ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8449-3727
Current Organisations
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
,
Macquarie University
,
Royal Melbourne Hospital
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Publisher: Bioscientifica
Date: 17-09-2019
DOI: 10.1530/EDM-19-0068
Abstract: Co-secreting thyrotropin/growth hormone (GH) pituitary adenomas are rare their clinical presentation and long-term management are challenging. There is also a paucity of long-term data. Due to the cell of origin, these can behave as aggressive tumours. We report a case of a pituitary plurihormonal pit-1-derived macroadenoma, with overt clinical hyperthyroidism and minimal GH excess symptoms. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathology showing elevated thyroid and GH axes with failure of physiological GH suppression, elevated pituitary glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit (αGSU) and macroadenoma on imaging. Pre-operatively the patient was rendered euthyroid with carbimazole and underwent successful transphenoidal adenomectomy (TSA) with surgical cure. Histopathology displayed an elevated Ki-67 of 5.2%, necessitating long-term follow-up. Thyrotropinomas are rare and likely under-diagnosed due to under-recognition of secondary hyperthyroidism. Thyrotropinomas and other plurihormonal pit-1-derived adenomas are more aggressive adenomas according to WHO guidelines. Co-secretion occurs in 30% of thyrotropinomas, requiring diligent investigation and long-term follow-up of complications.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-057335
Abstract: This scoping review aims to synthesise the current evidence on the inclusion and effectiveness of integrating evidence-based medicine (EBM) and shared decision-making (SDM) into training courses for doctors in training to enhance patient care. Both EBM and SDM appear to be taught separately and their combined role in providing high-quality patient care has not yet been explored. Scoping review of literature from January 2017 to June 2021. Any setting where doctors in training could undertake EBM and/or SDM courses (hospitals, universities, clinics and online). Doctors in training (also known as junior doctors, residents, registrars, trainees, fellows) defined as medical graduates undertaking further training to establish a career pathway. Searches were conducted in the databases Medline, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library. Bibliographies of included articles and their cited references were hand searched and assessed for inclusion. Included studies described training and outcomes of either EBM, SDM or both. Reported outcomes included EBM knowledge and skill tests, attitude surveys, SDM checklists and surveys and patient and doctor experience data obtained from surveys, focus groups and interviews. Of the 26 included studies, 15 described EBM training courses, 10 described SDM training courses and 1 course combined both EBM and SDM. Courses were heterogeneous in their content and outcomes, making comparisons difficult. EBM courses prioritised quantitative outcome assessments and linked knowledge and skills, such as critical appraisal, but overlooked other key elements of patient-centred care including SDM. SDM and EBM are taught separately in most training courses. The inclusion of SDM, evaluated by qualitative assessments, is currently omitted, yet could provide a more person-centred care focus in EBM courses and should be investigated to increase our knowledge of the effectiveness of such courses and their role in improving doctors’ skills and patient care. A protocol for this review has been published and contains further details of the methodology.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2010
Publisher: SPIE
Date: 04-03-2019
DOI: 10.1117/12.2509582
Publisher: University Library System, University of Pittsburgh
Date: 10-2012
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-037225
Abstract: Patient-centred care is pivotal to clinical practice and medical education. The practice of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and shared decision-making (SDM) are complementary aspects of patient-centred care, but they are frequently taught and reported as independent entities. To effectively perform all steps of EBM, clinicians need to include patients in SDM conversations, however, the uptake of this has been slow and inconsistent. A solution may be the incorporation of SDM into EBM training programmes, but such programmes do not routinely include SDM skills development. This scoping review will survey the literature on the kinds of EBM and SDM educational programmes that exist for recently qualified doctors, programmes that incorporate the teaching of both EBM and SDM skills, as well as identifying research gaps in the literature. Literature searches will be conducted in the databases Medline, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library. Bibliographies of key articles and their citing references will also be hand-searched and assessed for inclusion. Selected grey literature will be included. Papers must be written in English, or provide English abstracts, and date from 1996 to the present day. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts, check full texts of selected papers for eligibility and extract the data. Any disagreement will be resolved, and consensus reached, if necessary, with the assistance of a third reviewer. Qualitative and quantitative studies that address educational interventions for either EBM, SDM or both will be included. Data extraction tables will present bibliographic information, populations, interventions, context and outcomes. Data will be summarised using tables and figures and a description of findings. This review will synthesise information from publicly available publications and does not require ethics approval. The results will be disseminated via conference presentations and publications in medical journals.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-06-2015
DOI: 10.1111/TCT.12330
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2017.09.004
Abstract: Published systematic reviews and meta-analyses should comply with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, or PRISMA checklist. Variable reporting of systematic reviews has recently led to a number of publications demonstrating a lack of compliance with PRISMA. Poor reporting compliance can lower researchers' and clinicians' ability to detect bias in published research and can also lead to impaired clinical decision-making. The authors of this paper support the need for greater adherence to PRISMA standards when preparing systematic reviews and meta-analyses for publication and call on researchers who are drawing attention to this problem to lead by ex le.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-12-2021
Publisher: Stichting Nase
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.4193/RHIN14.247
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2010.04.045
Abstract: A subset of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) cannot be treated using today's treatment paradigms. Novel therapies may be developed, however, as the underlying pathophysiology of these lesions becomes better understood. Endothelial cells (EC) are the subject of new biological therapies, such as radiosensitisation and vascular targeting. This work reviews the current research surrounding EC in the context of brain AVM, including both in vitro and AVM specimen analysis, with a particular focus on the effect of radiation on EC. EC are heterogeneous with no recognised common phenotype, which leads to difficulties in applying the results of the common studies using human umbilical vein endothelial cells to AVM research. Human brain EC are observed to have a high rate of proliferation and also have a reduced apoptotic response to inflammatory mediators such as transforming growth factor-beta. The angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and endothelin-1 (ET-1) are not normally produced by quiescent brain vasculature, but are produced by AVM EC. Radiation causes EC to separate and become disrupted. Leucocyte and platelet adherence is increased for several days post-irradiation due to increased E-selectin and P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression. ET-1 is highly expressed in irradiated AVM EC. Radiosurgery produces local radiation-induced changes in EC, which may allow these changes to be harnessed in conjunction with other techniques such as vascular targeting.
Publisher: Cureus, Inc.
Date: 18-11-2019
DOI: 10.7759/CUREUS.6181
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-04-2020
Abstract: Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive tumors and its 5-year survival is approximately 5%. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) improves the extent of resection and leads to better prognosis. Molecular near-infrared (NIR) imaging appears to outperform conventional FGS, however, novel molecular targets need to be identified in GBM. Proteoglycan glypican-1 (GPC-1) is believed to be such a target as it is highly expressed in GBM and is associated with poor prognosis. We hypothesize that an anti-GPC-1 antibody, Miltuximab®, conjugated with the NIR dye, IRDye800CW (IR800), can specifically accumulate in a GBM xenograft and provide high-contrast in vivo fluorescent imaging in rodents following systemic administration. Miltuximab® was conjugated with IR800 and intravenously administered to BALB/c nude mice bearing a subcutaneous U-87 GBM hind leg xenograft. Specific accumulation of Miltuximab®-IR800 in subcutaneous xenograft tumor was detected 24 h later using an in vivo fluorescence imager. The conjugate did not cause any adverse events in mice and caused strong fluorescence of the tumor with tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) reaching 10.1 ± 2.8. The average TBR over the 10-day period was 5.8 ± 0.6 in mice injected with Miltuximab®-IR800 versus 2.4 ± 0.1 for the control group injected with IgG-IR800 (p = 0.001). Ex vivo assessment of Miltuximab®-IR800 biodistribution confirmed its highly specific accumulation in the tumor. The results of this study confirm that Miltuximab®-IR800 holds promise for intraoperative fluorescence molecular imaging of GBM and warrants further studies.
Publisher: The Endocrine Society
Date: 04-2020
DOI: 10.1210/JENDSO/BVAA046.2029
Abstract: Thyrotropinomas (TSHomas) are rare pituitary tumours, comprising 1-2% of all pituitary adenomas. Thyrotropinomas in pregnancy are exceedingly rare and management of these in pregnancy can be challenging due to the potential for maternal and foetal harm. We report the case of a 35 year old woman who was found to have a pituitary macroadenoma on imaging whilst being evaluated for headaches and sinusitis. She had felt more stressed than usual but no other overt thyrotoxic symptoms. There were no visual field abnormalities or symptoms to suggest other endocrine hypo or hypersecretion. Pituitary MRI revealed a macroadenoma and biochemistry demonstrated raised free T4 24 pmol/L and free T3 6.8 pmol/L and inappropriately elevated TSH of 4.2 mIU/L, in keeping with secondary hyperthyroidism. She was scheduled for transsphenoidal (TSA) pituitary surgery, however on review she had naturally fallen pregnant. After a multi-disciplinary discussion, it was decided that surgery should be deferred and close observation be undertaken under the care of a multidisciplinary team. During the first half of pregnancy she suffered hyperemesis gravidarum with ongoing thyrotoxicosis but declined carbimazole. Her visual fields were normal throughout pregnancy. She delivered vaginally at 38 weeks, weight 3.395kg and had no malformations. Post birth was complicated by post-partum haemorrhage requiring multiple blood transfusions and intensive care. One week later after recovering, she was able to commence breastfeeding. She went on to TSA at 6months post partum with complete tumour resection. This case demonstrates the complexity of managing TSHomas in pregnancy and the potential cross reactivity of the early hCG rises with the already elevated TSH levels, likely exacerbating her hyperemesis gravidarum.
Publisher: Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG)
Date: 06-2007
DOI: 10.3171/JNS.2007.106.6.961
Abstract: In this paper the authors' goal was to evaluate whether resident neurosurgeons participating in entry-level aneurysm surgery have a negative impact on patient outcomes. The authors searched the database for entry-level aneurysm surgeries (that is, those ≤ 10 mm and located in the internal carotid artery [beyond the paraclinoid segment] and middle cerebral artery) performed in 1991 through 2005. The presence or absence of an advanced resident (in his/her last 3 years of residency) was noted. The analysis was examined in 3-year quintiles. A total of 355 cases (196 with resident participation and 159 without) were evaluated. Permanent adverse outcomes were seen in 11 patients (3.1% of the total study population), all due to branch artery occlusion. The incidence of permanent adverse outcomes in the first 3 years was 10.7% and 2.4% thereafter. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.015). There was no difference in the incidence of adverse outcomes when comparing surgery performed with and without participation of an advanced resident. In this study the authors have demonstrated a learning curve in this series of patients. This study also suggests that involving residents in the repair of small unruptured aneurysms will not compromise patient care. In addition, patients can be informed that the team approach to their surgery is at least as good as having the experienced surgeon performing all aspects of the surgery.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2010.12.004
Abstract: A detailed understanding of vascular anatomy is essential to facilitate appropriate decision-making by clinicians responsible for treating arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the brain and dura. This work reviews the embryologic development of the cerebral vasculature, including the dural venous sinuses, with a focus on the relevant angioarchitecture. There is little doubt that dural AVM are acquired lesions however, conflicting evidence exists regarding the pathophysiology of brain AVM. Patients described in this review provide support for both of the proposed mechanisms for the development of brain AVM (post-natal development compared to embryologic origin). Further work is required to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of these lesions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2012.03.020
Abstract: We present a previously undescribed variant of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) protruding through a defect in the temporal bone, associated with a large arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The patient, a 59-year-old male, presented with a large right frontoparietal AVM with feeding aneurysms and a recent haemorrhage. Preoperative imaging demonstrated a tortuous right MCA feeder abutting the anterosuperior temporal bone in the region of the pterion. An associated temporal bone defect was visible. The patient underwent a pterional craniotomy for surgical clipping of aneurysms associated with the AVM. On reflection of the temporalis muscle, the MCA branch was transected as it coursed through a defect in the temporal bone. This patient demonstrates that the MCA may deviate from its usual anatomy and herniate through a defect in the skull. Because a pterional craniotomy is such a common surgical approach, knowledge and anticipation of such anatomic variants are essential to avoid catastrophic vascular injury during surgery.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2022.03.023
Abstract: Brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) resection imposes several post-operative clinical challenges including intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). Daily non-invasive monitoring of haemodynamic measurements may be useful in predicting post-operative ICH. This prospective study used transcranial colour duplex (TCCD) and central aortic pressure (CAP) measurements to evaluate 15 bAVM patients pre-operatively and daily ≤ 14 days post-operatively. TCCD measurements of middle cerebral artery and veins included peak systolic (PSV), end diastolic (EDV), and pulsatility indices (PI). Parameters were compared with 7 craniotomy patients (non-bAVM craniotomy/surgical group). Normal reference values included 20 healthy volunteers. Significant middle cerebral vein MCV changes in bAVM patients occurred Maximal PSV was significantly higher (median 47 cm/s) compared to non-bAVM craniotomy/surgical controls (median 17 cm/s, p = 0.0123) maximal PI was significantly higher (median 0.99, p = 0.005) compared to the non-bAVM craniotomy/surgical controls (median 0.49). In 8 of 15 patients, increased MCV velocity and pulsatility "stabilised" within 14 days post-operatively. Mean number of days for the 8 patients to reach stable state was 5.9 days, (range 0-9 days). To our knowledge, this is the first imaging study demonstrating significant venous changes post bAVM resection. Significant increased venous flow occurs in pial veins bilaterally. Increased pressure of venous flow is evidenced by a significant increase in diameter and pulsatility. Subsequently, haemorrhagic complications may be due distal constriction of the pial veins causing venous hypertension. The cause of the dilated vascular bed is unknown.
Publisher: Bioscientifica
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1530/EDM-21-0194
Abstract: Thyrotropinomas are an uncommon cause of hyperthyroidism and are exceedingly rarely identified during pregnancy, with limited evidence to guide management. Most commonly they present as macroadenomas and may cause symptoms of mass effect including headache, visual field defects and hypopituitarism. We present a case of a 35-year-old woman investigated for headaches in whom a 13 mm thyrotropinoma was found. In the lead-up to planned trans-sphenoidal surgery (TSS), she spontaneously conceived and surgery was deferred, as was pharmacotherapy, at her request. The patient was closely monitored through her pregnancy by a multi-disciplinary team and delivered without complication. Pituitary surgery was performed 6 months post-partum. Isolated secondary hypothyroidism was diagnosed postoperatively and replacement thyroxine was commenced. Histopathology showed a double lesion with predominant pituitary transcription factor-1 positive, steroidogenic factor negative plurihormonal adenoma and co-existent mixed thyroid-stimulating hormone, growth hormone, lactotroph and follicle-stimulating hormone staining with a Ki-67 of 1%. This case demonstrates a conservative approach to thyrotropinoma in pregnancy with a successful outcome. This highlights the need to consider the timing of intervention with careful consideration of risks to mother and fetus. Thyrotropinomas are a rare cause of secondary hyperthyroidism. Patients may present with hyperthyroidism or symptoms of mass effect, including headaches or visual disturbance. Thyrotropinoma in pregnancy presents a number of pituitary-related risks including pituitary apoplexy and compression of local structures. Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy raises the risk of complications including spontaneous abortion, preecl sia, low birthweight and premature labour. Timing of medical and surgical therapies must be carefully considered. A conservative approach requires careful monitoring in case emergent intervention is required.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-11-2020
DOI: 10.1002/MDS3.10133
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2019
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2019
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 15-06-2015
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 28-03-2018
Abstract: For sustainability of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) surgery, results from early career cerebrovascular neurosurgeons (ECCNs) must be acceptably safe. To determine whether ECCNs performance of Spetzler-Ponce Class A AVM (SPC A) resection can be acceptably safe. ECCNs completing a cerebrovascular fellowship (2004-2015) with the last author were included. Inclusion of the ECCN cases occurred if they: had a prospective database of all AVM cases since commencing independent practice were the primary surgeon on SPC A and had made the significant management decisions. All SPC A surgical cases from the beginning of the ECCN's independent surgical practice to a maximum of 8 yr were included. An adverse outcome was considered a complication of surgery leading to a new permanent neurological deficit with a last modified Rankin Scale score >1. A cumulative summation (Cusum) plot examined the performance of each surgery. The highest acceptable level of adverse outcomes for the Cusum was 3.3%, derived from the upper 95% confidence interval of the last author's reported series. Six ECCNs contributed 110 cases for analysis. The median number of SPC A cases operated by each ECCN was 16.5 (range 4-40). Preoperative embolization was performed in 5 (4.5%). The incidence of adverse outcomes was 1.8% (95% confidence interval: <0.01%-6.8%). At no point during the accumulated series did the combined cohort become unacceptable by the Cusum plot. ECCNs with appropriate training appointed to large-volume cerebrovascular centers can achieve results for surgery for SPC A that are not appreciably worse than those published from high-volume neurosurgeons.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 27-11-2018
Abstract: Introduction Identifying the internal carotid artery (ICA) when managing petroclival and infratemporal fossa pathology is essential for the skull base surgeon. The vidian nerve and eustachian tube (ET) cartilage come together at the foramen lacerum, the vidian–eustachian junction (VEJ). The ICA position, relative to the VEJ is described. Methods Endoscopic dissection of adult fresh-frozen cadaver ICAs and a case series of patients with petroclival pathology were performed. The relationship of the VEJ to the ICA horizontal segment, vertical segment, and second genu was assessed. The distance of the ICA second genu to VEJ was determined in coronal, axial, and sagittal planes. The length of the vidian nerve and ET was measured from the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and nasopharyngeal orifice to the VEJ. Results In this study, 10 cadaver dissections (82.3 ± 6.7 years, 40% female) were performed. The horizontal petrous ICA was at or behind VEJ in 100%, above VEJ in 100%, and lateral to VEJ in 80%. The vertical paraclival segment was at or behind VEJ in 100%, above in 100%, and medial in 100%. The second genu was at or behind VEJ in 100% (3.3 ± 2.4 mm), at or above in 100% (2.5 ± 1.6 mm), and medial in 100% (3.4 ± 2.0 mm). The VEJ was successfully used to locate the ICA in nine consecutive patients (53.3 ± 13.6 years, 55.6% female) where pathology was also present. The VEJ was 15.0 ± 6.0 mm from the ET and 17.4 ± 4.1 mm from the PPF. Conclusion The VEJ is an excellent landmark as it defines both superior and posterior limits when isolating the ICA in skull base surgery.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2010.08.005
Abstract: Due to the unique demands of each position on the Rugby Union field, the likelihood of an athlete sustaining a dislocation of their shoulder joint that requires surgical reconstruction may be affected by their position on the field. 166 patients with 184 involved shoulders requiring anterior reconstruction following an on-field Rugby Union injury between January 1996 and September 2008 were analysed. The mean age at time of injury was 18 years with the mean age at time of surgery being 20 years. The most prevalent mechanism of injury was a tackle in 66.3% of players. Players were more likely to suffer injury to their non-dominant shoulder than their dominant side (McNemar's Test, p<0.001). Statistical analysis using chi-squared test of goodness of fit showed there was not a uniform risk of injury for all player positions. Positions with significantly different risk of injury were five-eighth (increased risk) and wing (reduced risk). Although we observed an increased risk in flankers and fullbacks, and a lower risk in second row, these results did not reach statistical significance after application of the Bonferroni correction. This information can be utilized by team staff to assist in pre-season conditioning as well as the development of improved muscle co-ordination programmes for the non-dominant shoulder, and planning a graduated return to sport by the player recovering from surgical reconstruction of the shoulder for instability.
Publisher: Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG)
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.3171/2012.11.JNS112064
Abstract: Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer embolization is increasingly used preoperatively in the resection of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, the case for embolization improving the outcome of resection has not been evaluated. In this paper the authors set out to compare outcomes after surgery for brain AVMs in 2 consecutive periods of practice. In the first period, selective embolization was used without the use of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. In the second period, selective embolization with ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer was performed. A consecutive case series (prospectively collected data) was retrospectively analyzed. Adverse outcomes were considered to be an outcome modified Rankin Scale score greater than 2 due to embolization or surgery. A total of 538 surgical cases were included. The percentages of adverse outcomes were as follows: 0.34% for Spetzler-Martin AVMs less than Grade III (1 of 297 cases) 5.23% (95% CI 2.64%–9.78%) for Grade III AVMs (9 of 172 cases) and 17% (95% CI 10%–28%) for AVMs greater than Grade III (12 of 69 cases). There was no improvement in outcomes from the first period to the second period. The adverse outcome for Grade III brain AVMs in the first period was 5.2% (7 of 135 cases) and in the second period (after ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer was introduced) it was 5.4% (2 of 37 cases). For AVMs greater than Grade III, the adverse outcome was 12% (6 of 49 cases) in the first period and 30% (6 of 20 cases) in the second period. Outcomes for brain AVM surgery were not improved by ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer embolization. Preoperative embolization of high-grade AVMs with an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer did not prevent those hemorrhagic complications which embolization is hypothesized to prevent based on theoretical speculations but not demonstrated in practice.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-03-2020
DOI: 10.1002/CCR3.2714
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2010
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 21-09-2015
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 18-07-2018
DOI: 10.1017/S0022215117001499
Abstract: Multi-layer reconstruction has become standard in endoscopic skull base surgery. The inlay component used can vary among autografts, allografts, xenografts and synthetics, primarily based on surgeon preference. The short- and long-term outcomes of collagen matrix in skull base reconstruction are described. A case series of patients who underwent endoscopic skull base reconstruction with collagen matrix inlay were assessed. Immediate peri-operative outcomes (cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, ventriculitis, intracranial bleeding, epistaxis, seizures) and delayed complications (delayed healing, meningoencephalocele, prolapse of reconstruction, delayed cerebrospinal fluid leak, ascending meningitis) were examined. Of 120 patients (51.0 ± 17.5 years, 41.7 per cent female), peri-operative complications totalled 12.7 per cent (cerebrospinal fluid leak, 3.3 per cent meningitis, 3.3 per cent other intracranial infections, 2.5 per cent intracranial bleeding, 1.7 per cent epistaxis, 1.7 per cent and seizures, 0 per cent). Delayed complications did not occur in any patients. Collagen matrix is an effective inlay material. It provides robust long-term separation between sinus and cranial cavities, and avoids donor site morbidity, but carries additional cost.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2018.04.038
Abstract: Wound drains are routinely used in lumbar decompressive surgery (LDS). However, it remains unclear whether this practice helps to prevent symptomatic epidural hematoma formation and associated complications, particularly following non-instrumented procedures. A systematic review and meta-analysis was therefore completed to critically appraise the literature. The search protocol was conducted using the Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. Articles meeting the following criteria were included: (i) examined patients undergoing LDS (ii) included cases receiving post-operative wound drains (iii) detailed adverse outcomes including symptomatic epidural hematomas or wound infection and (iv) were published in English in a peer-reviewed journal. Pooled risk differences (RD) for adverse outcomes were calculated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Three Level 1b prospective randomized studies and five Level 2b retrospective cohort studies were included, from which 5327 cases were identified as having received a surgical drain and 773 were identified as having received no drainage following non-instrumented LDS. There was no difference between groups in the risk of symptomatic epidural hematoma (RD = 0.02 95% CI -0.02 - 0.06, p = 0.28) or post-operative infection (RD = 0.00 95% CI -0.01 - 0.01, p = 0.91). In conclusion, symptomatic epidural hematomas and infection are rare following non-instrumented LDS, with incidence rates unaffected by the routine use of wound drainage.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-10-2019
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 15-02-2023
DOI: 10.1055/A-2036-0652
Abstract: Objectives Sellar pathologies are frequently found on imaging performed to investigate headache. However, both headache and incidental sellar lesions are common. Hence, this study prospectively examined headache prevalence, phenotype, and severity in patients with sellar pathologies and the impact of transsphenoidal surgery on headache. Methods Patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of sellar lesions were consecutively recruited. At baseline, participants were defined as having headache or not and headache phenotype was characterized using validated questionnaires. Headache severity was assessed at baseline and 6 months postoperatively using the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) and Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS). Tumor characteristics were defined using radiological, histological, and endocrine factors. Primary outcomes included baseline headache prevalence and severity and headache severity change at 6 months postoperatively. Correlation between headache and radiological, histological, and endocrine characteristics was also of interest. Results Sixty participants (62% female, 47.1 ± 18.6 years) were recruited. Sixty-three percent possessed baseline headache. HIT-6 scores were higher in patients with primary headache risk factors, including younger age (R2 = −0.417, p = 0.010), smoking history (63.31 ± 7.93 vs 54.44 ± 9.21, p = 0.0060), and family headache history (68.13 ± 7.01 vs 54.94 ± 9.11, p = 0.0030). Headaches were more common in patients with dural invasion (55.70 ± 12.14 vs 47.18 ± 10.15, p = 0.027) and sphenoid sinus invasion (58.87 ± 8.97 vs 51.29 ± 10.97, p = 0.007). Postoperative severity scores improved more with higher baseline headache severity (HIT-6: R2 = −0.682, p 0.001, MIDAS: R2 = −0.880, p 0.0010) and dural invasion (MIDAS: −53.00 ± 18.68 vs 12.00 ± 17.54, p = 0.0030). Conclusions Headaches in sellar disease are likely primary disorders triggered or exacerbated by sellar pathology. These may respond to surgery, particularly in patients with severe headache and dural invasion.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-05-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00701-017-3217-X
Abstract: An understanding of the present standing of surgery, surgical results and the role in altering the future morbidity and mortality of untreated brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) is appropriate considering the myriad alternative management pathways (including radiosurgery, embolization or some combination of treatments), varying risks and selection biases that have contributed to confusion regarding management. The purpose of this review is to clarify the link between the incidence of adverse outcomes that are reported from a management pathway of either surgery or no intervention with the projected risks of surgery or no intervention. A critical review of the literature was performed on the outcomes of surgery and non-intervention for bAVM. An analysis of the biases and how these may have influenced the outcomes was included to attempt to identify reasonable estimates of risks. In the absence of treatment, the cumulative risk of future hemorrhage is approximately 16% and 29% at 10 and 20 years after diagnosis of bAVM without hemorrhage and 35% and 45% at 10 and 20 years when presenting with hemorrhage (annualized, this risk would be approximately 1.8% for unruptured bAVMs and 4.7% for 8 years for bAVMs presenting with hemorrhage followed by the unruptured bAVM rate). The cumulative outcome of these hemorrhages depends upon whether the patient remains untreated and is allowed to have a further hemorrhage or is treated at this time. Overall, approximately 42% will develop a new permanent neurological deficit or death from a hemorrhagic event. The presence of an associated proximal intracranial aneurysm (APIA) and restriction of venous outflow may increase the risk for subsequent hemorrhage. Other risks for increased risk of hemorrhage (age, pregnancy, female) were examined, and their purported association with hemorrhage is difficult to support. Both the Spetzler-Martin grading system (and its compaction into the Spetzler-Ponce tiers) and Lawton-Young supplementary grading system are excellent in predicting the risk of surgery. The 8-year risk of unfavorable outcome from surgery (complication leading to a permanent new neurological deficit with a modified Rankin Scale score of greater than one, residual bAVM or recurrence) is dependent on bAVM size, the presence of deep venous drainage (DVD) and location in critical brain (eloquent location). For patients with bAVMs who have neither a DVD nor eloquent location, the 8-year risk for an unfavorable outcome increases with size (increasing from 1 cm to 6 cm) from 1% to 9%. For patients with bAVM who have either a DVD or eloquent location (but not both), the 8-year risk for an unfavorable outcome increases with the size (increasing from 1 cm to 6 cm) from 4% to 35%. For patients with bAVM who have both a DVD and eloquent location, the 8-year risk for unfavorable outcome increases with size (increasing from 1 cm to 3 cm) from 12% to 38%. Patients with a Spetzler-Ponce A bAVM expecting a good quality of life for the next 8 years are likely to do better with surgery in expert centers than remaining untreated. Ongoing research is urgently required on the outcome of management pathways for bAVM.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2020
No related grants have been discovered for Andrew Davidson.