Adverse events in meningioma surgery classified using the therapy-disability-neurology (TDN) grading system.

PURPOSE: Meningiomas are common, mostly benign, and often asymptomatic. Minimizing surgical adverse events (AE) is essential to maintain a favorable risk-benefit balance. Traditional AE grading systems often failed to account for disabling complications like neurologic deficits, which led to the development of the multidimensional therapy-disability-neurology grade (TDN). This study evaluates risk factors and consequences of AE in meningioma patients using TDN.

METHODS

Pre- and perioperative factors associated with the occurrence and severity of AE at discharge and follow-up were retrospectively identified in a monocentric cohort of consecutive patients undergoing surgery between 2013 and 2022. Significant variables of the univariable analysis were consequently tested in a multivariable analysis. Statistical analysis to detect the relationship between TDN and clinical outcomes was performed.

RESULTS

367 patients were included with a mean age at surgery of 60.8 years. A total of 95 AE at discharge and 144 AE at follow-up were recorded. Generalized linear models showed a relationship between the modified Rankin Scale on admission, tumor complexity as measured by the Milan Complexity Scale, and preoperative embolization with the frequency of AE at discharge and follow-up. A correlation between TDN, Karnofsky Performance Scale at discharge, and length of hospital stay was observed.

CONCLUSION

The severity of AE as classified according to TDN correlated with the length of hospital stay and functional outcome following meningioma resection in our cohort and may be predicted by specific pre- and perioperative factors.