroimaging

BACKGROUND

Nonpenetrating titanium clips create no suture holes and thereby reduce cerebrospinal fluid leakage after dural closure. However, no data exist regarding metallic artifacts caused by these clips during postoperative neuroimaging. We aimed to evaluate clip-related artifacts on postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) images of 17 patients who underwent spinal surgery.

METHODS

A phantom study evaluated the size of metallic artifacts, and a clinical study evaluated the quality of postoperative spinal MR images. Both 1.5-T studies used T1-weighted and T2-weighted fast spin echo sequences. The phantom study compared clip and artifact size for 10 clips. Artifacts were defined as signal voids surrounded by high signal amplitude that followed the clip shape. In the clinical study, 2 neurosurgeons assessed 22 images from 17 patients of the spinal cord, cauda equina, and paravertebral muscles adjacent to the nonpenetrating titanium clips, using 5-point scales.

RESULTS

Mean metallic artifact sizes were 4.82 ± 0.16 mm (T1) and 4.66 ± 0.25 mm (T2; P < 0.001 vs. control). The former and latter were respectively 207% and 200% larger than the clip size. Both readers graded spinal cord and paravertebral muscles images as 3 or 4, indicating very good image quality regardless of clip-related artifacts, with excellent interobserver agreement (κ = 0.99 and 0.98, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Metallic artifacts caused by nonpenetrating titanium clips were 200% larger than the actual clip but did not affect spinal cord and extradural tissue visualization. The use of these clips for closing the spinal dura mater does not alter postoperative radiologic evaluation quality.