Object In this paper, the authors' goal was to evaluate the prognostic value of YKL-40 expression as a prognostic factor for glioblastomas and to compare its validity to the already known MGMT. Methods Between January 2002 and January 2007, 105 patients were treated for cerebral glioblastoma. The extent of removal was classified in 4 groups. YKL-40 expression was evaluated by a semiquantitative immunohistochemical staining scale (0, no staining; 1, mild expression; and 2, strong expression). MGMT promoter methylation status was analyzed with methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. All patients received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and to compare these parameters between the subgroups stratified by extent of surgical removal, MGMT methylation, and YKL-40 expression. The log-rank test was used to determine statistical significance. A multivariate regression analysis was applied to extent of removal, YKL-40 expression, and MGMT status to check their specific statistical power and to test the independence of the variables. Results There were 55 men and 50 women with a mean age of 58 years. Extent of surgical removal is reported. The MGMT promoter was methylated in 48 patients and nonmethylated in 57. Analysis of YKL-40 expression is reported. The median PFS was 10.7 months (14.9 months in the gross-total removal subgroup) (p < 0.0001), and the median OS was 12.5 months (17.4 months in the gross-total removal group) (p < 0.0001). In the univariate analysis, OS was significantly correlated to the extent of resection (p < 0.0001), MGMT status (p < 0.0001), and YKL-40 (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that all 3 factors reached statistical significance with respect to patient survival. In particular, surgical removal contributed more than the 2 other factors to the survival prediction (β = −0.6254). Interestingly, YKL-40 (β = −0.3867) contributed more than MGMT (β = −0.1705) to the predicted survival. Conclusions The extent of removal is the most important factor influencing the OS of patients harboring glioblastomas. When biological aggressiveness is taken into account, YKL-40 expression was found to be an independent prognostic factor that predicts OS better than MGMT status.

Aims: To evaluate the reliability, safety and accuracy of a the frameless stereotactic system in our clinical series and the differences between head fixation by means of a standard Mayfield head holder and the pinless FESS frame, and to evaluate the usefulness of biopsy targeting on the basis of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) data. Methods: The spectroscopic analysis was used to facilitate the targeting of the lesion. The fusion image function embedded in the Neuronavigation Unit was used postoperatively to assess the level of accuracy of the biopsy. The grading of the glioma specimens was correlated to the spectroscopic data. Results: 296 patients underwent cerebral biopsy in 8 years. The diagnostic yield was 99.7%. The spectroscopic choline/N-acetyl aspartate ratio in different areas of the same tumor correlated well with the histological grading of the lesion. Conclusion: The frameless stereotactic systems guarantee excellent biopsy results. Advanced imaging, in particular MRS, facilitates the correct targeting of nonenhancing lesions.

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Microsurgical training is mandatory for the optimal education of modern neurosurgeons. Even though this is a widely acknowledged statement and a lot of institutions around the world practice training in laboratory, the recent literature lacks tip and tricks on how to start a laboratory from scratch, what would be a convenient anesthesia, and what kind of exercises are appropriate. We present our experience in 16 microsurgical training courses settled up at our institutions. Two hundred eleven rodents were dissected. We will describe the organization of the laboratory and of the training courses and we will discuss its practical impact on the residency program.

Background Despite the most recent surgical aids and tools, surgical removal of infiltrating brain tumors remains a challenge. Unclear margins, edematous areas, and infiltrative behavior are the main causes for failing gross total removals. Also, excessive resection of peri-tumoral tissue often carries risks of damaging the nearby functioning cortical and subcortical structures with an unacceptable decrease in patient's quality of life and postoperative functional status, and the risk of making patients not eligible to adjuvant treatments. Awake surgery and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (ioMRI) are among the most effective aids in preventing damage to functional brain while maximizing the extent of resection. Methods We present our series of 46 patients operated on at Southmead Hospital (North Bristol NHS Trust) in between July 2014 and February 2017 using ioMRI plus or minus awake surgery. Setting, patient features, indications, type and size of tumors, surgical times, extent of resection, morbidity, and survival are analyzed and discussed. Results Overall, ioMRI check led to a +43% resections in Group 1 and +58% in Group 2. In grade 2 tumors, GTR was 46% in Group 1 and 55% in Group 2 (41% in control group). In grade 3 tumors, GTR was 57% in Group 1 and 66% in Group 2 (30% in control group). In Grade 4 tumors, GTR was 63% in Group 1, 66% in Group 2 (36% in control group). In terms of theatre occupation, the use of ioMRI added 1/2 operative session; the addition of awake surgery implied the use of another 1/2 operative session. Morbidity did not differ among the groups, with low incidence of permanent post-operative deficits (<5%). Group 2 OS was statistically longer when compared to the control group. Conclusions Using ioMRI together with awake surgery is demanding for the anesthetic team, staff nurses, and for the patient. Nevertheless, low morbidity, greater total resections rates, and longer survival suggest its use is effective in making more approachable gliomas of all grades that we would consider “complex” due to their intrinsic features or locations.