scholarly journals Surgical management of trigeminal schwannomas: defining the role for endoscopic endonasal approaches

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. E17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaan M. Raza ◽  
Angela M. Donaldson ◽  
Alpesh Mehta ◽  
Apostolos J. Tsiouris ◽  
Vijay K. Anand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Surgical Management ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Trigeminal Neuropathy ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Radiographic Images ◽  
Trigeminal Schwannoma ◽  
Meckel's Cave

Object Because multiple anatomical compartments are involved, the surgical management of trigeminal schwannomas requires a spectrum of cranial base approaches. The endoscopic endonasal approach to Meckel's cave provides a minimal access corridor for surgery, but few reports have assessed outcomes of the procedure or provided guidelines for case selection. Methods A prospectively acquired database of 680 endoscopic endonasal cases was queried for trigeminal schwannoma cases. Clinical charts, radiographic images, and long-term outcomes were reviewed to determine outcome and success in removing tumor from each compartment traversed by the trigeminal nerve. Results Four patients had undergone endoscopic resection of trigeminal schwannomas via the transpterygoid approach (mean follow-up 37 months). All patients had disease within Meckel's cave, and 1 patient had extension into the posterior fossa. Gross-total resection was achieved in 3 patients whose tumors were purely extracranial. One patient with combined Meckel's cave and posterior fossa tumor had complete resection of the extracranial disease and 52% resection of the posterior fossa disease. One patient with posterior fossa disease experienced a sixth cranial nerve palsy in addition to a corneal keratopathy from worsened trigeminal neuropathy. There were no CSF leaks. Over the course of the study, 1 patient with subtotal resection required subsequent stereotactic radiosurgery for disease progression within the posterior fossa. Conclusions Endoscopic endonasal approaches appear to be well suited for trigeminal schwannomas restricted to Meckel's cave and/or extracranial segments of the nerve. Lateral transcranial skull base approaches should be considered for patients with posterior fossa disease. Further multiinstitutional studies will be necessary for adequate power to help determine relative indications between endoscopic and transcranial skull base approaches.

scholarly journals Combined and simultaneous endoscopic endonasal and transorbital surgery for a Meckel’s cave schwannoma: technical nuances of a mini-invasive, multiportal approach

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Alberto Di Somma ◽  
Cristobal Langdon ◽  
Matteo de Notaris ◽  
Luis Reyes ◽  
Santiago Ortiz-Perez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Endoscopic Transorbital ◽  
Meckel's Cave ◽  
Surgical Teams

OBJECTIVEOver the years, Meckel’s cave pathologies have been judged off-limits because of high rates of morbidity. Even though several studies have defined various surgical routes with tolerable morbidity and mortality rates, controversies related to the optimal avenue to treat different categories of Meckel’s cave and cavernous sinus neoplasms persist.With unceasing energy to cultivate minimally invasive neurosurgical approaches, the endoscopic endonasal route has been tested, and the approach effectively performed, to provide a valid surgical window to these areas. In this dynamic and challenging scenario, another ventral endoscopic minimally invasive route—that is, the superior eyelid endoscopic transorbital approach—has been very recently proposed, and used in selected cases, to access the cavernous sinus and Meckel’s cave regions.METHODSThe authors report the technical nuances of a combined and simultaneous endoscopic endonasal and transorbital surgical treatment of a patient with a Meckel’s cave schwannoma. The operation involved collaboration among neurosurgery, otorhinolaryngology, and ophthalmology (oculoplastic surgery). The patient recovered well, had no neurological deficits, and was discharged to home 3 days after surgery.RESULTSThe multiportal combined route was proposed for the following reasons. The endonasal approach, considered to be more familiar to our skull base team, could allow control of possible damage of the internal carotid artery. From the endonasal perspective, the most inferior and medial portion of the tumor could be properly managed. Finally, the transorbital route, by means of opening the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus via the meningoorbital band, could allow control of the superolateral part of the tumor and, most importantly, could permit removal of the portion entering the posterior cranial fossa via the trigeminal pore. Simultaneous surgery with two surgical teams working together was planned in order to reduce operative time, hospital stay, and patient stress and discomfort, and to ensure “one-shot” complete tumor removal, with minimal or no complications.CONCLUSIONSThis study represents the translation into the real surgical setting of recent anatomical contributions related to the novel endoscopic transorbital approach and its simultaneous integration with the endoscopic endonasal pathway. Accordingly, it may pave the way for future applications related to minimally invasive, multiportal endoscopic surgery for skull base tumors.

Anterior Petrosal Approach for Enlarging Previously Radiated Recurrent Trigeminal Schwannoma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. E353-E353
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Rinaldo ◽  
Neil S Patel ◽  
Colin L W Driscoll ◽  
Michael J Link
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Resection ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Residual Tumor ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Petrous Apex ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Trigeminal Neuropathy ◽  
Subtemporal Approach ◽  
Cranial Nerve Palsies ◽  
Meckel's Cave

Abstract Trigeminal nerve schwannomas (TNSs) are rare lesions that typically present with symptoms of trigeminal neuropathy or other cranial nerve palsies. These lesions classically have a dumbbell shape, with an anterior component within Meckel's cave and posterior component extending into the posterior fossa through the porus trigeminus. Surgical resection of TNSs can often be achieved via an extradural subtemporal approach to Meckel's cave without an anterior petrousectomy, even for tumors with a significant posterior fossa component, as the tumor often erodes a portion of the petrous apex.1 We present the case of a 53-yr-old female presenting to our institution with complete trigeminal neuropathy secondary to a right-sided, previously resected and radiated TNS. Serial imaging demonstrated an interval growth of significant residual tumor despite multiple adjuvant therapies, and, thus, the patient was recommended to undergo additional surgical resection. The lesion was approached through a right-sided subtemporal approach to Meckel's cave,2 with a plan to utilize an anterior petrousectomy only if difficulty resecting the posterior fossa component of the tumor was encountered. Intraoperatively, the posterior fossa component was found to be densely adherent to the adjacent brainstem, likely secondary to prior surgery and radiation therapy, and, thus, an anterior petrousectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient had stable trigeminal neuropathy without any new neurological deficits and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a gross total resection. In the accompanying video, we hope to demonstrate the steps and nuances of both the subtemporal approach to accessing Meckel's cave and anterior petrousectomy when employed for the resection of TNSs. The patient in question provided formal consent for the making of this video.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to Meckel's Cave

2012 ◽  
Vol 73 (S 02) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Karkas ◽  
J. Keller ◽  
P. Theodosopoulos ◽  
L. Zimmer
Keyword(s):  
Endoscopic Endonasal Approach ◽  
Endonasal Approach ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Meckel's Cave

Importance of the Meckel's Cave Anatomy in Skull Base Surgery

Skull Base ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 16 (S 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Funda Batay ◽  
Aykut Karasu ◽  
Ossama Al-Mefty
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Skull Base Surgery ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Meckel's Cave

Retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach to Meckel's cave and the middle fossa: surgical technique and outcome

2000 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madjid Samii ◽  
Marcos Tatagiba ◽  
Gustavo A. Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Simpson Grade ◽  
Petroclival Meningiomas ◽  
Meckel's Cave ◽  
Fine Print

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.

Usefulness of Imaging Fusion for Therapeutic Planning in Skull Base Lesions

2003 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-305
Author(s):  
E. Puglielli ◽  
R. Galzio ◽  
A. Ricci ◽  
A. Splendiani ◽  
F. Iannessi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Trigeminal Schwannoma ◽  
Correct Definition ◽  
Skull Base Lesions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Planum Sphenoidale ◽  
Skull Base Meningiomas

We propose critical considerations on the usefulness of CT, MRI, and fMRI imaging fusion for the treatment of skull base lesions evaluating 41 cases (24 meningiomas: six petroclival, seven clinoidal, four olfactory, two in the foramen magnum, two spheno-petro-clival, one in the planum sphenoidale, one in the posterior pyramid and one in the PCA; five acoustic schwannomas, three epidermoids, two pituitary adenomas, two craniopharingiomas, two posterior fossa aneurysms, one trigeminal schwannoma, one dermoid and one juvenile angiofibroma). Data were collected, fused, integrated and reconstructed by a dedicated Stealth-Station system for Neuronavigation. CT images were acquired on axial non-overlapping slices, 1–3 mm thick; MRI images were obtained with a 1.5 T system, same FOV and thickness. During surgery the Mean Fiducially Error measured at 6 cm depth and anatomical distortion due to CSF loss was evaluated. Neuronavigation was possible in all cases and successfully applied in preoperative planning and during surgical procedures. The Mean Fiducially Error at 6 cm was 1.7 mm. CSF loss during surgery produced modifications on planned anatomy in a mean value of 0.6 mm. In all cases, imaging fusion for pre and intra-operative neuronavigation provided great advantages in the choice of the best approach, placing of bone flap, correct definition of tumour boundaries and meningeal implant, relationship with functional areas, early identification and real-time correction of the surgical route with respect of deep normal or distorted anatomic or pathologic structures and their eventual encasement or involvement by the pathologic primary process. Neuronavigation appeared ideal for skull base meningiomas making surgical manoeuvres safer, more effective and less invasive. In skull base lesions, CSF loss appeared not significant due to the fact that posterior fossa structures are strictly connected to each other and to the bone, thus are poorly affected by surgical deliquoration. We propose the possible extension of imaging fusion technique with the aim of optimizing the target in radiotherapy for intracranial tumours.

scholarly journals Pediatric Craniopharyngiomas: A Primer for the Skull Base Surgeon

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (01) ◽  
pp. 065-080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Graffeo ◽  
Avital Perry ◽  
Michael Link ◽  
David Daniels
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy ◽  
Multidisciplinary Care ◽  
Conformal Radiotherapy ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Epithelial Tumor ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
General Terms

AbstractPediatric craniopharyngioma is a rare sellar-region epithelial tumor that, in spite of its typically benign pathology, has the potential to be clinically devastating, and presents a host of formidable management challenges for the skull base surgeon. Strategies in craniopharyngioma care have been the cause of considerable controversy, with respect to both philosophical and technical issues. Key questions remain unresolved, and include optimizing extent-of-resection goals; the ideal radiation modality and its role as an alternative, adjuvant, or salvage treatment; appropriate indications for expanded endoscopic endonasal surgery as an alternative to transcranial microsurgery; risks and benefits of skull base techniques in a pediatric population; benefits of and indications for intracavitary therapies; and the preferred management of common treatment complications. Correspondingly, we sought to review the preceding basic science and clinical outcomes literature on pediatric craniopharyngioma, so as to synthesize overarching recommendations, highlight major points of evidence and their conflicts, and assemble a general algorithm for skull base surgeons to use in tailoring treatment plans to the individual patient, tumor, and clinical course. In general terms, we concluded that safe, maximal, hypothalamic-sparing resection provides very good tumor control while minimizing severe deficits. Endoscopic endonasal, intraventricular, and transcranial skull base technique all have clear roles in the armamentarium, alongside standard craniotomies; these roles frequently overlap, and may be further optimized by using the approaches in adaptive combinations. Where aggressive subtotal resection is achieved, patients should be closely followed, with radiation initiated at the time of progression or recurrence—ideally via proton beam therapy, although three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery are very appropriate in a range of circumstances, governed by access, patient age, disease architecture, and character of the recurrence. Perhaps most importantly, outcomes appear to be optimized by consolidated, multidisciplinary care. As such, we recommend treatment in highly experienced centers wherever possible, and emphasize the importance of longitudinal follow-up—particularly given the high incidence of recurrences and complications in a benign disease that effects a young patient population at risk of severe morbidity from hypothalamic or pituitary injury in childhood.

scholarly journals Stepwise Algorithm for Skull Base Reconstruction in Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: From the Simple to the Complex

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Belen Vega ◽  
Philippe Lavigne ◽  
Vanessa Hernandez-Hernandez ◽  
Aldo Eguiluz-Menendez ◽  
Eric Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Fat Graft ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽  
Endonasal Surgery ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Skull Base Reconstruction ◽  
Skull Base Defects

Abstract INTRODUCTION The most frequent complication of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. This study was designed to develop a step-wise algorithm for EES reconstruction across the spectrum of skull base defects: from free mucosal graft for uncomplicated pituitary adenomas to free flaps in complex cases with recurrent leaks. METHODS All patients with skull base pathologies who underwent EES between January 2017 and December 2018 were included and retrospectively analyzed. Tumor location, reconstruction method and postoperative CSF leak were reviewed and a step-wise algorithm based on size and location of defect was developed. RESULTS Location of skull base defects was categorized as follows: anterior fossa, suprasellar, sellar and posterior fossa. For all nonsellar sites, we performed a multilayer (collagen matrix + /- fascia lata + /− fat graft + vascularized flap) reconstruction. The nasoseptal flap (NSF) was the first choice for vascularized reconstruction when available. For all sellar lesions we employed a free mucosal graft unless a high-flow CSF leak was present, in which case a single-layer reconstruction with NSF was performed. When the NSF was not available, alternative local (lateral nasal wall flap) and regional (extracranial pericranial flap) pedicled flaps were successful choices. When patients failed multiple attempts at repair, regional or microvascular free flaps were options. Lumbar spinal drainage was employed for large anterior and posterior fossa defects and during secondary repair of postoperative CSF leaks. Of 347 patients, 4.6% had a postoperative CSF leak. Of 158 patients with an intraoperative leak (45.5%), 10.1% developed a postoperative CSF leak: 7.8% for sellar/suprasellar defects and 13% for anterior/posterior fossa defects. CONCLUSION This algorithm provides a standardized, stepwise approach to the reconstruction of all skull base defects after EES based on location.

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.

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