Revising the Indications of Transtemporal Surgical Approaches in the Modern Endoscopic Era of Skull Base Surgery: A Dying Art

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravi Sankar Manogaran ◽  
Raj Kumar ◽  
Arulalan Mathialagan ◽  
Anant Mehrotra ◽  
Amit Keshri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Nerve Palsy ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Complete Excision ◽  
Lateral Skull Base ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study is to emphasize and explore the possible transtemporal approaches for spectrum of complicated lateral skull base pathologies. Design Retrospective analysis of complicated lateral skull base pathologies was managed in our institute between January 2017 and December 2019. Setting The study was conducted in a tertiary care referral center. Main Outcome Measures The study focused on the selection of approach based on site and extent of the pathology, the surgical nuances for each approach, and the associated complications. Results A total of 10 different pathologies of the lateral skull base were managed by different transtemporal approaches. The most common complication encountered was facial nerve palsy (43%, n = 6). Other complications included cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection (15%, n = 2), cosmetic deformity (24%, n = 4), petrous internal carotid artery injury (7%, n = 1), and hypoglossal nerve palsy (7%, n = 1). The cosmetic deformity included flap necrosis (n = 2) and postoperative bony defects leading to contour defects of the scalp (n = 2). Conclusion Surgical approach should be tailored based on the individual basis, to obtain adequate exposure and complete excision. Selection of appropriate surgical approach should also be based on the training and preference of the operating surgeon. Whenever necessary, combined surgical approaches facilitating full tumor exposure are recommended so that complete tumor excision is feasible. This requires a multidisciplinary team comprising neurosurgeons, neuro-otologist, neuroanesthetist, and plastic surgeons. The surgeon must know precise microsurgical anatomy to preserve the adjacent nerves and vessels, which is necessary for better surgical outcomes.

scholarly journals Selection of Surgical Approach for Cerebellar Hemangioblastomas Based on Venous Drainage Patterns

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Watanabe ◽  
Yuuki Suematsu ◽  
Kiyotaka Saitou ◽  
Go Takeishi ◽  
Shinji Yamashita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Venous Drainage ◽  
Transverse Sinus ◽  
Jugular Bulb ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Drainage Systems ◽  
Drainage Patterns ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Cerebellar hemangioblastomas remain surgically challenging because of the narrow, deep surgical corridors and tumor hypervascularity. Various surgical approaches are used according to the location, but optimal approaches have not been established. We propose a system of surgical approaches based on the venous drainage systems to facilitate surgical planning and achieve acceptable neurological outcomes. Cerebellar hemangioblastomas were divided into fivefour types based on the main drainage systems: suboccipital hemangioblastomas draining to the transverse sinus (TS) or torcular, tentorial hemangioblastomas draining to the tentorial and straight sinus, petrosal hemangioblastomas draining to the superior petrosal sinus (SPS),, and quadrigeminal hemangioblastomas draining to the galenic system, and tonsillar hemangioblastomas draining to the TS or torcular in conjunction with jugular bulb or SPS. Microsurgical approaches and patient outcome were retrospectively reviewed according to this classification. This study included 17 patients who underwent 21 operations for resection of 19 cerebellar hemangioblastomas, classified into 911 suboccipital, 4 tentorial, 2 petrosal, and 2 quadrigeminal, and 2 tonsillar. Standard suboccipital craniotomies were utilized for suboccipital hemangioblastomas, the occipital transtentorial approach (OTA) and supracerebellar infratentorial approach for tentorial hemangioblastomas, the retrosigmoid approach for petrosal hemangioblastomas, and OTA for quadrigeminal hemangioblastomas, and midline suboccipital approach for tonsillar hemangioblastomashemangioblastomass. Gross total resection was achieved in all patients except one. Two patients with large hemangioblastomas (tonsillarsuboccipital and quadrigeminal) required second-stage operation which finally achieved gross total removal. No single approach had a significantly higher incidence of postoperative neurological deficits. Selection of the optimum surgical approach for cerebellar hemangioblastomas was successful based on the main drainage systems. Understanding of tumor growth and extension with respect to the venous drainage system is critical to select the appropriate surgical approach.

scholarly journals The Surgical Treatment of Posttraumatic Skull Base Defects with Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak

2017 ◽  
Vol 79 (02) ◽  
pp. 205-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashish Thapa ◽  
Bing-Xi Lei ◽  
Mei-Guang Zheng ◽  
Zhong-Jun Li ◽  
Zheng-Hao Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Common Factors ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Skull Base Defect ◽  
The Common ◽  
Skull Base Defects

Objectives The objective was to explore further the surgical treatment of posttraumatic skull base defects with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and to identify the most common factors affecting the surgical treatment of posttraumatic skull base defect with CSF leak retrospectively. Materials and Methods This study included 144 patients with head trauma having skull base defect with CSF leak who had been surgically treated at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from 1998 to June 2016. There were 113 (78.5%) males and 31 (21.5%) females, with age ranging from 1 to 78 years and mean age of 26.58 ± 14.95 years. We explored the surgical approaches for the treatment of the skull base defect and the graft materials used and also measured the association among surgical approaches; location, size, and type of skull base defects; presence or absence of associated intracranial pathologies; postoperative complications; outcome; age; Glasgow outcome score (GOS) at discharge; and days of hospital stay. Results The location, size, and types of skull base defect and the presence of associated intracranial pathologies were the common factors identified not only for choosing the appropriate surgical approach but also for choosing the materials for defect repair, timing of the surgery, and the method used for the defect as well as leak repair. The statistically significant correlation with p < 0.001 was found in this study. Conclusion From this study, we could conclude that size, location, and types of the defect and the presence of associated intracranial injuries were the common factors that affected the surgical treatment of posttraumatic skull base defect with CSF leak. Hence, the importance of careful evaluation of these factors is essential for proper selection of the surgical approach and for avoiding unnecessary hassles.

scholarly journals Pterygopalatine Fossa: Microsurgical Anatomy and its Relevance for Skull Base Surgery

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Rassier Isolan ◽  
Julio Mocellin Bernardi ◽  
João Paulo Mota Telles ◽  
Nícollas Nunes Rabelo ◽  
Eberval Gadelha Figueiredo
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
The Body ◽  
Pterygopalatine Fossa ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Maxillary Artery ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Extensive Resection ◽  
Maxillary Nerve ◽  
Adjacent Structures ◽  
Surgical Field

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to define the anatomical relationships of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and its operative implications in skull base surgical approaches. Methods Ten cadaveric heads were dissected at the Dianne and M Gazi Yasargil Educational Center MicrosurgicaLaboratory, in Little Rock, AK, USA. The PPF was exposed through an extended dissection with mandible and pterygoid plate removal. Results The PPF has the shape of an inverted cone. Its boundaries are the pterygomaxillary fissure; the maxilla, anteriorly; the medial plate of the pterygoid process, and greater wing of the sphenoid process, posteriorly; the palatine bone, medially; and the body of the sphenoid process, superiorly. Its contents are the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve and its branches; the pterygopalatine ganglion; the pterygopalatine portion of the maxillary artery (MA) and its branches; and the venous network. Differential diagnosis of PPF masses includes perineural tumoral extension along the maxillary nerve, schwannomas, neurofibromas, angiofibromas, hemangiomas, and ectopic salivary gland tissue. Transmaxillary and transpalatal approaches require extensive resection of bony structures and are narrow in the deeper part of the approach, impairing the surgical vision and maneuverability. Endoscopic surgery solves this problem, bringing the light source to the center of the surgical field, allowing proper visualization of the surgical field, extreme close-ups, and different view angles. Conclusion We provide detailed information on the fossa's boundaries, intercommunications with adjacent structures, anatomy of the maxillary artery, and its variations. It is discussed in the context of clinical affections and surgical approaches of this specific region, including pterygomaxillary disjunction and skull base tumors.

Selection of surgical approaches for meningiomas affecting the temporal bone

1992 ◽  
Vol 107 (6_part_1) ◽  
pp. 738-744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moises Arriaga ◽  
Clough Shelton ◽  
Paul Nassif ◽  
Derald E. Brackmann
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Temporal Bone ◽  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Infratemporal Fossa ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Recurrence Rates ◽  
Surgical Morbidity ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Selection Of

The varied locations of meningiomas within the temporal bone require a wide array of neurotologic approaches to accomplish complete resection with minimal morbidity. We reviewed 56 consecutive patients with temporal bone meningiomas. The six surgical approaches are described with regard to site of lesion, morbidity of procedure, and long-term patient outcome. Recommendations are made for selection of surgical approach. Hearing preservation was attempted in 25%. Middle fossa tumor removal was performed in nine patients (16%), retrosigmoid (suboccipital) in five patients (9%), translabyrinthine In 24 patients (43%), transcochlear in 15 patients (27%), infratemporal fossa In two patients (4%), and retrolabyrinthine In one patient (2%). Overall, meningioma surgery has higher morbidity, poorer facial nerve outcome, and higher recurrence rates than acoustic neuroma surgery. Thirteen percent of patients were unable to resume full preoperative activities after their surgery. Facial nerve transection occurred In 9% of the cases, and 83% of cases with more than 1 year followup had satisfactory or Intermediate facial function (grades I to IV). Meningiomas of the temporal bone are insidious and aggressive lesions. Particular care is required to select the surgical approach appropriate for location, level of hearing, and the anatomic structures Involved. Patients must be realistically counseled about the surgical morbidity and long-term outcome associated with each approach.

scholarly journals Presurgical Simulation With Advanced 3-Dimensional Multifusion Volumetric Imaging in Patients With Skull Base Tumors

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ons188-ons199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Oishi ◽  
Masafumi Fukuda ◽  
Go Ishida ◽  
Akihiko Saito ◽  
Tetsuya Hiraishi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Skull Base Tumors ◽  
Volumetric Imaging ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Acoustic Neurinomas

Abstract BACKGROUND: Despite recent diagnostic and technical advancements in the field of neurosurgery, surgical treatment for tumors in the skull base region, ie, skull base tumors (SBTs), remains a challenge. OBJECTIVE: To validate the utility of presurgical simulation for the treatment of SBTs by 3-dimensional multifusion volumetric imaging (3D MFVI), including volume rendering and image fusion, to combine data from various imaging modalities. METHODS: We performed presurgical simulation using 3D MFVI for 21 SBTs (acoustic neurinomas, jugular neurinomas, meningiomas, chordomas, and others) in 20 patients. We collected targeted data from computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiography, and digital subtraction angiography and combined these data using image-analyzing software. The simulations were used to assess the 3D relationships among the microsurgical anatomical components, the appropriate surgical approach, and the resectable parts of the tumor. Finally, we compared the results of the simulation with the operative results. RESULTS: In all patients, the 3D MFVI techniques enabled adequate visualization of the microsurgical anatomy and facilitated presurgical simulation, thereby allowing the surgeons to determine an appropriate and feasible surgical approach. All procedures to open the bone window were performed in accordance with the simulations, except for the surgical exposure of the acoustic canal for 2 acoustic neurinomas. In 3 of the 21 cases, tumor removal could not be performed according to the simulations because of unexpected bleeding or other restrictions. CONCLUSION: The 3D MFVI technique was of a sufficiently high quality to enable visualization of the 3D microsurgical anatomy. This promising method can facilitate determination of the most appropriate approach and safe and precise surgical procedures for SBTs.

scholarly journals The 6 thalamic regions: surgical approaches to thalamic cavernous malformations, operative results, and clinical outcomes

2015 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 676-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Rangel-Castilla ◽  
Robert F. Spetzler
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Common Location ◽  
Orbitozygomatic Approach ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
The Ideal

OBJECT The ideal surgical approach to thalamic cavernous malformations (CMs) varies according to their location within the thalamus. To standardize surgical approaches, the authors have divided the thalamus into 6 different regions and matched them with the corresponding surgical approach. METHODS The regions were defined as Region 1 (anteroinferior), Region 2 (medial), Region 3 (lateral), Region 4 (posterosuperior), Region 5 (lateral posteroinferior), and Region 6 (medial posteroinferior). The senior author’s surgical experience with 46 thalamic CMs was reviewed according to this classification. An orbitozygomatic approach was used for Region 1; anterior ipsilateral transcallosal for Region 2; anterior contralateral transcallosal for Region 3; posterior transcallosal for Region 4; parietooccipital transventricularfor Region 5; and supracerebellar-infratentorial for Region 6. RESULTS Region 3 was the most common location (17 [37%]). There were 5 CMs in Region 1 (11%), 9 in Region 2 (20%), 17 in Region 3 (37%), 3 in Region 4 (6%), 4 in Region 5 (9%), and 8 in Region 6 (17%). Complete resection was achieved in all patients except for 2, who required a second-stage operation. The mean follow-up period was 1.7 years (range 6 months-9 years). At the last clinical follow-up, 40 patients (87%) had an excellent or good outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores 0–2) and 6 (13%) had poor outcome (mRS scores 3–4). Relative to their preoperative condition, 42 patients (91%) were unchanged or improved, and 4 (9%) were worse. CONCLUSIONS The authors have presented the largest series reported to date of surgically treated thalamic CMs, achieving excellent results using this methodology. In the authors’ experience, conceptually dividing the thalamus into 6 different regions aids in the selection of the ideal surgical approach fora specific region.

scholarly journals Osteological studies of skull base neurovascular area in reference to infratemporal approach to skull basec

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 89-93
Author(s):  
Harsh Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Relative Size ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Carotid Canal ◽  
Stylomastoid Foramen ◽  
Lateral Skull Base ◽  
Infratemporal Approach ◽  
Relationship Of

Surgical approaches to the lateral skull base often lead to tearing of vessels and piecemeal removal of the tumour. This study is aimed to delineate exact relationship of the various foramina at the lateral skull base. The coronal dimensions of the jugular foramina are larger as compared to sagittal with right sided dominance also noticed in the case of carotid canal. The width of “Keel” separating the carotid and jugular foramina normally varies from 0.4 to1.4 centimetres and may not always suggest the erosion of the foramen of skull base scans, unless the erosion is associated with irregularity or demineralization the thickness of this keel really depends upon relative size of the vessels and location of foramina. Area between stylomastoid foramen, carotid canal and jugular foramen is roughly wedge shaped. The angle subtended by carotid and jugular at the stylomastoid foramen is about 36.84whereas the location of stylomastoid foramen and internal carotid axis pose an angle of 83:16. The angle subtended by stylomastoid and jugular at carotid on an average 59:31. The space between these structures is measured to be 0.642centimetres which can be verified on tomograms. By using these measurements, the precise location of the upper end of the vessels could be predicted, whereas the superior stump could be clamped with minimal exposure of the skull base and identification and location of the last four cranial nerves is found out. This could avoid injuries and subsequent morbidity while carrying out surgery in this region.

A taxonomy for brainstem cavernous malformations: subtypes of midbrain lesions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Nerve Palsy ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Oculomotor Nerve ◽  
Oculomotor Nerve Palsy ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Anatomical Location ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Neurological Outcomes ◽  
Surgeon Experience

OBJECTIVE Anatomical taxonomy is a practical tool that has successfully guided clinical decision-making for patients with brain arteriovenous malformations. Brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) are similarly complex lesions that are difficult to access and highly variable in size, shape, and position. The authors propose a novel taxonomy for midbrain cavernous malformations based on clinical presentation (syndromes) and anatomical location (identified with MRI). METHODS The taxonomy system was developed and applied to an extensive 2-surgeon experience over a 30-year period (1990–2019). Of 551 patients with appropriate data who underwent microsurgical resection of BSCMs, 151 (27.4%) had midbrain lesions. These lesions were further subtyped on the basis of predominant surface presentation identified on preoperative MRI. Five distinct subtypes of midbrain BSCMs were defined: interpeduncular (7 lesions [4.6%]), peduncular (37 [24.5%]), tegmental (73 [48.3%]), quadrigeminal (27 [17.9%]), and periaqueductal (7 [4.6%]). Neurological outcomes were assessed using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. A postoperative score ≤ 2 was defined as a favorable outcome; a score > 2 was defined as a poor outcome. Clinical and surgical characteristics and neurological outcomes were compared among subtypes. RESULTS Each midbrain BSCM subtype was associated with a recognizable constellation of neurological symptoms. Patients with interpeduncular lesions commonly presented with ipsilateral oculomotor nerve palsy and contralateral cerebellar ataxia or dyscoordination. Peduncular lesions were associated with contralateral hemiparesis and ipsilateral oculomotor nerve palsy. Patients with tegmental lesions were the most likely to present with contralateral sensory deficits, whereas those with quadrigeminal lesions commonly presented with the features of Parinaud syndrome. Periaqueductal lesions were the most likely to cause obstructive hydrocephalus. A single surgical approach was preferred (> 90% of cases) for each midbrain subtype: interpeduncular (transsylvian-interpeduncular approach [7/7 lesions]), peduncular (transsylvian-transpeduncular [24/37]), tegmental (lateral supracerebellar-infratentorial [73/73]), quadrigeminal (midline or paramedian supracerebellar-infratentorial [27/27]), and periaqueductal (transcallosal-transchoroidal fissure [6/7]). Favorable outcomes (mRS score ≤ 2) were observed in most patients (110/136 [80.9%]) with follow-up data. No significant differences in outcomes were observed between subtypes (p = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS The study confirmed the authors’ hypothesis that taxonomy for midbrain BSCMs can meaningfully guide the selection of surgical approach and resection strategy. The proposed taxonomy can increase diagnostic acumen at the patient bedside, help identify optimal surgical approaches, enhance the consistency of clinical communications and publications, and improve patient outcomes.

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