Surgical nuances for removal of retrochiasmatic craniopharyngioma via the endoscopic endonasal extended transsphenoidal transplanum transtuberculum approach

2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. E14 ◽  
Author(s):  
James K. Liu ◽  
Lana D. Christiano ◽  
Smruti K. Patel ◽  
Jean Anderson Eloy

Retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas are challenging tumors to remove given their deep location and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Complete surgical removal offers the best chance of cure and prevention of recurrence. The endoscopic endonasal extended transsphenoidal approach offers direct midline access to the retrochiasmatic space through a transplanum transtuberculum corridor. Excellent visualization of the undersurface of the optic chiasm and hypothalamus can be obtained to facilitate bimanual extracapsular dissection to permit complete removal of these formidable tumors. In this report the authors review the endoscopic endonasal extended transsphenoidal approach, with specific emphasis on technical operative nuances in removing retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas. An illustrative intraoperative video demonstrating the technique is also presented.

2010 ◽  
Vol 112 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Zhao ◽  
Yu-Kui Wei ◽  
Gui-Lin Li ◽  
Yong-Ning Li ◽  
Yong Yao ◽  
...  

Object The standard transsphenoidal approach has been successfully used to resect most pituitary adenomas. However, as a result of the limited exposure provided by this procedure, complete surgical removal of pituitary adenomas with parasellar or retrosellar extension remains problematic. By additional bone removal of the cranial base, the extended transsphenoidal approach provides better exposure to the parasellar and clival region compared with the standard approach. The authors describe their surgical experience with the extended transsphenoidal approach to remove pituitary adenomas invading the anterior cranial base, cavernous sinus (CS), and clivus. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed in 126 patients with pituitary adenomas that were surgically treated via the extended transsphenoidal approach between September 1999 and March 2008. There were 55 male and 71 female patients with a mean age of 43.4 years (range 12–75 years). There were 82 cases of macroadenoma and 44 cases of giant adenoma. Results Gross-total resection was achieved in 78 patients (61.9%), subtotal resection in 43 (34.1%), and partial resection in 5 (4%). Postoperative complications included transient cerebrospinal rhinorrhea (7 cases), incomplete cranial nerve palsy (5), panhypopituitarism (5), internal carotid artery injury (2), monocular blindness (2), permanent diabetes insipidus (1), and perforation of the nasal septum (2). No intraoperative or postoperative death was observed. Conclusions The extended transsphenoidal approach provides excellent exposure to pituitary adenomas invading the anterior cranial base, CS, and clivus. This approach enhances the degree of tumor resection and keeps postoperative complications relatively low. However, radical resection of tumors that are firm, highly invasive to the CS, or invading multidirectionally remains a big challenge. This procedure not only allows better visualization of the tumor and the neurovascular structures but also provides significant working space under the microscope, which facilitates intraoperative manipulation. Preoperative imaging studies and new techniques such as the neuronavigation system and the endoscope improve the efficacy and safety of tumor resection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. V5
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Cinalli ◽  
Maria Rosaria Scala ◽  
Alessandra Marini ◽  
Alessia Imperato ◽  
Giuseppe Mirone ◽  
...  

In this video, the authors present an interhemispheric transcallosal transchoroidal approach to a pineal mass in a 15-year-old boy. He received emergency endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), then an endoscopic biopsy that revealed an immature teratoma. Surgical removal was selected. The mass was located very high in the posterior third ventricle, hidden behind the splenium of the corpus callosum and the vein of Galen, so an interhemispheric transcallosal approach followed by a complete dissection of the whole choroidal fissure was chosen and allowed complete removal of the tumor. Microsurgical dissection is presented, showing clearly in detail all the neurovascular structures encountered. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.4.FOCVID2126.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-17
Author(s):  
Enrico De Divitiis ◽  
Felice Esposito ◽  
Paolo Cappabianca ◽  
Luigi M. Cavallo ◽  
Oreste De Divitiis ◽  
...  

Objective: The advent of the endoscope in transsphenoidalsurgery has permitted to expand the indications of such approach also for the treatment of on tumors located in supra, para, retro and infrasellar regions, enabling the neurosurgeon to work under direct visual control in a minimally invasive way. Since 2004 we have started to use the extended endonasal transsphenoidal approach for a variety of lesions involving the midline skull base and, in particular, the suprasellar area, the cavernous sinus and the retroclival prepontine region. Methods: Over a 36-month period, sixty-four procedures have been performed. The series consisted of 29 males and 35 females, aged from 24 to 80 years (median 49.8 years). The mean follow-up was of 18 months (ranging from 3 to 36 months). Among the patients with midline lesions, who were 90.6 % of the total, seven patients had a pituitary adenoma, sixteen patients were affected by a craniopharyngioma, six patients had a suprasellar Rathke’s cleft cyst, seven subjects had a tuberculum sellae meningioma, four had an olfactorygroove meningioma, and six a clival tumor. Other lesions ofthe midline skull base were, 1 chiasmatic astrocytoma, 1 neuroendocrine tumor, 4 post-traumatic cerebro-spinal fluid rhinorrhea, and one optic nerve glioma. Three other patients had anterior cranial base meningoencephaloceles. Results: Overall, gross total removal of the lesion was achieved in 30/49 tumoral lesions (61.2%); subtotal removal was achieved in 12/49 cases (24.5%). The three cases of meningoencephaloceles were all successfully treated. Among the patients with preoperative visual deficits, most of them fully recovered or improved and only two worsened in one eye. Major complications consisted in 2 deaths (one not directly related with the surgical procedure), 6 postoperative CSF leak (one complicated with bacterial meningitis), one ICA injury, and 6 cases of permanent diabetes insipidus.Conclusion: The extended transsphenoidal approach tothe supra and parasellar lesions seems Endoscopy; Transsphenoidal surgery; Extended approach; Parasellar; Tumors; Anterior skull base. A promising minimally invasivetechnique for the removal of lesions affecting these areas,once thought to be suitable only of the transcranial routes.Concerning the lesion removal and the recurrence rate compared with the transcranial routes, it is too early to pose a definitive word, since the follow-up is still too short.


2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan D. Bander ◽  
Harminder Singh ◽  
Colin B. Ogilvie ◽  
Ryan C. Cusic ◽  
David J. Pisapia ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEPlanum sphenoidale (PS) and tuberculum sellae (TS) meningiomas cause visual symptoms due to compression of the optic chiasm. The treatment of choice is surgical removal with the goal of improving vision and achieving complete tumor removal. Two options exist to remove these tumors: the transcranial approach (TCA) and the endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA). Significant controversy exists regarding which approach provides the best results and whether there is a subset of patients for whom an EEA may be more suitable. Comparisons using a similar cohort of patients, namely, those suitable for gross-total resection with EEA, are lacking from the literature.METHODSThe authors reviewed all cases of PS and TS meningiomas that were surgically removed at Weill Cornell Medical College between 2000 and 2015 (TCA) and 2008 and 2015 (EEA). All cases were shown to a panel of 3 neurosurgeons to find only those tumors that could be removed equally well either through an EEA or TCA to standardize both groups. Volumetric measurements of preoperative and postoperative tumor size, FLAIR images, and apparent diffusion coefficient maps were assessed by 2 independent reviewers and compared to assess extent of resection and trauma to the surrounding brain. Visual outcome and complications were also compared.RESULTSThirty-two patients were identified who underwent either EEA (n = 17) or TCA (n = 15). The preoperative tumor size was comparable (mean 5.58 ± 3.42 vs 5.04 ± 3.38 cm3 [± SD], p = 0.661). The average extent of resection achieved was not significantly different between the 2 groups (98.80% ± 3.32% vs 95.13% ± 11.69%, p = 0.206). Postoperatively, the TCA group demonstrated a significant increase in the FLAIR/edema signal compared with EEA patients (4.15 ± 7.10 vs −0.69 ± 2.73 cm3, p = 0.014). In addition, the postoperative diffusion-weighted imaging signal of cytotoxic ischemic damage was significantly higher in the TCA group than in the EEA group (1.88 ± 1.96 vs 0.40 ± 0.55 cm3, p =0.008). Overall, significantly more EEA patients experienced improved or stable visual outcomes compared with TCA patients (93% vs 56%, p = 0.049). Visual deterioration was greater after TCA than EEA (44% vs 0%, p = 0.012). While more patients experienced postoperative seizures after TCA than after EEA (27% vs 0%, p = 0.038), there was a trend toward more CSF leakage and anosmia after EEA than after TCA (11.8% vs 0%, p = 0.486 and 11.8% vs 0%, p = 0.118, respectively).CONCLUSIONSIn this small single-institution study of similarly sized and located PS and TS meningiomas, EEA provided equivalent rates of resection with better visual results, less trauma to the brain, and fewer seizures. These preliminary results merit further investigation in a larger multiinstitutional study and may support EEA resection by experienced surgeons in a subset of carefully selected PS and TS meningiomas.


2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (Suppl1) ◽  
pp. E2 ◽  
Author(s):  
James K. Liu ◽  
Jean Anderson Eloy

Retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas are formidable cranial base tumors to resect because of their intimate relationship with neighboring critical neurovascular structures, particularly the undersurface of the optic chiasm and hypothalamus. Radical resection offers the best chance of minimizing tumor recurrence, although this may be associated with significant surgical morbidity. Although various transcranial approaches have been utilized (transbasal subfrontal, frontobasal interhemispheric, pterional, orbitozygomatic, and petrosal) for resection of retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas, each is associated with some degree of brain retraction, and direct visualization of the retrochiasmatic region is often incomplete, therefore resulting in blind dissection. The endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach provides the most direct route to the retrochiasmatic region while affording unmatched visualization of the undersurface of the optic chiasm, third ventricle, and hypothalamus. This advantage allows for direct bimanual tumor dissection off of these critical structures by using microsurgical principles. The endonasal route also has the advantage of avoiding brain retraction and risk of cerebral edema that can be associated with transcranial approaches. In this operative video atlas report, the authors demonstrate their step-by-step techniques for resection of a suprasellar retrochiasmatic craniopharyngioma using a purely endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach. They describe and illustrate the operative nuances and surgical pearls to safely and efficiently perform the approach, tumor resection, and multilayered reconstruction of the cranial base defect. The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/ZIbJvAyRxYU.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. V7
Author(s):  
James K. Liu ◽  
Kevin Zhao ◽  
Jean Anderson Eloy

Craniopharyngioma is a rare and benign intracranial tumor of the sellar and suprasellar region. Historically, these tumors were mostly accessed through transcranial corridors and resected with microsurgical techniques. Endoscopic endonasal surgery has recently gained popularity in the treatment of these tumors and has shown at least comparable results to transcranial approaches. The endoscopic endonasal approach provides direct midline access through a transplanum transtuberculum corridor and gives excellent visualization of the undersurface of the optic chiasm to allow safe bimanual sharp dissection of the tumor from the hypothalamus. In this operative video, we demonstrate the case of a 56-year-old female who had a complex craniopharyngioma with solid and cystic components extending superolaterally into the right frontal lobe. This lesion was invasive and partially encased the right optic nerve, optic chiasm, and anterior communicating artery complex. Although a traditional transcranial approach could have been utilized, we elected for an endoscopic endonasal approach for a maximal safe near-total resection, preserving the neurovascular structures. The patient underwent radiation therapy with favorable regression of the residual tumor on subsequent imaging studies. This case illustrates the feasibility of a combined strategy of maximal safe endoscopic endonasal resection followed by early radiation therapy for a complex, invasive cystic and solid craniopharyngioma. The technical nuances of safe bimanual microsurgical dissection of tumor adhesions off of critical neurovascular structures are demonstrated.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/z0AINLpRZGs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (S 02) ◽  
pp. S191-S193
Author(s):  
Varun Kshettry ◽  
Gurston Nyquist ◽  
James Evans

AbstractSurgery for craniopharyngiomas can be challenging due to the involvement of multiple critical neurovascular structures. The expanded endoscopic endonasal approach can provide superior access to suprasellar craniopharyngiomas, particularly with retrochiasmatic extension and significant hypothalamic involvement. We describe the surgical technique used to treat a 30-year-old patient who presented with 4 weeks of worsening vision, fatigue, and memory loss. His vision was counting fingers at 1 feet on the right and 20/800 on the left with a temporal hemianopsia. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated central hypoadrenalism, hypothyroidism, and hypogonadism. Imaging showed a large solid and cystic suprasellar mass. The transtubercular approach with removal of the lateral tubercular strut can provide wide bilateral access to the opticocarotid region. The superior intercavernous sinus must be coagulated and ligated. Initial arachnoid dissection is centered at the midline, mobilizing the superior hypophyseal branches to the optic apparatus laterally. The cyst capsule is opened and care is taken to minimize spillage of cyst fluid into the subarachnoid space. Central debulking and then extracapsular dissection is performed under direct visualization using sharp dissection. Reconstruction of the dura is performed with an inlay/onlay fascia lata button that is held together with four sutures that hold the graft edges against the native dural edges. This is followed by vascularized nasoseptal flap reconstruction. No lumbar drain or nonabsorbable packing is required. The patient's vision had dramatic improvement and by 1 week postoperatively was 20/20 with full visual fields. Postoperative diabetes insipidus was managed with nasal desmopressin. Postoperative MRI demonstrated complete removal.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/QQxCNUcq1qg.


2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (S 03) ◽  
pp. S245-S246 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Liu ◽  
Jean Eloy

AbstractWe present a pediatric case of a retrochiasmatic craniopharyngioma in the suprasellar region with third ventricular extension that was resected through a purely endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) via the transplanum transtuberculum corridor. The patient is a 12-year-old boy who presented with progressive visual loss and panhypopituitarism. The EEA allows direct visualization of the undersurface of the optic chiasm and hypothalamus so that safe and meticulous tumor dissection can be performed to preserve these critical neurovascular structures. This video atlas demonstrates the operative technique and surgical nuances of the endoscopic skull base approach, microdissection of the tumor from the critical neurovascular structures, and multilayered reconstruction of the skull base defect with a nasoseptal flap. A gross total resection was achieved, and the patient was neurologically intact with improved visual acuity and visual fields. In summary, the EEA via the transplanum transtuberculum corridor is an important strategy in the armamentarium for surgical management of pediatric craniopharyngiomas.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/bmgO_PMRHPk.


2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-114
Author(s):  
Samsul Alam ◽  
A N Wakil Uddin ◽  
Anis Ahmed ◽  
Moshiur Rahman Mojumder ◽  
Kamrunnessa Hossain ◽  
...  

Background: Extended endonasal solo endoscopic approach for the non-pituitary lesions of the sellar and suprasellar regions are not new in the field of neurosurgery. Following endoscopic surgical approach of the pituitary adenoma, endoscopic neurosurgeon is eager to develop the skill for non-pituitary sellar & suprasellar lesions. Common sellar & suprasellar lesions are pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, tuberculumselle meningioma and suprasellar germinoma. Objective: Traditional transsphenoidal approach gives exposure to the pituitary fossa, whereas extended approach provides exposure to the optic nerve, chiasm, acom complex and basal frontal lobe ,mammillary body, mid brain and laterally to the cavernous sinuses. Material & method: From November 2007 to March 2012, 12 cases of done by extended endonasal solo endoscopic approach among 12 cases of craniopharyngiomas. Patient’s history, clinical findings, pre-operative and post-operative visual acuity, visual field and radiological data were collected and analyzed. All patients underwent solo endoscopic extended transsphenoidal approach with or without nasoseptal flap technique for closure. Most of the patients were given lumbar drain as a treatment for CSF leak. Result: All patients were of age group of 10 to 60 years. Male were 8 (66.67%), female were 4 (33.33%) in number. Gross total removals were done in 7 cases out of 12 (58.33%) craniopharyngiomas and subtotal removal done in 5 (41.67%) cases. Visual acuity and field of vision were improved in all cases of craniopharyngiomas. One case (8.33%) of craniopharyngioma had prolong period of unconsciousness probably from hypothalamic disturbance. CSF leak developed in 2 (16.67%) cases. Patients with craniopharyngioma were required thyroxin and cortisol for replacement. Permanent diabetes insipidus developed in 5 cases (41.67%). Three patients required permanent CSF diversion via a ventriculoperitoneal shunt after documentation of postoperative HCP. There was one case of chemical meningitis, and two cases confirmed bacterial infections. Craniopharyngioma can be successfully resected via a purely endoscopic, endonasal approach. Craniopharyngioma have a higher rate of perioperative hydrocephalus and postoperative CSF leak compared with other tumor types in the same area. Conclusion: Extended transsphenoidal approach is an excellent alternative of skull base approach for the removal of most of the craniopharyngioma.The endoscopic endonasal route provides a good exposure, especially of the sub-chiasmatic and retro-chiasmatic areas, as well as of the stalk– infundibulum axis and the third ventricle chamber. It gives better visualization, improved postoperative visual outcome for less manipulation and low complication then craniotomy. However CSF leak and diabetes insipidus is common known complications which have to be manage promptly and appropriately. Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2013; Vol. 29 (2) : 108-114


2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ONS-75-ONS-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Frank ◽  
Ernesto Pasquini ◽  
Francesco Doglietto ◽  
Diego Mazzatenta ◽  
Vittorio Sciarretta ◽  
...  

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The endoscope has recently been applied to the supradiaphragmatic transsphenoidal approach, but only case reports dealing with different pathological features have been described. The authors present their experience with this technique in 10 patients with craniopharyngiomas. METHODS: A pure endoscopic endonasal technique was used. From November 1998 through May 2005, four males and six females with a craniopharyngioma, either purely supradiaphragmatic (six patients) or with a significant suprasellar component (four patients), were treated. The tumors had a mean diameter of 2.9 cm (range, 1–4 cm); four patients had a major prechiasmatic component and six had a retrochiasmatic one. RESULTS: Seven total, one subtotal, and two partial resections were obtained. Vision symptoms improved significantly in six out of eight patients. Endocrine function did not improve after surgery, and diabetes insipidus was the most frequent deficit, although it was transient in five out of eight patients. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was the most frequent complication and required reoperation in two patients. Postoperative obesity occurred in two patients. No recurrence has yet been documented in the total resection group. The mean follow-up period is 37 months (range, 3–75 mo). CONCLUSION: The endoscopic technique allows results comparable with the best microscopic series. We think that this technique increases the safety of the procedure because of improved vision. Further studies are required to better define the exact location of the tumor with respect to the arachnoidal plane, the extra-arachnoidal craniopharyngioma being the most suitable for a radical removal using a transsphenoidal supradiaphragmatic approach.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document