Microsurgical Resection of a Petroclival Epidermoid Cyst Using an Anterior Petrosectomy Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunal V Vakharia ◽  
Ryan M Naylor ◽  
Ashley M Nassiri ◽  
Colin L W Driscoll ◽  
Michael J Link
Keyword(s):  
Epidermoid Cyst ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Residual Tumor ◽  
Middle Meningeal Artery ◽  
Neural Tube Closure ◽  
Petrous Apex ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Postoperative Mri ◽  
Meckel's Cave ◽  
Anterior Petrosectomy

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.

Combined Petrosal Approach for Resection of a Large Trigeminal Schwannoma With Meckel's Cave Involvement—Part I: Anatomic Rationale and Analysis: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Tayebi Meybodi ◽  
James K Liu
Keyword(s):  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Skin Incision ◽  
Petrous Apex ◽  
Successful Management ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Trigeminal Schwannoma ◽  
Skull Base Approach ◽  
Meckel's Cave ◽  
History Of ◽  
Anterior Petrosectomy

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.

scholarly journals Extended middle fossa approach with anterior petrosectomy for resection of upper petroclival meningioma involving Meckel’s cave: operative video and technical nuances

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (videosuppl2) ◽  
pp. V8 ◽  
Author(s):  
James K. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Management ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Petroclival Meningioma ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Petroclival Meningiomas ◽  
Meckel's Cave ◽  
Anterior Petrosectomy

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.

Anterior Petrosal Approach for Enlarging Previously Radiated Recurrent Trigeminal Schwannoma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. E353-E353
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Rinaldo ◽  
Neil S Patel ◽  
Colin L W Driscoll ◽  
Michael J Link
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Resection ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Residual Tumor ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Petrous Apex ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Trigeminal Neuropathy ◽  
Subtemporal Approach ◽  
Cranial Nerve Palsies ◽  
Meckel's Cave

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.

scholarly journals Epidermoid Cyst in Meckel's Cave With Unusual Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 701-704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi ARAI ◽  
Takashi SASAYAMA ◽  
Junji KOYAMA ◽  
Atsushi FUJITA ◽  
Kohkichi HOSODA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Epidermoid Cyst ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Meckel's Cave

Custom-tailored transdural anterior transpetrosal approach to ventral pons and retroclival regions

2006 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans-Jakob Steiger ◽  
Daniel Hänggi ◽  
Walter Stummer ◽  
Peter A. Winkler
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Extent Of Resection ◽  
Venous Congestion ◽  
Petrous Apex ◽  
Anterior Transpetrosal Approach ◽  
Target Field ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Anterior Petrosectomy ◽  
Spinal Catheter

Object The extradural anterior petrosectomy approach to the pons and midbasilar artery (mid-BA) has the main disadvantage that the extent of resection of the petrous apex cannot be as minimal as desired given that the surgical target field is not visible during bone removal. Unnecessary or excessive drilling poses the risk of injury to the internal carotid artery, vestibulocochlear organ, and seventh and eighth cranial nerves. The use of a custom-tailored transdural anterior transpetrosal approach can potentially avoid these pitfalls. Methods A technique for a transdural anterior petrosectomy was developed in the operating theater and anatomy laboratory. Following a subtemporal craniotomy and basal opening of the dura mater, the vein of Labbé is first identified and protected. Cerebrospinal fluid ([CSF] 50–100 ml) is drained via a spinal catheter. The tent is incised behind the entrance of the trochlear nerve toward the superior petrosal sinus (SPS), which is coagulated and divided. The dura is stripped from the petrous pyramid. Drilling starts at the petrous ridge and proceeds laterally and ventrally. The trigeminal nerve is unroofed. The internal acoustic meatus is identified and drilling is continued laterally as needed. The bone of the Kawase triangle toward the clivus can be removed down to the inferior petrosal sinus if necessary. Anterior exposure can be extended to the carotid artery if required. It is only exceptionally necessary to follow the greater superior petrosal nerve toward the geniculate ganglion and to expose the length of the internal acoustic canal. The modified transdural anterior petrosectomy exposure has been used in nine patients—two with a mid-BA aneurysm, two with a dural arteriovenous fistula, one with a pontine glioma, three with a pontine cavernoma, and one with a pontine abscess. In one patient with a mid-BA aneurysm, subcutaneous CSF collection occurred during the postoperative period. No CSF fistula or approach-related cranial nerve deficit developed in any of these patients. There was no retraction injury or venous congestion of the temporal lobe nor any venous congestion due to the obliteration of the SPS or the petrosal vein. Conclusions The custom-made transdural anterior petrosectomy appears to be a feasible alternative to the formal extradural approach.

Microsurgical Anatomy of the Endoscopy-Assisted Retrosigmoid Intradural Suprameatal Approach to the Meckel's Cave

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanzhi Xu ◽  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Maximiliano Alberto Nunez ◽  
Ahmed Mohyeldin ◽  
Juan C Fernandez-Miranda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Internal Auditory Canal ◽  
Semicircular Canals ◽  
Petrous Apex ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Meckel's Cave ◽  
Trigeminal Root

Abstract BACKGROUND Understanding the microsurgical anatomical features of the endoscopy-assisted retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach (RISA) is critical for surgeons treating petroclival tumors or lesions in the cerebellopontine region that extend into Meckel's cave. OBJECTIVE To evaluate increased exposure for Meckel's cave in the RISA and assess the surgical landmarks for this approach. METHODS A standard retrosigmoid craniotomy to the cerebellopontine region was performed in 4 cadaveric specimens (8 hemispheres) with microscope-assisted endoscopy. The length and depth of the drilling region from the suprameatal tubercle to the petrous apex were analyzed. After opening Meckel's cave and mobilizing the trigeminal root completely, the landmarks for this approach were investigated. RESULTS The endoscopy-assisted RISA facilitates mobilization of the trigeminal root and enhances surgical exposure in the region of Meckel's cave and the petrous apex with increases of 10.1 ± 1.3 mm in depth, 21.4 ± 3.2 mm in length, and 6.4 ± 0.6 mm in height. The posterior and superior semicircular canals, internal auditory canal, superior petrous sinus, and internal carotid artery (petrous segment) served as important landmarks for this approach. One case illustration is presented to describe the application of this approach. CONCLUSION The RISA is suitable mainly for lesions in the posterior fossa that extend into Meckel's cave. The endoscopy-assisted reach optimizes accessibility to the petrous apex region, obviates the need for extensive drilling, and decreases the risk of internal carotid artery injury. Better realization and recognition of microsurgical landmarks and parameters of this approach are crucial for successful outcomes.

scholarly journals Trigeminal Nerve Schwannoma of the Cerebellopontine Angle

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (S 05) ◽  
pp. S389-S390
Author(s):  
Maria Peris-Celda ◽  
Christopher Graffeo ◽  
Avital Perry ◽  
Lucas Carlstrom ◽  
Michael Link
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Incidental Finding ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Internal Auditory Canal ◽  
Clinical History ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Neurologic Deficits ◽  
Meckel's Cave

Introduction Large and even moderate sized, extra-axial cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors may fill this restricted space and distort the regional anatomy. It may be difficult to determine even with high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if the tumor is dural-based, or what the nerve of origin is if a schwannoma. While clinical history and exam are helpful, they are not unequivocal, particularly since many patients present with a myriad of symptoms, or conversely an incidental finding. We present an atypical appearing, asymptomatic CPA tumor, ultimately identified at surgery to be a trigeminal schwannoma. Case History A 40-year-old man presented with new-onset seizure. MRI identified an incidental heterogeneously contrast-enhancing CPA lesion (Fig. 1A–D). The tumor was centered on the internal auditory canal (IAC) with no tumor extension into Meckel's cave, IAC or jugular foramen. Audiometry demonstrated 10db of relative left-sided hearing loss with 100% word recognition. Physical examination was negative for focal neurologic deficits. A retrosigmoid craniotomy was performed and an extra-axial, yellow-hued mass was encountered and resected, which was ultimately confirmed to originate from the trigeminal nerve (Video 1). Gross total resection was achieved, and the patient recovered from surgery with partial ipsilateral trigeminal sensory loss and no other new neurologic deficits. Conclusion Pure CPA trigeminal schwannomas are rare, but should be considered in the differential for enhancing CPA lesions. Although, Meckel's cave involvement is frequently observed, it is not universal, and pure CPA schwannomas of all cranial nerves IV–XII have been reported in the literature.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/AlodYCu70F8.

Combined Transpetrosal Approach With Preservation of Superior Petrosal Vein Drainage for a Cerebellopontine Angle Epidermoid Cyst Extending Into Meckel's Cave: 3-Dimensional Operative Video

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. E172-E173
Author(s):  
Ken Matsushima ◽  
Michihiro Kohno ◽  
Nobuyuki Nakajima ◽  
Norio Ichimasu
Keyword(s):  
Epidermoid Cyst ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Petrosal Vein ◽  
Meckel's Cave ◽  
Superior Petrosal Sinus ◽  
Superior Petrosal Vein

Abstract The combined transpetrosal approach enables wide exposure around the petroclival region by cutting the tentorium and superior petrosal sinus. We often choose this approach for removal of tumors ventral to the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves, such as petroclival meningioma and epidermoid cyst, because complete removal of the tumor under direct visualization is required to prevent its later recurrence, especially in young patients. Recent reports revealed anatomical variations of the drainage of the superior petrosal sinus, and dural incision considering preservation of the superior petrosal vein was proposed.1-3 This 3-dimensional video shows a patient with an epidermoid cyst, which was surgically treated using the combined transpetrosal approach, with consideration of the variation of the superior petrosal sinus and preservation of the drainage route of the superior petrosal vein. The video was reproduced after informed consent of the patient. The patient is a 31-yr-old woman who presented with a left cerebellopontine angle epidermoid cyst extending into Meckel's cave. The superior petrosal sinus was of the lateral type, draining only laterally into the transverse–sigmoid junction without medial connection with the cavernous sinus.1 The combined transpetrosal approach was performed with cutting of the superior petrosal sinus medial to the entry point of the superior petrosal vein, in order to preserve its drainage into the transverse–sigmoid junction. Meckel’ cave was opened along its lateral margin, and tumor removal was accomplished, leaving only a minute part of the capsule strongly adhering to the neurovascular structures. The patient had no new permanent neurological deficits during follow-up. The figures in the video were modified from Matsushima et al1 by permission of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

A Side Door to Meckel's Cave: Anatomic Feasibility Study for the Lateral Transorbital Approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 614-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blake Harrison Priddy ◽  
Cristian Ferrareze Nunes ◽  
Andre Beer-Furlan ◽  
Ricardo Carrau ◽  
Iacopo Dallan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Surgical Navigation ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Anatomical Study ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Side Door ◽  
Meckel's Cave ◽  
Brain Retraction

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.

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