Preoperative Considerations The parasellar region is an extensive area that includes the structures that surround the sella turcica. It includes laterally the dural walls of the cavernous sinus, which is bordered inferiorly by the sphenoid bone, superiorly with the diaphragma…
Indications and Preoperative Considerations Meningiomas are one of the most frequently occurring intracranial primary tumors. Sphenoid wing meningiomas (SWMs) represent up to 18% of intracranial meningiomas. Those are anatomically located along the sphenoid ridge, the bony crest formed by the…
Indications and Preoperative Considerations Meningiomas represent 34% of all primary brain tumors, originate from the arachnoid cells in the brain and spine and are histologically non-cancerous lesions. Anterior midline meningiomas can be classified according to their location ( Figure 31.1…
Indications Subfrontal approaches are mainly used to access the floor of the anterior cranial fossa, anterior midline parasellar structures, like the tuberculum sellae, anterior communicating artery, optic chiasm, posterior orbit and orbital apex. The unilateral subfrontal approach can be adequate…
Introduction Transconjunctival and endonasal approaches provide direct access to the anterior skull base and can be employed in the surgical treatment of various pathologies. The combined transconjunctival and endonasal approach is a two-surgeon/four-handed technique designed to circumferentially access the anterior…
Indications The major advantages of this approach include broad exposure to the anterior cranial base with minimal brain retraction. The approach can facilitate the access to the anterior skull base, especially at the midline, including orbits, planum sphenoidale, sphenoid sinus,…
Indications and Preoperative Considerations Postoperative CSF leak is one of the most important complications secondary to endoscopic skull base surgery. Skull base reconstruction techniques have been instrumental for the development of endoscopic skull base surgery. Continuous research has been done…
Preoperative Considerations Chordomas are locally aggressive neoplasms that arise from embryonic remnants of the notochord along the vertebral axis. They represent less than 1% of all intracranial neoplasms. They can be divided in three groups according to their location: Cranial…
Preoperative Considerations Craniopharyngiomas are tumors with solid-cystic components that originate from embryological remnants of the Rathke's pouch. They represent 1–3% of lifetime intracranial tumors and up to 5–10% occurring during childhood. They are commonly located in the suprasellar region, arising…
Preoperative Considerations Pituitary adenomas are the most prevalent intrasellar lesions and the third most prevalent primary intracranial tumors. These lesions can lead to significant neurologic and/or endocrine-related morbidity secondary to compression of neurovascular structures and hormonal dysfunction. Pituitary adenomas may…