Cranio-Orbital Pretemporal Approach for Microsurgical Resection of Hypothalamic Rosette Forming Glioneuronal Tumor with Reversal of Preoperative Blindness: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

The hypothalamic region is susceptible to involvement of several processes.1 Lesions in this region remain challenging for surgical access and treatment. Strategies include both endoscopic and microsurgical approaches.2 A cranio-orbital approach with extradural clinoidectomy and optic canal unroofing provides the necessary corridor to visualize and decompress the optic nerve/chiasm and remains an important tool in achieving complete tumor resection with favorable functional and visual outcomes.3-12 Endoscope assistance in transcranial surgery is well established, used to provide direct visualization of hidden adjacent tissues.13 A 25-year-old woman presented with headache and progressive visual loss to blindness (hand waving and light perception) on admission. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 28-mm-diameter tumor in the hypothalamic region with no significant postcontrast enhancement. She underwent right cranio-orbital craniotomy, extradural anterior clinoidectomy, and optic canal unroofing with a 2-mm high-speed diamond drill and copious irrigation. After ipsilateral falciform ligament release, the tumor capsule was coagulated, sharply opened, and resected in a piecemeal fashion. Endoscopic assistance warranted the removal of hidden parts and confirmed tumor removal. Histopathology and next-generation sequencing confirmed the diagnosis of rosette-forming glioneural tumor. Follow-up revealed gross total tumor removal on magnetic resonance imaging and complete recovery of visual function as per ophthalmologist examination. Rosette-forming glioneural tumors are considered rare and classified as World Health Organization grade I tumors usually found in the fourth ventricle.14 To our knowledge, we present the first operative video (Video 1) demonstrating the removal of rosette-forming glioneural tumor in the hypothalamic region with endoscopic assistance.

Diaphragm Sellae Meningioma: Distinct Clinical, Anatomic, and Surgical Considerations: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Nestled in the parasellar region, surrounded by critical neurovascular structures, diaphragm sellae meningiomas although rare present distinct clinical, radiological, and surgical considerations.1-3 Consequently, they present surgical challenges that could be overcome with technical nuances. The origin of this meningioma on the diaphragm creates a distorted anatomy, which must be comprehended for the safe approach and resection. Three distinct subtypes of diaphragm sellae meningiomas are described, each with distinctive clinical presentations and surgical treatment implications.2 Type A originates from the upper leaf of diaphragm sellae pushing the stalk posteriorly. It usually presents with unilateral visual loss. Type B originates from the upper leaf of the diaphragm sellae pushing the stalk anteriorly. It presents with few visual symptoms, but memory disturbance and hypopituitarism are common. Type C originates from the inferior leaf of the diaphragm sellae (intrasellar meningioma) presenting with bitemporal hemianopsia and hypopituitarism. Recognizing these variations in this rare tumor subtype is critical to minimizing potential adverse outcomes associated with operative treatment. The cranial approach has been the recommended route for these lesions with an exception of the intrasellar type.1,3 In this article, we depict the pathological anatomy and demonstrate the surgical nuances in handling diaphragm sellae meningioma resection through a cranio-orbital approach4 in a patient who had an unsuccessful trans-sphenoidal resection attempt. The patient consented for the procedure. Image at 1:38 from Al-Mefty O, Operative Atlas of Meningiomas, © LWW, 1997, with permission. Image at 8:56 from Kinjo et al,2 Diaphragma sellae meningiomas, case reports, Neurosurgery, 1995, 36(6), 1082-1092, by permission of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Bicoronal frontobasal approach with a limited, midline orbital bar osteotomy - a technical note.

The frontobasal approach remains a workhorse for removing large olfactory groove meningiomas. Removal of the orbital bar in addition to standard bifrontal craniotomy allows for additional basal exposure, minimising brain retraction and allowing early and direct access to both the vascular supply and dural origin of this tumour. Here, we describe a simple yet effective modification to the standard orbital bar osteotomy. It has the benefit of being simpler and faster with improved cosmesis compared with an osteotomy of the entire orbital bar. It also has the advantage of not requiring manipulation of the supraorbital nerves or intraorbital or periorbital dissection.