Anatomical variations of sphenoid sinus on multi-detector computed tomography and its usefulness in trans-sphenoidal endoscopic skull base surgery

Background: Knowledge of sphenoid bone and sinus anatomy and its variations is of central importance in transsphenoidal endoscopic skull base surgery. It allows endoscopic surgeon to safely approach the sella turcica, anterior skull base and orbit. The aim of the study was to evaluate the different anatomical variations of the sphenoid sinus that are relevant to trans-sphenoid endoscopic skull base surgery on multi-detector computed tomography.Methods: A prospective observational study of the CT analysis of the anatomical variations and various dimensions of sphenoid sinus relevant to trans-sphenoidal endoscopic neurosurgery was performed in 260 patients (173 male; 87 female).Results: The average presellar width of sphenoid sinus on axial CT scan images was 11.75mm (7.2 to 18.6mm). Average value of maximum width of sphenoid sinus was 30.52 mm (13.1 to 42.2 mm). The most common pattern of inter-sphenoid septum was single septum which was present in 207 patients (79.61%); double inter sphenoid septum in 47 patients (18.1%) and diverging septa in 13 patients (5%). 138 out of 260 subjects (53%) showed at least one septum attached to either carotid protuberance. Most common pattern of pneumatization in sphenoid sinus was sellar type (63.46%). Average suprasellar depth was 10.78 (5.4 to 18.7mm). Average presellar depth of sphenoid sinus was 13.47mm (8.1 to 22.5mm). Average infrasellar depth of sphenoid sinus was 25.46mm (11.9 to 37.9mm). Average presellar height of sphenoid sinus was 21.27mm (13 to 27.6mm).Conclusions: A preoperative review of the sphenoid sinus anatomy by CT allows safer endoscopic management of skull base pathology preventing injury to vital structures surrounding the sphenoid sinus.

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Endoscopic Endonasal Repair of Internal Carotid Artery Injury during Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery

Journal of Neurological Surgery Reports ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1608635 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 78 (04) ◽

pp. e125-e128 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Irit Duek ◽

Gill Sviri ◽

Moran Amit ◽

Ziv Gil

Keyword(s):

Carotid Artery ◽

Internal Carotid Artery ◽

Skull Base ◽

Internal Carotid ◽

Skull Base Surgery ◽

Endoscopic Management ◽

Carotid Artery Injury ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Artery Injury ◽

Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

Background Injury to the cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) during endoscopic skull base surgery is a well-recognized rare complication that can be associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Many techniques have been suggested to manage ICA injury with varying degrees of success. Objectives We provide a detailed technical description of an operative technique for endoscopic management of carotid artery injury. Methods A case of ICA injury during endoscopic skull base surgery is presented. The immediate treatment measurements include: (1) early recognition of ICA injury, (2) briefing of the team and preparations, (3) packing, (4) harvesting of temporalis muscle patch, (5) placement of the muscle patch over the defect, and (6) gentle compression for 10 minutes. Results The technique facilitates quick repair and restores normal blood flow through the damaged artery. Exsanguination or the symptoms of stroke that may occur from prolonged occlusion of the ICA are therefore prevented. Conclusion The proposed protocol is useful for the management of a potentially life-threatening ICA injury.

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