Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach Research Articles

Clinical effects of neuroendoscopic infratentorial supracerebellar approach surgical technique for resecting pineal tumors: a retrospective study

ObjectivePineal tumors are relatively rare central nervous system lesions with a predilection for the pediatric population. This article aims to explore the clinical effects of neuroendoscopic infratentorial supracerebellar approach for resecting tumors in the pineal area. MethodsThis is a retrospective study that included patients who underwent neuroendoscopic infratentorial supracerebellar approach to resect nine tumors in the pineal area at the Department of Neurosurgery of the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University from December 2017 to October 2023. ResultsThe results of postoperative MRI revealed that all tumors were resected. Five patients received postoperative radiotherapy, three patients received radiotherapy along with chemotherapy, and one patient received neither radiotherapy nor chemotherapy. The pathological results showed that four patients were diagnosed with germinoma, two patients with teratoma, two patients with mixed germ cell tumors, and one patient with central neurocytoma. After surgery, one patient developed psychiatric symptoms, two patients developed binocular upward vision and diplopia, and one patient developed unstable walking and diplopia. With a follow-up of 1.7–4.8 years, all nine patients lived normally. Furthermore, none of them had tumor recurrence or death. ConclusionThe simple neuroendoscopic infratentorial supracerebellar approach has some safety and efficacy. It is suitable for tumors in the pineal region where the disease is mainly located below the Galen vein complex.

Pineal Region Tumor with Ventricular Extension with Hydrocephalus Removed by Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach in a 19-Year-Old Female: A Case Report

Pineal region tumors are uncommon, accounting for d”1% of intracranial tumors in adults and 3–8% of pediatric brain tumors. Getting an epidermoid in pinealregion is also very rare. In 1928 Cushing was the first to report the pineal localization of the epidermoid cyst.We report a case of pineal epidermoid with ventricular extension with obstructive hydrocephalus, which was diagnosed depending on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Knowing its benign nature, at first we planned for an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and later on a gross total removal was done. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2023; 13(1): 41-43

Pineal Tumor Surgery—The Choice of the Approach Related to Tumor Characteristics and Posterior Fossa Anatomy

This research aimed to determine whether an adequate surgical approach can be chosen based on clearly defined values of anatomical landmarks (tentorial angle), and tumor size and extension. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients operated on because of pineal tumors. The cohort was divided depending on the surgical approach. On preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, we measured maximal diameters, tumor volume, and tumor propagation. In the group of patients operated with the supracerebellar infratentorial approach, we also tested the correlation of tentorial angle with residual tumor. Differences among groups in resection, complications rate, and outcome were tested by the Chi-square test. Finally, in both groups, the correlation of residual tumor with tumor volume, propagation, and diameters was tested using the receiver operating characteristic curve. In group operated with supracerebellar approach total resection was achieved in 78% of the patients. The critical value of cranio-caudal diameter correlated with tumor residue was 31mm, for lateral-lateral diameter 25mm, for the lateral extension 14mm, and tumor volume 12cm3. Tentorial angle did not influence the extent of the resection. In group operated with occipital transtentorial approach the critical tumor volume related to tumor residue was 9mm3, anterior-posterior diameter 29mm, and cranio-caudal diameter 28mm. The extent of the resection was significantly higher in the supracerebellar group. In both approaches, tumors larger than 3cm show increased risk of subtotal resection. Except when most tumor volume is localized above the venous system, we advocate a supracerebellar corridor as an effective approach that is not limited by tentorial angle.

Falcotentorial Meningiomas: Insights from Surgical Strategies and Clinical Outcomes.

Background: Falcotentorial meningiomas are exceptionally uncommon tumors, presenting a challenge for neurosurgeons due to their close proximity to vital structures. Gross total resection represents the standard of treatment for these tumors. However, care must be taken when surgically approaching these lesions, since damaging neurovascular structures may cause unacceptable morbidity. Selecting the optimal surgical approach for each tumor is of paramount importance when treating these patients. Methods: The authors reviewed medical records to identify all patients with falcotentorial meningiomas who underwent resection at the University Hospital of Freiburg between January 2001 and December 2021. Clinical and imaging data, surgical management, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results: Falcotentorial meningiomas occurred in 0.7% (15 of 2124 patients) of patients with intracranial meningiomas. Of these 15 patients, 8 were female and 7 male. The occipital interhemispheric approach was used in nine patients, the supracerebellar infratentorial approach in five patients, and the retrosigmoidal approach in one patient. Three patients developed visual field deficits after surgical resection. Incomplete resection was significantly associated with tumor progression (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Individualized surgical strategies, guided by preoperative imaging and classification systems, play a crucial role in optimizing patient care. Among the available approaches, the occipital interhemispheric and supracerebellar infratentorial approaches are frequently employed and considered among the safest options for these tumors.

Posterior Cerebral Artery–to–Superior Cerebellar Artery Side-to-Side Bypass via Extreme Lateral Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach: Technical Note

Background and objectiveDifficult-to-treat aneurysms of the distal posterior cerebral artery (PCA) can often be treated by parent artery occlusion. A cerebrovascular bypass can complement PCA occlusion to curb the risk of ischemic complications.An in-situ bypass may be considered when the occipital artery or superficial temporal artery cannot serve as a bypass donor.This paper describes the use of a side-to-side bypass of superior cerebellar artery (SCA) as a donor to the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) via an extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial (ELSCIT) approach. This bypass approach can be a useful surgical strategy for PCA revascularization. MethodsA 40-year-old female patient underwent a side-to-side PCA-SCA bypass via the ELSCIT approach for the treatment of a complex and previously coiled PCA aneurysm.Bypass was followed by endovascular aneurysm and parent artery occlusion. ResultsPostoperatively, the patient experienced transient, partial trochlear nerve palsy of the left eye without ischemic lesions on MRI. The clinical condition was stable and angiography showed a patent bypass and complete aneurysm occlusion 12 months after surgery. ConclusionThe ELSCIT-approach offers access to the medial and distal PCA that is well suitable for a side-to-side PCA-SCA bypass. This type of approach and bypass may be of value when revascularization of a P2-P3 portion of the PCA is needed, but a suitable occipital artery (OA) or superficial temporal artery (STA) is not available.

Infragalenic triangle as a gateway to dorsal midbrain and posteromedial thalamic lesions: descriptive and quantitative analysis of microsurgical anatomy.

Anatomical triangles provide neurosurgeons with the specificity required to access deep targets, supplementing more general instructions, such as craniotomy and approach. The infragalenic triangle (IGT), bordered by the basal vein of Rosenthal (BVR), precentral cerebellar vein (PCV), and the quadrangular lobule of the cerebellum, is one of a system of anatomical triangles recently introduced to guide dissection to brainstem cavernous malformations and has not been described in detail. This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the anatomical parameters of the IGT and present key nuances for its microsurgical use. A midline supracerebellar infratentorial (SCIT) approach through a torcular craniotomy was performed on 5 cadaveric heads, and the IGT was identified in each specimen bilaterally. Anatomical measurements were obtained with point coordinates collected using neuronavigation. Three cadaveric brains were used to illustrate relevant brainstem anatomy, and 3D virtual modeling was used to simulate various perspectives of the IGT through different approach angles. In addition, 2 illustrative surgical cases are presented. The longest edge of the IGT was the lateral edge formed by the BVR (mean ± SD length 19.1 ± 2.3 mm), and the shortest edge was the medial edge formed by the PCV (13.9 ± 3.6 mm). The mean surface area of the IGT was 110 ± 34.2 mm2 in the standard exposure. Full expansion of all 3 edges (arachnoid dissection, mobilization, and retraction) resulted in a mean area of 226.0 ± 48.8 mm2 and a 2.5-times increase in surface area exposure of deep structures (e.g., brainstem and thalamus). Thus, almost the entire tectal plate and its relevant safe entry zones can be exposed through an expanded unilateral IGT except for the contralateral inferior colliculus, access to which is usually hindered by PCV tributaries. Exposure of bilateral IGTs may be required to resect larger midline lesions to increase surgical maneuverability or to access the contralateral pulvinar. The IGT provides a safe access route to the dorsal midbrain and reliable intraoperative guidance in the deep and complex anatomy of the posterior tentorial incisura. Its potential for expansion makes it a versatile anatomical corridor not only for intrinsic brainstem lesions but also for tumors and vascular malformations of the pineal region, dorsal midbrain, and posteromedial thalamus.

Krause approach to pineal tumour with intraoperative oculomotor nerve monitoring

BackgroundThe supra-cerebellar infratentorial approach to pineal region tumours is versatile and safe corridor to lesions located below the deep veins. Monitoring of the extra-ocular muscle pathways using the evoked compound muscle action potential can lead to safer resections. Technical noteTo describe the use of electrooculography and a three handed retractor less method for pineal region tumour surgeries. Material and methodsIntraoperative electrooculography uses recording done from two channels (horizontal and vertical)by inserting disposable subdermal needle electrodes along the periorbital area. The oculomotor nerve is being monitored as it exits the midbrain. Retractor-less three-handed-technique allows for minimal handling of the cerebellum while maximizing the operative corridor. ResultThe oculomotor nerve was stimulated post resection and correspondingly led to improved symptoms post-operatively. Discussion and conclusionWe demonstrate a method for the intraoperative monitoring of the continuity of the oculomotor tracts and a three handed retractor-less method of resection of pineal region tumours. The placement of electrodes and area of stimulation need sound knowledge of anatomy of the region. Haemostasis at every step is absolutely essential to be able to visualize in the narrow corridor.

Microsurgical Resection of a Thalamic Tumor Using an Endoscopic Contralateral Supracerebellar Infratentorial Keyhole Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

The surgical treatment of the thalamic lesions is one of the most technically challenging interventions because of their deep-seated location and the proximity of the surrounding vital neurovascular structures: thalamic nuclei, limbic system components, visual and oculomotricity pathways, deep cerebral veins, and posterior cerebral artery branches.1 Traditional microsurgical approaches for these lesions usually require large open craniotomies and further retraction or resection of neural tissue to facilitate better visualization, associating significant postoperative morbidity or even mortality. The recent improvements in high-resolution fiber optics technology have allowed neurosurgeons to expand their surgical armamentarium for tackling these difficult-to-reach lesions. The patient consented to the procedure, and in this surgical video, we try to emphasize the advantages of an endoscopic supracerebellar infratentorial approach over the classic microsurgical approach, along with the keyhole craniotomy and the sitting positioning of the patient. The endoscope provides better visualization-dynamic in-depth view of the anatomic and pathological structures, angled-optics help the surgeon to see "around-the-corner," and the entire procedure is a more comfortable experience for the surgeon and also for the patient, using the minimally invasive techniques. Moreover, we underline the need for a strong collaboration with an experienced endoscopic surgeon (for eg, ear, nose and throat surgeon), as for other endoscopic skull base approaches. The participants and any identifiable individuals consented to publication of his/her image.

Fully endoscopic far-lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach for trigeminal neuralgia: illustrative case reports

BackgroundTrigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a common cause of craniofacial pain. The retrosigmoid approach is usually used to treat TN, but no cases of endoscopic far-lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach (EF-SCITA) were used to undergo operation for TN.Case presentationTwo patients were presented with severe facial pain and preliminary diagnosis was TN. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed that a superior cerebellar artery (SCA) compressed the trigeminal nerve in case 1, and a tumor located in the petrous apex extending into the Meckel’s cave compressed the trigeminal nerve in case 2. Operations were achieved through the EF-SCITA. The pain was totally relieved with no postsurgical complications in both cases.ConclusionsWe present the first two case reports of EF-SCITA to relieve classical and secondary TN successfully. The EF-SCITA can be a promising approach for treating TN.

Exoscope-based supracerebellar infratentorial approach for a pineal meningioma in the prone position.

The supracerebellar infratentorial (SCIT) approach is a well-described corridor to lesions in the quadrigeminal cistern, pineal gland, and dorsal midbrain. It can be performed in the prone or sitting position. The sitting position offers the benefit of gravity retraction of the cerebellum but comes at the expense of nonergonomic hand positioning and the potential risk of air embolism. The 3D exoscope is an alternative to the operating microscope and permits the SCIT approach in the prone position with excellent visualization. This video demonstrates exoscope-based SCIT approach for resection of a pineal meningioma in the prone position. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2023.10.FOCVID23155.

A taxonomy for deep cerebral cavernous malformations: subtypes of thalamic lesions.

Anatomical taxonomy is a practical tool to successfully guide clinical decision-making for patients with brain arteriovenous malformations and brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs). Deep cerebral CMs are complex, difficult to access, and highly variable in size, shape, and position. The authors propose a novel taxonomic system for deep CMs in the thalamus based on clinical presentation (syndromes) and anatomical location (identified on MRI). The taxonomic system was developed and applied to an extensive 2-surgeon experience from 2001 through 2019. Deep CMs involving the thalamus were identified. These CMs were subtyped on the basis of the predominant surface presentation identified on preoperative MRI. Six subtypes among 75 thalamic CMs were defined: anterior (7/75, 9%), medial (22/75, 29%), lateral (10/75, 13%), choroidal (9/75, 12%), pulvinar (19/75, 25%), and geniculate (8/75, 11%). Neurological outcomes were assessed using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. A postoperative score ≤ 2 was defined as a favorable outcome and > 2 as a poor outcome. Clinical and surgical characteristics and neurological outcomes were compared among subtypes. Seventy-five patients underwent resection of thalamic CMs and had clinical and radiological data available. Their mean age was 40.9 (SD 15.2) years. Each thalamic CM subtype was associated with a recognizable constellation of neurological symptoms. The common symptoms were severe or worsening headaches (30/75, 40%), hemiparesis (27/75, 36%), hemianesthesia (21/75, 28%), blurred vision (14/75, 19%), and hydrocephalus (9/75, 12%). The thalamic CM subtype determined the selection of surgical approach. A single approach was associated with each subtype for most patients. The main exception to this paradigm was that in the surgeons' early experience, pulvinar CMs were resected through a superior parietal lobule-transatrial approach (4/19, 21%), which later evolved to the paramedian supracerebellar-infratentorial approach (12/19, 63%). Relative outcomes implied by mRS scores were unchanged or improved in most patients (61/66, 92%) postoperatively. This study confirms the authors' hypothesis that this taxonomy for thalamic CMs can meaningfully guide the selection of surgical approach and resection strategy. The proposed taxonomy can increase diagnostic acumen at the patient bedside, help identify optimal surgical approaches, enhance the clarity of clinical communications and publications, and improve patient outcomes.

Paramedian Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach for Clipping a Ruptured Aneurysm in the Cerebellomesencephalic Segment of the Left Superior Cerebellar Artery: A Case Report

Superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysms are rare, especially for those arising from the distal portion of the SCA. In this study, we presented a case of a ruptured aneurysm arising from cerebellomesencephalic segment of the SCA. A woman with severe headache and neck stiffness had a ruptured aneurysm arising from cerebellomesencephalic segment of the left SCA. Treated successfully with left-sided paramedian supracerebellar infratentorial (SCIT) approach for clipping the aneurysm with a sitting position, discharged after 14 days without neurological deficit. SCA aneurysms can be managed by endovascular coiling or microsurgical clipping. Although both modalities pose risks of damaging the brainstem perforators, the incidence of the SCIT approach is low since it is exposure from laterally to medially and from distal to proximal along the course of SCA. In our viewpoint, the paramedian SCIT approach is a safe and effective treatment for clipping aneurysms arising from the distal portion of the SCA.

Surgical management for ponto-mesencephalic cavernoma: determining the brainstem safe entry zone – a case report

Introduction: Cavernous malformations of the brainstem are groups of dilated sinusoidal tracts. The surgical excision of cavernous abnormalities of the brainstem is high-risk and challenging. Clinical manifestations due to mass effect or hemorrhage, as well as MRI studies, have become valuable factors in determining the most appropriate procedure for brainstem cavernoma to achieve the safe entry zone of the brainstem. Case: A case report on a brainstem cavernoma is reported here. A 10-year-old male with a pontomesencephalic cavernoma is presented. The cavernoma was surgically removed using a lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach. The safe brainstem entry point was obtained with an intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM) in spite of a neuronavigation devices. Post-op MRI images revealed a small residual mass. The patient had a favorable surgical outcome and was discharged on day 5. Conclusion: Recognizing a microsurgical anatomical landmark and an intraoperative neuromonitoring instrument will be critical in preventing neurologic function injury.

The TIGR triangle of the pineal region: a virtual reality anatomic study.

In this morphometric study, we describe the anatomy of the TIGR triangle, which is bordered by the tentorial surface of the cerebellum, the internal cerebral vein and vein of Galen complex, and the vein of Rosenthal. These structures define the window, or deep keyhole, to access the pineal region in non-midline supracerebellar infratentorial approaches. The posterior fossa anatomy of 16 patients was studied in virtual reality (VR), and the TIGR triangles were defined and measured with special attention on its angular orientation in the posterior fossa. The angular expanse of the posterior fossa was measured and recorded as the transverse-sigmoid junction (TSJ) angle. Because a perpendicular corridor through an anatomic aperture provides the best exposure, we studied the starting point along the TSJ angle that offers the best exposure of TIGR. In the 31 posterior fossa sides included in the study, the perpendicular trajectory through the TIGR triangle was on average 27.13° CI 95% (range: 5.97°-48.53°) from the midline. When comparing the SCIT variants, both the paramedian and lateral approaches provided near-perpendicular trajectory through the TIGR triangle in a majority of specimens. However, the modified paramedian approach, with starting point defined as TSJ angle/3, provided the most perpendicular path through the TIGR triangle. We studied the size, spatial orientation, and morphology of the TIGR triangle. Our data indicated that the best exposure of TIGR is through a modified paramedian SCIT approach, in which the starting point one third of the way from midline to the TSJ.

The Paramedian Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

The supracerebellar-infratentorial approach uses the plane between the tentorium and the superior surface of the cerebellum to expose the pineal region. The bone opening is just underneath the level of the transverse sinus, and so its position must be noted preoperatively. The anatomy of the internal cerebral veins and the veins of Galen and Rosenthal should be examined as well. The sitting position allows gravity-assisted expansion of the supracerebellar corridor, and a paramedian approach provides the biggest working space in the TIGER triangle, delineated by the tentorial surface of the cerebellum, the internal cerebral vein/Galen complex, and the vein of Rosenthal. The veil of arachnoid beyond the triangle must be carefully opened to expose the pineal region. For the sitting position, the operative team must be careful about air emboli. A patent foramen ovale is a contraindication for the position. The deep veins must be handled delicately to avoid complications. Several variations are shown in this video. For visualization, augmented reality is helpful, but since current augmented reality technology is microscope-based, its use can be ergonomically challenging if the tentorium is steep.1 Our current preference is to use the exoscope for the major portion of the procedure until most of the tumor is out and then switch to hand-held endoscopes with various angles to finish the operation.The patients consented to the surgery, and all relevant participants consented to publication of their images.

Role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in patients undergoing resection of pulvinar area lesions: Preliminary clinical results

BackgroundPatients with pulvinar area lesions may develop hydrocephalus at any stage. The role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in this setting remains unclear. MethodWe retrospectively enrolled 15 patients with a mean age of 43 years who underwent endoscopic resection of pulvinar area lesions using the supracerebellar infratentorial approach (SCITA). We compared the different modalities of hydrocephalus management and their outcomes. ResultsNine of 15 patients (60.0%) had preoperative obstructive hydrocephalus. Five patients underwent ETV before tumor resection, and none developed postoperative hydrocephalus. Four patients underwent one-stage surgery for tumor removal, and one patient with a polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young required postoperative ETV. Another patient with diffuse astrocytoma and hydrocephalus underwent concurrent lamina terminalis fenestration and endoscopic resection via the SCITA, which resulted in the resolution of hydrocephalus. The preoperative ETV group had no major postoperative complications, while the non-ETV group had three (0/5 vs. 3/4, P = 0.048). The ETV group also had a shorter intensive care unit stay; however, the difference was not significant (1.2 vs. 2.8; P = 0.188). ETV was effective in alleviating symptoms of postoperative hydrocephalus in patients with midbrain-invading tumors. ConclusionEndoscopic surgery via the SCITA can address both tumor and hydrocephalus issues in some cases but has a higher surgical risk and postoperative hydrocephalus rate. Preoperative ETV can prevent these complications and improve postoperative outcomes.

Review of surgical spproaches for posterior fossa tumors in pediatric population and illustrative cases

Introduction/Background: Posterior fossa tumors are common in the pediatric population, and various surgical approaches have been described to reach them based on their specific location. This paper aims to review the most common posterior fossa approaches in pediatric patients and present illustrative cases to provide insights into their successful application in specific clinical scenarios. Case report: Three cases are presented, each demonstrating a different approach and surgical outcome. Case 1 involved a telovelar approach for the resection of a medulloblastoma, resulting in complete removal without neurological deficits. Case 2 required a combination of telovelar and supracerebellar infratentorial approaches to achieve gross total resection of a pilocytic astrocytoma. In Case 3, an occipital transtentorial approach was utilized to access and completely resect an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor. Connclusion: The paper discusses the telovelar and transvermian approaches, the supracerebellar infratentorial approach, the transtentorial suboccipital approach, and intraventricular endoscopy as individual or combined approaches for posterior fossa tumors. The presented cases highlight the importance of tailoring the surgical approach to each patient and provide valuable insights for neurosurgeons managing similar clinical scenarios.

Anatomical Study and Clinical Application of Neuroendoscopic Transfarlateral Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach.

Tumors in the petroclival region have challenged neurosurgeons. However, neuroendoscopy has been increasingly applied internationally. This study simulated a pure neuroendoscopic transfarlateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach for petroclival tumor resection from the cadaveric head and discussed the advantages and safety of this approach. The anatomical structure for petroclival tumor resection was visualized using a pure neuroendoscopic transfarlateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach in 5 cadaveric heads. Ten cases with petroclival tumors were retrospectively analyzed and summarized between January 2020 and June 2021. All the cases had undergone surgery using a pure neuroendoscopic supracerebellar infratentorial approach. The anatomical structure of the petroclival region was exposed using the pure neuroendoscopic supracerebellar infratentorial approach, and the partial anatomical structure of the middle skull base was further exposed by incision of the tentorium in the cadaveric head. Among the 10 cases, the tumors of 6 cases were totally removed, and those of 4 cases were subtotally removed; no cases of intracranial infection or death occurred after surgery. The neuroendoscopic transfarlateral supracerebellar infratentorial keyhole approach is a safe and effective surgical method to treat petroclival lesions and invasive middle cranial fossa lesions.

Endoscopic far-lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach for resection of dumbbell-shaped trigeminal schwannoma: surgical techniques and preliminary results.

Trigeminal schwannomas (TSs) are mostly benign tumors. However, dumbbell-shaped TSs are most challenging for surgeons and pose a high surgical risk. We describe the technique of the purely endoscopic far-lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach (EFL-SCITA) for removing dumbbell-shaped TSs and further discuss the feasibility of this approach and our experience. EFL-SCITA was performed for resection of 5 TSs between January 2020 and March 2023. The entire procedure was performed endoscopically with the goal of total tumor resection. During the operation, the tumor was exposed in close proximity and multiple angles under the endoscope, and the peri-tumor nerves were carefully identified and protected, especially the normal trigeminal fiber bundles around the tumor. All the tumors of 5 patients involved the middle and posterior cranial fossa, of which total removal was achieved in 2 patients and near-total removal in 3 patients. The most common preoperative symptoms were relieved after surgery. Two patients had postoperative mild facial paralysis (House-Brackmann grade II), and 1 patient had abducens palsy; both recovered during the follow-up period. Two patients experienced new postoperative facial hypesthesia, and 1 experienced mastication weakness, which did not recover. There was no tumor recurrence or residual tumor growth during the follow-up period in any of the patients. EFL-SCITA is a new and effective alternative for the surgical treatment of TSs. For dumbbell-shaped TSs, this approach provides sufficient surgical field exposure and freedom of operation.

Outcomes and surgical approaches for pineal region tumors in children: 30 years' experience.

Pineal region tumors account for 2.7%-11% of all CNS tumors in children. In this series, the authors present their surgical results and long-term outcomes from a pediatric pineal region tumor cohort. A total of 151 children aged 0-18 years were treated from 1991 to 2020. Tumor markers were collected in all patients; if positive, chemotherapy was performed, and if negative, biopsy was performed, preferably endoscopically. Resection was performed when there was a residual germ cell tumor (GCT) lesion after chemotherapy. The distribution based on histological type, as verified by markers, biopsy, or surgery, was germinoma (33.1%), nongerminomatous GCT (NGGCT) (27.2%), pineoblastoma (22.5%), glioma (12.6%), and embryonal tumor (atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor) (3.3%). A total of 97 patients underwent resection, and gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 64%; the highest GTR rate (76.6%) was found in patients with GCTs, and the lowest (30.8%) was found in those with gliomas. The supracerebellar infratentorial approach (SCITA) was the most common, performed in 53.6% of patients, followed by the occipital transtentorial approach (OTA), performed in 24.7% of patients. Lesions were biopsied in 70 patients, and the diagnostic accuracy was 91.4. The overall survival (OS) rates at 12, 24, and 60 months as stratified by histological type were 93.7%, 93.7%, and 88% for patients with germinomas; 84.5%, 63.5%, and 40.7% for patients with pineoblastomas; 89.4%, 80.8%, and 67.2% for patients with NGGCTs; 89.4%, 78.2%, and 72.6% for patients with gliomas; and 40%, 20%, and 0% for patients with embryonal tumors, respectively (p < 0001). The OS at 60 months was significantly higher in the group with GTR (69.7%) than in the group with subtotal resection (40.8%) (p = 0.04). The 5-year progression-free survival was 77% for patients with germinomas, 72.6% for patients with gliomas, 50.8% for patients with NGGCTs, and 38.9% for patients with pineoblastomas. The efficacy of resection varies by histological type, and complete resection is associated with higher OS rates. Endoscopic biopsy is the method of choice for patients presenting with negative tumor markers and hydrocephalus. For tumors restricted to the midline and with extension to the third ventricle, a SCITA is preferred, whereas for lesions with extension toward the fourth ventricle, an OTA is preferred.