Leadership Development and Its Association With Retention of Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Faculty at a Large Academic Health Center.

INTRODUCTION: Leadership development programs are the key for engaging physicians as partners in health-care administration. These programs have become common; however, one potential consequence of leadership training is attrition. METHODS: Using a prospectively collected database, Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze attrition of physician faculty following an intramural leadership program at an academic health center. RESULTS: Six cohorts totaling 165 faculty successfully completed our leadership program. Sixty-one faculty (37%) were from surgical departments (Group A) and 104 (63%) from nonsurgical departments (Group B). Thirty-six program graduates (21.8%) departed the institution at a mean follow-up of 68 mo for an annualized attrition rate of 3.6%. Attrition rates for Group B were significantly greater than for Group A (P = 0.05). Most faculty left for career advancement opportunities elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS: Our annualized attrition rate for leadership trained faculty was 3.6%, well below the attrition rate of our academic health center (5.3%) over a similar time period, and the 2018 national physician attrition rate of 7.8%. Strategies to improve retention are discussed.

"Intrasellar tumor-to-tumor metastasis: A single center experience with a systematic review".

PURPOSE: This study investigates the rare occurrence of tumor-to-tumor metastasis in Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors (PitNETs), also known as pituitary adenomas, aiming to enhance understanding of its diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We report two cases from our institution of tumor-to-tumor metastasis involving PitNETs, followed by a systematic literature review. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature review using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. This review provides insights into patient demographics, clinical presentations, primary tumor origin, management approaches and outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 38 documented cases of tumor-to-tumor metastasis involving the pituitary gland in the literature. This revealed a diverse range of primary tumor origins, with lung, breast, and renal carcinomas being the most prevalent. Clinical presentations varied, with visual disturbances emerging as the most frequently reported symptom. Surgical interventions predominantly resulted in subtotal resection. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) are associated with longer median survival times compared to other surgical methods. CONCLUSION: Tumor-to-tumor metastasis to PitNETs must be considered in differential diagnoses of sellar masses. Prompt and accurate diagnosis, coupled with a multidisciplinary treatment strategy, is essential. Our study contributes to the scarce literature on such metastases, providing a foundation for further understanding of this complex pathological entity.

Endoscopic precaruncular medial transorbital and endonasal multiport approaches to the contralateral skull base: a clinicoanatomical study.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal multiport approaches create additional visualization angles to treat skull base pathologies. The sublabial contralateral transmaxillary (CTM) approach and superior eyelid lateral transorbital approach, frequently used nowadays, have been referred to as the "third port" when used alongside the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). The endoscopic precaruncular contralateral medial transorbital (cMTO) corridor, on the other hand, is an underrecognized but unique port that has been used to repair CSF rhinorrhea originating from the lateral sphenoid sinus recess. However, no anatomical feasibility studies or clinical experience exists to assess its benefits and demonstrate its potential role in multiport endoscopic access to the other contralateral skull base areas. In this study, the authors explored the application and potential utility of multiport EEA combined with the endoscopic cMTO approach (EEA/cMTO) to three target areas of the contralateral skull base: lateral recess of sphenoid sinus (LRSS), petrous apex (PA) and petroclival region, and retrocarotid clinoidocavernous space (CCS). METHODS: Ten cadaveric specimens (20 sides) were dissected bilaterally under stereotactic navigation guidance to access contralateral LRSS via EEA/cMTO. The PA and petroclival region and retrocarotid CCS were exposed via EEA alone, EEA/cMTO, and EEA combined with the sublabial CTM approach (EEA/CTM). Qualitative and quantitative assessments, including working distance and visualization angle to the PA, were recorded. Clinical application of EEA/cMTO is demonstrated in a lateral sphenoid sinus CSF leak repair. RESULTS: During the qualitative assessment, multiport EEA/cMTO provides superior visualization from a high vantage point and better instrument maneuverability than multiport EEA/CTM for the PA and retrocarotid CCS, while maintaining a similar lateral trajectory. The cMTO approach has significantly shorter working distances to all three target areas compared with the CTM approach and EEA. The mean distances to the LRSS, PA, and retrocarotid CCS were 50.69 ± 4.28 mm (p < 0.05), 67.11 ± 5.05 mm (p < 0.001), and 50.32 ± 3.6 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean visualization angles to the PA obtained by multiport EEA/cMTO and EEA/CTM were 28.4° ± 3.27° and 24.42° ± 5.02° (p < 0.005), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Multiport EEA/cMTO to the contralateral LRSS offers the advantage of preserving the pterygopalatine fossa contents and the vidian nerve, which are frequently sacrificed during a transpterygoid approach. This approach also offers superior visualization and better instrument maneuverability compared with EEA/CTM for targeting the petroclival region and retrocarotid CCS.

Endoscopic endonasal marsupialization of rathke cleft cysts: clinical outcomes and risk factors analysis of visual impairment, pituitary dysfunction, and CSF leak.

OBJECTIVE: This paper assesses the clinical and imaging characteristics, histopathological findings, and treatment outcomes of patients with Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC), as well as identifies potential risk factors for preoperative visual and pituitary dysfunction, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and recurrence. Through analyzing these factors, the study aims to contribute to the current understanding of the management of RCCs and identify opportunities for improving patient outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 45 RCC patients between ages 18-80 treated by Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) and cyst marsupialization between 2010 and 2022 at a single institution. RESULTS: The median patient age was 34, and 73% were female. The mean follow-up was 70 ± 43 months. Preoperative visual impairment correlated with cyst diameter (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.85, p-value = 0.01) and older age (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.11, p-value = 0.02). Intraoperative CSF leaks were 11 times more likely for cysts ≥ 2 cm (OR = 11.3, 95% CI = 1.25 to 97.37, p-value = 0.03), with the odds of leakage doubling for every 0.1 cm increase in cyst size (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.84, p-value = 0.01). Preoperative RCC appearing hypointense on T1 images demonstrated significantly higher CSF leak rates than hyperintense lesions (OR = 122.88, 95% CI = 1.5 to 10077.54, p-value = 0.03). Preoperative pituitary hypofunction was significantly more likely in patients with the presence of inflammation on histopathology (OR = 20.53, 95% CI = 2.20 to 191.45, p-value = 0.008 ) and T2 hyperintensity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences (OR = 23.2, 95% CI = 2.56 to 211.02, p-value = 0.005). Notably, except for the hyperprolactinemia, no postoperative improvement was observed in pituitary function. CONCLUSION: Carefully considering risk factors, surgeons can appropriately counsel patients and deliver expectations for complications and long-term results. In contrast to preoperative visual impairment, preoperative pituitary dysfunction was found to have the least improvement post-surgery. It was the most significant permanent complication, with our data indicating the link to the cyst signal intensity on T2 MR and inflammation on histopathology. Earlier surgical intervention might improve the preservation of pituitary function.

Update of a prognostic survival model in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors using an expansion cohort.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) treatment in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) offers new therapeutic venues. We have previously developed a predictive survival model in this patient population based on clinical parameters, and the purpose of this study was to expand the study cohort and internally validate the model. METHODS: A single institutional retrospective analysis of R/M HNSCC patients treated with ICI. Clinical parameters collected included p-16 status, hemoglobin (Hb), albumin (Alb), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet counts. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess the impact of patient characteristics and clinical variables on survival. A nomogram was created using the rms package to generate individualized survival prediction. RESULTS: 201 patients were included, 47 females (23%), 154 males (77%). Median age was 61 years (IQR: 55-68). P-16 negative (66%). Median OS was 12 months (95% CI: 9.4, 14.9). Updated OS model included age, sex, absolute neutrophil count, absolute lymphocyte count, albumin, hemoglobin, LDH, and p-16 status. We stratified patients into three risk groups based on this model at the 0.33 and 0.66 quantiles. Median OS in the optimal risk group reached 23.7 months (CI: 18.5, NR), 13.8 months (CI: 11.1, 20.3) in the average risk group, and 2.3 months (CI: 1.7, 4.4) in the high-risk group. Following internal validation, the discriminatory power of the model reached a c-index of 0.72 and calibration slope of 0.79. CONCLUSIONS: Our updated nomogram could assist in the precise selection of patients for which ICI could be beneficial and cost-effective.

Time to Surgery and Survival in Head and Neck Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has required triage and delays in surgical care throughout the world. The impact of these surgical delays on survival for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unknown. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 37 730 patients in the National Cancer Database with HNSCC who underwent primary surgical management from 2004 to 2016 was performed. Uni- and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of overall survival. Bootstrapping methods were used to identify optimal time-to-surgery (TTS) thresholds at which overall survival differences were greatest. Cox proportional hazard models with or without restricted cubic splines were used to determine the association between TTS and survival. RESULTS: The study identified TTS as an independent predictor of overall survival (OS). Bootstrapping the data to dichotomize the cohort identified the largest rise in hazard ratio (HR) at day 67, which was used as the optimal TTS cut-point in survival analysis. The patients who underwent surgical treatment longer than 67 days after diagnosis had a significantly increased risk of death (HR, 1.189; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.122-1.261; P < 0.0001). For every 30-day delay in TTS, the hazard of death increased by 4.6%. Subsite analysis showed that the oropharynx subsite was most affected by surgical delays, followed by the oral cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing TTS is an independent predictor of survival for patients with HNSCC and should be performed within 67 days after diagnosis to achieve optimal survival outcomes.

Stage Migration and Survival Trends in Laryngeal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: During the last two decades, significant advancements in the treatment of laryngeal cancer have occurred. Although survival of head and neck cancer patients has improved over time, the temporal trend of laryngeal cancer survival is an area of controversy. METHODS: From 2004 to 2016, 77,527 patients who had laryngeal cancer treated with curative intent in the United States were identified in the National Cancer Database. Relative and observed survival rates were assessed for temporal trends. Multinomial logistic regression investigated the relationship between American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage and increasing calendar year. RESULTS: No significant improvement in 2- or 5-year observed survival (OS) or relative survival (RS) was observed. The 5-year RS ranged from 61.72 to 63.97%, and the 5-year OS ranged from 54.26 to 56.52%. With each increasing year, the proportion of stage 4 disease increased, with risk for stage 4 disease at the time of diagnosis increasing 2.2% annually (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.022; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.017-1.028; p < 0.001). This increase was driven by a 4.7% yearly increase in N2 disease (aOR, 1.047; 95% CI, 1.041-1.053; p < 0.001), with an annual 1.2% increase in T3 disease (aOR, 1.012; 95% CI, 1.007-1.018; p < 0.001) and a 1.2% increase in T4 disease (aOR, 1.012; 95% CI, 1.005-1.018; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite advances in the field, laryngeal cancer survival in the United States is not improving over time. This may be due to an increase in the proportion of stage 4 disease, driven primarily by increasing nodal disease. To achieve survival improvement commensurate with scientific and technologic advances, efforts should be made to diagnose and treat laryngeal cancer at earlier stages to prevent further stage migration.

Modern endoscopic skull base neurosurgery.

INTRODUCTION: Since the early use of the endoscopic view for treating simple intrasellar pituitary adenomas, the skull base surgery has experienced an unprecedented revolution elevating the treatment of skull base lesions to the next level in proficiency and excellence of care. METHODS: We have reviewed the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the use of the endoscope in the treatment of skull base lesions. In this article, we aim to discuss and provide a wide view of the current indications and future perspectives of the endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) and of the endoscopic transcranial approaches. RESULTS: As in the development of any other technique, EEA have gone through a transformation process from theoretical anatomic models to a pragmatic clinical use. Along the way, EEA have required several modifications, as well as pushbacks in the application of this technique in some indications. This process has resulted in the provision of an additional tool to the current surgical armamentarium that allows the skull base surgeon to face most challenging lesions along the skull base. CONCLUSIONS: The judicious combination of transcranial and endoscopic-transnasal approaches warrants highest chances of achieving satisfactory tumors resection with a reduced risk of complications.

Complication avoidance protocols in endoscopic pituitary adenoma surgery: a retrospective cohort study in 514 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of using consistent complication-avoidance protocols in patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary adenoma surgery including techniques for avoiding anosmia, epistaxis, carotid artery injury, hypopituitarism, cerebrospinal fluid leaks and meningitis. METHODS: All patients undergoing endoscopic adenoma resection from 2010 to 2020 were included. Primary outcomes included 90-day complication rates, gland function outcomes, reoperations, readmissions and length of stay. Secondary outcomes were extent of resection, short-term endocrine remission, vision recovery. RESULTS: Of 514 patients, (mean age 51 ± 16 years; 78% macroadenomas, 19% prior surgery) major complications occurred in 18(3.5%) patients, most commonly CSF leak (9, 1.7%) and meningitis (4, 0.8%). In 14 of 18 patients, complications were deemed preventable. Four (0.8%) had complications with permanent sequelae (3 before 2016): one unexplained mortality, one stroke, one oculomotor nerve palsy, one oculoparesis. There were no internal carotid artery injuries, permanent visual worsening or permanent anosmia. New hypopituitarism occurred in 23/485(4.7%). Partial or complete hypopituitarism resolution occurred in 102/193(52.8%) patients. Median LOS was 2 days; 98.3% of patients were discharged home. Comparing 18 patients with major complications versus 496 without, median LOS was 7 versus 2 days, respectively p < 0.001. Readmissions occurred in 6%(31/535), mostly for hyponatremia (18/31). Gross total resection was achieved in 214/312(69%) endocrine-inactive adenomas; biochemical remission was achieved in 148/209(71%) endocrine-active adenomas. Visual field or acuity defects improved in 126/138(91.3%) patients. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that conformance to established protocols for endoscopic pituitary surgery may minimize complications, re-admissions and LOS while enhancing the likelihood of preserving gland function, although there remains opportunity for further improvements.

Establishing a point-of-care additive manufacturing workflow for clinical use.

Additive manufacturing, or 3-Dimensional (3-D) Printing, is built with technology that utilizes layering techniques to build 3-D structures. Today, its use in medicine includes tissue and organ engineering, creation of prosthetics, the manufacturing of anatomical models for preoperative planning, education with high-fidelity simulations, and the production of surgical guides. Traditionally, these 3-D prints have been manufactured by commercial vendors. However, there are various limitations in the adaptability of these vendors to program-specific needs. Therefore, the implementation of a point-of-care in-house 3-D modeling and printing workflow that allows for customization of 3-D model production is desired. In this manuscript, we detail the process of additive manufacturing within the scope of medicine, focusing on the individual components to create a centralized in-house point-of-care manufacturing workflow. Finally, we highlight a myriad of clinical examples to demonstrate the impact that additive manufacturing brings to the field of medicine.

Outcome of the surgical decompression for traumatic optic neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There exists a persisting controversy regarding the indications for optic nerve surgical decompression (ONSD) in traumatic optic neuropathy (TON). A meta-analysis is warranted to help guiding therapeutic decisions and address gaps in knowledge. The authors conducted a search of PubMed and MEDLINE electronic databases. Primary endpoint was the improvement in the visual function with ONSD in comparison with the conservative management. Secondary endpoint was visual function improvement when surgery was performed within the first 7 days. A random effects model meta-analysis was conducted. Data from each study were used to generate log odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals, to compare post-operative visual improvement. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis, comprising 766 patients. Visual improvement occurred in 55% (198/360) of patients treated with ONSD, and in 40% (164/406) of those who underwent conservative treatment. Forest plot revealed significant differences in the visual function improvement among these two groups, although further analysis revealed the studies were heterogeneous (log OR, 0.81; CI, 0.07-1.55; I2, 62.8% p = 0.015). Overall, patients who underwent early surgery had better visual outcomes (log OR, 0.94; CI, 0.29-1.60; I2, 0% p = 0.9). ONSD is an effective technique to improve the outcome in the visual function in patients with TON. A lack of randomized controlled trial-and inherent surgical selection and publication bias-limits direct comparison between surgical decompression and conservative management. Suitably designed prospective cohort studies may be useful in identifying patients more likely to receive benefit from ONSD.

Same viewing angle, minimal craniotomy enlargement, extreme exposure increase: the extended supraorbital eyebrow approach.

The supraorbital eyebrow approach (SEa) has been commonly used as a straightforward route to reach lesions located in the anterior cranial fossa. The reduced surgical exposure provided by this approach limits its applicability. A modification of the SEa, the extended supraorbital eyebrow approach (X-SEa), allows use of the transylvian corridor to approach parasellar lesions, while maintaining most of the aesthetic advantages of the SEa. To quantify the surgical exposure and maneuverability provided by the X-SEa using a cadaveric study. Eleven heads were used to obtain all stereotactic measurements. Surgical exposure and maneuverability were measured by means of the area of exposure and the angles of attack along key representative points in the anterior circulation. The horizontal angle of attack at the middle cerebral artery provided by the X-SEa was larger than that provided by the SEa (32.6 vs 18.4°, p = 0.009). The X-SEa afforded broader vertical angles of attack at all targets in the anterior circulation (p < 0.05). The total area of exposure provided by the X-SEa was significantly larger than that provided by the SEa (1272 vs 978 ± 156 mm2, p = 0.003). The area of exposure in the ipsilateral trigon and in the midline quadrangle was also significantly larger for the X-SEa (paramedian 195 vs 121 mm2, p = 0.01; midline 1310 vs 778 mm2, p = 0.002). The X-SEa increases the exposure and surgical maneuverability along the anterior and middle cranial fossa when compared to the standard SEa.

Bony landmarks in the endoscopic endonasal transoculomotor approach.

The endoscopic endonasal transoculomotor approach (EETA) has been recently described as a doorway to access the parapeduncular space and treat pituitary adenomas with oculomotor extension. Intraoperative identification of the oculomotor triangle endonasally is challenging and dissection can put the internal carotid artery (ICA) at risk. The aim of the present study is to find reliable landmarks that identify the oculomotor triangle (OCMT) during the EETA and protect the ICA from injury. Several lines were defined for calculations. Among them, one oblique line that extends from the inferior margin of the lateral orbital canal recess to the vidian canal was named the clinoid-to-vidian line (CVL), while a vertical line that extends over the most medial point of the paraclival ICA was titled the sagittal paraclival line (SPL). Anatomic relationships between the OCMT to these lines were assessed in 7 cadaveric heads. The intersecting point between the CVL and SPL is located within 2 mm of the center of the OCMT (mean 0.8 ± 0.5 mm), and 1.1 ± 0.8 mm medially and above the parasellar ICA. CVL and SPL are reliable landmarks during the EETA that can both protect the parasellar ICA and anatomically orientate to the blind spot that corresponds with the OCMT. We recommend starting dissection medial and superior to the CVL-SPL intersecting point, and carry the dissection laterally thereafter to avoid inadvertent injury of the ICA.

Safety and effectiveness of endoscopic endonasal intracranial aneurysm clipping: a systematic review.

Once considered far-fetched, endoscopic endonasal clipping (EEC) has been reported as a feasible alternative route for treating intracranial aneurysms located in the midline. Appropriately, debates regarding EEC applicability have arisen amongst the neurosurgical community. We aim to define the safety, effectiveness, and current state-of-art in the use of EEC for intracranial aneurysms. Two databases (PubMed, Cochrane) were queried for intracranial aneurysms that underwent EEC between inception and 2019. Literature review was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Data regarding clinical presentation, radiological imaging, and outcome were extracted and analyzed from selected publications. Nine studies with 27 patients (8 males, 19 females), harboring 35 aneurysms (9 ruptured, 26 nonruptured), met the predetermined inclusion criteria. Patient age range is from 34 to 70 (median = 50) years old. Four aneurysms were considered not suitable for EEC during the procedure, and two aneurysms required additional treatment, leading to an overall treatment success (obliteration) rate of 86%. Complications occurred in 7 patients (26%), including CSF leakage in 5 patients (18%) and ischemic complications in 4 (15%). Among the cases reported, complications occurred more frequently in posterior circulation aneurysms in comparison with anterior circulation aneurysms (62.5 vs 10.5%). Ischemic complications occurred in 4 out of 8 posterior circulation aneurysms. Although feasible, EEC is associated with a significant risk of complications, with rates identified that are significantly higher than established open clipping or endovascular management. The current data suggest that transcranial clipping and endovascular occlusion are still the primary indication for treating intracranial aneurysms.

The transsylvian corridor through minimally invasive transcranial approaches: a comparative anatomical study.

Minimally invasive transcranial approaches (MITAs) continue to expand in popularity in neurosurgery. Only few MITAs allow sufficient sylvian exposure to enable wide use of the transsylvian corridor. In this study, we aim to compare the transsylvian corridor in two MITAs: the minipterional (MPTa) and the extended supraorbital eyebrow approaches (XSEa). Eight cadaver heads were used to quantify the surgical exposure and maneuverability along the sylvian fissure and the insular lobe provided by the MPTa and the XSEa. Surgical exposure was calculated by means of the exposed length of the sylvian fissure and by the area framed within three extreme points in the insular lobe. Maneuverability was assessed by means of the surgical freedom along the sylvian cistern. XSEa provides twice the frontal exposure and half of the temporal exposure in comparison to the MPTa (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). No significant differences were found between the two craniotomies in the length of the exposure of the sylvian fissure, area of insular exposure, or surgical freedom. Both the MPTa and the XSEa afford sufficient grades of exposure along the sylvian fissure and the insular lobe, although the viewing angle is significantly different between the two approaches. Such properties allow either to be used for microsurgery deep within the sylvian cistern. The use of additional corridors, such as the subfrontal route (XSEa) and pretemporal route (MPTa), may influence selection of either the minipterional or the extended supraorbital approaches according to the origin of the surgical pathology addressed.

The historical perspective in approaches to the spheno-petro-clival meningiomas.

The current literature regarding surgical treatment for tumors in the sphenopetroclival (SPC) region is merely scarce. Through a comprehensive literature review, we investigated the indications, outcomes, and complications of different surgical approaches to the SPC meningiomas. Given its complicated relationship between these slow-progression tumors and some critical neurovascular structures in the SPC region, surgical treatment of these tumors faces the challenge of achieving a maximal grade of resection, while preserving patient functionality. The development of new surgical techniques and approaches in recent years have permitted the advancement in the treatment of these tumors, with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality. The choice of a surgical approach as a treatment for the lesion depends mainly on the type of tumor extension, surgeon's preferences, and the displacement of neurovascular structures. Rather than focusing on one single strategy of treatment, the skull-base surgeon should tailor the approach based on the origin and features of the lesion; as well as the peculiarities of the surgical anatomy. This strategy aims to decrease morbidity and to optimize tumor resection and patient quality of life.

Surgical anatomy and nuances of the expanded transpterygoid approach to the pterygopalatine fossa and upper parapharyngeal space: a stepwise cadaveric dissection.

BACKGROUND: Superb knowledge of anatomy and techniques to remove the natural barriers preventing full access to the most lateral aspect of the skull base determines the ease of using the transpterygoid approach (ETPA) as the main gateway for all the coronal planes during endonasal surgeries. METHODS: Throughout stepwise image-guided cadaveric dissections, we describe the surgical anatomy and nuances of the ETPA to the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and upper parapharyngeal space (UPPS). CONCLUSION: The ETPA represents a lateral extension of the midline corridor and provides a valuable route to access the PPF/UPPS. Major landmarks for this EEA are the infraorbital canal, sphenopalatine foramen, and vidian nerve. It comprises the removal of the palatine bone, posterior wall of the maxillary sinus, and PPF transposition to drill the pterygoid process.

Surgical anatomy and nuances of the extended endoscopic endonasal transtuberculum sellae approach: pearls and pitfalls for complications avoidance.

BACKGROUND: Using the expanded endoscopic transtuberculum approach (EETA), the nuances of this technique have rendered a safe, direct, and feasible ventral corridor for the treatment of extending suprasellar pathologies. This study illustrates surgical landmarks and strategies of paramount importance for complications avoidance. METHODS: This study presents the surgical anatomy and nuances of EETA, which can be used to remove large pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension. Special references to cadaveric dissections highlight anatomical landmarks and surgical key points for complications avoidance. CONCLUSION: The EETA represents a versatile route for the treatment of sellar/suprasellar pathologies. Although, sizeable extrasellar pituitary tumors still pose a threat due to displacement/encasement of surrounding structures, necessitating accurate knowledge of correlative operative anatomy with traditional landmarks. Complete resection of extrasellar components is essential to avoid postoperative apoplexy.

Surgical anatomy and nuances of the expanded endonasal transdorsum sellae and posterior clinoidectomy approach to the interpeduncular and prepontine cisterns: a stepwise cadaveric dissection of various pituitary gland transpositions.

BACKGROUND: Excelsior knowledge of endoscopic anatomy and techniques to remove the natural barriers preventing full endonasal access to the interpeduncular and prepontine cisterns determines the ease of transposing the pituitary gland (hypophysiopexy) preserving the glandular function without manipulating the optic apparatus and the oculomotor nerves. METHODS: Throughout stepwise cadaveric dissections, we describe the expanded endonasal approach (EEA) to the interpeduncular and prepontine cisterns with special references to the intricate anatomy of the region and techniques for hypophysiopexy and posterior clinoidectomies. CONCLUSION: This article illustrates sellar-diaphragmatic dural incisions and various "pituitary gland transpositions" techniques performed via extradural (lifting the gland still covered by both dural layers), interdural (transcavernous), and intradural (between the medial wall of the cavernous sinus and the pituitary tunica) to access the prepontine and interpeduncular cisterns.

Techniques and challenges of the expanded endoscopic endonasal sellar and parasellar approaches to invasive pituitary tumors.

BACKGROUND: Superb knowledge of surgical anatomy and nuances to remove the natural barriers preventing full access to the paramedian skull base determines the ease of using the expanded sellar/parasellar approaches as the main gateway for all the parasagittal modules during endoscopic endonasal access (EEA) to pituitary tumors with cavernous sinus (CS) invasion. METHODS: Throughout stepwise-cadaveric dissections and pertinent intraoperative analysis, we describe surgical pearls and pitfalls of the parasellar-EEA with special references to the utility of various lines/classifications on neuroimaging correlated with strategies to enhance surgical safety and tumor resection. CONCLUSION: EEA to invasive parasellar pathologies needs to address strict bleeding control and displacement of neurovascular structures inside the CS, posing a chance for neurologic morbidities/ICA injury. Meticulous utilization of operative landmarks and strategies can help avoid and mitigate surgical complications.