Anterior Petrosal Approach for the Resection of a Petrous Apex Meningioma with Tentorial Infiltration

Objective The anterior petrosal approach is an extension of the middle fossa approach, characterized by drilling of the posteromedial triangle of the middle fossa. Drilling the Kawase's rhomboid creates a surgical corridor to the posterior fossa after splitting the tentorium. We present a case of a petrous apex meningioma invading the tentorium and causing trigeminal neuralgia. Results The patient was positioned in a Mayfield with the head rotated. A frontotemporal incision was done. A basal craniotomy was done to allow epidural dissection. The anatomical landmarks were identified. The surgical video is analyzed together with cadaveric dissections to highlight landmarks when doing an anterior petrosectomy. The tentorium was identified and the infiltrated region was coagulated and removed. The tentorium was sharply sectioned until the free edge of the tentorium was opened. The tumor in the petrous apex was identified and removed. The trigeminal nerve was decompressed and a gross total resection was achieved with resolution of the symptoms. Conclusion The anterior petrosal approach is a useful corridor to remove tumors in the petrous apex that infiltrate the tentorium. A thorough knowledge of the anatomical landmarks is crucial to identify and delineate the limits of the Kawase's rhomboid. After evaluating different surgical corridors, the anterior petrosal approach allows a gross total resection including the removal of the infiltrated tentorium and a resolution of the symptoms.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/p4KPUnM_bww.

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Transzygomatic extended middle fossa approach for upper petroclival skull base lesions

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/foc.2008.25.12.e5 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 25 (6) ◽

pp. E5 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Jin-cheng Zhao ◽

James K. Liu

Keyword(s):

Skull Base ◽

Internal Auditory Canal ◽

Direct Access ◽

Petrous Apex ◽

Middle Fossa ◽

Middle Fossa Approach ◽

Trigeminal Root ◽

Skull Base Lesions ◽

Anterior Petrosectomy ◽

Surgical Corridor

Central skull base lesions in the upper retroclival and petroclival regions can be challenging to access because of their location anterior to the brainstem. Several transpetrosal approaches have been developed to access the petroclival junction, including anterior petrosal (anterior petrosectomy), posterior petrosal (retrolabyrinthine, translabyrinthine, transcochlear), and combined petrosal approaches. The anterior petrosal approach is best suited for upper petroclival lesions located anterior and superior to the internal auditory canal and superior to the inferior petrosal sinus. This approach provides direct access to the anteromedial cerebellopontine angle, petrous apex, Meckel cave, and ventrolateral brainstem between the trigeminal root and the facial nerve. The authors describe their modification of an anterior petrosal approach, the so-called transzygomatic extended middle fossa approach, which incorporates a zygomatic osteotomy, anterior mobilization of the V3, and extensive middle fossa drilling. This exposure provides a wider surgical corridor for direct view of the clivus and ventral brainstem.

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Middle Fossa Approach for Total Resection of Petrous Apex Cholesterol Granulomas

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0b013e3182724354 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 72 ◽

pp. ons 77-ons 86 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Mari Kusumi ◽

Takanori Fukushima ◽

Ankit I. Mehta ◽

Calhoun D. Cunningham ◽

Allan H. Friedman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Petrous Apex ◽

Middle Fossa ◽

Total Resection ◽

Middle Fossa Approach

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Endoscope-Assisted Retrosigmoid Intradural Suprameatal Approach for Surgical Treatment of Trigeminal Schwannomas

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0000000000000478 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 565-575 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Madjid Samii ◽

Maysam Alimohamadi ◽

Venelin Gerganov

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Study ◽

Surgical Treatment ◽

The Other ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Petrous Apex ◽

Middle Fossa ◽

Tumor Removal ◽

Total Resection ◽

Radical Removal ◽

Tumor Remnant

AbstractBACKGROUND:Trigeminal schwannomas are the most common intracranial nonvestibular schwannomas, and the dumbbell-shaped subtype is the most challenging.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficiency and safety of the endoscope-assisted retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach (EA-RISA) for dumbbell trigeminal schwannomas and to compare EA-RISA with classic RISA.METHODS:A retrospective study of all patients with trigeminal schwannomas was performed with a focus on dumbbell tumors. Tumors were classified according to a modified Samii classification. Extent of tumor removal, outcome, and morbidity rates in the 2 subgroups were compared.RESULTS:Twenty patients were enrolled: 8 had dumbbell-shaped tumors (type C1), 8 had middle fossa tumors (A1-3), 3 had extracranial extension (D2), and 1 had posterior fossa tumor. Gross total resection was achieved in 15 and near-total resection in 5 patients. In 4 patients with dumbbell tumors, the classic RISA (Samii approach) was used; EA-RISA was used in the other 4 patients. The extent of petrous apex drilling was determined individually on the basis of the anatomic variability of suprameatal tubercle and degree of tumor-induced petrous apex erosion; in 2 patients, only minimal drilling was needed. The endoscope was applied after microsurgical tumor removal and in 3 of 4 patients revealed a significant unrecognized tumor remnant in the anterolateral and superolateral aspects of the Meckel cave. Thus, the EA-RISA technique allowed gross total resection of the tumor.CONCLUSION:The EA-RISA enlarges the exposure obtained with the classic RISA. Its judicious use can help achieve safe and radical removal of dumbbell-shaped trigeminal schwannomas (C1 type).

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Endoscope-Assisted Middle Fossa Approach: Optimizing the Surgical Corridor for the Resection of Multicompartmental Chordomas

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1702218 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

André Beer-Furlan ◽

Eduardo de Arnaldo Silva Vellutini ◽

Leonardo Balsalobre ◽

Aldo Cassol Stamm

Keyword(s):

Skull Base ◽

Medical Records ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Complete Removal ◽

Anatomical Landmarks ◽

Middle Fossa ◽

Middle Fossa Approach ◽

Endoscopic Assistance ◽

Skull Base Chordomas ◽

Surgical Corridor

Abstract Background Skull base chordomas are a major therapeutic challenge. The surgical management involves selecting an approach that will offer the patient the best chance of largest/complete removal while minimizing morbidity and mortality. Methods Medical records and imaging review of two skull base chordomas involving the middle fossa and posterior fossa that were successfully treated with an endoscope-assisted middle fossa approach. Results The use of angled endoscopes provided better identification of anatomical landmarks and improved tumor resection when compared with the microscopic surgical exposure. The approach selection, anatomical landmarks, and technical aspects of the intraoperative setting of the endoscope-assisted approach are discussed. Conclusion Endoscopic assistance in the middle fossa approach is a safe and valuable tool for maximizing the reach of the surgical corridor when treating skull base chordomas.

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Transcavernous Resection of a Giant Extensive Chondrosarcoma with Endoscopic Assistance

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1727124 ◽

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.

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

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1729995 ◽

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

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Presigmoid Approach to Dumbbell Trigeminal Schwannoma

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1669977 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 79 (S 05) ◽

pp. S391-S392

Author(s):

Katherine Kunigelis ◽

Daniel Craig ◽

Alexander Yang ◽

Samuel Gubbels ◽

A. Youssef

Keyword(s):

Trigeminal Nerve ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Direct Access ◽

Petrous Apex ◽

Total Resection ◽

Middle Fossa Approach ◽

Nerve Preservation ◽

Presigmoid Approach ◽

Trigeminal Schwannoma

This case is a 15-year-old male, presenting with headaches, right face, and arm numbness, and ataxia. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) revealed a large right sided dumbbell shaped lesion, extending into the middle and posterior fossa with compression of the brainstem consistent with a trigeminal schwannoma. Treatment options here would be a retrosigmoid suprameatal approach or a lateral presigmoid approach. Given the tumor extension into multiple compartments, a presigmoid craniotomy, combining a middle fossa approach with anterior petrosectomy, and retrolabyrinthine approach with posterior petrosectomy were used to maximize the direct access corridor for resection. The petrous apex was already expanded and remodeled by the tumor. Nerve fascicles preservation technique is paramount to the functional preservation of the trigeminal nerve. The extent of resection should be weighed against the anatomical functional integrity of the nerve. Near total resection is considered if that means more nerve preservation. Postoperatively, the patient had a slight (House–Brackman grade II) facial droop, which resolved over days and developed right trigeminal hypesthesia at several weeks. This case is presented to demonstrate a combined petrosectomy technique for resection of lesions extending into both the middle and posterior cranial fossa with near total resection and trigeminal nerve preservation.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/kA9GyFhL1dg.

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Microsurgical Resection of Trigeminal Schwannomas: 3-Dimensional Operative Video

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/ons/opz097 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. E18-E18

Author(s):

Duarte N C Cândido ◽

Marcio S Rassi ◽

Guilherme Henrique Weiler Ceccato ◽

Jean Gonçalves de Oliveira ◽

Luis A B Borba

Keyword(s):

Trigeminal Nerve ◽

Senior Author ◽

Petrous Apex ◽

Middle Fossa ◽

Middle Fossa Approach ◽

3 Dimensional ◽

History Of ◽

Nerve Paresis ◽

Microsurgical Resection ◽

The Right

Abstract Trigeminal schwannomas are benign lesions arising from the Schwann cells of the trigeminal nerve. This is an unusual tumor that accounts for less than 0.4% of intracranial pathologies, even though they are the second most frequent schwannoma after the vestibular schwannoma. The tumor spreads along the natural course of the V nerve at its cisternal portion, along the ganglion inside Meckel's cave or through its peripheral division. Even though the tumor can reach great size and become multicompartmental. We present a 51-yr-old woman, with an history of 3 mo of incapacitating facial pain, that was found on examination to be on the territory of the third division of the trigeminal nerve on the right side. The MRI depicted a large homogeneous enhancing lesion at the base of the right middle fossa with extension through the petrous apex to the most superior and medial part of the posterior fossa. The patient was operated by the senior author, through a middle fossa approach, dissecting between the two layers of the middle fossa dura (the apparent inner and the true outer layer of the cavernous sinus), the so called middle fossa “peeling”. We achieved total resection of the tumor, but the patient presented after surgery with facial nerve paresis. This is thought to be related to geniculate ganglion manipulation, as it was unprotect by bone at the middle fossa and the patient maintained lacrimal function (post-geniculate alteration). It resolved completely after 6 mo. The patient consented to publication of her images.

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