Anterior Petrosal [Kawase] Approach to Meckel's Cave Meningioma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nickalus R Khan ◽  
Jason I Liounakos ◽  
Jacques J Morcos

Abstract Meningiomas arising from Dorello's canal1-3 are a rare disease entity often resulting in an unclear diagnosis even at the time of surgery.4,5 We present a case of a 63-yr-old man who presented with a sixth nerve palsy. He was found to have a lesion in the region of Meckel's cave on neuroimaging studies. Additionally, there were cutaneous and joint complaints that gave rise to a clinical possibility of sarcoidosis. The differential diagnosis also included meningioma or other inflammatory processes. The patient underwent a right-sided middle fossa approach and partial anterior petrosectomy (Kawase approach). Meckel's cave was opened, the tumor resected, and the petrosphenoid ligament (Gruber's) was identified. It was a meningioma. The case presentation, surgical anatomy, technique, and postoperative course and outcome are reviewed.  The patient gave verbal consent for participating in the procedure and surgical video.

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (videosuppl2) ◽  
pp. V8 ◽  
Author(s):  
James K. Liu

The surgical management of petroclival meningiomas remains a formidable challenge. These tumors are deep in the base of the skull and arise medial to the fifth cranial nerve. In this operative video, the author demonstrates the extended middle fossa approach with anterior petrosectomy to resect an upper petroclival meningioma extending into Meckel’s cave with brainstem compression. This approach is very useful for accessing deep tumors located above and below the tentorium, and between the fifth and seventh cranial nerves. Access to Meckel’s cave is readily achieved by opening the fibrous ring of the porous trigeminus. This video demonstrates the operative technique and surgical nuances of the skull base approach, useful anatomic landmarks of the middle fossa rhomboid for safe petrosectomy drilling, pearls for cranial nerve and neuro-otologic preservation, and exposure of Meckel’s cave. A gross-total resection was achieved, and the patient was neurologically intact. In summary, the extended middle fossa approach with anterior petrosectomy is an important strategy in the armamentarium for surgical management of petroclival meningiomas.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/jttwJIYPHC8.


2000 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madjid Samii ◽  
Marcos Tatagiba ◽  
Gustavo A. Carvalho

Object. The goal of this study was to determine whether some petroclival tumors can be safely and efficiently treated using a modified retrosigmoid petrosal approach that is called the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach (RISA).Methods. The RISA was introduced in 1983, and since that time 12 patients harboring petroclival meningiomas have been treated using this technique. The RISA includes a retrosigmoid craniotomy and drilling of the suprameatus petrous bone, which is located above and anterior to the internal auditory meatus, thus providing access to Meckel's cave and the middle fossa.Radical tumor resection (Simpson Grade I or II) was achieved in nine (75%) of the 12 patients. Two patients underwent subtotal resection (Simpson Grade III), and one patient underwent complete resection of tumor at the posterior fossa with subtotal resection at the middle fossa. There were no deaths or severe complications in this series; all patients did well postoperatively, being independent at the time of their last follow-up examinations (mean 5.6 years). Neurological deficits included facial paresis in one patient and worsening of hearing in two patients.Conclusions. Theapproach described here is a useful modification of the retrosigmoid approach, which allows resection of large petroclival tumors without the need for supratentorial craniotomies. Although technically meticulous, this approach is not time-consuming; it is safe and can produce good results. This is the first report on the use of this approach for petroclival meningiomas.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunal V Vakharia ◽  
Ryan M Naylor ◽  
Ashley M Nassiri ◽  
Colin L W Driscoll ◽  
Michael J Link

Abstract Epidermoid cysts are rare, benign lesions that result from inclusion of ectodermal elements during neural tube closure.1 Cysts are composed of desquamated epithelial cells and restrict diffusion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).2,3 Symptoms are attributable to anatomic location.4,5 In this video, we illustrate the surgical treatment of an epidermoid cyst located in the right cerebellopontine angle, petrous apex, and Meckel's cave. The patient, a 33-yr-old female with right-sided V1 trigeminal hypoesthesia, underwent surveillance imaging for 2 yr. However, she developed progressive V1 and V2 trigeminal hypoesthesia and imaging revealed enlargement of the lesion. Therefore, surgical resection was pursued. The patient consented to the procedure. The patient underwent a right middle fossa craniotomy and anterior petrosectomy. After identifying the greater superficial petrosal nerve and cutting the middle meningeal artery as it exited foramen spinosum, Kawase's triangle was drilled, and the dura over Meckel's cave and the subtemporal dura were opened. The lesion was resected, taking care to preserve the trigeminal nerve and the basilar artery. A retrosigmoid craniotomy was then fashioned. The cyst and its capsule were dissected off the brainstem and cranial nerves utilizing natural corridors between the trigeminal and vestibulocochlear nerves as well as between the facial and lower cranial nerves. Gross total resection was confirmed on postoperative MRI, and she was discharged home on postoperative day 5. Three months after surgery, she underwent formal pinprick testing, which revealed 95% loss of sensation in V1, 20% loss in V2, and normal sensation in V3. Three-month postoperative MRI showed no residual tumor.


2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (S 03) ◽  
pp. S304-S304
Author(s):  
Diego Mendez-Rosito

Objective The anterior petrosal approach is an extension of the middle fossa approach, characterized by drilling of the posteromedial triangle of the middle fossa. Drilling the Kawase's rhomboid creates a surgical corridor to the posterior fossa after splitting the tentorium. We present a case of a petrous apex meningioma invading the tentorium and causing trigeminal neuralgia. Results The patient was positioned in a Mayfield with the head rotated. A frontotemporal incision was done. A basal craniotomy was done to allow epidural dissection. The anatomical landmarks were identified. The surgical video is analyzed together with cadaveric dissections to highlight landmarks when doing an anterior petrosectomy. The tentorium was identified and the infiltrated region was coagulated and removed. The tentorium was sharply sectioned until the free edge of the tentorium was opened. The tumor in the petrous apex was identified and removed. The trigeminal nerve was decompressed and a gross total resection was achieved with resolution of the symptoms. Conclusion The anterior petrosal approach is a useful corridor to remove tumors in the petrous apex that infiltrate the tentorium. A thorough knowledge of the anatomical landmarks is crucial to identify and delineate the limits of the Kawase's rhomboid. After evaluating different surgical corridors, the anterior petrosal approach allows a gross total resection including the removal of the infiltrated tentorium and a resolution of the symptoms.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/p4KPUnM_bww.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 614-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blake Harrison Priddy ◽  
Cristian Ferrareze Nunes ◽  
Andre Beer-Furlan ◽  
Ricardo Carrau ◽  
Iacopo Dallan ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: In the last decade, endoscopic skull base surgery has significantly developed and generated a plethora of techniques and approaches for access to the cranial ventral floor. However, the exploration for the least-aggressive, maximally efficient approach continues. OBJECTIVE: To describe in detail an anatomical study, along with the technical nuances of a novel endoscopic approach to Meckel's Cave (MC) using a lateral transorbital (LTO) route. METHODS: Eighteen orbits of injected cadaveric specimens were operated on, using an endoscopic LTO approach to MC, middle cranial fossa, and paramedian skull base preserving the orbital rim. Surgical navigation and an after-the-fact infratemporal craniectomy were utilized to identify the limits of the approach. RESULTS: Following a transorbital approach opening a trapezoid window at the superolateral aspect (average 166.7 mm2), a middle fossa “peeling” and full visualization of MC was accomplished with no difficulties in all specimens. The entire approach was performed extradurally without the need to expose the temporal lobe. CONCLUSION: In a cadaveric model, the endoscopic LTO approach affords a direct route to access MC. Its main advantage is that it is minimally disruptive in nature, less brain retraction is required, and it reaches the middle fossa in an anterolateral perspective. It also requires no manipulation of the temporalis muscle, limited cosmetic incision, and rapid recovery. It seems a viable alternative to traditional approaches for lesions lateral to the cranial nerves at the cavernous sinus and MC, that is, schwannomas. Clinical utilization of this approach will challenge its efficacy and identify limitations.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Tayebi Meybodi ◽  
James K Liu

Abstract Resection of large trigeminal schwannomas involving both posterior and middle cranial fossae is challenging. The depth of the surgical target in the superomedial corner of the cerebellopontine angle and the petrous apex makes for a difficult lesion to favorably access, expose, and safely resect. Judicious planning of a skull base approach is therefore the most crucial step in successful management of these formidable tumors. When properly chosen, planned, and executed, the combined petrosal approach sets the stage for an optimal exposure of such tumors that involve both posterior and middle cranial fossae. The present video is the first of a 2-part video presentation that explains the anatomic rationale of selecting a combined petrosal approach (anterior petrosectomy and retrolabyrinthine petrosectomy) for the resection of a large trigeminal schwannoma involving the posterior and middle cranial fossae with an extension into Meckel's cave in a 54-yr-old female presenting with 5-yr history of increasing headaches, left-sided face numbness, and disequilibrium. The benefits, risks, and alternatives of the surgical procedure were discussed in detail with the patient and she consented to proceed with surgery. Part I also discusses the important nuances of positioning the patient, as well as planning and execution of the skin incision, including pericranial flap harvesting.  Of note, the patient consented to the publication of images obtained from her.


2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (suppl_4) ◽  
pp. ONS-270-ONS-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samy Youssef ◽  
Eun-Young Kim ◽  
Khaled M.A. Aziz ◽  
Salah Hemida ◽  
Jeffrey T. Keller ◽  
...  

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Successful resection of dumbbell-shaped trigeminal schwannomas via a subtemporal interdural approach requires an understanding of both the anatomy related to the bone dissection of the petrous apex (Kawase's triangle or quadrilateral) and meningeal anatomy. We studied the meningeal anatomy related to this approach and describe the dural incisions and stepwise mobilization. METHODS: Meningeal anatomy around Meckel's cave and porus trigeminus was examined during the subtemporal interdural anterior transpetrosal approach in both sides of 15 cadaveric heads. Histological study of the Meckel's cave region was performed in two cadaveric heads. RESULTS: The Gasserian ganglion and trigeminal roots have two layers of dura propria on their dorsolateral surface: an inner layer from the posterior fossa dura propria that constitutes the dorsolateral wall of Meckel's cave and an outer layer from the dura propria of the middle fossa. The cleavage plane between these two layers continues distally as the cleavage plane between the epineural sheaths of the trigeminal divisions and the dura propria of the middle fossa. This cleavage plane serves as the anatomic landmark for the interdural exposure of the contents of Meckel's cave. The superior petrosal sinus is sectioned at the medial aspect of Kawase's triangle and reflected along with the porus trigeminus roof. CONCLUSION: Understanding the critical meningeal architecture in and around Meckel's cave allows experienced cranial neurosurgeons to develop a subtemporal interdural approach to dumbbell-shaped trigeminal schwannomas that effectively converts a multiple-compartment tumor into a single-compartment tumor. Dural incisions and stepwise mobilization complements our previous description of the bony dissection for this approach.


1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 645-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Fehlings ◽  
William S. Tucker

✓ A case of a cavernous hemangioma located within Meckel's cave and involving the gasserian ganglion is described in a patient presenting with facial pain and a trigeminal nerve deficit. Although these lesions have been reported to occur in the middle fossa, this is believed to be the first case of such a vascular malformation arising solely from within Meckel's cave.


2002 ◽  
Vol 111 (9) ◽  
pp. 850-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel I. Choo ◽  
David L. Steward ◽  
Myles L. Pensak

Meningiomas originating in Meckel's cave (MC) are uncommon lesions that represent 1% of all intracranial meningiomas. Innovations in skull base surgery have enabled resection of these lesions with less morbidity, but require an intimate knowledge of both lesional pathology and regional microneuroanatomy. To review the surgical and clinical considerations involved in the management of MC meningiomas, we retrospectively reviewed data from patients who underwent transpetrosal resection of primary MC meningiomas between 1984 and 1998. Of 146 patients who underwent transpetrosal removal of meningiomas, 7 were believed to have tumors originating in MC. All 7 patients presented with trigeminal dysfunction, facial pain, and/or headache. Complete tumor removal was achieved in 5 of the 7 patients. Facial hypoesthesia or anesthesia, paralysis of cranial nerve VI, and ophthalmoplegia were among the postoperative complications encountered. Meningiomas of MC represent treatable lesions whose diagnosis requires prompt imaging of patients with trigeminal dysfunction and symptoms of facial pain and headache.


1999 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. E1
Author(s):  
Madjid Samii ◽  
Marcos Tatagiba ◽  
Gustavo A. Carvalho

Object The goal of this study was to determine whether some petroclival tumors can be safely and efficiently treated using a modified retrosigmoid petrosal approach that is called the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach (RISA). Methods The RISA was introduced in 1983, and since that time 12 patients harboring petroclival meningiomas have been treated using this technique. The RISA includes a retrosigmoid craniotomy and drilling of the suprameatus petrous bone, which is located above and anterior to the internal auditory meatus, thus providing access to Meckel's cave and the middle fossa. Radical tumor resection (Simpson Grade I or II) was achieved in nine (75%) of the 12 patients. Two patients underwent subtotal resection (Simpson Grade III), and one patient underwent complete resection of tumor at the posterior fossa with subtotal resection at the middle fossa. There were no deaths or severe complications in this series; all patients did well postoperatively, being independent at the time of their last follow-up examinations (mean 5.6 years). Neurological deficits included facial paresis in one patient and worsening of hearing in two patients. Conclusions The approach described here is a useful modification of the retrosigmoid approach, which allows resection of large petroclival tumors without the need for supratentorial craniotomies. Although technically meticulous, this approach is not time consuming; it is safe and can produce good results. This is the first report on the use of this approach for petroclival meningiomas.


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