Association of Tumor Volumetry with Postoperative Outcomes for Cervical Paraganglioma

Objectives: To analyze the association of tumor volume with outcome after surgery for cervical paraganglioma. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive patients undergoing surgery for cervical paraganglioma from 2009–2020. Outcomes were 30-day morbidity, mortality, cranial nerve injury, and stroke. Preoperative CT/MRI was used for tumor volumetry. An association between the volume and the outcomes was explored in univariate and multivariable analyses. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The study was conducted and reported according to the STROBE statement. Results: Volumetry was successful in 37/47 (78.8%) of included patients. A 30-day morbidity occurred in 13/47 (27.6%) patients with no mortality. Fifteen cranial nerve lesions occurred in eleven patients. The mean tumor volume was 6.92 cm3 in patients without and 15.89 cm3 in patients with complications (p = 0.035) and 7.64 cm3 in patients without and 16.28 cm3 in patients with cranial nerve injury (p = 0.05). Neither the volume nor Shamblin grade was significantly associated with complications on multivariable analysis. The AUC was 0.691, indicating a poor to fair performance of volumetry in predicting postoperative complications. Conclusions: Surgery for cervical paraganglioma bears a relevant morbidity with a particular risk of cranial nerve lesions. Tumor volume is associated with morbidity, and MRI/CT volumetry can be used for risk stratification

Together simply better-How female empowerment promotes everyone. The female vascular surgeons of the Chirurginnen e.V.

Nearly 60% of surgical residents in Germany are female. Nevertheless, in 2021 only 26.5% of the 2300 vascular surgeons in Germany were women. In a competitive setting such as surgery, reaching higher career levels after becoming board certified remains a particular challenge for women. This phenomenon is called the glass ceiling effect. Nevertheless, the underrepresentation of women in surgery is not only due to structural aspects but is especially also caused by a lack of visibility and so far lack of networks. In January 2021 the association Die Chirurginnen e.V' was founded. In June 2022 it already comprised more than 1200 members and therefore approximately 10% of all practicing female surgeons in Germany. Besides direct exchange in various working and interest groups, local networks and a well-structured communication platform, the association provides mutual support amongst members at every career level. Due to a widespread presence in social media and at congresses, surgical disciplines are less and less seen as an entirely male domain. However, not only women are missing in vascular surgery and all other surgical disciplines. To make surgical specialties attractive again for all colleagues, interpersonal and structural aspects also need to change