Brown, Nolan J.

Abstract Introduction Here we systematically review the extant literature to highlight the advantages of bilateral versus unilateral approaches and endoscopic endonasal (midline) approaches versus transcranial approaches for olfactory groove meningiomas, focusing on complications, extent of resection, and local recurrence rates. Methods Three databases were queried to identify all primary prospective trials and retrospective series comparing outcomes following endoscopic endonasal versus transcranial approaches and unilateral versus bilateral craniotomy for surgical resection of olfactory groove meningiomas. All articles were screened by two independent authors and selected for formal analysis according to predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results Seven studies comprising 288 total patients (mean age 55.0 ± 24.6 years) met criteria for inclusion. In the three comparing the endoscopic endonasal (n = 21) versus transcranial (n = 32) approaches, there was no significant difference between the two with respect to gross total resection (p = 0.34) or rates of Simpson Grade 1 resection (p = 0.69). EEA demonstrated higher rates of overall complications (p < 0.01) including postoperative infection (p = 0.03). In the four studies comparing bilateral (n = 117) versus unilateral approaches (n = 118), overall complication rates (p < 0.01) and disease recurrence (p = 0.01) were higher with bilateral approaches. All surgery-related mortalities also occurred in the bilateral cohort (n = 7, 7.14%). Gross total resection (p = 0.63) and Simpson grade (p = 0.48) were comparable between approaches. Olfaction preservation was superior for unilateral approaches (p < 0.01). Conclusion Though the literature is limited, current evidence suggests that the endoscopic endonasal approach may be favorable over conventional craniotomy for select olfactory groove meningioma patients. Where craniotomy is used, unilateral approaches appear to reduce complications and the risk of olfaction loss.

BACKGROUND Adult spinal deformity (ASD) occurs from progressive anterior column collapse due to disc space desiccation, compression fractures, and autofusion across disc spaces. Anterior column realignment (ACR) is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool to address ASD by progressively lengthening the anterior column through the release of the anterior longitudinal ligament during lateral interbody approaches. Here, we describe the application of minimally invasive ACR through an oblique antepsoas corridor for deformity correction in a patient with adult degenerative scoliosis and significant sagittal imbalance. OBSERVATIONS A 65-year-old female with a prior history of L4–5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and morbid obesity presented with refractory, severe low-back and lower-extremity pain. Preoperative radiographs showed significant sagittal imbalance. Computed tomography showed a healed L4–5 fusion and a vacuum disc at L3–4 and L5–S1, whereas magnetic resonance imaging was notable for central canal stenosis at L3–4. The patient was treated with a first-stage L5–S1 lateral anterior lumbar interbody fusion with oblique L2–4 ACR. The second-stage posterior approach consisted of a robot-guided minimally invasive T10–ilium posterior instrumented fusion with a mini-open L2–4 posterior column osteotomy (PCO). Postoperative radiographs showed the restoration of her sagittal balance. There were no complications. LESSONS Oblique ACR is a powerful minimally invasive tool for sagittal plane correction. When combined with a mini-open PCO, substantial segmental lordosis can be achieved while eliminating the need for multilevel PCO or invasive three-column osteotomies.