Preoperative Considerations Meningiomas accounts for 77% of all non-cancerous intradural, extramedullary tumors of the craniocervical junction. The foramen magnum (FM) region is a complex surgical area. Tumors may develop intradurally or extradurally and may represent a surgical challenge. Several classification…
Preoperative Considerations Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) or acoustic neuromas arise from the Schwann cells forming the sheath (covering) of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Most of these tumors arise from the superior division of the vestibular nerve (located in the internal auditory canal),…
The orbit is an area that neurosurgeons may approach for orbital tumors with an intracranial component or as a corridor to access the anterior cranial fossa. Approaches to the orbit can be transorbital (within or through the orbit), endonasal, transcranial…
In this chapter we will introduce the anatomy and some key steps for the three most relevant approaches to the temporal bone for the neurosurgeon: the subtemporal or middle fossa approach, the translabyrinthine and the transcochlear approach. Middle Fossa or…
Preoperative Considerations Pituitary adenomas are benign epithelial neoplasms derived from the pituitary glands. In the absence of a macroscopic capsule, those lesions can infiltrate adjacent structures such as the cavernous and sphenoid sinuses, dura and brain parenchyma. These tumors are…
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…