scholarly journals Endoscopic endonasal surgical management of chondrosarcomas with cerebellopontine angle extension

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. E13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo M. Mesquita Filho ◽  
Leo F. S. Ditzel Filho ◽  
Daniel M. Prevedello ◽  
Cristian A. N. Martinez ◽  
Mariano E. Fiore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Petrous Bone ◽  
Petrous Apex ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Male Female Ratio

Object Skull base chondrosarcomas are slow-growing, locally invasive tumors that arise from the petroclival synchondrosis. These characteristics allow them to erode the clivus and petrous bone and slowly compress the contents of the posterior fossa progressively until the patient becomes symptomatic, typically from cranial neuropathies. Given the site of their genesis, surrounded by the petrous apex and the clival recess, these tumors can project to the middle fossa, cervical area, and posteriorly, toward the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches are versatile techniques that grant access to the petroclival synchondrosis, the core of these lesions. The ability to access multiple compartments, remove infiltrated bone, and achieve tumor resection without the need for neural retraction makes these techniques particularly appealing in the management of these complex lesions. Methods Analysis of the authors’ database yielded 19 cases of skull base chondrosarcomas; among these were 5 cases with predominant CPA involvement. The electronic medical records of the 5 patients were retrospectively reviewed for age, sex, presentation, pre- and postoperative imaging, surgical technique, pathology, and follow-up. These cases were used to illustrate the surgical nuances involved in the endonasal resection of CPA chondrosarcomas. Results The male/female ratio was 1:4, and the patients’ mean age was 55.2 ±11.2 years. All cases involved petrous bone and apex, with variable extensions to the posterior fossa and parapharyngeal space. The main clinical scenario was cranial nerve (CN) palsy, evidenced by diplopia (20%), ptosis (20%), CN VI palsy (20%), dysphagia (40%), impaired phonation (40%), hearing loss (20%), tinnitus (20%), and vertigo/dizziness (40%). Gross-total resection of the CPA component of the tumor was achieved in 4 cases (80%); near-total resection of the CPA component was performed in 1 case (20%). Two patients (40%) harbored high-grade chondrosarcomas. No patient experienced worsening neurological symptoms postoperatively. In 2 cases (40%), the symptoms were completely normalized after surgery. Conclusions Expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches appear to be safe and effective in the resection of select skull base chondrosarcomas; those with predominant CPA involvement seem particularly amenable to resection through this technique. Further studies with larger cohorts are necessary to test these preliminary impressions and to compare their effectiveness with the results obtained with open approaches.

scholarly journals Transcavernous Approach for Gross Total Resection of a Dumbbell-Shaped Giant Trigeminal Schwannoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sima Sayyahmelli ◽  
Emel Avci ◽  
Burak Ozaydin ◽  
Mustafa K. Başkaya
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Mass Effect ◽  
World Health ◽  
Gross Total Resection ◽  
Petrous Apex ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Who Grade ◽  
Trigeminal Schwannoma

AbstractTrigeminal schwannomas are rare nerve sheet tumors that represent the second most common intracranial site of occurrence after vestibular nerve origins. Microsurgical resection of giant dumbbell-shaped trigeminal schwannomas often requires complex skull base approaches. The extradural transcavernous approach is effective for the resection of these giant tumors involving the cavernous sinus.The patient is a 72-year-old man with headache, dizziness, imbalance, and cognitive decline. Neurological examination revealed left-sided sixth nerve palsy, a diminished corneal reflex, and wasting of temporalis muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a giant homogeneously enhancing dumbbell-shaped extra-axial mass centered within the left cavernous sinus, Meckel's cave, and the petrous apex, with extension to the cerebellopontine angle. There was a significant mass effect on the brain stem causing hydrocephalus. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed erosion of the petrous apex resulting in partial anterior autopetrosectomy (Figs. 1 and 2).The decision was made to proceed with tumor resection using a transcavernous approach. Gross total resection was achieved. The surgery and postoperative course were uneventful, and the patient woke up the same as in the preoperative period. MRI confirmed gross total resection of the tumor. The histopathology was a trigeminal schwannoma, World Health Organization (WHO) grade I. The patient continues to do well without any recurrence at 15-month follow-up.This video demonstrates important steps of the microsurgical skull base techniques for resection of these challenging tumors.The link to the video can be found at https://youtu.be/TMK5363836M

scholarly journals Transcavernous Resection of a Giant Extensive Chondrosarcoma with Endoscopic Assistance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walid Elshamy ◽  
Burcak Soylemez ◽  
Sima Sayyahmelli ◽  
Nese Keser ◽  
Mustafa K. Baskaya
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Gross Total Resection ◽  
Petrous Apex ◽  
Left Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Complete Occlusion ◽  
Grade Ii

AbstractChondrosarcomas are one of the major malignant neoplasms which occur at the skull base. These tumors are locally invasive. Gross total resection of chondrosarcomas is associated with longer progression-free survival rates. The patient is a 55-year-old man with a history of dysphagia, left eye dryness, hearing loss, and left-sided facial pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a giant heterogeneously enhancing left-sided skull base mass within the cavernous sinus and the petrous apex with extension into the sphenoid bone, clivus, and the cerebellopontine angle, with associated displacement of the brainstem (Fig. 1). An endoscopic endonasal biopsy revealed a grade-II chondrosarcoma. The patient was then referred for surgical resection. Computed tomography (CT) scan and CT angiogram of the head and neck showed a left-sided skull base mass, partial destruction of the petrous apex, and complete or near-complete occlusion of the left internal carotid artery. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed complete occlusion of the left internal carotid artery with cortical, vertebrobasilar, and leptomeningeal collateral development. The decision was made to proceed with a left-sided transcavernous approach with possible petrous apex drilling. During surgery, minimal petrous apex drilling was necessary due to autopetrosectomy by the tumor. Endoscopy was used to assist achieving gross total resection (Fig. 2). Surgery and postoperative course were uneventful. MRI confirmed gross total resection of the tumor. The histopathology was a grade-II chondrosarcoma. The patient received proton therapy and continues to do well without recurrence at 4-year follow-up. This video demonstrates steps of the combined microsurgical skull base approaches for resection of these challenging tumors.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/WlmCP_-i57s.

Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Partially Resected Meningiomas

Neurosurgery ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas M. Barbaro ◽  
Philip H. Gutin ◽  
Charles B. Wilson ◽  
Glenn E. Sheline ◽  
Edwin B. Boldrey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Tumor Location ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Intracranial Meningioma ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Time To Recurrence ◽  
Male Female Ratio

Abstract To address the question of whether radiation therapy is beneficial in the management of partially resected meningiomas, we reviewed the records of all patients admitted to the University of California, San Francisco, between 1968 and 1978 who had a diagnosis of intracranial meningioma. The patients were divided into three groups: 51 patients had gross total resection and did not receive radiation therapy, 30 patients had subtotal resection and no radiation therapy, and 54 patients had subtotal resection followed by radiation therapy. The subtotal resection groups were similar in average age, male: female ratio, and tumor location, which allowed a valid comparison of the effects of irradiation. The recurrence rate in the total resection group was 4% (2 of 51 patients). Among patients in the subtotal resection groups, 60% of nonirradiated patients had a recurrence, compared with only 32% of the irradiated patients. The median time to recurrence was significantly longer in the irradiated group than in the nonirradiated group (125 vs. 66 months, P < 0.05). There was no complication related to irradiation. These results provide convincing evidence that radiation therapy is beneficial in the treatment of partially resected meningiomas.

Endoscope-assisted far-lateral transcondylar approach for craniocervical junction chordomas: a retrospective case series and cadaveric dissection

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Arianna Fava ◽  
Paolo di Russo ◽  
Valentina Tardivo ◽  
Thibault Passeri ◽  
Breno Câmara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Craniocervical Junction ◽  
Anatomical Landmarks ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Cadaveric Dissection ◽  
Transcondylar Approach ◽  
Far Lateral

OBJECTIVE Craniocervical junction (CCJ) chordomas are a neurosurgical challenge because of their deep localization, lateral extension, bone destruction, and tight relationship with the vertebral artery and lower cranial nerves. In this study, the authors present their surgical experience with the endoscope-assisted far-lateral transcondylar approach (EA-FLTA) for the treatment of CCJ chordomas, highlighting the advantages of this corridor and the integration of the endoscope to reach the anterior aspect and contralateral side of the CCJ and the possibility of performing occipitocervical fusion (OCF) during the same stage of surgery. METHODS Nine consecutive cases of CCJ chordomas treated with the EA-FLTA between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative characteristics, surgical technique, postoperative results, and clinical outcome were analyzed. A cadaveric dissection was also performed to clarify the anatomical landmarks. RESULTS The male/female ratio was 1.25, and the median age was 36 years (range 14–53 years). In 6 patients (66.7%), the lesion showed a bilateral extension, and 7 patients (77.8%) had an intradural extension. The vertebral artery was encased in 5 patients. Gross-total resection was achieved in 5 patients (55.6%), near-total resection in 3 (33.3%), and subtotal resection 1 (11.1%). In 5 cases, the OCF was performed in the same stage after tumor removal. Neither approach-related complications nor complications related to tumor resection occurred. During follow-up (median 18 months, range 5–48 months), 1 patient, who had already undergone treatment and radiotherapy at another institution and had an aggressive tumor (Ki-67 index of 20%), showed tumor recurrence at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS The EA-FLTA provides a safe and effective corridor to resect extensive and complex CCJ chordomas, allowing the surgeon to reach the anterior, lateral, and posterior portions of the tumor, and to treat CCJ instability in a single stage.

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.

High Jugular Bulb: Implications for Posterior Fossa Neurotologic and Cranial Base Surgery

1993 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven D. Rauch ◽  
Wen-Zhuang Xv ◽  
Joseph B. Nadol
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Bone ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Internal Auditory Canal ◽  
Petrous Bone ◽  
Jugular Bulb ◽  
Variable Position ◽  
High Jugular Bulb ◽  
Cranial Base Surgery ◽  
Bone Exposure

The suboccipital-retrosigmoid approach to the internal auditory canal and cerebellopontine angle is being used with increasing frequency for neurotologic surgery, including vestibular nerve section and resection of acoustic neuroma. It offers wide exposure of the cerebellopontine angle and the cranial nerve VII—VIII complex as it courses from the brain stem to the temporal bone. Exposure of the internal auditory canal can be achieved by removing its posterior bony wall. Safe utilization of this approach requires familiarity with the variable position of structures within the petrous bone, including the lateral venous sinus and jugular bulb. We report here a case in which bleeding resulted from injury to a high jugular bulb during surgical exposure of the internal auditory canal via the suboccipital route and discuss the regional anatomy of the jugular bulb based on study of 378 consecutive temporal bone specimens from the collection of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. High jugular bulb was defined as encroachment of the dome of the bulb within 2 mm of the floor of the internal auditory canal. Forty-six percent of scoreable specimens met this criterion. However, when donors less than 6 years of age were excluded, a high jugular bulb was identified in 63% of specimens. Relevance to neurotologic surgery of the posterior fossa is presented.

Current neurosurgical management and the impact of the extent of resection in the treatment of malignant gliomas of childhood: a report of the Children's Cancer Group Trial No. CCG-945

1998 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey H. Wisoff ◽  
James M. Boyett ◽  
Mitchel S. Berger ◽  
Catherine Brant ◽  
Hao Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glioblastoma Multiforme ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Anaplastic Astrocytoma ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Radical Resection ◽  
Extent Of Resection ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cancer Group ◽  
Fine Print

Object. One hundred seventy-two children with high-grade astrocytomas were treated by members of the Children's Cancer Group in a prospective randomized trial designed to evaluate the role of two chemotherapy regimens. Seventy-six percent of the patients (131 children) in whom a diagnosis of either anaplastic astrocytoma or glioblastoma multiforme was confirmed by central pathological review are the subject of this report. Methods. Patients were stratified according to the extent of tumor resection (biopsy [< 10%], partial resection [10–50%], subtotal resection [51–90%], near-total resection [> 90%], and total resection) as determined by surgical observation and postoperative computerized tomography scanning. Information on contemporary neurosurgical management was obtained from the patient's operative records and standardized neurosurgical report forms. The vast majority of tumors were supratentorial: 63% (83 tumors) in the superficial cerebral hemisphere, 28% (37 tumors) in the deep or midline cerebrum, and only 8% (11 tumors) in the posterior fossa. A significant association was detected between the primary tumor site and the extent of resection (p < 0.0001). A radical resection (> 90%) was performed in 37% of the children: 49% of the tumors in the superficial hemisphere and 45% of tumors in the posterior fossa compared with 8% of midline tumors. Tumor location could also be used to predict the need for both temporary and permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. Half of the deep tumors and 8% of the hemispheric astrocytomas ultimately required a permanent CSF shunt. Improvement in preoperative neurological deficits and level of consciousness was seen in 36% and 34% of the children, respectively. New or increased deficits were present in 14% of the children, with 6% experiencing a diminished sensorium after surgery. Postoperative nonneurological complications were rare: infection, hematoma, and CSF fistula each occurred in 1.7% of the children. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that radical tumor resection (> 90%) was the only therapeutic variable that significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) rates. For all patients with malignant astrocytomas, the distributions of PFS rates were significantly different (p = 0.006) following radical resection compared with less extensive (< 90%) resection. The 5-year PFS rates were 35 ± 7% and 17 ± 4%, respectively. The differences in the distribution of PFS rate were significant for the subsets of patients with anaplastic astrocytoma (p = 0.055) and glioblastoma multiforme (p = 0.046). The 5-year PFS rates for anaplastic astrocytoma were 44 ± 11% and 22 ± 6% for cases in which the tumor was radically resected and less than radically resected, respectively; whereas the 5-year PFS rates for glioblastoma multiforme were 26 ± 9% and 4 ± 3% for cases in which the tumor was radically resected and less than radically resected, respectively. Conclusions. The demonstration of a survival advantage provided by radical resection should prompt neurosurgeons to treat malignant pediatric astrocytomas with aggressive surgical resection prior to initiation of radiotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy.

scholarly journals Endoscopic endonasal transcavernous approach for invasive corticotroph pituitary adenoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. V2
Author(s):  
Ming-Ying Lan ◽  
Wei-Hsin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Surgical Anatomy ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Cavernous Sinus Invasion ◽  
The Right

This is a 37-year-old woman who presented with weight gain, a moon-shaped face, and muscle weakness for 4 months. Cushing’s disease was confirmed after a series of diagnostic tests. MRI demonstrated a pituitary macroadenoma with right cavernous sinus invasion and encasement of the right ICA. An endoscopic endonasal approach was performed, and gross-total resection could be achieved without injury of the cranial nerves. The Cushing’s syndrome improved gradually after the surgery. Histopathology revealed a corticotroph adenoma. In this surgical video, we demonstrate the strategies of tumor resection according to a surgical anatomy-based classification of the cavernous sinus from an endonasal perspective.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/aNXFRdGfjpI.

scholarly journals Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assisted Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Clival Chordomas

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beste Gulsuna ◽  
Burak Karaaslan ◽  
Memduh Kaymaz ◽  
Hakan Emmez ◽  
Emetullah Cindil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Residual Tumor ◽  
Gross Total Resection ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Skull Base Chordomas

BackgroundCranial base chordomas are typically indolent and usually appear as encapsulated tumors. They slowly grow by infiltrating the bone, along with the lines of least resistance. Due to its relationship with important neurovascular structures, skull base chordoma surgery is challenging.ObjectiveThe usefulness of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (IO-MRI) in achieving the goal of surgery, is evaluated in this study.MethodsBetween March 2018 and March 2020, 42 patients were operated on for resection of skull base chordomas in our institution. All of them were operated on under IO-MRI. Patients were analyzed retrospectively for identifying common residue locations, complications and early post-operative outcomes.ResultsIn 22 patients (52,4%) gross total resection was achieved according to the final IO-MRI. In 20 patients (47,6%) complete tumor removal was not possible because of extension to the petrous bone (8 patients), pontocerebellar angle (6 patients), prepontine cistern (4 patients), temporobasal (1 patient), cervical axis (1 patient). In 13 patients, the surgery was continued after the first IO-MRI control was performed, which showed a resectable residual tumor. 7 of these patients achieved total resection according to the second IO-MRI, in the other 6 patients all efforts were made to ensure maximal resection of the tumor as much as possible without morbidity. Repeated IO-MRI helped achieve gross total resection in 7 patients (53.8%).ConclusionsOur study proves that the use of IO-MRI is a safe method that provides the opportunity to show the degree of resection in skull base chordomas and to evaluate the volume and location of the residual tumor intraoperatively. Hence IO-MRI can improve the life expectancy of patients because it provides an opportunity for both gross total resection and maximal safe resection in cases where total resection is not possible.

Patterns for Differentiation of Posterior Fossa Neoplasms as Detected by Brain Scans

1970 ◽  
Vol 09 (04) ◽  
pp. 303-316
Author(s):  
Frank DeLand ◽  
A. EveretteJames ◽  
Henry Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Lateral View ◽  
Posterior Cranial Fossa ◽  
Anatomical Location ◽  
Posterior View ◽  
Brain Scans ◽  
Histological Characteristics ◽  
Cranial Fossa

SummaryThe histological characteristics of neoplasms that occur in the posterior cranial fossa can often be predicted by a knowledge of the patient’s age and the specific anatomical location of the tumor. Dividing the posterior fossa into midline, cerebellar fossa and cerebellopontine angle provides a scheme to characterize abnormal accumulations of radioactivity according to their anatomical locations. Midline lesions arise from bases activity on the lateral view and are in the midline on the posterior view. Lesions of the cerebellar fossa may be adjacent to but do not appear to arise from the basal structures and are not in the midline. Cerebellopontine angle tumors are adjacent to and appear to arise from the normal radioactivity at the skull base but lie lateral to the midline. The expected distribution of histological types of neoplasms in each area according to age are discussed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document