An Endoscopic Endonasal Nasopharyngectomy with Posterolateral Extension

Author(s):  
Lifeng Li ◽  
Nyall R. London ◽  
Daniel M. Prevedello ◽  
Ricardo L. Carrau

Abstract Background Invasion depth influences the choice for extirpation of nasopharyngeal malignancies. This study aims to validate the feasibility of endoscopic endonasal resection of lesions with a posterolateral invasion. As a secondary goal, the study intends to propose a classification system of endoscopic endonasal nasopharyngectomy determined by the depth of posterolateral invasion. Methods Eight cadaveric specimens (16 sides) underwent progressive nasopharyngectomy using an endoscopic endonasal approach. Resection of the torus tubarius, Eustachian tube (ET), medial pterygoid plate and muscle, lateral nasal wall, and lateral pterygoid plate and muscle were sequentially performed to expose the fossa of Rosenmüller, petroclival region, parapharyngeal space (PPS), and jugular foramen, respectively. Results Technical feasibility of endonasal nasopharyngectomy toward a posterolateral direction was validated in all 16 sides. Nasopharyngectomy was classified into four types as follows: (1) type 1: resection restricted to the posterior or superior nasopharynx; (2) type 2: resection includes the torus tubarius which is suitable for lesions extended into the petroclival region; (3) type 3: resection includes the distal cartilaginous ET, medial pterygoid plate, and muscle, often required for lesions extending laterally into the PPS; And (4) type 4: resection includes the lateral nasal wall, pterygoid plates and muscles, and all the cartilaginous ET. This extensive resection is required for lesions involving the carotid artery or extending to the jugular foramen region. Conclusion Selected lesions with posterolateral invasion into the PPS or jugular foramen is amenable to a resection via expanded endonasal approach. Classification of nasopharyngectomy based on tumor depth of posterolateral invasion helps to plan a surgical approach.

Author(s):  
Jianfeng Liu ◽  
Carlos D. Pinheiro-Neto ◽  
Dazhang Yang ◽  
Eric Wang ◽  
Paul A. Gardner ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The jugular foramen is one of the most challenging surgical regions in skull base surgery. With the development of endoscopic techniques, the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has been undertaken to treat some lesions in this area independently or combined with open approaches. The purpose of the current study is to describe the anatomical steps and landmarks for the EEA to the jugular foramen and to compare it with the degree of exposure obtained with the lateral infratemporal fossa approach. Materials and Methods A total of 15 osseous structures related to the jugular foramen were measured in 33 adult dry skulls. Three silicone-injected adult cadaveric heads (six sides) were dissected for EEA and three heads (six sides) were used for a lateral infratemporal fossa approach (Fisch type A). The jugular foramen was exposed, relevant landmarks were demonstrated, and the distances between relevant landmarks and the jugular foramen were obtained. High-quality pictures were obtained. Results The jugular foramen was accessed in all dissections by using either approach. Important anatomical landmarks for EEA include internal carotid artery (ICA), petroclival fissure, inferior petrosal sinus, jugular tubercle, and hypoglossal canal. The EEA exposed the anterior and medial parts of the jugular foramen, while the lateral infratemporal fossa approach (Fisch type A) exposed the lateral and posterior parts of the jugular foramen. With EEA, dissection and transposition of the facial nerve was avoided, but the upper parapharyngeal and paraclival ICA may need to be mobilized to adequately expose the jugular foramen. Conclusion The EEA to the jugular foramen is anatomically feasible but requires mobilization of the ICA to provide access to the anterior and medial aspects of the jugular foramen. The lateral infratemporal approach requires facial nerve transposition to provide access to the lateral and posterior parts of the jugular foramen. A deep understanding of the complex anatomy of this region is paramount for safe and effective surgery of the jugular foramen. Both techniques may be complementary considering the different regions of the jugular foramen accessed with each approach.


2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (S 02) ◽  
pp. S194-S195
Author(s):  
Justin Davanzo ◽  
Neerav Goyal ◽  
Brad Zacharia

AbstractThis video abstract demonstrates the use of the expanded endoscopic endonasal approach for the resection of a retrochiasmatic craniopharyngioma. These tumors are notoriously difficult to treat, and many approaches have been tried to facilitate safe and effective resection. The endoscopic endonasal approach has been increasingly utilized for selected sellar/suprasellar pathology. We present the case of a 39-year-old man who was found to have a cystic, partially calcified suprasellar mass consistent with a craniopharyngioma. To facilitate robust skull base repair, a vascularized nasoseptal flap was harvested. A wide sphenoidotomy was performed and the sella and tuberculum were exposed. After the dural opening and arachnoid dissection, the stalk was identified, merging seamlessly with the tumor capsule. The lesion was then internally debulked with the use of an ultrasonic aspirator. The capsule was then dissected off of the optic chiasm, thalamus, and hypothalamus. The cavity was inspected with an angled endoscope to ensure complete resection. A multilayered reconstruction was performed using autologous fascia lata, the previously harvested nasoseptal flap, and dural sealant. Postoperatively, the patient did have expected panhypopituitarism but remained neurologically intact and had improvement in his vision. In conclusion, this video demonstrates how an expanded endonasal approach can be used to safely resect a craniopharyngioma, even when in close proximity to delicate structures such as the optic chiasm.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/tahjHmrXhc4.


2008 ◽  
Vol 108 (4) ◽  
pp. 715-728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin B. Kassam ◽  
Paul A. Gardner ◽  
Carl H. Snyderman ◽  
Ricardo L. Carrau ◽  
Arlan H. Mintz ◽  
...  

Object Craniopharyngiomas are notoriously difficult to treat. Surgeons must weigh the risks of aggressive resection against the long-term challenges of recurrence. Because of their parasellar location, often extending well beyond the sella, these tumors challenge vision and pituitary and hypothalamic function. New techniques are needed to improve outcomes in patients with these tumors while decreasing treatment morbidity. An endoscopic expanded endonasal approach (EEA) is one such technique that warrants understanding and evaluation. The authors explain the techniques and approach used for the endoscopic endonasal resection of suprasellar craniopharyngiomas and introduce a tumor classification scheme. Methods The techniques and approach used for the endoscopic, endonasal resection of suprasellar craniopharyngiomas is explained, including the introduction of a tumor classification scheme. This scheme is helpful for understanding both the appropriate expanded approach as well as relevant involved anatomy. Results The classification scheme divides tumors according to their suprasellar extension: Type I is preinfundibular; Type II is transinfundibular (extending into the stalk); Type III is retroinfundibular, extending behind the gland and stalk, and has 2 subdivisions (IIIa, extending into the third ventricle; and IIIb, extending into the interpeduncular cistern); and Type IV is isolated to the third ventricle and/or optic recess and is not accessible via an endonasal approach. Conclusions The endoscopic EEA requires a thorough understanding of both sinus and skull base anatomy. Moreover, in its application for craniopharyngiomas, an understanding of tumor growth and extension with respect to the optic chiasm and infundibulum is critical to safely approach the lesion via an endonasal route.


2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin B. Kassam ◽  
Paul Gardner ◽  
Carl Snyderman ◽  
Arlan Mintz ◽  
Ricardo Carrau

Object The middle third of the clivus and the region around the petrous internal carotid artery (ICA) is a difficult area of the skull base in terms of access. This is a deep area rich with critical neurovascular structures, which is often host to typical skull base diseases. Expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches offer a potential option for accessing this difficult region. The objective of this paper was to establish the clinical feasibility of gaining access to the paraclival space in the region of the middle third of the clivus, to provide a practical modular and clinically applicable classification, and to describe the relevant critical surgical anatomy for each module. Methods The anatomical organization of the region around the petrous ICA, cavernous sinus, and middle clivus is presented, with approaches divided into zones. In an accompanying paper in this issue by Cavallo, et al., the anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa is presented; this was observed through cadaveric dissection for which an expanded endonasal approach was used. In the current paper the authors translate the aforementioned anatomical study to provide a clinically applicable categorization of the endonasal approach to the region around the petrous ICA. A series of zones inferior and superior to the petrous ICA are described, with an illustrative case presented for each region. Conclusions The expanded endonasal approach is a feasible approach to the middle third of the clivus, petrous ICA, cavernous sinus, and medial infratemporal fossa in cases in which the lesion is located centrally, with neurovascular structures displaced laterally.


2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Kassam ◽  
Paul Gardner ◽  
Carl Snyderman ◽  
Ricardo Carrau ◽  
Lee Zimmer ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 125 (5) ◽  
pp. 1171-1186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Muto ◽  
Daniel M. Prevedello ◽  
Leo F. S. Ditzel Filho ◽  
Ing Ping Tang ◽  
Kenichi Oyama ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) offers direct access to midline skull base lesions, and the anterior transpetrosal approach (ATPA) stands out as a method for granting entry into the upper and middle clival areas. This study evaluated the feasibility of performing EEA for tumors located in the petroclival region in comparison with ATPA. METHODS On 8 embalmed cadaver heads, EEA to the petroclival region was performed utilizing a 4-mm endoscope with either 0° or 30° lenses, and an ATPA was performed under microscopic visualization. A comparison was executed based on measurements of 5 heads (10 sides). Case illustrations were utilized to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of EEA and ATPA when dealing with petroclival conditions. RESULTS Extradurally, EEA allows direct access to the medial petrous apex, which is limited by the petrous and paraclival internal carotid artery (ICA) segments laterally. The ATPA offers direct access to the petrous apex, which is blocked by the petrous ICA and abducens nerve inferiorly. Intradurally, the EEA allows a direct view of the areas medial to the cisternal segment of cranial nerve VI with limited lateral exposure. ATPA offers excellent access to the cistern between cranial nerves III and VIII. The quantitative analysis demonstrated that the EEA corridor could be expanded laterally with an angled drill up to 1.8 times wider than the bone window between both paraclival ICA segments. CONCLUSIONS The midline, horizontal line of the petrous ICA segment, paraclival ICA segment, and the abducens nerve are the main landmarks used to decide which approach to the petroclival region to select. The EEA is superior to the ATPA for accessing lesions medial or caudal to the abducens nerve, such as chordomas, chondrosarcomas, and midclival meningiomas. The ATPA is superior to lesions located posterior and/or lateral to the paraclival ICA segment and lesions with extension to the middle fossa and/or infratemporal fossa. The EEA and ATPA are complementary and can be used independently or in combination with each other in order to approach complex petroclival lesions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Lin ◽  
Bo-An Chen ◽  
Shih-Ming Jung ◽  
Cheng-Chi Lee

Abstract Background Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (SHC) is a relatively malignant tumor due to its recurrence and metastasis. Although metastatic SHC has been reported, skull base metastasis has not yet been documented. Case presentation: We herein report on a 51-year-old male with left throbbing headache and cranial nerve neuropathies. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extradural lesion of over 4 cm involving the jugular foramen, hypoglossal canal, clivus and the atlas. An endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) was adopted for tissue biopsy and decompression, and the symptoms of the patient improved significantly after the surgery. Conclusions SHC invading the skull base is an extremely rare circumstance. For such extradural lesions, EEA is the most applicable and promising treatment approach.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 482-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Vaz-Guimaraes ◽  
Ana Carolina I. Nakassa ◽  
Paul A. Gardner ◽  
Eric W. Wang ◽  
Carl H. Snyderman ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Surgical exposure of the jugular foramen (JF) is challenging given its complex regional anatomy and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomical basis, surgical technique, and outcomes of a group of patients who underwent the endoscopic endonasal approach to the JF. METHODS: Five silicon-injected anatomical specimens were prepared for dissection. Additionally, a chart review was conducted through our patient database, searching for endonasal exposure of the JF. Demographic data, clinical presentation, pathological findings, extent of resection in the JF, and occurrence of complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The endonasal exposure of the JF requires 3 sequential steps: a transpterygoid, a “far-medial,” and an “extreme-medial” approach. Mobilization or transection of the cartilaginous portion of the eustachian tube (ET) is necessary. In the clinical series, cranial neuropathies were the presenting symptoms in 16 patients (89%). Eighteen tumors (10 chondrosarcomas, 7 chordomas, 1 adenocarcinoma) extended secondarily into the JF. Total tumor resection was achieved in 10 patients (56%), near total (≥90%) in 6 (33%), and subtotal (<90%) in 2 (11%). ET dysfunction (75% of cases), transient palatal numbness (17%), cerebrospinal fluid leakage (17%), and lower cranial nerve palsy (17%) were the most common postoperative complications. There were no carotid artery or jugular vein injuries. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic endonasal approach to the JF requires mobilization or transection of the cartilaginous portion of the ET. This maneuver provides a safe infrapetrosal surgical route to the JF. It may be considered a valid option, in well-selected cases, for resection of malignant and recurrent cranial base tumors.


2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_2) ◽  
pp. ons211-ons220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor A. Morera ◽  
Juan C. Fernandez-Miranda ◽  
Daniel M. Prevedello ◽  
Ricky Madhok ◽  
Juan Barges-Coll ◽  
...  

Abstract OBJECTIVE The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach is a valid alternative for treatment of lesions in the clivus. The major limitation of this approach is a significant lateral extension of the tumor. We aim to identify a safe corridor through the occipital condyle to provide more lateral exposure of the foramen magnum. METHODS Sixteen parameters were measured in 25 adult skulls to analyze the exact extension of a safe corridor through the condyle. Endonasal endoscopic anatomic dissections were carried out in nine colored latex–injected heads. RESULTS Drilling at the lateral inferior clival area exposed two compartments divided by the hypoglossal canal: the jugular tubercle (superior) and the condylar (inferior). Completion of a unilateral ventromedial condyle resection opens a 3.5 mm (transverse length) * 10 mm (vertical length) lateral surgical corridor, facilitating direct access to the vertebral artery at its dural entry point into the posterior fossa. The supracondylar groove is a reliable landmark for locating the hypoglossal canal in relation to the condyle. The hypoglossal canal is used as the posterior limit of the condyle removal to preserve more than half of the condylar mass. The transjugular tubercle approach is accomplished by drilling above the hypoglossal canal, and increases the vertical length of the lateral surgical corridor by 8 mm, allowing for visualization of the distal cisternal segment of the lower cranial nerves. CONCLUSION The transcondylar and transjugular tubercle “far medial” expansions of the endoscopic endonasal approach to the inferior third of the clivus provide a unique surgical corridor to the ventrolateral surface of the ponto- and cervicomedullary junctions.


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