Application of indocyanine green video angiography in parasagittal meningioma surgery

Object There are no doubts about the role that indocyanine green video angiography (ICGVA) can play in current vascular neurosurgery. Conversely, in brain tumor surgery, and particularly in meningioma surgery, this role is still unclear. Vein management is pivotal for approaching parasagittal meningiomas, because venous preservation is strictly connected to both extent of resection and clinical outcome. The authors present the technical traits and the postoperative outcome of the application of ICGVA in patients undergoing parasagittal meningioma surgery. Methods The authors retrospectively collected demographic, radiological, intraoperative, and follow-up data in 43 patients with parasagittal meningiomas who underwent surgery with the assistance of ICGVA at Padua Neurosurgical Department between October 2010 and July 2013. Intraoperative ICGVA findings at different stages (before dural opening, after dural opening, during resection, after resection) were reviewed. Additional data on functional monitoring, temporary venous clipping, and flow measurements were also recorded. The overall postoperative outcome was evaluated by assessing both the extent of resection and the clinical outcome data. Results The ICGVA studies were performed 125 times in 43 patients, providing helpful data for vein management and tumor resection in all stages of surgery. In 16% of meningiomas completely occluding the superior sagittal sinus, the ICGVA data differed from radiological findings and changed the surgical approach. In 20% of cases the intraoperative ICGVA findings directly guided the surgical strategy: venous sacrifice was necessary in 7 cases, without postoperative consequences; temporary clipping with neurophysiological monitoring proved to be predictive of safe venous sacrifice. In 7% of cases the ICGVA data needed to be supplemented with flow measurements. Simpson Grade I–II and Grade III resections were achieved in 86% and 14% of cases, respectively, with a 4.6% rate of overall morbidity. Conclusions This study shows that ICGVA can assist the different stages of parasagittal meningiomas surgery, guiding the vein management and tumor resection strategies with a favorable final clinical outcome. However, in the authors' experience the use of other complementary tools was mandatory in selected cases to preserve functional areas. Further studies are needed to confirm that the application of ICGVA in parasagittal meningioma surgery may improve the morbidity rate, as reported in this study.

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Intraoperative assessment of isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation status in human gliomas using desorption electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2018.8.jns181207 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 132 (1) ◽

pp. 180-187 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Clint M. Alfaro ◽

Valentina Pirro ◽

Michael F. Keating ◽

Eyas M. Hattab ◽

R. Graham Cooks ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Electrospray Ionization ◽

Isocitrate Dehydrogenase ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Desorption Electrospray Ionization ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Ionization Mass ◽

Idh Mutation ◽

Mutation Status ◽

Desi Ms

OBJECTIVEThe authors describe a rapid intraoperative ambient ionization mass spectrometry (MS) method for determining isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status from glioma tissue biopsies. This method offers new glioma management options and may impact extent of resection goals. Assessment of the IDH mutation is key for accurate glioma diagnosis, particularly for differentiating diffuse glioma from other neoplastic and reactive inflammatory conditions, a challenge for the standard intraoperative diagnostic consultation that relies solely on morphology.METHODSBanked glioma specimens (n = 37) were analyzed by desorption electrospray ionization–MS (DESI-MS) to develop a diagnostic method to detect the known altered oncometabolite in IDH-mutant gliomas, 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). The method was used intraoperatively to analyze tissue smears obtained from glioma patients undergoing resection and to rapidly diagnose IDH mutation status (< 5 minutes). Fifty-one tumor core biopsies from 25 patients (14 wild type [WT] and 11 mutant) were examined and data were analyzed using analysis of variance and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.RESULTSThe optimized DESI-MS method discriminated between IDH-WT and IDH-mutant gliomas, with an average sensitivity and specificity of 100%. The average normalized DESI-MS 2HG signal was an order of magnitude higher in IDH-mutant glioma than in IDH-WT glioma. The DESI 2HG signal intensities correlated with independently measured 2HG concentrations (R2 = 0.98). In 1 case, an IDH1 R132H–mutant glioma was misdiagnosed as a demyelinating condition by frozen section histology during the intraoperative consultation, and no resection was performed pending the final pathology report. A second craniotomy and tumor resection was performed after the final pathology provided a diagnosis most consistent with an IDH-mutant glioblastoma. During the second craniotomy, high levels of 2HG in the tumor core biopsies were detected.CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrates the capability to differentiate rapidly between IDH-mutant gliomas and IDH-WT conditions by DESI-MS during tumor resection. DESI-MS analysis of tissue smears is simple and can be easily integrated into the standard intraoperative pathology consultation. This approach may aid in solving differential diagnosis problems associated with low-grade gliomas and could influence intraoperative decisions regarding extent of resection, ultimately improving patient outcome. Research is ongoing to expand the patient cohort, systematically validate the DESI-MS method, and investigate the relationships between 2HG and tumor heterogeneity.

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A New Classification System to Predict Functional Outcome after Laryngectomy and Laryngopharyngectomy

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13061474 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 1474

Author(s):

Stefan Grasl ◽

Elisabeth Schmid ◽

Gregor Heiduschka ◽

Markus Brunner ◽

Blažen Marijić ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Classification System ◽

Salvage Surgery ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Previous Treatment ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Voice Rehabilitation ◽

Pharyngocutaneous Fistula ◽

Oral Nutrition

(1) Objective: To evaluate long-term functional outcome in patients who underwent primary or salvage total laryngectomy (TL), TL with partial (TLPP), or total pharyngectomy (TLTP), and to establish a new scoring system to predict complication rate and long-term functional outcome; (2) Material and Methods: Between 1993 and 2019, 258 patients underwent TL (n = 85), TLPP (n = 101), or TLTP (n = 72). Based on the extent of tumor resection, all patients were stratified to (i) localization I: TL; II: TLPP; III: TLTP and (ii) surgical treatment (A: primary resection; B: salvage surgery). Type and rate of complication and functional outcome, including oral nutrition, G-tube dependence, pharyngeal stenosis, and voice rehabilitation were evaluated in 163 patients with a follow-up ≥ 12 months and absence of recurrent disease; (3) Results: We found 61 IA, 24 IB, 63 IIA, 38 IIB, 37 IIIA, and 35 IIIA patients. Complications and subsequently revision surgeries occurred most frequently in IIIB cases but rarely in IA patients (57.1% vs. 18%; p = 0.001 and 51.4% vs. 14.8%; p = 0.002), respectively. Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) was the most common complication (33%), although it did not significantly differ among cohorts (p = 0.345). Pharyngeal stenosis was found in 27% of cases, with the highest incidence in IIIA (45.5%) and IIIB (72.7%) patients (p < 0.001). Most (91.1%) IA patients achieved complete oral nutrition compared to only 41.7% in class IIIB patients (p < 0.001). Absence of PCF (odds ratio (OR) 3.29; p = 0.003), presence of complications (OR 3.47; p = 0.004), and no need for pharyngeal reconstruction (OR 4.44; p = 0.042) represented independent favorable factors for oral nutrition. Verbal communication was achieved in 69.3% of patients and was accomplished by the insertion of voice prosthesis in 37.4%. Acquisition of esophageal speech was reached in 31.9% of cases. Based on these data, we stratified patients regarding the extent of surgery and previous treatment into subgroups reflecting risk profiles and expectable functional outcome; (4) Conclusions: The extent of resection accompanied by the need for reconstruction and salvage surgery both carry a higher risk of complications and subsequently worse functional outcome. Both factors are reflected in our classification system that can be helpful to better predict patients’ functional outcome.

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Extradural anterior clinoidectomy in surgical management of clinoidal meningiomas

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology Psychiatry and Neurosurgery ◽

10.1186/s41983-021-00336-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

Author(s):

K. El-Bahy ◽

Ashraf M. Ibrahim ◽

Ibrahim Abdelmohsen ◽

Hatem A. Sabry

Keyword(s):

Cavernous Sinus ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Visual Outcome ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Optic Canal ◽

Falciform Ligament ◽

Cavernous Sinus Invasion ◽

Anterior Clinoidectomy ◽

Microsurgical Techniques

Abstract Background Despite the recent advances in skull base surgery, microsurgical techniques, and neuroimaging, yet surgical resection of clinoidal meningiomas is still a major challenge. In this study, we present our institution experience in the surgical treatment of anterior clinoidal meningiomas highlighting the role of extradural anterior clinoidectomy in improving the visual outcome and the extent of tumor resection. This is a prospective observational study conducted on 33 consecutive patients with clinoidal meningiomas. The surgical approach utilized consisted of extradural anterior clinoidectomy, optic canal deroofing with falciform ligament opening in all patients. The primary outcome assessment was visual improvement and secondary outcomes were extent of tumor resection, recurrence, and postoperative complications. Results The study included 5 males and 28 females with mean age 49.48 ± 11.41 years. Preoperative visual deficit was present in 30 (90.9%) patients. Optic canal involvement was present in 24 (72.7%) patients, ICA encasement was in 16 (48.5%), and cavernous sinus invasion in 8 (24.2%). Vision improved in 21 patients (70%), while 6 patients (20%) had stationary course and 1 patient (3%) suffered postoperative new visual deterioration. Gross total resection was achieved in 24 patients (72.7%). The main factors precluding total removal were cavernous sinus involvement and ICA encasement. Mortality rate was 6.1%; mean follow-up period was 27 ± 13 months. Conclusions In this series, the use of extradural anterior clinoidectomy provided a favorable visual outcome and improved the extent of resection in clinoidal meningioma patients.

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Venous Thromboembolism Anticoagulation Prophylaxis Timing in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy for Tumor

Neurosurgery Open ◽

10.1093/neuopn/okaa018 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hanna Algattas ◽

Spencer E Talentino ◽

Bradley Eichar ◽

Abraham A Williams ◽

Joseph M Murphy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Clinical Judgment ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

The Elderly ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Hemorrhagic Complication ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Hemorrhagic Complications ◽

Prophylactic Anticoagulation

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Prophylactic anticoagulation helps prevent postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) and time to initiation postcraniotomy has relied on clinical judgment and practice patterns. OBJECTIVE To compare risks of postoperative VTE and hemorrhage among patients undergoing tumor resection with initiation of prophylactic anticoagulation on postoperative day 1 (POD1) vs POD2. METHODS Adult patients undergoing craniotomy for tumor between 2008 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes were recorded from the Electronic medical record (EMR) including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and hemorrhage. RESULTS Of a total of 1168 patients undergoing craniotomy, 225 initiated anticoagulation on POD1 and 389 initiated on POD2. Of the 171 glioblastoma (GBM) cases, 64 initiated on POD1 and 107 on POD2. There were 9 DVTs (1.5%), 1 PE (0.20%), overall VTE rate of 1.6%, and 7 hemorrhagic complications (1.10%), 4 being clinically significant. The GBM cohort contained 4 DVTs (2.3%) and 3 hemorrhagic complications (1.80%). There was no increased risk of VTE or hemorrhage with anticoagulation initiated on POD2 compared to POD1 in either cohort. Multivariate analysis in both cohorts did not reveal a significant association between DVT, PE, or hemorrhagic complications with age, body mass index, GBM pathology, or extent of resection. Interestingly, glioma patients older than 70 with subtotal resection had a higher likelihood of suffering intracranial hemorrhage when anticoagulation was started on POD1 (odds ratio 12.98). CONCLUSION Risk of VTE or hemorrhagic complication did not significantly differ with prophylactic anticoagulation started on POD1 vs POD2. Early anticoagulation may certainly be considered in high risk cases; however, 1 group where risk may outweigh benefit is the elderly glioma population receiving a subtotal resection.

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LINC-25. BRAF ABERRATIONS IN PEDIATRIC PILOCYTIC ASTROCYTOMAS (PCAs): PREVALENCE AND IMPACT ON CLINICAL OUTCOME

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa222.459 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. iii383-iii383

Author(s):

Subramaniam Ramanathan ◽

Maya Prasad ◽

Tushar Vora ◽

Mamta Gurav ◽

Ayushi Sahay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Brafv600e Mutation ◽

Therapeutic Implications ◽

Pilocytic Astrocytomas ◽

Ffpe Tissues ◽

Braf Fusion ◽

Poor Outcomes ◽

The Impact

Abstract BACKGROUND Increasing knowledge on pilocytic astrocytoma (PCA) biology now points towards an aberration in BRAF/MAPK/ERK pathway which has both diagnostic and therapeutic implications. This study was done to note the impact of BRAF aberrations on clinical outcome in childhood PCA. METHODS FFPE tissues of all childhood PCA diagnosed during 2011–2017 were evaluated for BRAFV600E mutation by Sanger sequencing and KIAA1549 fusion transcripts (16–9;15–9;16-11) by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Children undergoing gross tumor resection received no adjuvant treatment. Unresectable tumors (only biopsy) and NF-1 associated PCAs, were treated if clinically indicated. Only patients with documented therapy details/followup were included for analysis. STUDY RESULTS Ninety-eight patients (median age-7.7yrs; boy:girl ratio-1.4) were included. Major sites were: Cerebellum-37(38%), 3rd Ventricle-26(27%), Cerebrum-15(15%). While BRAFV600E mutation was noted in 7/89(8%) specimens, BRAF-fusions were found in 34/85(40%). Following surgery/biopsy, 23(24%) and 21(22%) received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy respectively. The 1-year/3-year/5-year-EFS of the overall cohort was 90.7%/81.3%/67.4% respectively. Cerebellar tumors did better vis-à-vis other sites(5yr-EFS:74.3% v/s 66.4%;p=0.403). The 5yr-EFS of BRAF-fusion positive tumors (34), tumors without any BRAF aberration (40) and BRAFV600E mutant tumors (7) was 84.8%/ 69.6%/ 42.9% (p=0.215). CONCLUSIONS BRAF-fusion and BRAFV600E mutation were associated with good and poor outcomes respectively. Lack of statistical significance could be attributed to use of radiation as planned therapy in patients from earlier years. Data on BRAF aberrations in PCAs aids decision making regarding adjuvant therapy and choosing appropriate salvage-therapy especially in relapsed/refractory PCAs.

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Levels of Circulating PD-L1 Are Decreased in Patients with Resectable Cholangiocarcinoma

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22126569 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (12) ◽

pp. 6569

Author(s):

Christoph Roderburg ◽

Sven H. Loosen ◽

Jan Bednarsch ◽

Patrick H. Alizai ◽

Anjali A. Roeth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tumor Recurrence ◽

Tumor Biology ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Postoperative Outcome ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Strong Trend ◽

Programmed Cell Death 1 ◽

Early Tumor ◽

Circulating Levels

Tumor resection represents the only curative treatment option for patients with biliary tract cancers (BTCs), including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), perihilar and extrahepatic CCA and gallbladder cancer. However, many patients develop early tumor recurrence and are unlikely to benefit from surgery. Therefore, markers to identify ideal surgical candidates are urgently needed. Circulating programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) has recently been associated with different malignancies, including pancreatic cancer which closely resembles BTC in terms of patients’ prognosis and tumor biology. Here, we aim at evaluating a potential role of circulating PD-L1 as a novel biomarker for resectable BTC. Methods: Serum levels of PD-L1 were analyzed by ELISA in 73 BTC patients and 42 healthy controls. Results: Circulating levels of preoperative PD-L1 were significantly lower in patients with BTC compared to controls. Patients with low PD-L1 levels displayed a strong trend towards an impaired prognosis, and circulating PD-L1 was negatively correlated with experimental markers of promalignant tumor characteristics such as CCL1, CCL21, CCL25 and CCL26. For 37 out of 73 patients, postoperative PD-L1 levels were available. Interestingly, after tumor resection, circulating PD-L1 raised to almost normal levels. Notably, patients with further decreasing PD-L1 concentrations after surgery showed a trend towards an impaired postoperative outcome. Conclusion: Circulating PD-L1 levels were decreased in patients with resectable BTC. Lack of normalization of PD-L1 levels after surgery might identify patients at high risk for tumor recurrence or adverse outcome.

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Socioeconomic restraints and brain tumor surgery in low-income countries

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/2018.7.focus18258 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. E11 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ahmed E. Helal ◽

Heba Abouzahra ◽

Ahmed Abdelaziz Fayed ◽

Tarek Rayan ◽

Mahmoud Abbassy

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Average Length ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Healthcare Spending ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Morbidity Rate ◽

Average Length Of Stay ◽

Intraoperative Management ◽

Serious Disease ◽

Craniotomy For Tumor Resection

Healthcare spending has become a grave concern to national budgets worldwide, and to a greater extent in low-income countries. Brain tumors are a serious disease that affects a significant percentage of the population, and thus proper allocation of healthcare provisions for these patients to achieve acceptable outcomes is a must.The authors reviewed patients undergoing craniotomy for tumor resection at their institution for the preceding 3 months. All the methods used for preoperative planning, intraoperative management, and postoperative care of these patients were documented. Compromises to limit spending were made at each stage to limit expenditure, including low-resolution MRI, sparse use of intraoperative monitoring and image guidance, and lack of dedicated postoperative neurocritical ICU.This study included a cohort of 193 patients. The average cost from diagnosis to discharge was $1795 per patient (costs are expressed in USD). On average, there was a mortality rate of 10.5% and a neurological morbidity rate of 14%, of whom only 82.2% improved on discharge or at follow-up. The average length of stay at the hospital for these patients was 9.09 days, with a surgical site infection rate of only 3.5%.The authors believe that despite the great number of financial limitations facing neurosurgical practice in low-income countries, surgery can still be performed with reasonable outcomes.

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Prognostic factors for postoperative visual outcome in surgically treated suprasellar meningiomas

Medicinski pregled ◽

10.2298/mpns1606146g ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 69 (5-6) ◽

pp. 146-152 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Desanka Grkovic ◽

Sofija Davidovic

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Tumor Size ◽

Visual Function ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Visual Outcome ◽

Duration Of Symptoms ◽

Postoperative Visual Acuity ◽

Preoperative Visual Acuity ◽

History Of ◽

Meningioma Surgery

Introduction. The prognosis of postoperative visual acuity in patients with surgically treated suprasellar meningiomas is influenced not only by the size and precise localization of meningiomas in the optochiasmatic region and their compressive effect, but also by certain parameters, such as the age of patient, duration of symptoms, and preoperative visual acuity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of these factors on postoperative visual acuity in the patients with surgically treated optochiasmatic meningioma as well as to determine their prognostic value in the recovery of visual function after surgery. Material and Methods. The study sample consisted of 43 patients operated for suprasellar meningioma. All tumors were diagnosed by computed tomography or nuclear magnetic resonance scans. Visual acuity was analyzed both before surgery and six months after surgery. The effects of age, preoperative visual loss, duration of visual symptoms and tumor size on visual outcome were analyzed. Results. Postoperative improvement of visual acuity was observed in 50% of eyes (68.4% of patients). Visual outcome was better in the younger patients. The patients with better preoperative visual acuity had better postoperative visual acuity outcome. Chances of achieving better postoperative visual function and favorable tumor resection outcome were inversely proportional to the increased length of history of disease and tumor size. Conclusion. Postoperative visual acuity prognosis in suprasellar meningioma surgery was favorably affected by the mean duration of symptoms of less than 24 months, tumor size less than 30 mm, and preoperative visual acuity loss below 0.1.

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Endoscopic endonasal management of non-functioning pituitary adenomas with cavernous sinus invasion: a 10- year experience

Rhinology Journal ◽

10.4193/rhino14.309 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 53 (4) ◽

pp. 308-316

Author(s):

F. Ferreli ◽

M. Turri-Zanoni ◽

F.R. Canevari ◽

P. Battaglia ◽

M. Bignami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cavernous Sinus ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Mass Effect ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Tumor Control ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Cavernous Sinus Invasion ◽

Visual Outcomes ◽

Contrast Enhanced ◽

Wait And See

Background: The management of Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenoma (NFPA) invading the cavernous sinus (CS) is currently a balancing act between the surgical decompression of neural structures, radiotherapy and a wait-and-see policy. Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of 56 cases of NFPA with CS invasion treated through an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) between 2000 and 2010. The Knosp classification was adopted to describe CS involvement using information from preoperative MRI and intraoperative findings. Extent of resection and surgical outcomes were evaluated on the basis of postoperative contrast-enhanced MRI. Endocrinological improvement and visual outcomes were assessed according to the most recent consensus criteria. Results: EEA was performed using direct para-septal, trans-ethmoidal-sphenoidal or trans-ethmoidal-pterygoidal-sphenoidal approach. Visual outcomes improved in 30 (81%) patients. Normalization or at least improvement of previous hypopituitarism was obtained in 55% of cases. A gross total resection was achieved in 30.3% of cases. The recurrence-free survival was 87.5%, with a mean follow-up of 61 months (range, 36-166 months). No major intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Discussion: EEA is a minimally-invasive, safe and effective procedure for the management of NFPA invading the CS. The extent of CS involvement was the main factor limiting the degree of tumor resection. The EEA was able to resolve the mass effect, preserving or restoring visual function, and obtaining adequate long-term tumor control.

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Lymphatic Leakage after Surgery for Neuroblastoma: A Rare Complication?

European Journal of Pediatric Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1701008 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alexandra Froeba-Pohl ◽

Jakob Muehling ◽

Katharina Vill ◽

Veit Grote ◽

Tim Komm ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Rare Complication ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Mycn Amplification ◽

Study Cohort ◽

Common Complication ◽

Lymphatic Duct ◽

Extent Of Surgery

Abstract Introduction Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in infancy. It is responsible for around 15% of all oncological deaths during childhood. Due to its retroperitoneal location, neuroblastoma is invasively growing directly in and around the lymphatic duct. Consecutively, lymphatic leakage (LL) after surgery for neuroblastoma is a known complication. The purpose of this study is the investigation of frequency and impact of this complication. Material and Methods Between February 2003 and December 2016, 204 patients with neuroblastoma received surgical treatment in our department. A retrospective analysis for macroscopical extent of resection, duration of drainage postsurgery, maximum amount of fluid drained in 24 hours, MYCN amplification status, therapeutic options for LL, follow-up status, and overall survival was performed. Results A total of 40% of patients (82/204) showed LL to some extent. In patients with MYCN amplification, LL was seen significantly more often than in patients without MYCN amplification status (p = 0.019). LL was also significantly correlated with extent of surgery (p = 0.005). Follow-up status and overall survival were significantly inversely associated with LL (p = 0.004 and p = 0.0001). LL was self-limiting in all cases. There was a trend toward shorter duration of LL if either no special therapy was chosen or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was administered (p = 0.0603). Conclusion We show that LL in neuroblastoma is a common complication of tumor resection and occurring more often than anticipated. Since, in our study cohort, all cases of LL were self-limiting, we question the indication for invasive therapy besides supporting measures.

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