Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2008
Case ReportsExpanded endonasal approach, a fully endoscopic transnasal approach for the resection of midline suprasellar craniopharyngiomas: a new classification based on the infundibulum.
Craniopharyngiomas are notoriously difficult to treat. Surgeons must weigh the risks of aggressive resection against the long-term challenges of recurrence. Because of their parasellar location, often extending well beyond the sella, these tumors challenge vision and pituitary and hypothalamic function. New techniques are needed to improve outcomes in patients with these tumors while decreasing treatment morbidity. An endoscopic expanded endonasal approach (EEA) is one such technique that warrants understanding and evaluation. The authors explain the techniques and approach used for the endoscopic endonasal resection of suprasellar craniopharyngiomas and introduce a tumor classification scheme. ⋯ The endoscopic EEA requires a thorough understanding of both sinus and skull base anatomy. Moreover, in its application for craniopharyngiomas, an understanding of tumor growth and extension with respect to the optic chiasm and infundibulum is critical to safely approach the lesion via an endonasal route.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2008
The vestibular aqueduct: site of origin of endolymphatic sac tumors.
Although endolymphatic sac tumors (ELSTs) frequently destroy the posterior petrous bone and cause hearing loss, the anatomical origin of these neoplasms is unknown. To determine the precise topographic origin of ELSTs, the authors analyzed the imaging, operative, and pathological findings in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) and ELSTs. ⋯ ELSTs originate from endolymphatic epithelium within the vestibular aqueduct. High-resolution imaging through the region of the vestibular aqueduct is essential for diagnosis. Surgical exploration of the endolymphatic duct and sac is required for complete resection.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2008
Intraoperative acquisition of three-dimensional imaging for frameless stereotactic guidance during transsphenoidal pituitary surgery using the Arcadis Orbic System.
Intraoperative fluoroscopy has long been used for anatomical localization in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. More recently, frameless stereotaxy has been used to supplement 2D sagittal radiographs with 3D multiplanar reconstructions. Use of Arcadis Orbic allows both conventional fluoroscopic views and multiplanar reconstructions to be acquired intraoperatively without need for preoperative planning studies. The authors report their initial experience using Arcadis Orbic during transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. ⋯ Arcadis Orbic provides excellent quality 2- and 3D images during transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, and intraoperative frameless navigation using these images is highly accurate. Arcadis Orbic is easy to use, even in patients with large body habitus, and image acquisition takes no longer than registration during a frameless stereotactic case. Based upon our preliminary experience, Arcadis Orbic precludes the need for preoperative CT studies in patients with pituitary lesions requiring frameless stereotactic navigation.