Combined Petrosal Approach for Resection of a Large Trigeminal Schwannoma With Meckel's Cave Involvement—Part II: Microsurgical Approach and Tumor Resection: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Tayebi Meybodi ◽  
James K Liu

Abstract This video is the second part of a 2-part video presentation demonstrating the microsurgical technique of a combined petrosal approach for resection of a large trigeminal schwannoma in a 54-yr-old woman involving multiple cranial fossae extending anteriorly into Meckel's cave. The patient presented with long-standing worsening headache and facial tingling and numbness. After discussing the benefits and risks of the surgery as well as the alternative management strategies, the patient decided to proceed with surgery and informed consent was obtained. The surgery was performed in a single stage. The technical nuances of anterior and posterior (retrolabyrinthine) petrosectomy are demonstrated and discussed. Microsurgical resection of the tumor is also demonstrated emphasizing the important steps of dural opening, arachnoid dissection, identification and preservation of cranial nerves, and exploration of Meckel's cave. Use of endoscopic-assistance for visualization of the cerebellopontine angle and neurovascular structures is also demonstrated.  Table in video reprinted by permission from Copyright Clearance Center: Springer Nature, Acta Neurochirurgica, Frontotemporal epidural approach to trigeminal neurinomas, Dolenc VV, Copyright 1994.

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (S 03) ◽  
pp. S331-S332
Author(s):  
Paramita Das ◽  
Hamid Borghei-Razavi ◽  
Nina Z. Moore ◽  
Pablo F. Recinos

Background Meckel's cave involvement in tumors pose a challenge due to their surrounding neurovascular structure and deep location. Case Review A 24-year-old male presented with progressive headaches and right sided trigeminal neuralgia with a large epidermoid. The tumor extended from the ambient cistern to the cerebellomedullary cistern and involved Meckel's cave (Fig. 1). Technical Note/Video Description A retrosigmoid craniectomy was performed. Cranial nerves 3, 4, 6, 7, and 10, and auditory brainstem responses were monitored. Once the craniectomy was completed the dura was opened and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was released from the cisterna magna to allow for the tumor resection to be done without the use of any retractors (Fig. 2). Care was taken to ensure that cranial nerves in the posterior fossa were detethered to prevent any traction injury. Using ring curettes the pearly white epidermoid tumor was able to be debulked. After all the possible tumor was resected with the microscope, the 30-degree endoscope was used to identify the porus trigeminus. Malleable ring curettes and a malleable suction were used to remove the soft tumor from this location. The patient transiently had loss of hearing but this returned within 2 weeks after surgery. Conclusions The retrosigmoid approach is familiar to all neurosurgeons and with the adjunct of an angled endoscope, the posterior Meckel's cave can be easily reached. This is particularly useful for tumors with soft consistency. The assistance of the endoscope allows Meckel's cave visualization without additional drilling while still allowing safe resection of tumor from around the trigeminal nerve.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/01aqOyUmSW0.


2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (S 05) ◽  
pp. S389-S390
Author(s):  
Maria Peris-Celda ◽  
Christopher Graffeo ◽  
Avital Perry ◽  
Lucas Carlstrom ◽  
Michael Link

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.


2000 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madjid Samii ◽  
Marcos Tatagiba ◽  
Gustavo A. Carvalho

Object. The goal of this study was to determine whether some petroclival tumors can be safely and efficiently treated using a modified retrosigmoid petrosal approach that is called the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach (RISA).Methods. The RISA was introduced in 1983, and since that time 12 patients harboring petroclival meningiomas have been treated using this technique. The RISA includes a retrosigmoid craniotomy and drilling of the suprameatus petrous bone, which is located above and anterior to the internal auditory meatus, thus providing access to Meckel's cave and the middle fossa.Radical tumor resection (Simpson Grade I or II) was achieved in nine (75%) of the 12 patients. Two patients underwent subtotal resection (Simpson Grade III), and one patient underwent complete resection of tumor at the posterior fossa with subtotal resection at the middle fossa. There were no deaths or severe complications in this series; all patients did well postoperatively, being independent at the time of their last follow-up examinations (mean 5.6 years). Neurological deficits included facial paresis in one patient and worsening of hearing in two patients.Conclusions. Theapproach described here is a useful modification of the retrosigmoid approach, which allows resection of large petroclival tumors without the need for supratentorial craniotomies. Although technically meticulous, this approach is not time-consuming; it is safe and can produce good results. This is the first report on the use of this approach for petroclival meningiomas.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunal V Vakharia ◽  
Ryan M Naylor ◽  
Ashley M Nassiri ◽  
Colin L W Driscoll ◽  
Michael J Link

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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 614-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blake Harrison Priddy ◽  
Cristian Ferrareze Nunes ◽  
Andre Beer-Furlan ◽  
Ricardo Carrau ◽  
Iacopo Dallan ◽  
...  

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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Tayebi Meybodi ◽  
James K Liu

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. E165-E166
Author(s):  
Qazi Zeeshan ◽  
Juan P Carrasco Hernandez ◽  
Michael K Moore ◽  
Laligam N Sekhar

Abstract This video shows the technical nuances of microsurgical resection of recurrent cavernous sinus (CS) hemangioma by superior and lateral approach.  A 77-yr-old woman presented with headache and difficulty in vision in right eye for 6 mo. She had previously undergone attempted resection of a right CS tumor in another hospital with partial removal, and the tumor had grown significantly. Neurological examination revealed proptosis, cranial nerve 3 palsy, and loss of vision in right eye (20/200). Left side visual acuity was 20/20.  Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a large CS mass with homogeneous enhancement, measuring 3.3 × 3.3 × 2.6 cm, extending into the suprasellar cistern with mass effect on the right optic nerve. It extended anteriorly to the region of the right orbital apex and abuted the basilar artery posteriorly.  She underwent right frontotemporal craniotomy, posterolateral orbitotomy and anterior clinoidectomy as well as optic nerve decompression, and the CS tumor was removed by superior and lateral approach. An incision was made into the superior wall of the CS medial to the third nerve. On lateral aspect the tumor had extended outside the CS through the Parkinson's triangle. Posteriorly it extended through the clival dura. Anteriorly tumor encased the carotid artery and it was gradually dissected away. At the end of the operation, all of the cranial nerves were intact.  Postoperative MRI showed near complete tumor resection with preservation of the internal carotid artery. At 6 mo follow-up her modified Rankin Scale was 1 and vision in left eye was normal.  Informed consent was obtained from the patient prior to the surgery that included videotaping of the procedure and its distribution for educational purposes. All relevant patient identifiers have also been removed from the video and accompanying radiology slides.


1999 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. E1
Author(s):  
Madjid Samii ◽  
Marcos Tatagiba ◽  
Gustavo A. Carvalho

Object The goal of this study was to determine whether some petroclival tumors can be safely and efficiently treated using a modified retrosigmoid petrosal approach that is called the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach (RISA). Methods The RISA was introduced in 1983, and since that time 12 patients harboring petroclival meningiomas have been treated using this technique. The RISA includes a retrosigmoid craniotomy and drilling of the suprameatus petrous bone, which is located above and anterior to the internal auditory meatus, thus providing access to Meckel's cave and the middle fossa. Radical tumor resection (Simpson Grade I or II) was achieved in nine (75%) of the 12 patients. Two patients underwent subtotal resection (Simpson Grade III), and one patient underwent complete resection of tumor at the posterior fossa with subtotal resection at the middle fossa. There were no deaths or severe complications in this series; all patients did well postoperatively, being independent at the time of their last follow-up examinations (mean 5.6 years). Neurological deficits included facial paresis in one patient and worsening of hearing in two patients. Conclusions The approach described here is a useful modification of the retrosigmoid approach, which allows resection of large petroclival tumors without the need for supratentorial craniotomies. Although technically meticulous, this approach is not time consuming; it is safe and can produce good results. This is the first report on the use of this approach for petroclival meningiomas.


2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (videosuppl2) ◽  
pp. V8 ◽  
Author(s):  
James K. Liu

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.


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