World Neurosurg
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Coexisting complex visual field defects and serious ophthalmologic comorbidities make the management of the pituitary macroadenomas more challenging. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) magnetic resonance imaging that tracks neural fibers in the white matter has been used recently to visualize the impact of different pathologies on cranial nerves. This study explains application of anterior optic pathway tractography for patients with ophthalmologic comorbidities and pituitary adenoma. ⋯ Visual pathway DTI tractography is a promising adjunct to the standard perimetry in preoperative assessment of pituitary macroadenoma with serious ophthalmologic comorbidities. It also may be useful in the intraoperative determination of the optic pathway decompression and for following the visual outcome of these patients after surgery.
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In cases of small intracanalicular tumors (≤ 1.5 cm), the middle fossa approach (MFA) provides the ability for adequate tumor removal with preservation of existing auditory function. Application of a minimally invasive tubular retractor in this approach may help mitigate the risk of postoperative seizures, aphasia, and venous complications by minimizing intraoperative retraction of the temporal lobe. We propose a minimally invasive microscopic and/or endoscopic percutaneous transtubular MFA for the management of intracanalicular tumors. ⋯ A percutaneous transtubular MFA is a feasible minimally invasive option for resection of small intracanalicular tumors with potential preservation of auditory function, reduced temporal retraction, and enhanced protection of surrounding structures.