Abstract Neuronavigation systems are standard for guiding neurosurgery. Intraoperative-ultrasonography (ioUSG), a real-time neuronavigation modality used for 40-yr in neurosurgery, is easily available, low cost, and does not require excessive preparation. It provides accurate real-time data, even after brain shift. However, even with ioUSG, defining the surgical trajectory is not easy, especially for deep-seated lesions. We used a cottonoid-patty as a marker for ioUSG to define the location of the lesion and best trajectory for safe removal, especially of deep-seated lesions. After obtaining the patient's consent, we report the case of a 10-yr-old male who presented with a 2-mo history of right hemiparesis, gait disturbance, and right central facial paresis from a left-sided globus pallidus tumor. We chose a contralateral approach because of the cortical venous anatomy, nondominant right hemisphere, and right-handed surgeon. After a right parasagittal frontal craniotomy and interhemispheric exploration, a cottonoid-patty was placed as a marker for ioUSG to determine the callosotomy location. To confirm the route, ioUSG was repeated with a second cottonoid-patty placed inside the incision at the lateral side of the thalamostriate and anterior caudate vein junction. After confirming the trajectory, the tumor was removed with microneurosurgical techniques. Total removal was confirmed with ioUSG and intraoperative-magnetic resonance imaging. Early postoperative examination revealed improved muscle strength on the right hemiparetic side. Histopathological studies revealed a mixed germ-cell tumor. ioUSG is an efficient and accurate neuronavigation modality. Using a cottonoid-patty as a marker for ioUSG is valid and reliable in determining the surgical route, especially for deep-seated midline tumors.
We present an effective and easily applied technique for cisterna magna reconstruction with arachnoid suturing in brainstem surgery. Suturing with 10-0 monofilament was done in a patient with a medulla oblongata hemangioblastoma (diagnosed von Hippel-Lindau disease). Seven years later, follow-up imaging revealed a new lesion close to the previous one and the patient underwent reoperation. The craniotomy and dural incision were repeated, and the intact arachnoid was visualized with no meningocerebral adhesions. This technique preserves normal anatomic landmarks and facilitates and shortens dissection in reoperations, almost like a virgin case. We propose this technique for every lower brainstem and fourth ventricle procedure. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/RKMcSoK6ycY.
This video demonstrates resection of a left pontine cavernous malformation that is abutting the floor of the fourth ventricle (f4V). Even though accessing the lesion through the f4V seems to be reasonable, we used a lateral supracerebellar approach through the middle cerebellar peduncle to preserve especially the abducens and facial nuclei. After total resection the patient was neurologically intact at the 3-month follow-up. Postoperative MRI revealed 3.5-mm pontine tissue between the cavity and f4V that appeared to be absent in preoperative MRI. Approaching pontine lesions through the f4V is not the first choice. In our opinion, the philosophy of safe entry zones is a concept to be reassessed. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/1Jh6giZc-48.
Background Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are uncommon cerebral lesions that can cause significant neurological complications. Surgical resection is the gold standard for treatment, but endovascular embolization and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are viable alternatives. Objective To compare the outcomes of endovascular embolization versus SRS in the treatment of AVMs with Spetzler-Martin grades I–III. Methods This study combined retrospective data from 10 academic institutions in North America and Europe. Patients aged 1 to 90 years who underwent endovascular embolization or SRS for AVMs with Spetzler-Martin grades I–III between January 2010 and December 2023 were included. Results The study included 244 patients, including 84 who had endovascular embolization and 160 who had SRS. Before propensity score matching (PSM), complete obliteration at the last follow-up was achieved in 74.5% of the SRS group compared with 57.8% of the embolization group (OR=0.47; 95% CI 0.26 to 0.48; P=0.01). After propensity score matching, SRS still achieved significantly higher occlusion rates at last follow-up (78.9% vs 55.3%; OR=0.32; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.90; P=0.03). Hemorrhagic complications were higher in the embolization group than in the SRS group, although this difference did not reach statistical significance after PSM (13.2% vs 2.6%; OR=5.6; 95% CI 0.62 to 50.47; P=0.12). Similarly, re-treatment rate was higher in the embolization group (10.5% vs 5.3%; OR=2.11; 95% CI 0.36 to 12.31; P=0.40) compared with the SRS group. Conclusion Our findings indicate that SRS has a significantly higher obliteration rate at last follow-up compared with endovascular embolization. Also, SRS has a higher tendency for fewer hemorrhagic complications and lower re-treatment rate. Further prospective studies are needed.
Petroclival meningiomas arise from the upper two-thirds of the clivus at the petroclival junction and are reached via various approaches. As petroclival meningiomas expand, they displace the brainstem and basilar artery toward the contralateral side. Because of their proximity to critical structures and deep skull base location, surgical treatment is challenging. Although several approaches have been introduced, their rationales vary. Herein, the authors demonstrate microsurgical resection of a large petroclival meningioma via a translabyrinthine approach combined with middle fossa craniotomy. For each approach, the pros and cons should be carefully evaluated based on the patient's presentation and lesion characteristics. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2022.1.FOCVID21253.
Access to the jugular fossa pathologies (JFPs) via the transmastoid infralabyrinthine approach (TI-A) using the nonrerouting technique (removing the bone anterior and posterior to the facial nerve while leaving the nerve protected within the fallopian canal) or with the short-rerouting technique (rerouting the mastoid segment of the facial nerve anteriorly) has been described in previous studies. The objective of this study is to compare the access to Fisch class C lesions (JFPs extending or destroying the infralabyrinthine and apical compartment of the temporal bone with or without involving the carotid canal) between the nonrerouting and the short-rerouting techniques. Also, some tailored steps to the nonrerouting technique (NR-T) were outlined to enhance access to the jugular fossa (JF) as an alternative to the short-rerouting technique.
