Anatomical step-by-step dissection of complex skull base approaches for trainees: Endoscopic endonasal approach to the orbit

Author(s):  
Laura Salgado-Lopez ◽  
Luciano Cesar Leonel ◽  
Michael Obrien ◽  
Adedamola Adepoju ◽  
Christopher Salvatore Graffeo ◽  
...  

Introduction: Although endonasal endoscopic approaches (EEA) to the orbit have been previously reported, a didactic resource for educating neurosurgery and otolaryngology trainees regarding the pertinent anatomy, techniques, and decision-making pearls is lacking. Methods: Six sides of three formalin-fixed, color latex-injected cadaveric specimens were dissected using 4-mm 0º and 30º rigid endoscopes, as well as standard endoscopic equipment, and a high-speed surgical drill. The anatomical dissection was documented in stepwise 3-D endoscopic images. Following dissection, representative case applications were reviewed. Results: EEA to the orbit provides excellent access to the medial and inferior orbital regions. Key steps include positioning and preoperative considerations, middle turbinate medialization, uncinate process and ethmoid bulla removal, complete ethmoidectomy, sphenoidotomy, maxillary antrostomy, lamina papyracea resection, orbital apex and optic canal decompression, orbital floor resection, periorbita opening, dissection of the extraconal fat, and final exposure of the orbit contents via the medial-inferior recti corridor. Conclusion: EEA to the orbit is challenging, in particular for trainees unfamiliar with nasal and paranasal sinus anatomy. Operatively oriented neuroanatomy dissections are crucial didactic resources in preparation for practical endonasal applications in the OR. This approach provides optimal exposure to the inferior and medial orbit to treat a wide variety of pathologies. We describe a comprehensive step-by-step curriculum directed to any audience willing to master this endoscopic skull base approach.

Neurosurgery ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 354-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Alfieri ◽  
Hae-Dong Jho

Abstract OBJECTIVE After completion of an earlier endoscopic transsphenoidal anatomic study, we studied various endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches using cadaveric specimens to develop endoscopic endonasal surgical approaches to the cavernous sinus. METHODS Ten cavernous sinuses in five artery-injected adult cadaveric heads were studied with 0-, 30-, and 70-degree angled 4-mm rod-lens endoscopes. The extent of the surgical exposure, the skewed endoscopic anatomic view, and the maneuverability of surgical instruments through their relative operating spaces were studied after various endoscopic endonasal approaches via one nostril. RESULTS The paraseptal approach was used between the nasal septum and the middle turbinate and provided exposure at the anteromedial portion of the cavernous sinus. The contralateral paraseptal approach rendered a slightly more medial view at the cavernous sinus than did the ipsilateral approach. This approach offered limited surgical access to the lateral vertical compartment. The middle turbinectomy approach allowed surgical access to the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus, except for the superior orbital fissure and the orbital apex. The middle meatal approach, which was made between the middle turbinate and the lateral nasal wall, revealed the entire lateral vertical compartment of the cavernous sinus, including the orbital apex and the superior orbital fissure. However, its lateral tangential surgical trajectory and the absence of dedicated surgical tools limited the surgeon's surgical maneuverability. A combination of the middle turbinectomy and middle meatal approaches increased the operating space. CONCLUSION Various endoscopic endonasal surgical approaches to the cavernous sinus were studied using adult cadaveric head specimens.


2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi M. Cavallo ◽  
Andrea Messina ◽  
Paul Gardner ◽  
Felice Esposito ◽  
Amin B. Kassam ◽  
...  

Object The pterygopalatine fossa is an area located deep in the skull base. The microsurgical transmaxillary–transantral route is usually chosen to remove lesions in this region. The increasing use of the endoscope in sinonasal functional surgery has more recently led to the advent of the endoscope for the treatment of tumors located in the pterygopalatine fossa as well. Methods An anatomical dissection of three fresh cadaveric heads (six pterygopalatine fossas) and three dried skull base specimens was performed to evaluate the feasibility of the approach and to illustrate the surgical landmarks that are useful for operations in this complex region. The endoscopic endonasal approach allows a wide exposure of the pterygopalatine fossa. Furthermore, with the same access (that is, through the nostril) it is possible to expose regions contiguous with the pterygopalatine fossa, either to visualize more surgical landmarks or to accomplish a better lesion removal. Conclusions In this anatomical study the endoscopic endonasal approach to the pterygopalatine fossa has been found to be a safe approach for the removal of lesions in this region. The approach could be proposed as an alternative to the standard microsurgical transmaxillary–transantral route.


2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (04) ◽  
pp. 203-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srikant Chakravarthi ◽  
Lior Gonen ◽  
Alejandro Monroy-Sosa ◽  
Sammy Khalili ◽  
Amin Kassam

AbstractThe success of expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) to the anterior skull base, sellar, and parasellar regions has been greatly aided by the advancement in reconstructive techniques. In particular, the pedicled vascularized flaps have been developed and effectively cover skull base defects of varying sizes with a significant reduction in postoperative CSF leaks. There are two aims to this review: (1) We will provide our current, simplified reconstruction algorithm. (2) We will describe, in detail, the relevant anatomy, indications/contraindications, and surgical technique, with a particular emphasis on the nasoseptal flap (NSF). The inferior turbinate flap (ITF), middle turbinate flap (MTF), pericranial flap (PCF), and temporoparietal fascial flap (TPFF) will also be described. The NSF should be the primary option for reconstruction of majority of skull base defects following endonasal endoscopic surgery. In general, for the planum, cribriform, and upper two-thirds of the clivus, the NSF is ideal. For the lower-third of the clivus, the NSF may not be adequate and may require additional reconstructive options. Although limited in reach or more technically challenging, these reconstructive flaps should still be considered and kept in the surgical algorithm.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigetoshi Yano ◽  
Takuichiro Hide ◽  
Naoki Shinojima ◽  
Yu Hasegawa ◽  
Takayuki Kawano ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 80 (04) ◽  
pp. 338-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher S. Graffeo ◽  
Maria Peris-Celda ◽  
Avital Perry ◽  
Lucas P. Carlstrom ◽  
Colin L.W. Driscoll ◽  
...  

Introduction Although numerous anatomical and operative atlases have been published, those that have focused on the skull base either have provided views that are quite difficult to achieve in the operating room to better depict surgical anatomy or are written at the level of an audience with considerable knowledge and experience. Methods Five sides of three formalin-fixed latex-injected specimens were dissected under microscopic magnification. A posterior petrosectomy approach was performed by three neurosurgical residents at different training levels with limited previous experience in anatomical dissection mentored by the senior authors (C. L. W. D. and M. J. L.) and a clinical skull base fellow with additional anatomical dissection experience (M. P. C.). Anatomical dissections were performed until the expected level of dissection quality was achieved to demonstrate each important step of the surgical approach that would be understandable to all trainees of all levels. Following dissection education, representative case applications were reviewed. Results The posterior petrosectomy (also known as presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach) affords excellent access to cranial nerves III to XI and a diverse array of pathologies. Key steps include positioning and skin incision, scalp and muscle flaps, burr holes, craniotomy flap elevation, superficial mastoidectomy, otic capsule exposure and presigmoid dura decompression, primary presigmoid durotomy, inferior temporal durotomy, superior petrosal sinus ligation, tentorium sectioning, and final exposure. Conclusion The posterior petrosectomy is a challenging approach; thorough operative-style laboratory dissection is essential to provide trainees with a suitable guide. We describe a comprehensive approach to learning this technique, intended to be understandable and usable by a resident audience.


Author(s):  
Kyoung Su Sung ◽  
Jaejoon Lim ◽  
Minkyun Na ◽  
Sanghun Lee ◽  
Ju-Seong Kim ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Pedicled nasoseptal flap (PNSF) has significantly improved the surgical outcomes of endoscopic endonasal approach (EEAs) by reducing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of using a PNSF for anterior skull base (ASB) reconstruction and to describe a method to compensate for a short flap based on our results. Methods In this cadaveric study, ASB dissection without sphenoidotomy was performed using 10 formalin-fixed and 5 fresh adult cadaver specimens, and the sufficiency of the PNSF to cover the ASB was assessed. After the sphenoidotomy, the length by which the PNSF fell short in providing coverage at the posterior wall of the frontal sinus (CPFS), and the extent of the anterior coverage from the limbus (CL) of the sphenoid bone was measured. Results Without sphenoidotomy, the mean length of the remaining PNSF after the coverage of the posterior wall of the frontal sinus was 0.67 cm. After sphenoidotomy, the PNSF fell short by a mean length of 2.10 cm, in providing CPFS. The CL was 1.86 cm. Based on these findings, defects resulting from an endoscopic resection of ASB tumors were reconstructed using PNSF without total sphenoidotomy in 3 patients. There were no postoperative CSF leaks or complications. Conclusions The use of PNSF for ASB reconstruction may be insufficient to cover the entire ASB defect after removal of large lesions which need total sphenoidotomy. When possible, by leaving some portion of the anterior sphenoid wall for supporting the PNSF, successful ASB reconstruction could be achieved in endoscopic resection of ASB tumors. Additional methods might be needed in some cases of large ASB lesions wherein the anterior sphenoid wall should be removed totally and the ASB defect is too large.


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