In a groundbreaking 13-year study, Pacific Neuroscience Institute neurosurgical and otolaryngology surgical teams demonstrated outstanding outcomes with minimally invasive keyhole surgery for the most common primary brain tumor in the largest such cohort published to date.
The study, conducted in collaboration with Providence Saint John’s Health Center, was published in the July 28 issue of PLOS ONE. Findings demonstrate a combination of excellent tumor removal rates, lower surgical complication rates and a higher rate of functional preservation, compared to prior publications of intracranial meningioma surgery using more traditional approaches.
“Patients coming to us with brain tumors are understandably worried about their diagnoses and clinical outcomes,” said neurosurgeon Daniel Kelly, M.D., PNI director and senior author of the study. “Keyhole surgery aims to limit brain exposure and manipulation, using smaller strategically placed openings without the use of brain retractors and facilitated by gravity assistance and endoscopy. These techniques, along with improved neuro-anesthesia and our growing experience, benefit our patients by allowing, in most cases, a faster recovery, shorter hospital stay and rapid return to daily activities.”
Meningiomas, the most common primary brain tumor, are non-cancerous brain tumors estimated to be diagnosed in approximately 34,000 people in the United States each year. Surgery for meningiomas has evolved over the last 20 years from traditional larger open craniotomies to an increase in smaller, minimally invasive approaches, including through the natural openings of the nostrils (endonasal), through an eyebrow incision (supraorbital) and other small incisions often with the assistance of a high-definition endoscope (flexible microsurgical telescope). PNI’s surgical team has helped lead this evolution in keyhole surgery for all brain and skull base tumors, with an overarching goal of maximal safe tumor removal and preservation of neurological function.
“Although most meningiomas are slow-growing benign tumors, they often become adherent to blood vessels, cranial nerves, and can invade the skull base, said neurosurgeon Garni Barkhoudaian, M.D., chief of the radiosurgery program and co-author of the study. “Consequently, aiming for maximal safe removal is critical to the keyhole concept because attempting complete removal in some locations can come at a high risk of major complications.
“Here at PNI, we strive to avoid such complications while still achieving excellent tumor removal rates. Fortunately, most meningiomas that cannot be removed completely can be observed over time or treated effectively and safely with focused radiation or radiosurgery.”
Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI) is devoted to the comprehensive care of patients with a wide spectrum of neurological and cranial disorders. PNI’s specialty clinics are located at award winning hospitals Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California. PacificNeuro.org
Submitted by Patricia Aidem