Background: Exercise is commonly recommended to patients following a lumbar microdiscectomy although controversy remains as to the timing and protocols for exercise intervention (early vs late intervention). Our study aimed to evaluate low back pain level, fear avoidance, neurodynamic mobility, and function after early versus later exercise intervention following a unilateral lumbar microdiscectomy. Methods: Forty patients who underwent unilateral lumbar microdiscectomy were randomly allocated to early (Group-1) or later (Group-2) exercise intervention group. The low back pain and fear avoidance were evaluated using Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire. The neurodynamic mobility and function were recorded with Dualer Pro IQ Inclinometer, 50-foot walk test, and Patient-Specific Functional Scale. Measurements were performed before surgery and post-surgery (1-2, 4-6, and 8-10 weeks) after exercise intervention. Results: Both groups showed a significant decrease in low back pain levels and fear avoidance as well as a significant improvement in neurodynamic mobility and function at 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery. No significant difference was detected between the two groups. Conclusions: These findings showed that early exercise intervention after lumbar microdiscectomy is safe and may reduce the low back pain, decrease fear avoidance, and improve neurodynamic mobility and function.

Background: Pituitary tumor recurrence following endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) has been reported widely. We evaluated a modified score using the SIPAP classification system, combining the suprasellar and paraseller extension scores of the pituitary tumor, to determine its impact on adenoma recurrence. Methods: A retrospective cohort study design with patient characteristics, tumor type, endocrine, operation, imaging data collected. Preoperative MRI images were reviewed and SIPAP classification applied. Postoperative data were extracted for the follow-up period available for each patient.The suprasellar score and the highest parasellar scoring from both sides were numerically summed in a bilateral suprasellar and parasellar (SaP) score and combined to make 4 grades. Results: 276 patients were identified, 56.5% of the cohort was male. The mean cohort age was 54 years old.The mean follow up period was 32 months. Patient perioperative tumor grade according to SaP classification and recurrence rate was: Grade 1: 11%: Grade 2: 10%; Grade 3: 15%; Grade 4: 22%. The results followed a pattern of logarithmic curve. Conclusions: The SaP classification was useful in determining the pituitary tumor expected recurrence following EETS. The advanced tumors had the highest recurrence rates. Use of the SaP score may allow for more accurate preoperative counselling of patients with pituitary adenoma.

Background: One of the rare but urgent presentations of a pituitary tumor is pituitary apoplexy. In this case series, we describe our experience regarding the cranial nerve recovery in patients with pituitary apoplexy following endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS). Methods: Retrospective cohort study with patient characteristics, tumor type, endocrine data, operation data collected. Postoperative data were extracted for the follow-up period available for each patient. Results: 15 pituitary apoplexy cases were identified. The cranial nerve deficits presented at admission were: visual deficit (33% patients); unilateral third nerve palsy (47% patients), unilateral sixth nerve palsy (27% patients). Postoperatively, 60% of patients with preoperative visual deficit had normal visual fields and the other 40% showed improvement. From those with oculomotor nerve dysfunction preoperatively, 43% have returned to normal nerve function and 57% presented improvement. 75% cases of abducens nerve palsy resolved postoperatively, while 25% showed improvement. Conclusions: Based on this series, surgical treatment should be offered to patients presenting with cranial nerve deficit in the setting of pituitary apoplexy. In this series, all cranial nerve deficits either returned to normal or improved following surgery. Though a small series, the presented results are superior to those reported in the literature for conservative management.

Background: Odontoidectomy for basilar invagination and craniovertebral junction pathology has traditionally been performed using a transoral route. However, the endoscopic endonasal approach to the anterior craniovertebral junction may offer safer and more effective access when compared to transoral approaches. Methods: This study is a retrospective chart review of all adult patients who underwent an endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy at a single tertiary care center between January 2011 and May 2019. Results: Seventeen patients were included in the study. The median admission age was 67 years (range: 33-84 years) and 65% of the patients were female. One patient (1/17, 6%) had vertebral artery injury which was coiled with no neurological deficits, and 4 patients (4/17, 24%) had intraoperative CSF leaks with no postoperative leak. Fourteen patients (14/17, 82%) were extubated by POD 1. Three patients (3/17, 18%) developed postoperative sinus infections and required antibiotics. Eight patients (8/17, 47%) developed transient postoperative dysphagia. One patient (1/17, 6%) had postoperative epistaxis and one patient (1/17, 6%) had postoperative lower cranial nerve symptoms. The median length of hospital stay was 13 days (range: 2-44 days). Conclusions: Endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy is a feasible and well-tolerated procedure for anterior decompression of craniovertebral junction, associated with satisfactory patient outcomes and low morbidity.

Background: Pituitary adenomas are common and often require complex multidisciplinary care with multiple specialists. This may result in a health care system that is challenging for patients to navigate. Audits of care at our institution revealed opportunities for improvement to better align care with patients’ needs. Methods: A quality improvement initiative that incorporated a patient advisory committee of patients who had received treatment for pituitary adenoma at our center and their family members was used to help identify opportunities for improvement. The patient-identified gaps in care included the need to coordinate and minimize appointments and the desire for better communication and education. Based on this information, changes were implemented to the pituitary program, including increasing access to the multidisciplinary clinic and developing a standardized and centralized triage process. Results: A pre and post-intervention analysis consisting of retrospective chart reviews revealed that these changes had an impact on wait times for first assessment, and a significant shift in location of this first visit – with a larger proportion of patients being seen in the multidisciplinary clinic after intervention. Conclusions: We demonstrate that patient involvement, beyond individual patient-physician interactions, can lead to meaningful and observable changes, and can improve the quality of care for pituitary adenoma.

Background: The surgical treatment of pituitary tumour has undergone substantial changes over time. In this study we evaluated our institutional results for pituitary tumour surgery using the endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal (EETS) approach. Methods: Patient demographic, clinical and surgical data were extracted from medical records. Preoperative MRI images were reviewed. The SIPAP classification was applied to the pituitary tumors. Chi2 test and t test were used for statistical analysis. Results: 202 cases were identified. Functional tumors were present in 29% of the cohort. Patients with a suprasellar or parasellar SIPAP score of 0 or 1 had complete resection of their tumor in 66.6% of cases, compared to 29% with a suprasellar or parasellar SIPAP score ≥ 2 (Risk Ratio 2.3 CI 1.58-3.39, p=0.0005). When the tumor was completely resected radiologically, the mean time to recurrence was not different for the SIPAP 0 or 1 group which was 27 months in comparison to 34 months for the group with a SIPAP score 2 (p=0.13). Conclusions: Our study results showed that the preoperative MRI SIPAP score can be used to better inform patients about their expected outcomes of EETS.

Background: The surgical treatment of pituitary adenoma has evolved greatly over the decades. In order to better understand the patient population and their surgical treatment, we conducted an institutional review for pituitary adenoma surgery using the endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal (EETS) approach. Methods: A retrospective review of all EETS cases for pituitary tumor resection was performed between November 2009 and June 2016. Patient characteristics, tumor type, endocrine data, operation characteristics were extracted from medical records. Preoperative MRI images were reviewed. The SIPAP classification was applied to the pituitary tumors. Postoperative patient data were extracted for the available follow-up period. Results: 232 cases were identified. Functional tumors were present in 29% of the cohort. Complete excision was most common for functioning tumors (49%) compared to nonfunctioning tumors (26%). There were no major vascular injuries. Hormone replacement with cortisol was required transiently in 70% of patients, with thyroid hormone replacement occurring in 40% of the cohort. Conclusions: From this large North American cohort nearly 30% of operated pituitary tumors were functioning. More commonly, these tumors were completely resected compared to the nonfunctioning group. The most commonly replaced hormone following EETS surgery was cortisol and this was largely transient.

Background: Acromegaly is associated with significant morbidity. The purpose of this study was to establish characteristics and outcomes of patients treated for acromegaly at The Ottawa Hospital, to compare our results with published reports from other centers and to identify opportunities to improve patient care. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients surgically and medically treated for acromegaly between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016 was completed. Demographic information, biochemical data, presenting features, disease comorbidities, treatment interventions, and were collected. Results: Fifty-one patients were identified using CCI/ICD-10 codes and IGF-1 levels. Similar to other centers, the majority of patients had a macroadenoma (78.4% vs 11.8%) with a high percentage invading the cavernous sinus (57.5%). While surgical intervention was performed in 90% of patients, only 23.3% of patient achieved surgical cure (IGF-1 normalization within reference range). Approximately 30% of patients were controlled with adjuvant medical therapy while more than 40 % had elevated IGF-1 levels at last follow-up. Radiotherapy was less commonly used. Conclusions: Despite a multi-modal treatment approach for acromegaly, outcomes are variable. This study highlights the need for further research to better understand factors associated with surgical cure, response to medical therapy and the role of radiotherapy.

Background: The benefit of prophylactic antibiotic use in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for pituitary lesions is controversial. Many surgeons administer antibiotics perioperatively not based on clear guidelines but “to be safe”. Methods: A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was performed to assess the efficacy of perioperative antibiotic use to prevent infectious complications in patients undergoing EETS. Inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, observational studies, and case series. Data extracted: study design, year of publication, sample size, surgery type, perioperative antibacterial treatment (antibiotic, dose, and duration), number of patients with 30-days post-operative meningitis and/or sinusitis. End points: rates of meningitis and sinusitis post-EETS. Results: A total of 280 articles were identified. Four observational studies met inclusion criteria. Based on GRADE score these studies were considered low in quality. 633 patients were -included in those studies. The most common antibiotics used were cefazolin and ceftazidime. The rate of infection ranged from 0.5% to 3.1 % for meningitis as the most common infection. Conclusions: The need to use antibiotic(s) perioperatively is not clear in patients with pituitary lesions undergoing EETS. Randomized control trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotic use in patients with pituitary lesions undergoing EETS.

Background: Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is a recently described rare condition. SSCD symptoms include vertigo, oscillopsia, autophony, sound hypersensitivity , and conductive hearing loss. Patients with sever symptoms may require surgical treatment. Tranmastoid and middle fossa (MCF) approaches are common approaches. Methods: We are presenting our experience at the Ottawa Hospital over the last three years. Also we describe our multidisciplinary surgical approach and modalities to localize the SSCD intraoperatively. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, co-morbidities, radiologic imaging, and surgery length were recorded. All patients had hearing and vestibular tests before and after their surgeries. Results: 14 surgeries were performed in 11 patients (three patients had bilateral SSCD). Most patients were males (82%). Age range was 32-68 years. Surgeries were done by a team of a neurosurgeon and a neuro-otologist. Localization of SSCD was done using stereotactic guidance. Five layers’ reconstruction was performed in all patients. All patients had significant improvement in symptoms without sensorineural hearing loss. None of the patients developed post-operative hematoma, infection, seizures, CSF leakage or facial palsy. LOS was 1-2 days. Conclusions: MCF with multi layers reconstruction should be considered as a safe and effective approach in severely symptomatic patients. We demonstrated that this approach has minimal risks especially in regards to sensorineural hearing loss.

Background: Optic nerve/chiasmal injury is a devastating outcome that may happen during endoscopic surgery. Additionally, one of the goals of endoscopic skull-base surgery is visual improvement, currently there is limited ability of intraoperative visual pathway monitoring. We examine a novel technique using continuous flash visual evoked potentials (FVEPs). Methods: Eyes were stimulated by light stimulators (3 LEDs on each side, 640 nm peak wavelength, 10 ms pulse width, 3000 mCd of luminous intensity). Uniform illumination was placed over eyelids. Recording electrodes were placed at Oz-Fz. The filter cuts were ≤5 Hz and 100 Hz with amplifier gain 20,000 or 50,000. EEG was recorded. Recordings were correlated to pre and post operative VFs and acuity. Droop in the FVEP was examined in relation to intraoprative events. Results: Thirty patients had FVEPs in addition to other neurophysiologic monitoring. Patients demographic data, co-morbidities, diagnosis, surgical approach, length of surgery, MAP, and blood loss during surgery were recorded. All patients’ visual acuity and field deficits were evaluated by neuro-opthalmologist before their surgery and within 30 days after surgery. Conclusions: FVEP is reproducible throughout surgery and can predict the post surgical outcome. Additionally, we found that FVEP is transiently affected by different stages of surgery. Also boluses of propofol and electrocautery can artificially affect FVEP.

Background: patients with ventral cervical-medullary compression require anterior decompression of the cervicomedullary junction. Odontoid resection can be accomplished through expanded endoscopic approach especially in cases of irreducible basilar invagination in which the pathology is situated well above the palatine line. Methods: We are presenting our experience at the Ottawa Hospital (TOH) over the last seven years in patients who underwent expanded endoscopic endonasal decompression of their cervicomedullary junction. 16 patients underwent such procedure, those patients with preoperative cervical instability underwent posterior fusion for stabilization at the same surgical setting. Follow up ranged from 9 months to 5 years. Results: All patients had severe symptoms of myelopathy and some lower cranial nerves dysfunction. All patients were extubated after recovery from anesthesia and allowed oral intake next day. patients demonstrated improvement in their symptoms and none of them required tracheostomy. 12.5% experienced transient velopharyngeal insufficiency. one patient had CSF leak which was successfully treated with lumbar drain and one patient developed infection from the posterior cervical fusion and required debridement. All patients were eventually discharged home. Postoperative imaging demonstrated excellent decompression of the anterior cervicomedullary junction pathology. Conclusions: The expanded endoscopic endonasal approach for odontoidectomy should be considered as a minimally invasive approach for anterior decompression in selected cases