scholarly journals Petrosal Approach With Preservation of the Superior Petrosal Sinus (the Graceful Petrosal) for Resection of Giant Trigeminal Schwannoma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. E342-E343
Author(s):  
Kaith K Almefty ◽  
Ossama Al-Mefty

Abstract Trigeminal schwannomas are benign tumors amendable to curative surgical resection.1 Excellent outcomes, with preservation and improvement of cranial nerve function, including trigeminal nerve function, have been reported with microsurgical resection through skull base approaches.2 Dumbell shaped tumors, involving the middle and posterior fossa, are more challenging.3 They are resected via a middle cranial fossa approach with the expanded Meckel cave providing access to the posterior fossa. However, tumors with a large caudal extension below the internal auditory meatus typically cannot be adequately accessed with this approach and the posterior petrosal approach is utilized.2 Specific venous anatomy might deter from cutting the tentorium. This article describes the surgical resection of a trigeminal schwannoma with a large posterior fossa component through a petrosal approach without cutting the tentorium.4 The patient is a 34-yr-old man who presented with headaches and gait disturbance. Neurological exam revealed hypoesthesia and hypoalgesia in the left V1 and V2 distributions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large dumbbell-shaped schwannoma causing brainstem compression. Magnetic resonance venography (MRV) demonstrated temporal lobe venous drainage into the superior petrosal sinus and tentorium proximal to the transverse sigmoid junction. A single temporal-suboccipital bone flap and a retro-labrynthine mastoidectomy were performed. The petrous apex was drilled and Meckle's cave opened. The presigmoid dura was opened and extended toward the petrous apex region beneath the tentorium. This provided access to and safe resection of the tumor. A gross total tumor resection was achieved. The patient remained stable neurologically and was without tumor recurrence at 3 yr postoperatively. The patient had consented to the procedure. Figures in video at 4:06 from Jafez et al, Preservation of the superior petrosal sinus during the petrosal approach, J Neurosurg. 2011;114(5):1294-1298, with permission from JNSPG.

Author(s):  
Baha'eddin A. Muhsen ◽  
Edinson Najera ◽  
Hamid Borghei-Razavi ◽  
Badih Adada

AbstractTrigeminal schwannomas are rare benign tumors, it is second most common intracranial schwannomas after vestibular schwannomas. The management includes not limited to observation, stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy, and/or surgical resection. Tumor size and patient clinical status are the most important factors in management.In this video, we describe the technical nuances of an extended middle fossa approach for large trigeminal schwannoma with cavernous sinus extension resection. A 44-year-old right-handed female with several months' history of progressive right facial paresthesia and pain in the distribution of V3 mainly. On physical examination, she had decreased sensation to light touch over the right V1 to V3 distribution with loss of cornel reflex. The brain MRI showed 3.5 cm bilobed mass extends from the pontine root entry zone to the cavernous sinus. Craniotomy was performed and followed by middle fossa dural peeling, peeling of temporal lobe dura away from the wall of the cavernous sinus, extradurally anterior clinoidectomy, drilling of the petrous apex, coagulation of superior petrosal sinus followed incision of the tentorium up to the tentorial notch with preservation the fourth cranial nerve, and tumor dissected away from V1 and then gradually removed from the superior wall of the cavernous sinus.The technique presented here allows for complete tumor resection, safe navigation through the relative cavernous sinus compartments, and minimizes the possibility of inadvertent injury to the cranial nerves.The postoperative course was uneventful except for right eye incomplete ptosis from the swelling. Her facial pain subsided after the surgery without any extra ocular movement impairment.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/zxi2XK2R9QU.


Author(s):  
Sima Sayyahmelli ◽  
Emel Avci ◽  
Burak Ozaydin ◽  
Mustafa K. Başkaya

AbstractTrigeminal schwannomas are rare nerve sheet tumors that represent the second most common intracranial site of occurrence after vestibular nerve origins. Microsurgical resection of giant dumbbell-shaped trigeminal schwannomas often requires complex skull base approaches. The extradural transcavernous approach is effective for the resection of these giant tumors involving the cavernous sinus.The patient is a 72-year-old man with headache, dizziness, imbalance, and cognitive decline. Neurological examination revealed left-sided sixth nerve palsy, a diminished corneal reflex, and wasting of temporalis muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a giant homogeneously enhancing dumbbell-shaped extra-axial mass centered within the left cavernous sinus, Meckel's cave, and the petrous apex, with extension to the cerebellopontine angle. There was a significant mass effect on the brain stem causing hydrocephalus. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed erosion of the petrous apex resulting in partial anterior autopetrosectomy (Figs. 1 and 2).The decision was made to proceed with tumor resection using a transcavernous approach. Gross total resection was achieved. The surgery and postoperative course were uneventful, and the patient woke up the same as in the preoperative period. MRI confirmed gross total resection of the tumor. The histopathology was a trigeminal schwannoma, World Health Organization (WHO) grade I. The patient continues to do well without any recurrence at 15-month follow-up.This video demonstrates important steps of the microsurgical skull base techniques for resection of these challenging tumors.The link to the video can be found at https://youtu.be/TMK5363836M


2006 ◽  
Vol 58 (suppl_4) ◽  
pp. ONS-189-ONS-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Sinclair ◽  
Michael E. Kelly ◽  
Gary K. Steinberg

Abstract Objective: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) involving the cerebellum and brainstem are relatively rare lesions that most often present clinically as a result of a hemorrhagic episode. Although these AVMs were once thought to have a more aggressive clinical course in comparison with supratentorial AVMs, recent autopsy data suggests that there may be little difference in hemorrhage rates between the two locations. Although current management of these lesions often involves preoperative embolization and stereotactic radiosurgery, surgical resection remains the treatment of choice, conferring immediate protection to the patient from the risk of future hemorrhage. Methods: Most symptomatic AVMs that involve the cerebellum and the pial or ependymal surfaces of the brainstem are candidates for surgical resection. Preoperative angiography and magnetic resonance imaging studies are critical to determine suitability for resection and choice of operative exposure. In addition to considering the location of the nidus, arterial supply, and predominant venous drainage, the surgical approach must also be selected with consideration of the small confines of the posterior fossa and eloquence of the brainstem, cranial nerves, and deep cerebellar nuclei. Results: Since the 1980s, progressive advances in preoperative embolization, frameless stereotaxy, and intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring have significantly improved the number of posterior fossa AVMs amenable to microsurgical resection with minimal morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: Future improvements in endovascular technology and stereotactic radiosurgery will likely continue to increase the number of posterior fossa AVMs that can safely be removed and further improve the clinical outcomes associated with microsurgical resection.


2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. E13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo M. Mesquita Filho ◽  
Leo F. S. Ditzel Filho ◽  
Daniel M. Prevedello ◽  
Cristian A. N. Martinez ◽  
Mariano E. Fiore ◽  
...  

Object Skull base chondrosarcomas are slow-growing, locally invasive tumors that arise from the petroclival synchondrosis. These characteristics allow them to erode the clivus and petrous bone and slowly compress the contents of the posterior fossa progressively until the patient becomes symptomatic, typically from cranial neuropathies. Given the site of their genesis, surrounded by the petrous apex and the clival recess, these tumors can project to the middle fossa, cervical area, and posteriorly, toward the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches are versatile techniques that grant access to the petroclival synchondrosis, the core of these lesions. The ability to access multiple compartments, remove infiltrated bone, and achieve tumor resection without the need for neural retraction makes these techniques particularly appealing in the management of these complex lesions. Methods Analysis of the authors’ database yielded 19 cases of skull base chondrosarcomas; among these were 5 cases with predominant CPA involvement. The electronic medical records of the 5 patients were retrospectively reviewed for age, sex, presentation, pre- and postoperative imaging, surgical technique, pathology, and follow-up. These cases were used to illustrate the surgical nuances involved in the endonasal resection of CPA chondrosarcomas. Results The male/female ratio was 1:4, and the patients’ mean age was 55.2 ±11.2 years. All cases involved petrous bone and apex, with variable extensions to the posterior fossa and parapharyngeal space. The main clinical scenario was cranial nerve (CN) palsy, evidenced by diplopia (20%), ptosis (20%), CN VI palsy (20%), dysphagia (40%), impaired phonation (40%), hearing loss (20%), tinnitus (20%), and vertigo/dizziness (40%). Gross-total resection of the CPA component of the tumor was achieved in 4 cases (80%); near-total resection of the CPA component was performed in 1 case (20%). Two patients (40%) harbored high-grade chondrosarcomas. No patient experienced worsening neurological symptoms postoperatively. In 2 cases (40%), the symptoms were completely normalized after surgery. Conclusions Expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches appear to be safe and effective in the resection of select skull base chondrosarcomas; those with predominant CPA involvement seem particularly amenable to resection through this technique. Further studies with larger cohorts are necessary to test these preliminary impressions and to compare their effectiveness with the results obtained with open approaches.


2018 ◽  
Vol 07 (01) ◽  
pp. 023-028
Author(s):  
Saurin Shah ◽  
Amit Keshri ◽  
Simple Patadia ◽  
Rabi Sahu ◽  
Raj Kumar

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the facial nerve in inferior and lateral (transmastoid) approaches to the jugular foramen and/or petrous apex. Design Retrospective study of 11 consecutive patients operated for lesions in the jugular foramen/petrous apex via an inferior or lateral transpetrosal approach. Setting Tertiary care superspecialty referral center. Participants Eleven consecutive patients of jugular foramen/petrous apex lesions operated over a period of 18 months. Main Outcomes Measures Extent of tumor resection, surgical technique used, and recovery of facial nerve function postoperatively. Conclusion Approach to these lesions needs to be tailored to the extent of disease, possible histology and relation to the facial nerve. Meticulous surgery and adequate postoperative care permit a satisfactory recovery of facial nerve function following rerouting procedures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Angeles de Miquel

This paper aims to make simple the evaluation of the main veins related to the brainstem and cerebellum. Posterior fossa venous drainage is best understood in context with its three main collectors: superior: toward the Vein of Galen; posterior: toward the torcular complex; and anterior: toward the superior petrosal sinus. A fourth possible drainage path, often harder to distinguish, is directed toward the inferior petrosal sinus. Veins of these four systems are frequently connected to one another. Despite traditionally being considered less regular than its arterial disposition, posterior fossa venous anatomy follows specific patterns that are easy to identify. The three more representative veins of each venous confluent have been selected, to help in recognizing them angiographically. Since pial large veins are primarily located over the surface of the encephalon, most related anatomical structures can be confidently identified. This is of special interest when angiographic 2D or 3D studies are evaluated and provide fundamental assistance in locating precise structures. To better aid in understanding venous disposition, an overview of embryologic and fetal development is also discussed.


2008 ◽  
Vol 63 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ONS30-ONS37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elvis J. Hermann ◽  
Marion Rittierodt ◽  
Joachim K. Krauss

Abstract Objective: Giant pediatric midline tumors of the posterior fossa involving the fourth ventricle and the tectal region are difficult to approach and present a high risk of postoperative neurological deficits. Children with sequelae such as cerebellar mutism and ataxia experience a compromise in their quality of life. Here, we present our combined transventricular and supracerebellar infratentorial approach to avoid complications of vermian splitting. Methods: The combined transventricular and supracerebellar infratentorial approach described here was used in a total of four pediatric patients. A medial suboccipital craniotomy with opening of the foramen magnum and resection of the C1 lamina was performed with the patient in the semisitting position. The tumor mass filling the fourth ventricle was removed via a transventricular telovelar route through the foramen of Magendie, preserving the vermis. The rostral tumor portions in the peritectal region extruding up to the thalami were exposed and resected via an infratentorial supracere-bellar route to preserve the venous drainage of the cerebellum. Results: There were no new neurological deficits postoperatively. Two patients had low-grade astrocytomas, and two patients had malignant tumors. Complete tumor resection was achieved in two patients, and near-total tumor removal in the two others. CONCLUSION: The combined transventricular and supracerebellar infratentorial approach offers a unique possibility of safely removing giant pediatric midline tumors. Splitting of the cerebellar vermis is not necessary for removal of such tumors.


Author(s):  
AM Bueckert ◽  
J Pugh ◽  
T Snyder ◽  
M Wheatley ◽  
F Jacob ◽  
...  

Background: Dysembryoblastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) are benign tumors of the cerebral cortex that most commonly occur in children or young adults. Seizures are a frequent presenting feature, with an incidence of 80-100%, and are often an indication for surgical resection. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of children with DNETs who underwent epilepsy surgery between 1998 and 2014. Results: A total of 12 subjects were identified (6 males, 6 females), all of whom had seizures prior to surgical resection. Of these patients, 1 had infantile spasms, 2 had simple partial seizures and 10 had complex partial seizures. Tumors were located in the temporal (n=7), frontal (n=3) or parietal (n=2) cortex. These patients went on to have surgery on average 15 months after seizure onset, 3 had incomplete resections. At an average follow up of 6 years 4 months, all patients were class 1 on Engel’s Classification. All but one subject with rare non-disabling seizures were seizure free, with only 6 on medication. Follow up MR imaging revealed tumor recurrence in 1 subject. Conclusions: Despite differing seizure seminology and tumor location, surgical resection of these low-grade tumors resulted in excellent seizure outcome even in the setting of incomplete tumor resection.


2021 ◽  
pp. 159101992110577
Author(s):  
David Volders ◽  
Elena Adela Cora ◽  
Chiraz Chaalala ◽  
Maxime Cartier ◽  
Michihiro Tanaka ◽  
...  

Background Cerebello-pontine AVMs (CPAVMs) and petrous apex dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs) are rare and sometimes difficult to distinguish. We report a fatal hemorrhagic complication after coil embolization of the petrosal vein draining a trigeminal AVM misdiagnosed as a DAVF. Case presentation A 73-year-old woman with a petrous apex arteriovenous shunt with dual dural and pial arterial supply presented with posterior fossa hemorrhage. The draining petrosal vein was catheterized and coiled via the superior petrosal sinus. Two episodes of contrast extravasation occurred during coiling, but the lesion was completely occluded at the end of the procedure. The patient developed a fatal posterior fossa hemorrhage in the recovery room. Microscopic pathology revealed numerous dilated vessels within the trigeminal nerve. Conclusion CPAVMs and DAVFs with pial drainage should be distinguished pre-operatively. Occlusion of a pial vein (as opposed to a sinus) in the treatment of an arteriovenous shunt carries hemorrhagic risk if a liquid embolic agent is not used to completely occlude all pathological vessels.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. E353-E353
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Rinaldo ◽  
Neil S Patel ◽  
Colin L W Driscoll ◽  
Michael J Link

Abstract Trigeminal nerve schwannomas (TNSs) are rare lesions that typically present with symptoms of trigeminal neuropathy or other cranial nerve palsies. These lesions classically have a dumbbell shape, with an anterior component within Meckel's cave and posterior component extending into the posterior fossa through the porus trigeminus. Surgical resection of TNSs can often be achieved via an extradural subtemporal approach to Meckel's cave without an anterior petrousectomy, even for tumors with a significant posterior fossa component, as the tumor often erodes a portion of the petrous apex.1 We present the case of a 53-yr-old female presenting to our institution with complete trigeminal neuropathy secondary to a right-sided, previously resected and radiated TNS. Serial imaging demonstrated an interval growth of significant residual tumor despite multiple adjuvant therapies, and, thus, the patient was recommended to undergo additional surgical resection. The lesion was approached through a right-sided subtemporal approach to Meckel's cave,2 with a plan to utilize an anterior petrousectomy only if difficulty resecting the posterior fossa component of the tumor was encountered. Intraoperatively, the posterior fossa component was found to be densely adherent to the adjacent brainstem, likely secondary to prior surgery and radiation therapy, and, thus, an anterior petrousectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient had stable trigeminal neuropathy without any new neurological deficits and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a gross total resection. In the accompanying video, we hope to demonstrate the steps and nuances of both the subtemporal approach to accessing Meckel's cave and anterior petrousectomy when employed for the resection of TNSs. The patient in question provided formal consent for the making of this video.


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