Endoscopic transorbital and transcranial multiportal resection of a sphenoorbital meningiomas with custom bone 3D printing reconstruction: Case report

BACKGROUND

Sphenoorbital meningiomas (SOM) harbor intrinsic features that render their surgical management and the reconstruction of the resulting bony defect overtly challenging.

METHODS

A 70-year-old woman, harboring a long-standing left frontotemporal bony swelling conservatively managed, presented with progressive left proptosis. Radiological features were consistent with an en plaque SOM. A one-step multiportal transcranial and endoscopic transorbital approach (TOA) with custom bone three-dimensional (3D) printing reconstruction using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was scheduled.

RESULTS

Postoperative functional and aesthetic results were excellent, with proptosis and calvarian deformity resolution. Tumor subtotal resection was achieved. Histopathological diagnosis confirmed a transitional meningioma (WHO grade I).

CONCLUSIONS

The endoscopic TOA, isolated or as part of a multiportal strategy, has entered the surgical armamentarium for the treatment of SOMs. A customized PMMA cranioplasty can be considered a possible option for the reconstruction of large bony defects in a one-step fashion.

Systematic review of transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approaches for craniopharyngiomas in children: is there an evolution?

OBJECTIVE

The optimal surgical approach for pediatric craniopharyngiomas (CPs) remains a matter of debate, with selection bias classically precluding a fair comparison of outcomes between the transcranial approach (TCA) and endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the current role of EEA in the treatment of pediatric CPs and to determine whether, upon expansion of its indications, a comparison with TCA is valid.

METHODS

A systematic review of English-language articles published between February 2010 and June 2022 was performed to identify studies in the MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase databases reporting on the resection of pediatric CPs. Included were articles reporting on pediatric CPs removed through TCA or EEA. Case reports, review articles, and earlier or less comprehensive series by the same center were excluded. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. Prediction intervals (PIs), heterogeneity (Q, I2, and τ2 statistics), and publication bias (funnel plot analysis) were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 835 patients underwent TCA (18 articles) and 403 patients underwent EEA (19 articles). Preoperatively, the mean patient age (p = 0.055, PI = 5.05-15.11), visual impairment (p = 0.08, PI = 19.1-90.5, I2 = 80%), and hypothalamic syndrome (p = 0.17, PI = 6.5-52.2, I2 = 62%) did not significantly differ between the EEA and TCA groups. Endocrine deficit (anterior pituitary deficit [p < 0.001, PI = 16.5-92.9, I2 = 81%] and diabetes insipidus [p < 0.001, PI = 6.3-60.6, I2 = 43%]) was more frequent in the EEA group. Hydrocephalus and signs/symptoms of raised intracranial pressure were significantly higher (p < 0.001, PI = 5.2-73.3, I2 = 70% vs p < 0.001, PI = 4.6-73, I2 = 62%, respectively) in the TCA group. Recurrent lesions (p = 0.52, PI = 2.7-87.3, I2 = 13%), tumor size (p = 0.25, PI = 22.1-56.8), third ventricle involvement (p = 0.053, PI = 10.9-81.3, I2 = 69%), and hypothalamic involvement (p = 0.06, PI = 8.5-83.6, I2 = 79%) did not differ significantly between the approaches. EEA was preferred (p = 0.006, PI = 26.8-70.8, I2 = 40%) for sellar-suprasellar CPs, whereas TCA was preferred for purely suprasellar CPs (p = 0.007, PI = 13.5-81.1, I2 = 61%). There was no difference between the approaches for purely intrasellar lesions (p = 0.94, PI = 0-62.7, I2 = 26%). The breadth of PIs, I2 values, and analysis of publication bias showed substantial variability among the pooled data, hindering the possibility of outcome meta-analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

With the adoption of extended approaches, the use of EEA became appropriate for a wider spectrum of pediatric CPs, with associated excellent outcomes. Although a fair comparison between outcomes in the EEA and TCA groups was hindered because of the differences in patient populations and tumor subtypes, given the increased versatility of EEA and improved expertise in its use, surgeons can now select the optimal surgical approach based on the unique benefits and drawbacks of each pediatric CP.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Tuberculum Sellae Meningioma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

INDICATIONS CORRIDOR AND LIMITS OF EXPOSURE

Ideal indications for tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSM) removal through endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) are midline tumors (<3.5 cm), possibly with no optic canal invasion and no vessels encasement. The EEA is favored by a wide tuberculm sellae (TS) angle and a deep sella at the sphenoid sinus (SS). 1 Adequate removal of paranasal structures provides a wider surgical corridor ensuring exposure at the suprasellar area and safe instruments manuevrability. 2.

ANATOMIC ESSENTIALS NEED FOR PREOPERATIVE PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT

The endoscopic transtuberculum transplanum approach allows for wide suprasellar intradural exposure. 3 Removal of the supraoptic recess (SOR) provides further lateral extension over the planum sphenoidale (PS) and proper management of dural involvement at the optic canal. 4.

ESSENTIAL STEPS OF THE PROCEDURE

The patients have consented to the procedure. Bone removal starts at the upper sella and TS and is extended anteriorly over the PS and laterally, upon needs, at the SORs. On dural opening, tumor devascularization, dedressing, debulking, and dissection are run. Skull base reconstruction is performed using the 3F technique. 5.

PITFALLS/AVOIDANCE OF COMPLICATIONS

In those cases with vessel encasement, possibility of achieving total resection has to be balanced with risk of vascular injury. 6 Optic canal dural invasion precludes tumor total removal; however, bony decompression is maximal using the EEA. Concerning postoperative cerebrospinal fluid fistula, nowadays the rates have dropped to <2%.

VARIANTS AND INDICATIONS FOR THEIR USE

A wider skull base osteodural opening allows for the removal of selected meningiomas extending to the PS and cribriform plate.

Endoscopic endonasal approach for infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngiomas: a multicentric Italian study

OBJECTIVE

Infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngiomas (ICs) represent a distinct subtype, harboring a sellar-suprasellar origin and generally growing in the extra-arachnoidal space contained by the diaphragma sellae. They have been considered ideal for surgical removal through the transsphenoidal approach since the 1960s. The authors present a multicentric national study, intending to selectively analyze IC behavior and the impact of the transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) on surgical outcomes.

METHODS

Craniopharyngiomas that were intraoperatively recognized as infradiaphragmatic and removed with standard EEA between 2000 and 2021 at 6 Italian neurosurgical departments were included in the study. Clinical, radiological, and surgical findings and outcomes were evaluated and reviewed.

RESULTS

In total, 84 patients were included, with 45.23% identified as pediatric cases and 39.28% as having recurrent tumors. The most common presenting symptoms were endocrine (75%), visual (59.52%), and hypothalamic (26.19%) disorders. ICs were classified as extending below (6 intrasellar and 41 occupying the suprasellar cistern) or above (26 obliterating the anterior recesses of the third ventricle and 11 extending up to the foramina of Monro) the chiasmatic cistern. Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 54 cases (64.28%). Tumor extension above the chiasmatic cistern and calcifications were associated with lower likelihood of GTR. The cumulative rate of postoperative complications was 34.53%, with CSF leak being the most common (14.28%). Endocrine, visual, and hypothalamic functions deteriorated postoperatively in 41/78 patients (52.56%), 5/84 (5.95%), and 14/84 (16.67%), respectively. Twenty-eight patients (33.33%) had recurrence during follow-up (mean 63.51 months), with a mean 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate of 58%. PFS was greater in patients who achieved GTR than patients with other extent of resection.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest series in the literature to describe ICs removed with standard EEA, without the need for additional bone and dural opening over the planum sphenoidale. EEA provides a direct route to ICs, the opportunity to manage lesions extending up to the third ventricle without breaching the diaphragma, and high rates of GTR and satisfactory clinical outcomes. Increased surgical complexity and morbidity should be expected in patients with extensive suprasellar extension and involvement of the surrounding vital neurovascular structures.

Surgeon's Eyes on the Relevant Surgical Target

The resolution of the naked eye has been a challenge for the neurosurgical endeavor since the very first attempts of cranial surgery, and advances have been achieved over the centuries, driven by a synergism between the application of emerging technology into the surgical environment and the expansion of the capabilities of neurosurgery. The understanding of the principles of the optical properties of lenses by Abbè (1840-1905) led to the introduction of loupes in the surgical practice, increasing the visual performance during macroscopic procedures. Modern neurosurgery began with the possibility of illumination and magnification of the surgical field as provided by the microscope. Pioneering contributions from Donaghy and Yasargil opened the way to the era of minimalism with reduction of operative corridors and surgical trauma through the adoption of the microsurgical technique. Almost at the same time, engineering mirabilia of Hopkins in terms of optics and lenses allowed for introduction of rigid and flexible endoscopes as a viable tool in neurosurgery. Nowadays, neurosurgeons are aware of and confident using effective and modern tools of visualization in their armamentarium. Herein we present a cogent review of the evolution of visualization tools in neurosurgery, with a special glimpse into the current development and future achievements.

The management of clival chordomas: an Italian multicentric study

OBJECTIVE

In the last 2 decades, the endoscopic endonasal approach in the treatment of clival chordomas has evolved to be a viable strategy to achieve maximal safe resection of this tumor. Here, the authors present a multicentric national study, intending to analyze the evolution of this approach over a 20-year time frame and its contribution in the treatment of clival chordomas.

METHODS

Clival chordoma cases surgically treated between 1999 and 2018 at 10 Italian neurosurgical departments were included in this retrospective study. Clinical, radiological, and surgical findings, adjuvant therapy, and outcomes were evaluated and compared according to classification in the treatment eras from 1999 to 2008 and from 2009 to 2018.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-two surgical procedures were reviewed, with an increase in case load since 2009. The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach (EETA) was performed in 151 of 182 cases (83.0%) and other approaches were performed in 31 cases (17%). There was an increment in the use of EETA, neuronavigation, and Doppler ultrasound after 2008. The overall postoperative complication rate was 14.3% (26 of 182 cases) consisting of 9 CSF leaks (4.9%), 7 intracranial hemorrhages (3.8%), 5 cases of meningitis (2.7%), and 5 cerebral ischemic injuries (2.7%). Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 93 of 182 cases (51.1%). Extent of resection (EOR) improved in the second era of the study. Signs and/or symptoms at presentation worsened in 27 cases (14.8%), and the Katz Index worsened in 10 cases (5.5%). Previous treatment, dural involvement, EETA, and intraoperative Doppler ultrasound correlated with GTR. Patients received adjuvant proton beam radiation in 115 of 182 cases (63.2%), which was administered more in the latter era. Five-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 62.3% and 73.5%, respectively. GTR, EETA, proton beam therapy, and the chondroid subtype correlated with a better survival rate. The mean follow-up was 62 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Through multicentric data collection, this study encompasses the largest series in the literature of clival chordomas surgically treated through an EETA. An increase in the use of this approach was found among Italian neurosurgical departments together with an improved extent of resection over time. The satisfactory rate of GTR was marked by low surgical morbidity and the preservation of patient quality of life. Surgical outcome was reinforced, in terms of PFS and OS, by the use of proton beam therapy, which was increasingly performed along the period of study.

Anterior Clinoid Metastasis as First Presentation of a Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: An Intriguing Diagnosis

Background  We report an extremely unusual case of anterior clinoid process (ACP) metastasis as the first presentation of a signet ring cell carcinoma.

Case Description  A 54-year-old female patient presented with right-sided visual disturbances due to optic nerve compression from a computed tomography (CT)-identified right anterior clinoid bone lesion. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed an extra-axial, well-bordered enhancing mass extending from the right ACP toward the inner lumen of the optic canal. Pterional approach was adopted to remove the lesion and decompress the optic canal. Histological examination demonstrated a metastasis from a signet ring cell carcinoma. Postoperative CT showed near-total resection of the tumor and decompression of the optic canal. Visual defect remained unchanged.

Conclusion  Metastasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the ACP lesions. The early suspicion and identification of this extremely rare pathological entity can be helpful for the prompt management of patients, especially in the absence of any other signs of oncological diseases.

The endoscopic endonasal approach for pediatric craniopharyngiomas: the key lessons learned

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to highlight the role of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) in pediatric craniopharyngiomas by reviewing our experience and the key lessons learned from the application of this approach in children.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2017, 12 pediatric craniopharyngiomas were treated via EEA at our institution. Demographic data, preoperative assessment, tumor features, surgical results, complications, and recurrences were analyzed.

RESULTS

Visual defects were the most frequent presenting sign. Seven craniopharyngiomas were infradiaphragmatic, and five were supradiaphragmatic. The EEA was successfully performed in all cases with no complication related to children's sinonasal anatomy. Gross total resection (GTR) rate was of 75%. Endocrinological disturbances improved in one case (20%) and worsened in three (60%). New onset of diabetes insipidus was observed in four (36%) children. Visual defect improved in 91% of cases, with no new postoperative deficit. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak occurred in one patient (8%). Three patients (27%) experienced tumor regrowth, and one craniopharyngioma recurred (mean follow-up, 78 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The EEA offers a straight route to the sellar-suprasellar, making it the ideal approach for pediatric infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngiomas. In supradiaphragmatic craniopharyngiomas, the extended EEA provides a clearer and close-up visualization of the tumor-hypothalamus interface, which can grant better results in terms of quality of life. The pediatric skull base anatomy should not represent a contraindication for the endoscopic technique. Larger series encompassing a wider spectrum of pediatric craniopharyngiomas are needed to further support the benefits of this surgical approach.

Endoscopic endonasal control of the paraclival internal carotid artery by Fogarty balloon catheter inflation: an anatomical study

OBJECTIVE Neurosurgical management of many vascular and neoplastic lesions necessitates control of the internal carotid artery (ICA). The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of achieving control of the ICA through the endoscopic endonasal approach by temporary occlusion with a Fogarty balloon catheter. METHODS Ten endoscopic endonasal paraseptal approaches were performed on cadaveric specimens. A Fogarty balloon catheter was inserted through a sellar bony opening and pushed laterally and posteriorly extraarterially along the paraclival carotid artery. The balloon was then inflated, thus achieving temporary occlusion of the vessel. The position of the catheter was confirmed with CT scans, and occlusion of the ICA was demonstrated with angiography. The technique was performed in 2 surgical cases of pituitary macroadenoma with cavernous sinus invasion. RESULTS Positioning the Fogarty balloon catheter at the level of the paraclival ICA was achieved in all cadaveric dissections and surgical cases through a minimally invasive, quick, and safe approach. Inflation of the Fogarty balloon caused interruption of blood flow in 100% of cases. CONCLUSIONS Temporary occlusion of the paraclival ICA performed through the endoscopic endonasal route with the aid of a Fogarty balloon catheter may be another maneuver for dealing with intraoperative ICA control. Further clinical studies are required to prove the efficacy of this method.

The extended endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach to the anterior communicating artery complex: anatomic study

BACKGROUND

When performing a transplanum transtuberculum approach, dealing with the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) complex is inevitable. The aim of this study is to provide quantitative anatomical information regarding the ACoA complex and its bony and neural relationships, when exposed through this approach.

METHOD

The endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach was performed on ten human cadaver heads. In each specimen, radiological studies were performed. A three-dimensional model of the approach was reconstructed. Measured parameters were: exposure of the vessels; distance between the proximal anterior cerebral artery (A1) and the optic chiasm; dimension of the bone opening. The feasibility to perform clip placement was graded as "possible" or "not possible".

RESULTS

Dimension of bone opening varied from 88 to 53 mm(2). The ACoA was exposed for 3 mm ± 2 mm, A1 for 17 mm ± 9 mm, the distal anterior cerebral artery (A2) for 12 mm ± 3 mm, the recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH) for 16 mm ± 4 mm. Clip placement was possible on the ACoA, A2, and distal segment of A1 in all cases, and on the proximal segment of A1 in one instance. The distance between A1 and the optic chiasm measured 9 mm ± 2 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

The ACoA, A2, and the distal segment of A1 can be visualized and controlled through the transplanum transtuberculum approach. The relationship between A1, gyrus rectus, and optic chiasm is the main determinant for the exposure and control of the vessel. The olfactory nerve can represent a surgical landmark for the identification of the A1 origin. The whole course of the RAH can be visualized trough this approach.

Open Transcranial Resection of Small (<35 mm) Meningiomas of the Anterior Midline Skull Base in Current Microsurgical Practice

OBJECTIVE

Despite technical surgical advance, the ultimate management of midline anterior skull base meningiomas remains to be defined. Open transcranial surgery is usually the first treatment option for large meningiomas, while less invasive techniques such as endoscopic surgery or radiosurgery might represent an alternative to open microsurgery for smaller lesions. The aim of our study is to investigate the outcome of open transcranial microsurgery in the resection of small (<35 mm) meningiomas of the midline anterior cranial base.

METHODS

Clinical and surgical data from 43 patients affected by small midline anterior skull base meningiomas operated via an open transcranial approach were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The tumor diameter on its major axis ranged from 12 to 35 mm, with a mean diameter of 28 mm. Gross total resection (Simpson grades I-II) was achieved in 100% of cases through a pterional approach. Postoperative overall morbidity was 9%. It was 3% among patients <70 years. No mortality was reported. Postoperative visual outcome was significantly associated with preoperative visual performance (P = 0.02), but not with preoperative optic nerve compression as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (P = 0.116). Age >70 years was associated with postoperative visual impairment, although not significantly (P = 0.06). Visual function was preserved or improved in 95% of cases, in 100% of patients <70 years, and in 71% of patients with preoperative visual impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, open transcranial surgery proved safe and effective for midline anterior skull base meningiomas smaller than 35 mm in all patients <70 years and in patients >70 years without preoperative visual deficit. Our data are consistent with the literature. Conversely, the standard of treatment for the subgroup of patients >70 years with preoperative visual deficit has not yet been defined. This specific subgroup of patients offers a topic for further investigation.

The endoscopic endonasal approach for cerebrospinal fluid leak repair in the elderly

INTRODUCTION

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea can lead to CNS infections, carrying significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the elderly. Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a validated technique in the repair of anterior skull base CSF leaks. The aim of this study is to assess diagnostic management, surgical technique and clinical outcome in a consecutive series of elderly patients.

METHODS

Patients older than 65 years treated for anterior skull base CSF leaks through endoscopic endonasal surgery between 2003 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent preoperative nasal endoscopy, laboratory and radiological assessment. In doubtful cases endoscopic exploration was performed after intrathecal fluorescein (IF) injection. Patients were discharged between 3 and 4 days after surgery, and the endoscopic follow-up ranged from 3 to 24 months.

RESULTS

20 patients (age range 65-92) presented with 10 spontaneous and 10 traumatic/iatrogenic CSF leaks. In 40% of patients formal rhinoscopy and radiological assessment did not localize the CSF leak and IF injection was performed. IF enabled the identification of the skull base defect in all cases, with no adverse effects. In 11 cases the dura was repaired with fascia lata graft. All patients had successful endoscopic repair of the CSF fistula with no complications nor recurrences during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a minimally invasive procedure for CSF leak treatment. In our experience, IF injection proved safe and efficient in detecting skull base defects not identified by preoperative imaging. Endoscopic endonasal surgery proved effective and reliable also in elderly patients, with short hospitalization times and no morbidity.

Extended endoscopic endonasal transclival approach to the ventrolateral brainstem and related cisternal spaces: anatomical study

Advances in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery have led to the development of new routes to areas beyond the midline skull base. Recently, feasible surgical corridors to the lateral skull base have been described. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical exposure of the ventrolateral brainstem and posterior fossa through an extended endoscopic endonasal transclival transpetrosal and transcondylar approach. Six human heads were used for the dissection process. The arterial and venous systems were injected with red- and blue-colored latex, respectively. A pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan was carried out on every head. The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach was extended through an anterior petrosectomy and a medial condylectomy. A three-dimensional model of the approach was reconstructed, using a dedicated software, from the overlapping of the pre- and post-dissection CT imaging of the specimen. An extended endoscopic transclival approach allows to gain access through an extradural anterior petrosectomy and medial condylectomy to the anterolateral surface of the brainstem and the posterior fossa. Two main intradural anatomical corridors can be described: first, between the V cranial nerve in the prepontine cistern and the VII-VIII cranial nerves in the cerebellopontine and cerebellomedullary cistern; second, between the VII-VIII cranial nerves and the IX cranial nerve, in the premedullary cistern. Extending the transclival endoscopic approach by performing an extradural anterior petrosectomy and a medial condylectomy provides a safe and wide exposure of the anterolateral brainstem with feasible surgical corridors around the main neurovascular structures.

Right parietal cortex and calculation processing: intraoperative functional mapping of multiplication and addition in patients affected by a brain tumor

OBJECT

The role of parietal areas in number processing is well known. The significance of intraoperative functional mapping of these areas has been only partially explored, however, and only a few discordant data are available in the surgical literature with regard to the right parietal lobe. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of simple calculation in cortical electrostimulation of right-handed patients affected by a right parietal brain tumor.

METHODS

Calculation mapping in awake surgery was performed in 3 right-handed patients affected by high-grade gliomas located in the right parietal lobe. Preoperatively, none of the patients presented with calculation deficits. In all 3 cases, after sensorimotor and language mapping, cortical and intraparietal sulcus areas involved in single-digit multiplication and addition calculations were mapped using bipolar electrostimulation.

RESULTS

In all patients, different sites of the right parietal cortex, mainly in the inferior lobule, were detected as being specifically related to calculation (multiplication or addition). In 2 patients the intraparietal sulcus was functionally specific for multiplication. No functional sites for language were detected. All sites functional for calculation were spared during tumor resection, which was complete in all cases without postoperative neurological deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide intraoperative data in support of an anatomofunctional organization for multiplication and addition within the right parietal area. Furthermore, the study shows the potential clinical relevance of intraoperative mapping of calculation in patients undergoing surgery in the right parietal area. Further and larger studies are needed to confirm these data and assess whether mapped areas are effectively essential for function.

5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence guided surgery of high-grade gliomas in eloquent areas assisted by functional mapping. Our experience and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Only few data are available on the specific topic of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) guided surgery of high-grade gliomas (HGG) located in eloquent areas. Studies focusing specifically on the post-operative clinical outcome of such patients are yet not available, and it has not been so far explored whether such approach could be more suitable for some particular subgroups of patients.

METHODS

Patients affected by HGG in eloquent areas who underwent surgery assisted by 5-ALA fluorescence and intra-operative monitoring were prospectively recruited in our Department between June 2011 and August 2012. Resection rate was reported as complete resection of enhancing tumor (CRET), gross total resection (GTR) >98 % and GTR > 90 %. Clinical outcome was evaluated at 7, 30, and 90 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients were enrolled. Resection was complete (CRET) in 74 % of patients. Tumor removal was stopped to avoid neurological impairment in 26 % of cases. GTR > 98 % and GTR > 90 % was achieved in 93 % and 100 % of cases, respectively. First surgery and awake surgery had a CRET rate of 80 % and 83 %, respectively. Even though at the first-week assessment 64 % of patients presented neurological impairment, there was a 3 % rate of severe morbidity at the 90th day assessment. Newly diagnosed patients had a significantly lower morbidity (0 %) and post-operative higher median KPS. Both pre-operative neurological condition and improvement after corticosteroids resulted significantly predictive of post-operative functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

5-ALA surgery assisted by functional mapping makes high HGG resection in eloquent areas feasible , through a reasonable rate of late morbidity. This emerges even more remarkably for selected patients.

Indocyanine green videoangiography (ICGV)-guided surgery of parasagittal meningiomas occluding the superior sagittal sinus (SSS)

BACKGROUND

Maximal safe resection is the goal of correct surgical treatment of parasagittal meningiomas, and it is intimately related to the venous anatomy both near and directly involved by the tumor. Indocyanine green videoangiography (ICGV) has already been advocated as an intra-operative resourceful technique in brain tumor surgery for the identification of vessels. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ICGV in surgery of parasagittal meningiomas occluding the superior sagittal sinus (SSS).

METHOD

In this study, we prospectively analyzed clinical, radiological and intra-operative findings of patients affected by parasagittal meningioma occluding the SSS, who underwent ICGV assisted-surgery. Radiological diagnosis of complete SSS occlusion was pre-operatively established in all cases. ICGV was performed before dural opening, before and during tumor resection, at the end of the procedure.

RESULTS

Five patients were included in our study. In all cases, ICGV guided dural opening, tumor resection, and venous management. The venous collateral pathway was easily identified and preserved in all cases. Radical resection was achieved in four cases. Surgery was uneventful in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the small number of patients, our study shows that ICG videoangiography could play a crucial role in guiding surgery of parasagittal meningioma occluding the SSS. Further studies are needed to define the role of this technique on functional and oncological outcome of these patients.

Blood supply to the intracavernous cranial nerves: comparison of the endoscopic and microsurgical perspectives

OBJECTIVE

To provide a comparative description of the endoscopic and microsurgical anatomic features of the blood supply to the cranial nerves in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus.

METHODS

Twenty-four cavernous sinuses were dissected in 12 adult cadaveric heads. Endoscopic observations were made with 0- and 45-degree, 4-mm rod-lens endoscopes. The lateral wall of the cavernous sinus was exposed through an endonasal transsphenoidal approach. The microsurgical observations were performed with a surgical microscope with possible magnification ranging from 4x to 40x through a lateral transcranial approach. Neurovascular relationships in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus were noted, and the endoscopic and microsurgical perspectives were compared.

RESULTS

The neurovascular relationships in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus that are visible by the endonasal transsphenoidal approach but not visible by the transcranial microsurgical approach are as follows: between the oculomotor nerve and the tentorial artery, between the distal segment of the trochlear nerve and the tentorial artery, between the ophthalmic nerve and the inferolateral trunk, and between the abducens nerve and the inferolateral trunk. The neurovascular relationships visible by the transcranial microsurgical approach but not visible by the transsphenoidal endoscopic approach are as follows: between the oculomotor nerve and the superoproximal artery, when present, and between the proximal segment of the trochlear nerve and the superoproximal artery.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating the endoscopic and microsurgical perspectives ensures a better understanding of the neurovascular relationships in the cavernous sinus lateral wall. This information could be relevant for preservation of the blood supply to the nerves during surgery in or around the cavernous sinus.