Endonasal Endoscopic and Transoral Approaches to the Craniovertebral Junction and the Clival Region

Introduction: The transoral approach was first described by Kanavel in 1917 to treat injuries of the craniospinal junction. In 2002, Frempong-Boaudu reported 7 adults who underwent endoscopically assisted transoral surgery, this was the first report that endoscope was used in an assisted manner for transoral surgery. In 2005, Kassam published the first report of an EEA being used to perform an odontoidectomy. Method: A descriptive, retrospective and linear study was carried out in 16 patients who underwent surgery using the microsurgical and endoscopic transoral and Extended Endoscopic Endonasal approach in the period from January 2004 to May 2021. Results: The average age of the patients was 45 years and there was a predominance of the male sex (10) with the female one (6). The tumoral pathology (9), 6 cases with histological diagnosis of clivus cordroma and 1 patient with chondrosarcoma, two cases with Meningioma and cholesterol granuloma of clival localization, achieving gross total resection in 2 of them and in the rest subtotal resection, all improved neurological symptoms. Complications, partial dehiscence of the velopalatine surgical wound 1 case, 1 lesion of the left vertebral artery and 1 case decompensated Diabetes Mellitus and hemoneumothorax during stay in the ICU, which death 7 days after surgery and 1 CSF fistula. Conclusions: Both, the transoral and endonasal endoscopic approaches have their precise indications in each particular case, having their indications well defined. To achieve this, we must have neuroimaging studies and be able to correctly define the selection of the surgical approach.

Download Full-text

Intracranial nonvestibular neurinomas: Young neurosurgeons’ experience

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1700320 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 05 (03) ◽

pp. 231-243

Author(s):

Forhad Hossain Chowdhury ◽

Mohammod R. Haque ◽

Khandkar A. Kawsar ◽

Mainul H. Sarker ◽

Mahmudul Hasan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vagus Nerve ◽

Cranial Nerve ◽

Cranial Nerves ◽

Craniovertebral Junction ◽

Jugular Foramen ◽

Clinical Profile ◽

Clinical Feature ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Total Resection

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: Neurinoma arising from other than nonvestibular cranial nerves is less prevalent. Here we present our experiences regarding the clinical profile, investigations, microneurosurgical management, and the outcome of nonvestibular cranial nerve neurinomas. Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to December 2011, the recorded documents of operated nonvestibular intracranial neurinomas were retrospectively studied for clinical profile, investigations, microneurosurgical management, complications, follow-up, and outcomes. Results: The average follow-up was 24.5 months. Total number of cases was 30, with age ranging from 9 to 60 years. Sixteen cases were males and 14 were females. Nonvestibular cranial nerve schwannomas most commonly originated from trigeminal nerve followed by glossopharyngeal+/vagus nerve. There were three abducent nerve schwannomas that are very rare. There was no trochlear nerve schwannoma. Two glossopharyngeal+/vagus nerve schwannomas extended into the neck through jugular foramen and one extended into the upper cervical spinal canal. Involved nerve dysfunction was a common clinical feature except in trigeminal neurinomas where facial pain was a common feature. Aiming for no new neurodeficit, total resection of the tumor was done in 24 cases, and near-total resection or gross total resection or subtotal resection was done in 6 cases. Preoperative symptoms improved or disappeared in 25 cases. New persistent deficit occurred in 3 cases. Two patients died postoperatively. There was no recurrence of tumor till the last follow-up. Conclusion: Nonvestibular schwannomas are far less common, but curable benign lesions. Surgical approach to the skull base and craniovertebral junction is a often complex and lengthy procedure associated with chances of significant morbidity. But early diagnosis, proper investigations, and evaluation, along with appropriate decision making and surgical planning with microsurgical techniques are the essential factors that can result in optimum outcome.

Download Full-text

Preserve or sacrifice the stalk? Endocrinological outcomes, extent of resection, and recurrence rates following endoscopic endonasal resection of craniopharyngiomas

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2018.6.jns18901 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 131 (4) ◽

pp. 1163-1171 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Edgar G. Ordóñez-Rubiano ◽

Jonathan A. Forbes ◽

Peter F. Morgenstern ◽

Leopold Arko ◽

Georgiana A. Dobri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Insipidus ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Endocrine Function ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Type I ◽

Pituitary Insufficiency ◽

Recurrence Rates ◽

Total Resection ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Operative Notes

OBJECTIVEGross-total resection (GTR) of craniopharyngiomas (CPs) is potentially curative and is often the goal of surgery, but endocrinopathy generally results if the stalk is sacrificed. In some cases, GTR can be attempted while still preserving the stalk; however, stalk manipulation or devascularization may cause endocrinopathy and this strategy risks leaving behind small tumor remnants that can recur.METHODSA retrospective review of a prospective cohort of patients who underwent initial resection of CP using the endoscopic endonasal approach over a period of 12 years at Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, was performed. Postresection integrity of the stalk was retrospectively assessed using operative notes, videos, and postoperative MRI. Tumors were classified based on location into type I (sellar), type II (sellar-suprasellar), and type III (purely suprasellar). Pre- and postoperative endocrine function, tumor location, body mass index, rate of GTR, radiation therapy, and complications were reviewed.RESULTSA total of 54 patients who had undergone endoscopic endonasal procedures for first-time resection of CP were identified. The stalk was preserved in 33 (61%) and sacrificed in 21 (39%) patients. GTR was achieved in 24 patients (73%) with stalk preservation and 21 patients (100%) with stalk sacrifice (p = 0.007). Stalk-preservation surgery achieved GTR and maintained completely normal pituitary function in only 4 (12%) of 33 patients. Permanent postoperative diabetes insipidus was present in 16 patients (49%) with stalk preservation and in 20 patients (95%) following stalk sacrifice (p = 0.002). In the stalk-preservation group, rates of progression and radiation were higher with intentional subtotal resection or near-total resection compared to GTR (67% vs 0%, p < 0.001, and 100% vs 12.5%, p < 0.001, respectively). However, for the subgroup of patients in whom GTR was achieved, stalk preservation did not lead to significantly higher rates of recurrence (12.5%) compared with those in whom it was sacrificed (5%, p = 0.61), and stalk preservation prevented anterior pituitary insufficiency in 33% and diabetes insipidus in 50%.CONCLUSIONSWhile the decision to preserve the stalk reduces the rate of postoperative endocrinopathy by roughly 50%, nevertheless significant dysfunction of the anterior and posterior pituitary often ensues. The decision to preserve the stalk does not guarantee preserved endocrine function and comes with a higher risk of progression and need for adjuvant therapy. Nevertheless, to reduce postoperative endocrinopathy attempts should be made to preserve the stalk if GTR can be achieved.

Download Full-text

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery: experience with 50 patients

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/foc.1996.1.1.4 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. E4 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Hae-Dong Jho ◽

Ricardo L. Carrau

Keyword(s):

Cavernous Sinus ◽

Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽

Residual Tumor ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Operating Microscope ◽

Total Resection ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Nasal Airways ◽

Transseptal Approach ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery

An endoscope was used in transsphenoidal surgery and eventually replaced the operating microscope as a tool for visualization. Initially four patients underwent operation via a sublabial transseptal approach using a rigid endoscope in conjunction with an operating microscope. The 48 subsequent operations were performed through a nostril using only rigid endoscopes. Forty-four patients had pituitary adenomas and six had various other lesions. Thirteen patients had microadenomas, 16 had intrasellar macroadenomas, nine had macroadenomas with suprasellar extension, and six had invasive macroadenomas involving the cavernous sinus. Among eight patients with Cushing's disease, seven were cured. Of 17 patients with prolactinomas, 10 were cured clinically and chemically. Among 19 patients with nonsecreting adenomas, 16 underwent total resection and three subtotal resection, with residual tumor in the cavernous sinus. Postoperatively all patients who had undergone endonasal endoscopic surgery had unobstructed nasal airways with minimal discomfort. More than half of the patients required only an overnight hospitalization.

Download Full-text

Endoscopic endonasal surgery for epidermoid and dermoid cysts: a 10-year experience

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2017.7.jns162783 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 130 (2) ◽

pp. 368-378 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Francisco Vaz-Guimaraes ◽

Maria Koutourousiou ◽

John R. de Almeida ◽

Elizabeth C. Tyler-Kabara ◽

Juan C. Fernandez-Miranda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cranial Base ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Total Removal ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽

Endonasal Surgery ◽

Total Resection ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Intracranial Infection ◽

Incomplete Removal

OBJECTIVEEpidermoid and dermoid cysts may be found along the cranial base and are commonly resected via open transcranial approaches. The use of endoscopic endonasal approaches for resection of these tumors has been rarely reported.METHODSThe authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery for epidermoid and dermoid cyst resection at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between January 2005 and June 2014. Surgical outcomes and variables that might affect the extent of resection and complications were analyzed.RESULTSTotal resection (total removal of cyst contents and capsule) was achieved in 8 patients (38.1%), near-total resection (total removal of cyst contents, incomplete removal of cyst capsule) in 9 patients (42.9%), and subtotal resection (incomplete removal of cyst contents and capsule) in 4 patients (19%). Larger cyst volume (≥ 3 cm3) and intradural location (15 cysts) were significantly associated with nontotal resection (p = 0.008 and 0.0005, respectively). In the whole series, surgical complications were seen in 6 patients (28.6%). No complications were observed in patients with extradural cysts. Among the 15 patients with intradural cysts, the most common surgical complication was postoperative CSF leak (5 patients, 33.3%), followed by postoperative intracranial infection (4 patients, 26.7%). Larger cysts and postoperative CSF leak were associated with intracranial infection (p = 0.012 and 0.028, respectively). Subtotal resection was marginally associated with intracranial infection when compared with total resection (p = 0.091). All patients with neurological symptoms improved postoperatively with the exception of 1 patient with unchanged abducens nerve palsy.CONCLUSIONSEndoscopic endonasal approaches may be effectively used for resection of epidermoid and dermoid cysts in carefully selected cases. These approaches are recommended for cases in which a total or near-total resection is possible in addition to a multilayer cranial base reconstruction with vascularized tissue to minimize the risk of intracranial infection.

Download Full-text

Long-term tumor control after endoscopic endonasal resection of craniopharyngiomas: comparison of gross-total resection versus subtotal resection with radiation therapy

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2021.5.jns202011 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Saniya S. Godil ◽

Umberto Tosi ◽

Mina Gerges ◽

Andrew L. A. Garton ◽

Georgiana A. Dobri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Radiation Therapy ◽

Diabetes Insipidus ◽

Endocrine Function ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Tumor Control ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Total Resection ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal

OBJECTIVE Surgical management of craniopharyngiomas (CPAs) is challenging. Controversy exists regarding the optimal goals of surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent gross-total resection with the outcomes of those who underwent subtotal resection of their CPA via an endoscopic endonasal approach. METHODS From a prospectively maintained database of all endoscopic endonasal approaches performed at Weill Cornell Medicine, only patients with CPAs with > 3 years of follow-up after surgery were included. The primary endpoint was radiographic progression. Data were collected on baseline demographics, imaging, endocrine function, visual function, and extent of resection. RESULTS A total of 44 patients with a mean follow-up of 5.7 ± 2.6 years were included. Of these patients, 14 (31.8%) had prior surgery. GTR was achieved in 77.3% (34/44) of all patients and 89.5% (34/38) of patients in whom it was the goal of surgery. Preoperative tumor volume < 10 cm3 was highly predictive of GTR (p < 0.001). Radiation therapy was administered within the first 3 months after surgery in 1 (2.9%) of 34 patients with GTR and 7 (70%) of 10 patients with STR (p < 0.001). The 5-year recurrence-free/progression-free survival rate was 75.0% after GTR and 25.0% after STR (45% in subgroup with STR plus radiotherapy; p < 0.001). The time to recurrence after GTR was 30.2 months versus 13 months after STR (5.8 months in subgroup with STR plus radiotherapy; p < 0.001). Patients with GTR had a lower rate of visual deterioration and higher rate of return to work or school compared with those with STR (p = 0.02). Patients with GTR compared to STR had a lower rate of CSF leakage (0.0% vs 30%, p = 0.001) but a higher rate of diabetes insipidus (85.3% vs 50%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS GTR, which is possible to achieve in smaller tumors, resulted in improved tumor control, better visual outcome, and better functional recovery but a higher rate of diabetes insipidus compared with STR, even when the latter was supplemented with postoperative radiation therapy. GTR should be the goal of craniopharyngioma surgery, when achievable with minimal morbidity.

Download Full-text

Use of endoscopic transorbital and endonasal approaches for 360° circumferential access to orbital tumors

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2020.6.jns20890 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Chiman Jeon ◽

Sang Duk Hong ◽

Kyung In Woo ◽

Ho Jun Seol ◽

Do-Hyun Nam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Optic Nerve ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Cystic Teratoma ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Zone Model ◽

Team Approach ◽

Orbital Tumors ◽

Total Resection ◽

Endoscopic Transorbital

OBJECTIVEOrbital tumors are often surgically challenging because they require an extensive fronto-temporo-orbital zygomatic approach (FTOZ) and a multidisciplinary team approach to provide the best outcomes. Recently, minimally invasive endoscopic techniques via a transorbital superior eyelid approach (ETOA) or endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) have been proposed as viable alternatives to transcranial approaches for orbital tumors. In this study, the authors investigated the feasibility of 360° circumferential access to orbital tumors via both ETOA and EEA.METHODSBetween April 2014 and June 2019, 16 patients with orbital tumors underwent either ETOA or EEA at the authors’ institution. Based on the neuro-topographic “four-zone model” of the orbit with its tumor epicenter around the optic nerve in the coronal plane, ETOA (n = 10, 62.5%) was performed for tumors located predominantly superolateral to the nerve and EEA (n = 6, 37.5%) for those located predominantly inferomedial to the nerve. Eight patients (50%) presented with intraconal tumors and 8 (50%) with extraconal ones. The orbital tumors included orbital schwannoma (n = 6), cavernous hemangioma (n = 2), olfactory groove meningioma (n = 1), sphenoorbital meningioma (n = 1), chondrosarcoma (n = 1), trigeminal schwannoma (n = 1), metastatic osteosarcoma (n = 1), mature cystic teratoma (n = 1), sebaceous carcinoma (n = 1), and ethmoid sinus osteoma (n = 1). The clinical outcomes and details of surgical techniques were reviewed.RESULTSGross-total resection was achieved in 12 patients (75%), near-total resection in 3 (18.8%), and subtotal resection in 1 (6.2%). Eight (88.9%) of the 9 patients with preoperative proptosis showed improvement after surgery, and 4 (66.7%) of the 6 patients with visual symptoms demonstrated improvement. Four (40%) of the 10 patients treated with ETOA experienced partial third nerve palsy immediately after surgery (3 transient and 1 persistent). There have been no postoperative CSF leaks or infections in this series.CONCLUSIONSWithout transcranial approaches requiring temporalis muscle dissection and orbitozygomatic osteotomy, the selection of ETOA or EEA based on a concept of a four-zone model with its epicenter around the optic nerve successfully provides a minimally invasive 360° circumferential access to the entire orbit with acceptable morbidity.

Download Full-text

The effect of adjuvant radiotherapy on overall survival in adults with intracranial ependymoma

Neuro-Oncology Practice ◽

10.1093/nop/npz070 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 391-399

Author(s):

Roshan S Prabhu ◽

Christopher D Corso ◽

Matthew C Ward ◽

John H Heinzerling ◽

Reshika Dhakal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Propensity Score ◽

Adjuvant Radiotherapy ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

National Cancer Database ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Intracranial Ependymoma ◽

Male Sex ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Background Adult intracranial ependymoma is rare, and the role for adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is not well defined. Methods We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to select adults (age ≥ 22 years) with grade 2 to 3 intracranial ependymoma status postresection between 2004 and 2015 and treated with adjuvant RT vs observation. Four cohorts were generated: (1) all patients, (2) grade 2 only, (3) grade 2 status post–subtotal resection only, (4) and grade 3 only. The association between adjuvant RT use and overall survival (OS) was assessed using multivariate Cox and propensity score matched analyses. Results A total of 1787 patients were included in cohort 1, of which 856 patients (48%) received adjuvant RT and 931 (52%) were observed. Approximately two-thirds of tumors were supratentorial and 80% were grade 2. Cohorts 2, 3, and 4 included 1471, 345, and 316 patients, respectively. There was no significant association between adjuvant RT use and OS in multivariate or propensity score matched analysis in any of the cohorts. Older age, male sex, urban location, higher comorbidity score, earlier year of diagnosis, and grade 3 were associated with increased risk of death. Conclusions This large NCDB study did not demonstrate a significant association between adjuvant RT use and OS for adults with intracranial ependymoma, including for patients with grade 2 ependymoma status post–subtotal resection. The conflicting results regarding the efficacy of adjuvant RT in this patient population highlight the need for high-quality studies to guide therapy recommendations in adult ependymoma.

Download Full-text

Sodium Fluorescein-Guided Gross Total Resection of Pediatric Exophytic Brainstem Glioma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/ons/opaa357 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Christopher Markosian ◽

Catherine A Mazzola ◽

Luke D Tomycz

Keyword(s):

Normal Tissue ◽

Clinical Case ◽

Aminolevulinic Acid ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Sodium Fluorescein ◽

Total Resection ◽

Term Survival ◽

Patient Consent

Abstract Brainstem gliomas comprise 10% to 20% of pediatric intracranial tumors.1 Gross total resection is associated with the greatest long-term survival.1 However, due to the eloquence of surrounding brain tissue, an aggressive resection is not always achievable and can be associated with significant risk.2 Sodium fluorescein can be used to help differentiate between tumor and normal tissue.3,4 In this operative video, we demonstrate the step-by-step technique to utilize fluorescence in surgically resecting an exophytic glioma arising from the midbrain in a 16-yr-old male. Technical nuances are highlighted in this operative video, including the use of the YELLOW 560 (Zeiss) filter to differentiate fluorescent tumor from normal tissue as well as strategic splitting of the tentorium to expose the supratentorial component of the tumor. A decrease in motor potentials of the right leg during the case did not translate into neurological worsening postoperatively; at 3-mo follow-up, the patient attests to better strength and coordination on his affected side. In summary, sodium fluorescein can be used as a critical adjunctive tool for successful surgery in the case of a brainstem tumor. Alternatives to this procedure included gross total resection with 5-aminolevulinic acid, subtotal resection with chemotherapy, and active monitoring, but were not chosen due to their limitations in this clinical case.5-7 Appropriate patient consent was obtained to perform this procedure and present this clinical case and surgical video for academic purposes.

Download Full-text

Endonasal endoscopic reoperation for residual or recurrent craniopharyngiomas

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2016.1.jns152238 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 126 (2) ◽

pp. 418-430 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Sivashanmugam Dhandapani ◽

Harminder Singh ◽

Hazem M. Negm ◽

Salomon Cohen ◽

Mark M. Souweidane ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tumor Volume ◽

Visual Outcome ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Endocrine Function ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Total Resection ◽

Medical College ◽

The Impact ◽

First Time

OBJECTIVE Craniopharyngiomas can be difficult to remove completely based on their intimate relationship with surrounding visual and endocrine structures. Reoperations are not uncommon but have been associated with higher rates of complications and lower extents of resection. So radiation is often offered as an alternative to reoperation. The endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach has been used in recent years for craniopharyngiomas previously removed with craniotomy. The impact of this approach on reoperations has not been widely investigated. METHODS The authors reviewed a prospectively acquired database of endonasal endoscopic resections of craniopharyngiomas over 11 years at Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, performed by the senior authors. Reoperations were separated from first operations. Pre- and postoperative visual and endocrine function, tumor size, body mass index (BMI), quality of life (QOL), extent of resection (EOR), impact of prior radiation, and complications were compared between groups. EOR was divided into gross-total resection (GTR, 100%), near-total resection (NTR, > 95%), and subtotal resection (STR, < 95%). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS Of the total 57 endonasal surgical procedures, 22 (39%) were reoperations. First-time operations and reoperations did not differ in tumor volume, radiological configuration, or patients' BMI. Hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus (DI) were more common before reoperations (82% and 55%, respectively) compared with first operations (60% and 8.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). For the 46 patients in whom GTR was intended, rates of GTR and GTR+NTR were not significantly different between first operations (90% and 97%, respectively) and reoperations (80% and 100%, respectively). For reoperations, prior radiation and larger tumor volume had lower rates of GTR. Vision improved equally in first operations (80%) compared with reoperations (73%). New anterior pituitary deficits were more common in first operations compared with reoperations (51% vs 23%, respectively; p = 0.08), while new DI was more common in reoperations compared with first-time operations (80% vs 47%, respectively; p = 0.08). Nonendocrine complications occurred in 2 (3.6%) first-time operations and no reoperations. Tumor regrowth occurred in 6 patients (11%) over a median follow-up of 46 months and was not different between first versus reoperations, but was associated with STR (33%) compared with GTR+NTR (4%; p = 0.02) and with not receiving radiation after STR (67% vs 22%; p = 0.08). The overall BMI increased significantly from 28.7 to 34.8 kg/m2 over 10 years. Six months after surgery, there was a significant improvement in QOL, which was similar between first-time operations and reoperations, and negatively correlated with STR. CONCLUSIONS Endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal reoperation results in similar EOR, visual outcome, and improvement in QOL as first-time operations, with no significant increase in complications. EOR is more impacted by tumor volume and prior radiation. Reoperations should be offered to patients with recurrent craniopharyngiomas and may be preferable to radiation in patients in whom GTR or NTR can be achieved.

Download Full-text

Sphenoorbital meningioma: surgical technique and outcome

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2010.10.jns101128 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 114 (5) ◽

pp. 1241-1249 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Soichi Oya ◽

Burak Sade ◽

Joung H. Lee

Keyword(s):

Surgical Technique ◽

Visual Outcome ◽

Sphenoid Bone ◽

Wide Resection ◽

Tumor Control ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Total Resection ◽

Anterior Clinoid Process ◽

Orbital Wall

Object The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique used for removal of sphenoorbital meningiomas in the authors' practice and to review the operative outcome. Methods Review of the senior author's practice between 1994 and 2009 revealed 39 patients (mean age 48 years) eligible for this study. Clinical presentation, surgical technique, postoperative outcome, and follow-up data are presented. Surgical technique is detailed, with an emphasis on aggressive removal consisting of drilling of the hypertrophied sphenoid bone, orbital wall, and anterior clinoid process, followed by tumor removal and a wide resection of the involved dura. A simple dural closure without reconstruction of the orbital roof or the lateral wall of the orbit is also described. Results Gross-total resection was achieved in 15 cases (38.5%), near-total resection with small residual in the cavernous sinus or periorbita in 20 cases (51.3%), and subtotal resection in 4 cases (10.3%). Postoperative complications included trigeminal hypesthesia in 9 patients, oculomotor palsy in 3 patients, and seizure in 2 patients. Seven patients had recurrence within the mean follow-up period of 40.7 months. Preoperative visual deficits were present in 21 patients (53.8%). Of these, 14 (66.7%) experienced visual recovery to normal levels postoperatively. Statistical analyses revealed preoperative severe visual deficit and sphenoid bone hypertrophy as an independent risk factor and an independent favorable factor, respectively, for a favorable visual outcome. Proptosis was resolved (≤ 2 mm) in 73.5% of the authors' patients. No patient had postoperative enophthalmos. Conclusions In the authors' practice, surgery for sphenoorbital meningiomas consists of resection of the orbital/sphenoid intraosseous, intraorbital, and intradural tumor components. The authors believe that aggressive removal of the orbital/sphenoid intraosseous tumor is critical for a favorable visual outcome and tumor control. Furthermore, satisfactory cosmetic results can be achieved with simple reconstruction techniques as described.

Download Full-text