Immediate postoperative imaging is frequently obtained after combined SBS with endoscopic endonasal and open transcranial approaches. The importance of early postoperative imaging for detecting complications in these patients is still debatable. In this study, we investigated the clinical utility of early postoperative imaging after combined SBS to determine postoperative complications.

The present study was a retrospective chart analysis of 21 cases of combined SBS was performed. Data on postoperative CT and MR and the hospital course were collected. We separated postoperative imaging interpretations into two groups: when using the radiologist’s performance alone and using the surgeon’s knowledge of the case in conjunction with imaging.

Forty-two postoperative scans were obtained within 48 hours of surgery. There was a significant statistical difference between imaging interpretation by surgeons and radiologists for CT interpretation only. For CT interpretation, the TP, FP, TN, and FN rates for radiologists slightly deviated from surgeons’ understanding. 

The study concluded that benefit of early postoperative imaging to detect complications after combined SBS was limited. In this cohort of patients, positive imaging findings’ effects on patient management were dictated by supporting clinical symptoms.

Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2500/ajra.2017.31.4429

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