Utility of a rotation–suction microdebrider for tumor removal in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery

The microdebrider is a common tool used in endoscopic sinus surgery for removing polypoid and sinonasal tissue. It uses rotating blades and an integrated suction device for controlled removal of tissue under video–endoscopic visualization. To our knowledge, the application of the microdebrider for endoscopic removal of skull base tumors has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the utility of the rotation–suction microdebrider as a tool for endoscopic endonasal removal of solid and fibrous skull base tumors. Thirty-two patients underwent endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery where the rotation–suction microdebrider was used as the primary tool for tumor removal and debulking. Pathologies included a variety of anterior skull base meningiomas, sinonasal skull base malignancies, juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, schwannomas, and other skull base lesions. Gross total and near total removal was achieved in 87.5% (28/32) of patients, and subtotal removal was performed in 12.5% (4/32) of patients. The microdebrider allowed efficient debulking and removal of solid and fibrous tumors, such as meningiomas, that were not responsive to standard ultrasonic aspiration. There were no complications of orbital or neurovascular injury, or thermal injury to the nostril. The rotation–suction microdebrider is a useful tool for endoscopic endonasal removal of skull base tumors. This is particularly useful for solid and fibrous tumors that are not responsive to standard ultrasonic aspiration. For intracranial tumors, it is critical to remain inside the tumor capsule during debulking so as to avoid injury to the surrounding neurovascular structures.     

Endoscopic endonasal management of trigeminal schwannomas extending into the infratemporal fossa

Extracranial trigeminal schwannomas extending into the infratemporal fossa are rare. The traditional surgical approaches to the infratemporal fossa are associated with complications, such as facial nerve dysfunction, hearing loss, dental malocclusion and cosmetic problems. We report eight patients (four males, four females, age range=31-62 years) who were treated between 2004 and 2009 for extracranial trigeminal schwannomas extending into the infratemporal fossa. Schwannomas were surgically removed using a purely endoscopic endonasal approach. The maximum diameters of the tumours ranged from 30 mm to 70 mm and all tumours were completely removed. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications in this series. There were no recurrences during the follow-up period which ranged from 10 to 74 months (mean=30 months). The purely endoscopic endonasal approach may provide a minimally invasive and safe approach to remove extracranial trigeminal schwannomas extending into the infratemporal fossa. Radical resection was associated with an excellent long-term outcome in this series.     

内镜下经鼻人路治疗颅底中央区恶性肿瘤

目的探讨内镜下经鼻人路切除颅底中央区恶性肿瘤的手术方法和治疗效果。方法回顾性分析颅底恶性肿瘤32例。采用内镜下经鼻人路27例,颅一鼻联合人路5例;其中术后行一期颅底重建16例。结果肿瘤全切除15例,近全切除13例。部分切除4例。术后症状明显改善或缓解23例,无明显好转9例。主要并发症为：脑脊液鼻漏和颅内感染各1例,均治愈;无颅内出血及死亡病例。随访6,74个月,平均27．8个月;至随访期结束,无肿瘤复发10例,带瘤生存12例,死亡10例,5年生存率46．2％。病人术后3个月KPS评分比人院时显著提高（P〈0．05）。结论内镜下经鼻入路结合可靠的颅底重建,能有效切除颅底中央区恶性肿瘤,并提高病人近期生活质量。     

经鼻内镜颅底病变的外科手术

目的探讨经鼻内镜手术治疗海绵窦、斜坡及岩斜区病变的可行性和手术技术。方法对海绵窦、岩斜坡、斜坡区及鼻窦病变侵犯颞下窝的10例病人采用内镜行经鼻手术切除或活检。结果6例肿瘤全部切除,2例大部分切除,海绵窦及岩斜坡各1例病变活检获得明确诊断。术后蛛网膜下腔出血1例,经保守治疗治愈;3例脑脊液鼻漏,其中2例保守治疗治愈,1例2次经鼻内镜手术修补成功。无颅内感染及死亡。结论经鼻内镜颅底手术是一种安全的、可供选择的外科治疗方法。     

Significance of the simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach for prevention of postoperative CSF leak after surgery for lateral skull base meningioma

Lateral skull base meningiomas, particularly sphenoorbital meningiomas, sometimes extend extremely widely into adjacent structures including the paranasal sinuses. For endonasal skull base reconstruction using a vascularized nasoseptal flap for prevention of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, the simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach was applied for resection of these extensive tumors. We performed a retrospective review of four patients treated with the simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach for resection of lateral skull base meningiomas. Preoperative characteristics, tumor extent, extent of resection, complications, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The tumor extended into the paranasal sinus, infratemporal fossa, and pterygopalatine fossa in all patients. Extracranial extension into the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure was detected in two and three patients, respectively. In one patient without extension into the cavernous sinus and superior orbital fissure, gross total resection was achieved, whereas in the other three patients, subtotal resection was performed, and small residual masses of the tumor remained in the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure to minimize the risk of postoperative ocular nerve damage. No patients experienced postoperative CSF leak. The simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach is useful for a subgroup of patients with lateral skull base meningiomas for prevention of postoperative CSF leak. Particularly in recurrent cases in which vascularized flaps from the transcranial side are likely unavailable due to prior tumor resection, this combined approach is worth considering depending on tumor extension into the paranasal sinus.     

From above or below: The controversy and historical evolution of tuberculum sellae meningioma resection from open to endoscopic skull base approaches

In the early 20th century, the first successful surgical removal of a tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM) was performed and described by Harvey Cushing. It soon became recognized that TSM pose a formidable challenge for skull base surgeons because of their deep and sensitive location, proximity to critical neurovascular elements, and often dense and fibrous nature. Because of this, over the next several decades controversy transpired regarding their optimal method of resection. Early attempts involved utilization of open transcranial routes. This included classic bilateral and unilateral frontal approaches, followed by pterional or frontotemporal approaches, which have evolved to incorporate skull base modifications, such as the supraorbital, orbitozygomatic, and orbitopterional approaches. Minimally invasive supraorbital keyhole approaches through eyebrow incisions have also been adopted. Over the past 25 years, the microsurgical transsphenoidal approach, classically used for pituitary and parasellar tumors, was modified to resect suprasesllar TSM via the extended transsphenoidal approach. More recently, with the evolution of endoscopic techniques, resection of TSM has been achieved using purely endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approaches. Although each of these techniques has been successfully described for the treatment of TSM, the question still remains: is it better to access and operate on these lesions via a traditional, transcranial avenue, or are they better treated via endoscopic endonasal techniques? We outline the surgical management of TSM through history, from early transcranial and transsphenoidal approaches to modern extended endoscopic endonasal procedures. We briefly explore the arguments favoring each of the methods and the advancements which have emerged to further optimize surgical resection.     

Combined endoscopic endonasal & transoral approach to transpatial lesion involving the infratemporal fossa and masticator space: A case study and literature review

Transpatial skull base lesions involving the infratemporal fossa (ITF) are challenging due to the complex neurovascular structures of the region. Open approaches have traditionally been utilized to access these spaces. We present a 55-year-old woman presented with a mesenchymal mass involving the left ITF and masticator space. A combined endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach was performed followed by an endoscopic transoral-transmandibular corridor to access and resect the tumor. The post-operative course was unremarkable with no recurrence during her follow-up. Combined endoscopic approaches for transpatial tumor resection offered sufficient exposure to access safely each space.     

内镜经鼻颅底手术中骨性解剖标志的临床意义

目的探讨内镜经鼻颅底手术中骨性解剖标志的临床意义。方法测量100例干性颅底骨性标本的相关解剖数据;并分析2000年9月～2007年3月进行的172例内镜经鼻颅底手术录像,评价中鼻甲、筛窦、蝶窦腔内骨性隆起、蝶骨翼突等作为骨性解剖标志的临床意义。结果骨性解剖数据:两侧翼突内侧板、枕髁前缘和破裂孔间距分别为26.47mm、16.92mm和19.98mm;视神经管与破裂孔、卵圆孔和下颌关节窝内缘距离约26mm、30mm和44mm。在172例内镜经鼻颅底手术中,与手术入路相关的并发症包括颈内动脉损伤1例,视神经损伤1例,其他并发症包括脑脊液鼻漏14例,蛛网膜下腔出血1例,脑膜炎致死1例;中鼻甲、筛窦、蝶窦腔内骨性隆起及蝶骨翼突是内镜经鼻前颅底、鞍区、斜坡、海绵窦、颞下窝和翼腭窝手术中指导手术的重要解剖标志。结论颅底骨性解剖标志对于内镜经鼻颅底手术有指导作用,正确认识这些解剖标志有助于提高手术安全性。     

Corridor surgery: the current paradigm for skull base surgery

Introduction Clival chordomas are rare tumors, especially in the pediatric population. In this report, we present the case of a 3-year-old boy who was found to have a large posterior pharyngeal, clival, and posterior fossa tumor detected on a CT scan after a closed head injury. Discussion Further questioning revealed a history of ataxia and dysphagia. Imaging confirmed severe extrinsic brain stem compression. The tumor was resected in multiple stages utilizing a minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal technique along with open transfacetal, transcondylar approach through the carotid–vertebral window. The child suffered no permanent complications as a result of our treatment and his dysphagia significantly improved. Although a complete resection was not feasible due to vascular encasement by the tumor, extensive decompression was obtained with minimal morbidity. Conclusion We present this case to illustrate a new paradigm of skull base surgical approaches for large clival lesions in pediatric patients that allows aggressive resection with minimal morbidity.     

内镜下扩大经鼻蝶入路术中多层技术颅底重建

目的总结内镜下扩大经鼻蝶入路鞍区及鞍旁区多层技术重建颅底的经验。方法回顾性分析12例鞍区及鞍旁区肿瘤的临床资料,其中颅咽管瘤4例,鞍区脑膜瘤3例,巨大垂体腺瘤5例;均行内镜下扩大经鼻蝶入路肿瘤切除术,并采用多层技术进行颅底重建。结果所有病例肿瘤均达全切除,颅底重建均1次修补成功。术后部分临床症状明显改善。随访3～6个月,均未出现脑脊液漏、细菌性脑膜炎和张力性气颅等并发症。结论内镜下扩大经鼻蝶入路术中多层技术重建颅底是一种简单、安全、有效的方法。     

改良耳前颞下窝入路的临床应用：5例报告

目的探讨改良耳前颞下窝入路切除侧颅底占位性病变的可行性。方法对5例侧颅底占位性病变采用改良耳前颞下窝入路,显微手术切除占位性病变。结果5例侧颅底占位性病变,4例全切除,1例次全切除,面神经解剖和功能保存,无涎漏发生。结论改良耳前颞下窝入路对于侧颅底占位性病变是一种安全、有效的手术入路,需要神经外科与口腔颌面外科密切协作。     

Surgical outcome of the endoscopic endonasal approach for non-functioning giant pituitary adenoma

Pituitary adenomas with extensive suprasellar extension are a therapeutic challenge. The efficacy and safety of the endoscopic endonasal approach for non-functioning giant pituitary adenoma was evaluated retrospectively. A total of 43 consecutive patients with pituitary adenomas with a suprasellar extension of >20 mm underwent tumor resection with a purely endoscopic endonasal approach, and their surgical outcomes were analyzed. At surgery, irrespective of the size and shape of the adenoma, every effort was made to perform intracapsular resection under direct visual control using an angled-lens endoscope. Gross total removal was achieved in 20 out of 43 patients. Postoperatively, 42 patients showed varying improvement of both visual field defects and impaired visual acuity. In two patients who presented with gait disturbance and cognitive dysfunction due to obstructive hydrocephalus, these symptoms were completely resolved. There were no serious operative complications. The results indicate that intracapsular resection via the endoscopic approach can be a safe and effective treatment for giant pituitary adenomas.     

三叉神经鞘瘤的显微外科治疗

目的探讨不同类型三叉神经鞘瘤的最佳手术入路.方法回顾性分析10例三叉神经鞘瘤的临床资料,其中2例颅后窝型采用枕下乙状窦后入路切除,1例颅中窝型和7例哑铃型则在Brainlab神经导航下采用改良Dolenc入路切除.结果本组均获得全切除.出院时Karnofsky评分100分6例,90分4例.平均随访32个月,均无复发.结论三叉神经鞘瘤行显微手术切除疗效好.神经导航对选择损伤最小的入路和避免神经、血管损伤具有指导意义.     

Shortening the learning curve in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery: A reproducible polymer tumor model for the trans-sphenoidal trans-tubercular approach to retro-infundibular tumors

Background

Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery attracts an increasing number of young neurosurgeons. This recent technique requires specific technical skills for the approaches to non-pituitary tumors (expanded endoscopic endonasal surgery). Actual residents’ busy schedules carry the risk of compromising their laboratory training by limiting significantly the dedicated time for dissections.

Objective

To enhance and shorten the learning curve in expanded endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery, we propose a reproducible model based on the implantation of a polymer via an intracranial route to provide a pathological retro-infundibular expansive lesion accessible to a virgin expanded endoscopic endonasal route, avoiding the ethically-debatable need to hundreds of pituitary cases in live patients before acquiring the desired skills.

Methods

A polymer-based tumor model was implanted in 6 embalmed human heads via a microsurgical right fronto-temporal approach through the carotido-oculomotor cistern to mimic a retro-infundibular tumor. The tumor's position was verified by CT-scan. An endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal trans-tubercular trans-planum approach was then carried out on a virgin route under neuronavigation tracking.

Results

Dissection of the tumor model from displaced surrounding neurovascular structures reproduced live surgery's sensations and challenges. Post-implantation CT-scan allowed the pre-removal assessment of the tumor insertion, its relationships as well as naso-sphenoidal anatomy in preparation of the endoscopic approach.

Conclusion

Training on easily reproducible retro-infundibular approaches in a context of pathological distorted anatomy provides a unique opportunity to avoid the need for repetitive live surgeries to acquire skills for this kind of rare tumors, and may shorten the learning curve for endoscopic endonasal surgery.     

上颌骨翻转入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤的应用解剖

目的 探讨经上颌骨翻转入路切除颅内外沟通肿瘤可行性及其显微解部学关系.方法 (1)应用显微外科解剖技术,对经甲醛固定、动静脉血管内分别灌注红、蓝乳胶的10具(20侧)尸头标本,模拟手术入路逐层解剖,观察手术径路中颢下窝、翼腭窝、蝶筛区、海绵窦等区域的显露情况及重要解剖结构之间的关系.(2)经该手术入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤6例,回顾分析其临床资料.结果 翼突、中鼻甲、上颌神经是经上颌骨翻转手术入路的三个重要解剖标志,此入路对前、中颅底、斜坡区显露满意,有充足的手术操作空间,从颅外暴露颅底,对脑组织的牵拉损伤小.临床应用中,6例肿瘤均得到全切,术后反应小,恢复快.结论 上颌骨翻转入路切除颅内外沟通肿瘤手术可行,熟悉此入路的显微解剖学关系,对开展此手术入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤具有指导意义.     

上颌骨翻转入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤的应用解剖

目的 探讨经上颌骨翻转入路切除颅内外沟通肿瘤可行性及其显微解部学关系.方法 (1)应用显微外科解剖技术,对经甲醛固定、动静脉血管内分别灌注红、蓝乳胶的10具(20侧)尸头标本,模拟手术入路逐层解剖,观察手术径路中颢下窝、翼腭窝、蝶筛区、海绵窦等区域的显露情况及重要解剖结构之间的关系.(2)经该手术入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤6例,回顾分析其临床资料.结果 翼突、中鼻甲、上颌神经是经上颌骨翻转手术入路的三个重要解剖标志,此入路对前、中颅底、斜坡区显露满意,有充足的手术操作空间,从颅外暴露颅底,对脑组织的牵拉损伤小.临床应用中,6例肿瘤均得到全切,术后反应小,恢复快.结论 上颌骨翻转入路切除颅内外沟通肿瘤手术可行,熟悉此入路的显微解剖学关系,对开展此手术入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤具有指导意义.     

上颌骨翻转入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤的应用解剖

目的 探讨经上颌骨翻转入路切除颅内外沟通肿瘤可行性及其显微解部学关系.方法 (1)应用显微外科解剖技术,对经甲醛固定、动静脉血管内分别灌注红、蓝乳胶的10具(20侧)尸头标本,模拟手术入路逐层解剖,观察手术径路中颢下窝、翼腭窝、蝶筛区、海绵窦等区域的显露情况及重要解剖结构之间的关系.(2)经该手术入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤6例,回顾分析其临床资料.结果 翼突、中鼻甲、上颌神经是经上颌骨翻转手术入路的三个重要解剖标志,此入路对前、中颅底、斜坡区显露满意,有充足的手术操作空间,从颅外暴露颅底,对脑组织的牵拉损伤小.临床应用中,6例肿瘤均得到全切,术后反应小,恢复快.结论 上颌骨翻转入路切除颅内外沟通肿瘤手术可行,熟悉此入路的显微解剖学关系,对开展此手术入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤具有指导意义.     

上颌骨翻转入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤的应用解剖

目的 探讨经上颌骨翻转入路切除颅内外沟通肿瘤可行性及其显微解部学关系.方法 (1)应用显微外科解剖技术,对经甲醛固定、动静脉血管内分别灌注红、蓝乳胶的10具(20侧)尸头标本,模拟手术入路逐层解剖,观察手术径路中颢下窝、翼腭窝、蝶筛区、海绵窦等区域的显露情况及重要解剖结构之间的关系.(2)经该手术入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤6例,回顾分析其临床资料.结果 翼突、中鼻甲、上颌神经是经上颌骨翻转手术入路的三个重要解剖标志,此入路对前、中颅底、斜坡区显露满意,有充足的手术操作空间,从颅外暴露颅底,对脑组织的牵拉损伤小.临床应用中,6例肿瘤均得到全切,术后反应小,恢复快.结论 上颌骨翻转入路切除颅内外沟通肿瘤手术可行,熟悉此入路的显微解剖学关系,对开展此手术入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤具有指导意义.     

上颌骨翻转入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤的应用解剖

目的 探讨经上颌骨翻转入路切除颅内外沟通肿瘤可行性及其显微解部学关系.方法 (1)应用显微外科解剖技术,对经甲醛固定、动静脉血管内分别灌注红、蓝乳胶的10具(20侧)尸头标本,模拟手术入路逐层解剖,观察手术径路中颢下窝、翼腭窝、蝶筛区、海绵窦等区域的显露情况及重要解剖结构之间的关系.(2)经该手术入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤6例,回顾分析其临床资料.结果 翼突、中鼻甲、上颌神经是经上颌骨翻转手术入路的三个重要解剖标志,此入路对前、中颅底、斜坡区显露满意,有充足的手术操作空间,从颅外暴露颅底,对脑组织的牵拉损伤小.临床应用中,6例肿瘤均得到全切,术后反应小,恢复快.结论 上颌骨翻转入路切除颅内外沟通肿瘤手术可行,熟悉此入路的显微解剖学关系,对开展此手术入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤具有指导意义.     

上颌骨翻转入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤的应用解剖

目的 探讨经上颌骨翻转入路切除颅内外沟通肿瘤可行性及其显微解部学关系.方法 (1)应用显微外科解剖技术,对经甲醛固定、动静脉血管内分别灌注红、蓝乳胶的10具(20侧)尸头标本,模拟手术入路逐层解剖,观察手术径路中颢下窝、翼腭窝、蝶筛区、海绵窦等区域的显露情况及重要解剖结构之间的关系.(2)经该手术入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤6例,回顾分析其临床资料.结果 翼突、中鼻甲、上颌神经是经上颌骨翻转手术入路的三个重要解剖标志,此入路对前、中颅底、斜坡区显露满意,有充足的手术操作空间,从颅外暴露颅底,对脑组织的牵拉损伤小.临床应用中,6例肿瘤均得到全切,术后反应小,恢复快.结论 上颌骨翻转入路切除颅内外沟通肿瘤手术可行,熟悉此入路的显微解剖学关系,对开展此手术入路切除颅底沟通肿瘤具有指导意义.