The use of dehydrated amniotic membrane allograft for augmentation of dural repair in transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary adenomas.

Background: In transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal surgery (TEES), watertight separation of the sinonasal cavity and intracranial compartment is the primary goal of closure. However, even when meticulous closure technique is implemented, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, dural scarring, and meningitis may result. Particularly when intraoperative CSF leak occurs, materials that facilitate the creation of a watertight seal that inhibits disease transition and minimizes inflammatory response after durotomy are sought.

Transsphenoidal Approach for Pituitary Adenomas in Elderly Patients.

Introduction: With a rapidly expanding elderly population in the United States, the incidence of pituitary adenomas in elderly will continue to rise. In this study, we aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal resection for pituitary adenomas in the elderly population.

Methods: A retrospective review of 131 consecutive patients who underwent transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal resection for pituitary adenomas at the University of Miami Hospital between 2012 and 2016 was performed.

The Use of Dehydrated Amniotic Membrane Allograft for the Augmentation of Dural Repair in Craniotomies.

Background: In cranial neurosurgery, primary watertight dural closure is the standard method of post-craniotomy dural repair. However, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, pseudomeningoceles, postoperative infections, and dural scarring are possible complications, even when a meticulous technique is implemented. For this reason, materials that enhance the dura's ability to create a watertight seal, inhibit the inflammatory response, and prevent disease transmission are sought.

The use of dehydrated amniotic membrane allograft for augmentation of dural closure in craniotomies and endoscopic endonasal transphenoidal surgeries.

Background: Primary watertight dural closure is the preferred method of postcraniotomy dural repair. However, even when ideal technique is implemented, postoperative infection, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, pseudomeningoceles, and dural scarring are possible complications. For this reason, materials that augment the dura's ability to create a watertight seal, prevent disease transmission, and inhibit inflammatory response are sought.

The Safety of Bevacizumab Administered Shortly after Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Glioblastoma: A Case Series.

Background: Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) enables ablation of lesions using thermal energy with minimal damage to surrounding regions. Bevacizumab has been used as an adjuvant therapy in recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). At present, bevacizumab is administered at least 4-6 weeks after surgical intervention; however, given the minimally invasive nature of LITT, we suggest that bevacizumab can be safely administered at a shorter interval after LITT.

Intradermal Scalp Closure Using Barbed Suture in Cranial Tumor Surgeries: A Technical Note.

Background And Importance: Traditional scalp closure technique following elective craniotomy involves placement of staples or a continuous running suture. Despite low complication rates, these techniques are often considered to be disfiguring by patients, contribute to the psychosocial trauma of brain surgery, and are associated with discomfort during postoperative staple or suture removal. Some authors have described scalp closure using intradermal absorbable suture, but this technique likely does not reach the tensile strength of closure using traditional methods, and requires knots at the apices of the incision, which can act as a nidus for infection.