Diffusion changes in minimally invasive parafascicular approach for deep-seated tumours: impact on clinical outcomes

Mariam Awan1, Aya Elshalakany2, Dimitrios Kalaitzoglou2

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital Foundation Trust, London, UK. m.awan1@nhs.net.

Neurosurgical Review
|January 18, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Minimally invasive parafascicular surgery (MIPS) using the transsulcal (TS) approach shows better motor outcomes and shorter hospital stays compared to the transgyral (TG) approach. However, the superior temporal sulcus is more prone to ischemia, suggesting TG may be preferable for temporal lobe MIPS.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Oncology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Minimally invasive parafascicular surgery (MIPS) enables safe resection of deep-seated tumors.
  • Postoperative diffusion changes after MIPS require further understanding of their clinical significance.
  • The impact of surgical approach (transsulcal vs. transgyral) on outcomes is not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of surgical approach (transsulcal vs. transgyral) and entry points on clinical and imaging outcomes in MIPS.
  • To investigate the correlation between surgical trajectory and postoperative diffusion changes.
  • To compare motor outcomes and length of stay between transsulcal and transgyral approaches.

Main Methods:

  • Single-center retrospective cohort study of 82 neuro-oncology patients undergoing MIPS.
  • Comparison of transsulcal (TS) and transgyral (TG) surgical approaches.
  • Analysis of postoperative imaging for diffusion changes and correlation with clinical outcomes, including motor function and length of stay.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in the incidence or volume of peritubular injury between TS and TG approaches.
  • The TS approach was associated with less diffusion restriction when adjusted for tumor characteristics (p=0.030).
  • Temporal lobe access showed the highest diffusion restriction, particularly with the TS approach (p=0.0152).
  • Superior motor outcomes (14.63% improvement) and shorter length of stay (11.67 days) were observed with the TS approach compared to TG (6.9% improvement, 23.97 days).
  • Parietal lobe approaches, especially TS, demonstrated better motor outcomes (p=0.039).

Conclusions:

  • The transsulcal (TS) approach in MIPS is associated with improved motor outcomes and reduced length of hospital stay.
  • The superior temporal sulcus is more susceptible to ischemic changes, suggesting the transgyral (TG) route may be a safer option for temporal lobe MIPS.
  • Surgical approach selection should consider tumor location to optimize patient outcomes and minimize diffusion restriction.