Skull Base Dumbbell Tumor: Surgical Experience with Two Adolescents

1992 ◽  
Vol 101 (11) ◽  
pp. 939-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland D. Eavey ◽  
Paul H. Chapman ◽  
Alfred Weber ◽  
Brooke Swearingen ◽  
Kenneth R. Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Infratemporal Fossa ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Postoperative Recovery ◽  
Artery Occlusion ◽  
Spindle Cell Sarcoma ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Dumbbell Tumor ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach

Pediatric skull base tumors are rare and until recently were considered unresectable. We present two patients with tumors of similar anatomic position with an extracranial component in the infratemporal fossa and parapharyngeal space, an isthmus at the foramen ovale, and a superior component in the middle cranial fossa in the region of the cavernous sinus. A 15-year-old girl experienced contiguous spread of a spindle cell sarcoma; an 18-year-old boy developed a chondrosarcoma. A middle fossa approach provided the advantage of surgical avoidance of structures such as the middle ear and mastoid, facial nerve, and mandible. Postoperative recovery was rapid. Our impression is that preoperative carotid artery occlusion and a middle fossa approach for tumor resection can be performed in a young patient with acceptable morbidity and at least short-term benefit. Surgery can, therefore, provide an additional therapeutic approach to complement irradiation and chemotherapy.

Endoscope-Assisted Middle Fossa Approach: Optimizing the Surgical Corridor for the Resection of Multicompartmental Chordomas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Beer-Furlan ◽  
Eduardo de Arnaldo Silva Vellutini ◽  
Leonardo Balsalobre ◽  
Aldo Cassol Stamm
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Complete Removal ◽  
Anatomical Landmarks ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Endoscopic Assistance ◽  
Skull Base Chordomas ◽  
Surgical Corridor

Abstract Background Skull base chordomas are a major therapeutic challenge. The surgical management involves selecting an approach that will offer the patient the best chance of largest/complete removal while minimizing morbidity and mortality. Methods Medical records and imaging review of two skull base chordomas involving the middle fossa and posterior fossa that were successfully treated with an endoscope-assisted middle fossa approach. Results The use of angled endoscopes provided better identification of anatomical landmarks and improved tumor resection when compared with the microscopic surgical exposure. The approach selection, anatomical landmarks, and technical aspects of the intraoperative setting of the endoscope-assisted approach are discussed. Conclusion Endoscopic assistance in the middle fossa approach is a safe and valuable tool for maximizing the reach of the surgical corridor when treating skull base chordomas.

Endoscopic Endonasal Interdural Middle Fossa Approach to the Maxillary Nerve: Anatomic Considerations and Surgical Relevance

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 522-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumar Abhinav ◽  
David Panczykowski ◽  
Wei-Hsin Wang ◽  
Carl H. Synderman ◽  
Paul A. Gardner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Average Length ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Human Head ◽  
Proximal Part ◽  
Gasserian Ganglion ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Perineural Spread ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Maxillary Nerve

Abstract BACKGROUND: The maxillary nerve (V2) can be approached via the open middle fossa approach. OBJECTIVE: To delineate the anatomy of V2 and its specific segments with respect to the endonasal landmarks. We present the endoscopic endonasal interdural middle fossa approach to V2 and its potential application for the treatment of perineural spread in sinonasal/skull base tumors. METHODS: Five human head silicon-injected specimens underwent bilateral endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approaches. V2 prominence and the maxillary strut were identified in the lateral recess along with paraclival carotid protruberance. The regions superior and inferior to V2 corresponding to the anteromedial and anterolateral triangles of the middle fossa were exposed. RESULTS: V2 can be classified into 3 segments: interdural (from the Gasserian ganglion to the proximal part of the maxillary strut), intracanalicular (corresponding to the anteroposterior length of the maxillary strut), and pterygopalatine (distal to the maxillary strut and the site of its divisions). Endonasally, the average length of the interdural and the intracanalicular segments were approximately 9 and 4.4 mm, respectively. V2, following its division distal to the maxillary strut, was successfully dissected off the middle fossa dura and transected just distal to the Gasserian ganglion. CONCLUSION: Endonasally, the interdural segment can be safely mobilized between the periosteal and meningeal dural layers while ensuring the integrity of the middle fossa dura. This allows transection of infiltrated V2 to facilitate tumor resection without entering the intradural/arachnoidal space. Posteriorly, this is limited by the Gasserian ganglion and superomedially by the dural envelope surrounding the cavernous sinus and the paraclival carotid artery.

scholarly journals The orbitopterygoid corridor as a deep keyhole for endoscopic access to the paranasal sinuses and clivus

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Kenichi Oyama ◽  
Kentaro Watanabe ◽  
Shunya Hanakita ◽  
Pierre-Olivier Champagne ◽  
Thibault Passeri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nasal Cavity ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Paranasal Sinuses ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
The Body ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Endoscopic Assistance ◽  
Skull Base Lesions ◽  
Cranial Fossa

OBJECTIVEThe anteromedial triangle (AMT) is the triangle formed by the ophthalmic (V1) and maxillary (V2) nerves. Opening of this bony space offers a limited access to the sphenoid sinus (SphS). This study aims to demonstrate the utility of the orbitopterygopalatine corridor (OPC), obtained by enlarging the AMT and transposing the contents of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and V2, as an entrance to the SphS, maxillary sinus (MaxS), and nasal cavity.METHODSFive formalin-injected cadaveric specimens were used for this study (10 approaches). A classic pterional approach was performed. An OPC was created through the inferior orbital fissure, between the orbit and the PPF, by transposing the PPF inferiorly. The extent of the OPC was measured using neuronavigation and manual measurements. Two illustrative cases using the OPC to access skull base tumors are presented in the body of the article.RESULTSVia the OPC, the SphS, MaxS, ethmoid sinus (EthS), and nasal cavity could be accessed. The use of endoscopic assistance through the OPC achieved better visualization of the EthS, SphS, MaxS, clivus, and nasal cavity. A significant gain in the area of exposure could be achieved using the OPC compared to the AMT (22.4 mm2 vs 504.1 mm2).CONCLUSIONSOpening of the AMT and transposition of V2 and the contents of the PPF creates the OPC, a potentially useful deep keyhole to access the paranasal sinuses and clival region through a middle fossa approach. It is a valuable alternative approach to reach deep-seated skull base lesions infiltrating the cavernous sinus and middle cranial fossa and extending into the paranasal sinus.

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.

Evaluating Intracochlear Trauma after Cochlear Implant Electrode Insertion through Middle Fossa Approach in Temporal Bones

2017 ◽  
Vol 158 (2) ◽  
pp. 350-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Cisneros Lesser ◽  
Rubens de Brito ◽  
Graziela de Souza Queiroz Martins ◽  
Eloisa Maria Mello Santiago Gebrim ◽  
Ricardo Ferreira Bento
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Round Window ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Insertion Depth ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Basal Turn ◽  
Fresh Frozen ◽  
Electrode Insertion ◽  
Temporal Bones

Objective To evaluate cochlear trauma after cochlear implant insertion through a middle fossa approach by means of histologic and imaging studies in temporal bones. Study Design Prospective cadaveric study. Setting University-based temporal bone laboratory. Subjects and Methods Twenty fresh-frozen temporal bones were implanted through a middle cranial fossa basal turn cochleostomy. Ten received a straight electrode and 10 a perimodiolar electrode. Samples were fixed in epoxy resin. Computed tomography (CT) scans determined direction, depth of insertion, and the cochleostomy to round window distance. The samples were polished by a microgrinding technique and microscopically visualized to evaluate intracochlear trauma. Descriptive and analytic statistics were performed to compare both groups. Results The CT scan showed intracochlear insertions in every bone, 10 directed to the middle/apical turn and 10 to the basal turn. In the straight electrode group, the average number of inserted electrodes was 12.3 vs 15.1 for the perimodiolar group ( U = 78, P = .0001). The median insertion depth was larger for the perimodiolar group (14.4 mm vs 12.5 mm, U = 66, P = .021). Only 1 nontraumatic insertion was achieved and 14 samples (70%) had important trauma (Eshraghi grades 3 and 4). No differences were identified comparing position or trauma grades for the 2 electrode models or when comparing trauma depending on the direction of insertion. Conclusion The surgical technique allows a proper intracochlear insertion, but it does not guarantee a correct scala tympani position and carries the risk of important trauma to cochlear microstructures.

Intraoperative Vagal Nerve Monitoring

1996 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 489-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P. Leonetti ◽  
W. Scott Jellish ◽  
Patricia Warf ◽  
Elizabeth Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Vocal Cord ◽  
Infratemporal Fossa ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Vagal Nerve ◽  
Malignant Neoplasms ◽  
Nerve Monitoring ◽  
Lateral Skull Base ◽  
Vagal Nerves ◽  
Functional Preservation

A variety of benign and malignant neoplasms occur in the superior cervical neck, parapharyngeal space or the infratemporal fossa. The surgical resection of these lesions may result in postoperative iatrogenic injury to the vagus nerve with associated dysfunctional swallowing and airway protection. Anatomic and functional preservation of this critical cranial nerve will contribute to a favorable surgical outcome. Fourteen patients with tumors of the cervical neck or adjacent skull base underwent intraoperative vagal nerve monitoring in an attempt to preserve neural integrity following tumor removal. Of the 11 patients with anatomically preserved vagal nerves in this group, seven patients had normal vocal cord mobility following surgery and all 11 patients demonstrated normal vocal cord movement by six months. In an earlier series of 23 patients with tumors in the same region who underwent tumor resection without vagal nerve monitoring, 18 patients had anatomically preserved vagal nerves. Within this group, five patients had normal vocal cord movement at one month and 13 patients demonstrated normal vocal cord movement at six months. This paper will outline a technique for intraoperative vagal nerve monitoring utilizing transcricothyroid membrane placement of bipolar hook-wire electrodes in the vocalis muscle. Our results with the surgical treatment of cervical neck and lateral skull base tumors for patients with unmonitored and monitored vagal nerves will be outlined.

Middle Fossa Approach for Facial Nerve Schwannoma Aiming for Functional Improvement: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. E167-E168
Author(s):  
Ken Matsushima ◽  
Michihiro Kohno ◽  
Hitoshi Izawa ◽  
Yujiro Tanaka
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Facial Palsy ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Tumor Removal ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Brainstem Response ◽  
Facial Nerve Schwannoma

Abstract The treatment paradigm of skull base surgery has been changed from radical tumor resection to maximal tumor removal while giving priority to functional preservation. Facial nerve schwannoma is one of the representative disorders of this type of paradigm shift.1 This video demonstrates facial nerve schwannoma surgery through the middle fossa approach, aiming for improvement of facial function. A 33-yr-old woman presented with gradually worsening facial palsy (House-Brackmann grade IV), dizziness, and nausea. Neuroimaging revealed a growing tumor involving the geniculate ganglion, and extending to the middle fossa, internal acoustic meatus, and cerebellopontine angle. The nerve-sparing surgery through the left middle fossa approach was performed under detailed neuromonitoring including the evoked facial electromyograms and auditory brainstem response. The facial nerve fibers were involved within the tumor mass and the plane between the tumor and facial nerve could not be identified as seen in most cases of such large facial nerve schwannomas. But sufficient tumor removal with facial nerve preservation was achieved owing to continuous facial monitoring.2 The patient had no new neurological deficits. Her facial palsy has been gradually improving, now at grade III, without any signs of tumor regrowth during the 10 mo of follow up after the operation. Careful follow up is being continued to survey the possible tumor recurrence. The video was reproduced after informed consent of the patient.

scholarly journals Middle Fossa Approach for Resection of an Intracanalicular Vestibular Schwannoma

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (S 03) ◽  
pp. S287-S287
Author(s):  
Walter C. Jean ◽  
Kyle Mueller ◽  
H. Jeffrey Kim
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Vestibular Schwannoma ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Petrous Bone ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Greater Superficial Petrosal Nerve ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Video Case Report

Objective This video was aimed to demonstrate the middle fossa approach for the resection of an intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma. Design Present study is a video case report. Setting The operative video is showing a microsurgical resection. Participant The patient was a 59-year-old man who presented with worsening headache and right-side hearing loss. He was found to have a right intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma. After weighing risks and benefits, he chose surgery to remove his tumor. Since his hearing remained “serviceable,” a middle fossa approach was chosen. Main Outcome Measures Pre- and postoperative patient photographs evaluated the muscles of facial expression as a marker for facial nerve preservation. Results A right middle fossa craniotomy was performed which allowed access to the floor of the middle cranial fossa. The greater superficial petrosal nerve (GSPN) and arcuate eminence were identified. Using these two landmarks, the internal acoustic canal (IAC) was localized. After drilling the petrous bone, the IAC was unroofed. The facial nerve was identified by stimulation and visual inspection and the tumor was separated from it with microsurgical dissection. In the end, the tumor was fully resected. Both the facial and cochlear nerves were preserved. Postoperatively, the patient experienced no facial palsy and his hearing is at baseline. Conclusion With radiosurgery gaining increasing popularity, patients with intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas are frequently treated with it, or are managed with observation. The middle fossa approach is therefore becoming a “lost art,” but as demonstrated in this video, remains an effective technique for tumor removal and nerve preservation.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/MD6o3DF6jYg.

Acquired Middle Cranial Fossa Fistulas

Neurosurgery ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 466-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Kaufman ◽  
Howard Yonas ◽  
Robert J. White ◽  
Clinton F. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Normal Population ◽  
Normal Pressure ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Base Of The Skull

Abstract To the accepted classification of three types of normal pressure, nontraumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas, we would add “acquired.” This type of CSF fistula tends to occur from the middle cranial fossa because of the enlargement of “pitholes” that are normally present in its anterior medial aspect. The enlargement of these bony defects is due to normal intracranial pressure variations that, not uncommonly, create meningoceles and meningoencephaloceles. A portion of the floor of this area is aerated in up to 10% of the normal population by the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus, the pterygoid recess. Thus, this area has the potential to act as a pathway between the middle fossa and the paranasal sinuses, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to pass into the sinuses. Isotope and computerized tomographic studies are helpful in the localization of such a CSF leak. Tomography of the base of the skull, however, is essential for the ideal definition of possible routes of fistulization. If there is any question of the presence of a middle fossa fistula, these studies can show whether the floor of this area is pneumatized and whether there are any defects in the floor. The treatment of such a fistula should include generalized reinforcement of the floor of the anterior middle fossa by a middle fossa approach. If any doubt exists as to the site of leakage (anterior or middle fossa), the minimal surgical procedure should include exploration of both areas via a frontotemporal craniotomy.

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