Transplanum Transtuberculum Approach Research Articles

Preoperative Simulation of Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Craniopharyngiomas or Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas

Preoperative simulation for endoscopic endonasal approach(EEA)using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging evaluates tumor extension and the relationship between adjacent structure(the pituitary stalk, major vessels, and cranial nerves); therefore, preoperative planning of nasal procedure, skull base bony removal, and cranial base reconstruction are possible. Additionally, three-dimensional(3D)fusion image aids surgeons to visualize intraoperative 3D findings. These preoperative simulations are critical to avoid complications and predict pitfalls perioperatively. However, tumor consistency or adhesion with adjacent structure cannot be predicted but is judged perioperatively, which affects the extent of tumor resection. This manuscript describes important points of preoperative simulation for EEA, especially the transplanum-transtuberculum approach for craniopharyngiomas or tuberculum sellae meningiomas, showing some examples in patients.

Extended Endoscopic Transtuberculum-Transplanum Approach for Management of Selected cases with Pituitary Macroadenomas.

Extended Endoscopic Transtuberculum-Transplanum Approach for Management of Selected cases with Pituitary Macroadenomas.

Endoscopic Endonasal Transplanum-Transtuberculum Approach for Pituitary Adenomas/PitNET: 25 Years of Experience.

The role of the endoscopic transplanum-transtuberculum approach (ETTA) in the treatment of pituitary adenomas/PitNETs (PAs) is sparsely analyzed in the literature, and its use is still debated in the current practice. The aim of this study was to report our experience with this approach. Our institutional registry was retrospectively reviewed, and patients who underwent ETTA for a PA from 1998 to 2022 were included. Fifty-seven cases were enrolled over a time span of 25 years, corresponding to 2.4% of our entire PA caseload. Radical resection was achieved in 57.9% of cases, with re-do surgery (p = 0.033) and vessel encasement/engulfment (p < 0.001) as predictors of partial resection. CSF leak incidence stood at 8.8%, with higher BMI (p = 0.038) as its only significant predictor. Partial or full improvement of the visual field deficits was achieved in 73.5% of cases. No surgical mortality was observed. According to our results, ETTA for the treatment of PAs is characterized by a satisfactory surgical outcome but with greater morbidity than the conventional endoscopic approach. Therefore, it should be reserved for the few selected cases otherwise unsuitable for the endoscopic trans-sphenoidal route, representing a valid alternative and an effective complementary route for the transcranial approach for these challenging PAs.

Comparative characteristics of extended endoscopic endonasal operations in giant pituitary adenomas with ventricular system extention and craniopharyngiomas

Objective ‒ to evaluate the results of extended endonasal interventions in patients with craniopharyngioma (CPH) and giant pituitary adenoma (GPA) with an extension to ventricular system, to compare the effects of interventions in these pathologies, to determine the basic principles of extended endoscopic endonasal surgical interventions. Materials and methods. The study is based on a retrospective analysis of patients endoscopically operated through the nose in the Department of Endonasal Neurosurgery of the Skull base in the SI «Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute NAMS of Ukraine» from 2014 to 2021. In the group with GPA were 18 (36.7 %) female and 31 (63.3 %) male patients. The mean age of the patients was 54.1±11.3 years. The CPH group included 42 (60.9 %) women and 27 (39.1 %) men. The mean age in this group was 46.6±14.5 years. Results. In 14.3 % of GPA cases, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSFL) occurred, which is statistically insignificant compared to the postoperative CSFL level at CPH – 13 %, despite the fact that when removing GPA, we routinely encountered high-flow liquorrhea, given the characteristics of tumor growth (p=0.921). The number of electrolyte abnormalities with CPH was higher than with GPA removal (40.5 % with CPH versus 16.3 % with GPA). For the first time, diabetes insipidus requiring the prescription of hormone replacement therapy due to the removal of GPA that were extending to the ventricular system was diagnosed in the postoperative period in 12.2 % of patients versus 33.3 % in CPH group. Endocrine disorders in the form of hypopituitarism were found in 34.7 % of GPA and 44.9 % of CPH. The median duration of the operation was 227.9±74.9 min for GPA and 318.4±65.4 min for CPH. The area of the trepanation window is always larger in GPA, as it includes an enlarged sellar window and, sometimes, a parasellar direction in the invasion of the cavernous sinuses. Decompression of the optic canals was performed almost exclusively in GPA that extend parasellarly and/or retrosellarly (38,0 % with CPH in comparison to 5.8 % in the GPA group). Closure of the skull base defect was performed with autologous and artificial materials in all cases, as the removal of GPA and CРН was always accompanied by high-flow intraoperative CSFL.Conclusions. After analyzing the results of endonasal surgeries performed in GPA with extension to the ventricular system and CPH, it was noted that the use of extended transtuberculum-transplanum approach provides a wide surgical corridor and provides the possibility of total tumor removal. It is essential to install a lumbar drainage system when working in open liquid spaces. In our opinion, the priority should be given to the safety of operations and prevention of postoperative interventions (preservation of the pituitary stem, perforating arteries, chiasm, minimization of manipulations with the diencephalic areas and the bottom of the III ventricle), rather than increasing radicality in CPH, as in GPA. Fatty graft packaging should be avoided for CPH located near the junction of the optic nerves (in the anterior position of the chiasm), as the absence of the arachnoid barrier increases the risk of involving the optic structures in the postoperative scar.

The Fate of Fat Graft in Extended Endoscopic Transtuberculum-Transplanum Approaches.

To analyze the long-term fate of autologous fat graft in skull base reconstruction after an extended endoscopic transtuberculum-transplanum approach. Data from 98 consecutive patients undergoing a transtuberculum-transplanum approach and skull base reconstruction using the 3F technique between June 2017 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Fat graft volume was measured on postoperative day 1 computed tomography scan and early (≤15 days), 3-month, and 1-year magnetic resonance imaging scans. Fat graft volumes and resorption rate were calculated in patients with a complete radiological follow-up and correlated to demographic, pathological, and surgical features. Fat volumes and resorption rate were calculated in 55 patients. Mean volume of fat on postoperative day 1 computed tomography scan was 3.58 ± 1.89 cm3 and on early, 3-month, and 1-year postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans was 2.45 ± 1.57 cm3, 1.40 ± 0.76 cm3, and 0.92 ± 0.56 cm3, respectively. Resorption rate was 44% after 3 months and 67% after 1 year. Resorption rate did not significantly correlate with demographic, pathological, and surgical features. Cerebrospinal fluid leak requiring redo surgery occurred in 1 patient (1/98, 1.2%). There were 6 cases of visual worsening (6/98, 6.1%); no cases correlated to fat overpacking. No delayed complications at the donor site or at the grafting site were noted. Autologous fat graft in skull base reconstruction is observed to shrink significantly over time, reaching 67% in 1 year. Its use is associated with excellent outcomes, making it a favored material for skull base reconstruction.

Single-Layer Fascia Patchwork Closure for the Extended Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Transtuberculum Transplanum Approach: Deep Suturing Technique and Preliminary Results

To describe a single-layer fascia patchwork closure (FPWC) without nasoseptal flap (NSF) and compare postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage between FPWC using NSF and single-layer FPWC without NSF for the extended endoscopic transsphenoidal transtuberculum transplanum approach. Forty-five cases of suprasellar tumor in 42 patients were treated with extended endoscopic transsphenoidal removal, resulting in extensive, high-flow CSF leakage. Following the intradural procedure for treatment of various suprasellar tumors, fascia lata was inlaid subdurally on the cranial base defect and patch-sutured around its entire circumference under endoscope visualization, using an average of 17 stitches. Septal bone or hydroxyapatite plate was used for the hard support material against pulsatile intracranial pressure. NSF was added in the earlier 17 cases. Closure was completed without NSF in the more recent 28 cases when the Valsalva maneuver confirmed watertight closure. Two recent cases required NSF after Valsalva maneuver and were included in the FPWC+ NSF group. Postoperative CSF leakage did not occur in the FPWC+ NSF group but occurred in 2 patients in the single-layer FPWC group (7.1%) (P= 0.52). There was no significant difference in CSF leakage between single-layer FPWC and FPWC+ NSF. The mean suturing time for FPWC was 85.8 minutes, and the shortest was 39 minutes in a recent case (mean, 17 stitches; n= 35, video analysis). Single-layer FPWC may be a viable technical option for effective skull base reconstruction after the extended endoscopic transsphenoidal transtuberculum transplanum approach.

A Cadaveric Anatomical Study on Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Surgery by Extended Endoscopic Endonasal Approach.

Background:The use of minimally invasive approaches in the management of cerebral aneurysms continues to evolve and a purely endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for cerebral aneurysm has its own advantages. The purpose of the present study is to perform a detailed anatomical dissection study to test the usefulness of the extended EEAs for selected anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysm.Materials and Methods:Nine human cadaveric heads were used for this study, and all dissections were performed through the endonasal corridor. Endoscopic endonasal surgical dissections were carried out, and surgery was simulated in all specimens to reach the ACoA region. The ACoA complex, its neural and osseous relations, degree of vascular exposure, and the ability to perform clip placement were observed and analyzed.Results:The transplanum and transtuberculum approaches exposed the A1 and A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery and the ACoA in all specimens. This route allowed clip ligation of the distal A1 branches, ACoA and proximal A2 branches to the level of the pericallosal segment. Proximal and distal control was most readily achievable at the level of the ACoA complex.Conclusion:The present cadaveric study on nine specimens with bilateral dissection has demonstrated that the endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach to the ACoA region provides excellent visualization of the vasculature. When selected prudently, such lesions may be favorable targets for an extended endoscopic endonasal (EEA) in comparison to transcranial approaches that may provide a suboptimal exposure.

Closure of Skull Base Defects after Endonasal Endoscopic Resection of Planum Sphenoidale and Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas.

Background:The expanded endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach allows tumor removal by minimally invasive procedures. A large dural and bone defect is created during the surgical procedure, increasing the risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.Objective:The aim of this study is to describe a surgical technique and complications observed in patients undergoing endonasal resection of planum sphenoidale and/or tuberculum sellae meningiomas.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with planum sphenoidale and/or tuberculum sellae meningiomas after expanded endoscopic endonasal resection between June 2013 and August 2018, in which autologous grafts, fascia lata inlay, and nasoseptal flap onlay were used for closure of skull base defects.Results:Ten patients were included in the analysis. No cases of postoperative CSF leakages or meningitis were reported, whereas two patients evolved with postoperative infectious complications (fungal ball in right frontal sinus and brain abscess). The skull base defect created for resection measured, on average, 3.58 cm2.Conclusion:Our experience suggests that closure of skull base defects using combined fascia lata inlay and nasoseptal flap onlay is effective for preventing postoperative CSF leakage in resection of planum sphenoidale and/or tuberculum sellae meningiomas, and offers high reproducibility due to its low cost.

Anatomical assessment of the endoscopic endonasal approach for the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms.

Endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) are increasingly being incorporated into the neurosurgeon's armamentarium for treatment of various pathologies, including paraclinoid aneurysms. However, few anatomical assessments have been performed on the use of EEA for this purpose. The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive anatomical assessment of the EEA for the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms. Five cadaveric heads underwent an endonasal transplanum-transtuberculum approach to expose the paraclinoid area. The feasibility of obtaining proximal and distal internal carotid artery (ICA) control as well as the topographic location of the origin of the ophthalmic artery (OphA) relative to dural landmarks were assessed. Limitations of the EEA in exposing the supraclinoid ICA were also recorded to identify favorable paraclinoid ICA aneurysm projections for EEA. The extracavernous paraclival and clinoidal ICAs were favorable segments for establishing proximal control. Clipping the extracavernous ICA risked injury to the trigeminal and abducens nerves, whereas clipping the clinoidal segment put the oculomotor nerve at risk. The OphA origin was found within 4 mm of the medial opticocarotid point on a line connecting the midtubercular recess point to the medial vertex of the lateral opticocarotid recess. An average 7.2-mm length of the supraclinoid ICA could be safely clipped for distal control. Assessments showed that small superiorly or medially projecting aneurysms were favorable candidates for clipping via EEA. When used for paraclinoid aneurysms, the EEA carries certain risks to adjacent neurovascular structures during proximal control, dural opening, and distal control. While some authors have promoted this approach as feasible, this work demonstrates that it has significant limitations and may only be appropriate in highly selected cases that are not amenable to coiling or clipping. Further clinical experience with this approach helps to delineate its risks and benefits.

Endoscopic Endonasal Transplanum Transtuberculum Approach for the Resection of a Large Suprasellar Craniopharyngioma.

Objectives To demonstrate an endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach for the resection of a large suprasellar craniopharyngioma. Design Single-case-based operative video. Setting Tertiary center with dedicated skull base team. Participants A 72-year-old male patient diagnosed with a suprasellar craniopharyngioma. Main Outcomes Measured Surgical resection of the tumor and preservation of the normal surrounding neurovascular structures. Results A 72-year-old male patient presented with a 1-year history of progressive bitemporal visual loss. He also referred symptoms suggestive of hypogonadism. Neurological examination was unremarkable and endocrine workup demonstrated mildly elevated prolactin levels. Magnetic resonance images demonstrated a large solid-cystic suprasellar lesion, consistent with the diagnosis of craniopharyngioma. The lesion was retrochiasmatic, compressed the optic chiasm, and extended into the interpeduncular cistern ( Fig. 1 ). Because of that, the patient underwent an endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach. 1 2 3 The nasal stage consisted of a transnasal transseptal approach, with complete preservation of the patient's left nasal cavity. 4 The cystic component of the tumor was decompressed and its solid part was resected. It was possible to preserve the surrounding normal neurovascular structures ( Fig. 2 ). Skull base reconstruction was performed with a dural substitute, a fascia lata graft, and a right nasoseptal flap ( Video 1 ). The patient did well after surgery and referred complete visual improvement. However, he also presented pan-hypopituitarism on long-term follow-up. Conclusions The endoscopic endonasal route is a good alternative for the resection of suprasellar lesions. It permits tumor resection and preservation of the surrounding neurovascular structures while avoiding external incisions and brain retraction. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/zmgxQe8w-JQ .

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to a Suprasellar Craniopharyngioma.

We present the case of a 57-year-old male who presented with progressive right side vision loss whose workup revealed a large suprasellar lesion with invasion of the third ventricle. The pituitary stalk was not visible.Hormonal panel showed no hormonal deficits. The initial diagnosis was of a type II transinfundibular craniopharyngioma (as classified by Kassam et al).An endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach was done using a standard binostril four-hand technique, with the patient positioned supine with the head turned to the right side and tilted to the left, fixed in a three-pin head clamp, under imaging guidance. The tumor was carefully dissected away from the optic apparatus while preserving the vessels, mainly the superior hypophyseal artery. The stalk was identified around the tumor and preserved. The third ventricle was entered and inspected at the end of the procedure and a near-total resection (a small residual in the right hypothalamus) with decompression of the optic apparatus was achieved. Reconstruction was done in a multilayered fashion, using collagen matrix and a nasoseptal flap. Patient had an uneventful postoperative stay and was discharged on POD 4, neurologically stable with no hormonal deficits. Pathology confirmed an adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. Due to a small growth of the residual, patient underwent fractionated stereotactic radiation (50.4Gy in 28 sessions). He presented with panhypopituitarism 2 years after radiation therapy. At 3-month follow-up, his vision was back to normal and 6-year postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed no signs of recurrence. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/chG7XIz7a_A .

Extended Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Suprasellar Craniopharyngiomas

Material and Methods: In the past 7 years, 204 patients with different purely supradiaphragmatic tumors (craniopharyngiomas, anterior scull base meningiomas, chiasmal and III ventricular gliomas, cholesteatomas, some pituitary adenomas, cavernomas) underwent removal via extended endoscopic transsphenoidal transplanum transtuberculum approach. Most of the patients (139 patients) were with craniopharyngiomas (suprasellar, intraventricular). Five patients with craniopharyngiomas had been treated different transcranial approach previously. The operation is always performed through bilateral endonasal approach with endoscope as the only instrument of visualization.

Extended Transsphenoidal Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery of Suprasellar Craniopharyngiomas

The endoscopic extended transsphenoidal approach for suprasellar craniopharyngiomas may be a really alternative to the transcranial approach in many cases. The authors present their experience with this technique in 136 patients with craniopharyngiomas. From the past 7 years 204 patients with different purely supradiaphragmatic tumors underwent removal by extended endoscopic transsphenoidal transtuberculum transplanum approach. Most of the patients (136) had craniopharyngiomas (suprasellar, intra-extraventricular). The patients were analyzed according to age, sex, tumor size, growth and tumor structure, and clinical symptoms. Twenty-five patients had undergone a previous surgery. The mean follow-up was 42 months (range, 4-120 months). The operation is always performed with the bilateral endoscopic endonasal anterior extended transsphenoidal approach. A gross-total removal was completed in 72%. Improvement of vision or absence of visual deterioration after operation was observed in 89% of patients; 11% had worsening vision after surgery. Endocrine dysfunction did not improve after surgery, new hypotalamopituitary dysfunction (anterior pituitary dysfunction or diabetes insipidus) or worsening of it was observed in 42.6%. Other main complications included transient new mental disorder in 11%, temporary neurological postoperative deficits in 3.7%, bacterial meningitis in 16%, cerebrospinal fluid leaks in 8.8%. The recurrence rate was 20% and the lethality was 5.8%. Resection of suprasellar craniopharyngiomas using the extended endoscopic approach is a more effective and less traumatic technology, able to provide resection of the tumor along with high quality of life after surgery, and relatively rare postoperative complications and mortality.

The extended endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach to the anterior communicating artery complex: anatomic study.

When performing a transplanum transtuberculum approach, dealing with the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) complex is inevitable. The aim of this study is to provide quantitative anatomical information regarding the ACoA complex and its bony and neural relationships, when exposed through this approach. The endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach was performed on ten human cadaver heads. In each specimen, radiological studies were performed. A three-dimensional model of the approach was reconstructed. Measured parameters were: exposure of the vessels; distance between the proximal anterior cerebral artery (A1) and the optic chiasm; dimension of the bone opening. The feasibility to perform clip placement was graded as "possible" or "not possible". Dimension of bone opening varied from 88 to 53 mm(2). The ACoA was exposed for 3 mm ± 2 mm, A1 for 17 mm ± 9 mm, the distal anterior cerebral artery (A2) for 12 mm ± 3 mm, the recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH) for 16 mm ± 4 mm. Clip placement was possible on the ACoA, A2, and distal segment of A1 in all cases, and on the proximal segment of A1 in one instance. The distance between A1 and the optic chiasm measured 9 mm ± 2 mm. The ACoA, A2, and the distal segment of A1 can be visualized and controlled through the transplanum transtuberculum approach. The relationship between A1, gyrus rectus, and optic chiasm is the main determinant for the exposure and control of the vessel. The olfactory nerve can represent a surgical landmark for the identification of the A1 origin. The whole course of the RAH can be visualized trough this approach.

Endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach for retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas: Operative nuances.

The surgical treatment of craniopharyngiomas is challenging. An optimal surgical approach is extremely important to achieve complete removal of the tumor, which is often the goal of treatment. Conventionally, the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach is used for resection of craniopharyngiomas that are essentially confined to the sellar cavity, or have smaller suprasellar extension. However, the tumors located in the retrochiasmatic space are difficult to remove surgically due to a poor access. Traditionally, various transcranial microsurgical routes have been employed with limited success for resection of retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas. The transcranial approaches generally do not provide adequate exposure of the tumors originating in the space under the optic chiasm and nerves. Recently, the extended endonasal endoscopic surgical route, obtained by removal of the tuberculum sellae and planum sphenoidale, has been used with great success in the surgical management of tumors lying ventral to the optic chiasm, including craniopharyngiomas. It offers a direct midline access to the retrochiasmatic space and provides excellent visualization of the undersurface of the optic chiasm. It also allows extracapsular dissection using binostril-bimanual technique and facilitates complete removal of these formidable tumors. In this report, we describe step-by-step, the technical details of the endonasal endoscopic transplanum transtuberculum approach with emphasis on the operative nuances for removal of retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas.

The "extended" endoscopic endonasal approach for the removal of a mixed intrasuprasellar germinoma: Technical case report

Background:Intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) represent less than 5% of pediatric brain tumors. Neurosurgical treatment remains essential in the management of patients with intracranial nongerminomatous GCT.Case Description:A 12-year-old girl presented with clinical features of neurohypophyseal dysfunction and rapidly progressive visual worsening. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a lesion arising from the sella with a significant suprasellar component, compressing the optic chiasm and extending into the third ventricle. The tumor was removed via an endoscopic endonasal transtuberculum-transplanum approach and the histology revealed a mixed germinoma. In the postoperative course, a conspicuous improvement of visual function was observed; an early postoperative MRI showed near-total removal of the lesion. The patient was referred to pediatric oncologist for the adjunctive chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Conclusions:The management of primary intracranial sellar and suprasellar germinomas still remains controversial. With this report we highlighted another possible surgical option among therapeutic strategies for these highly malignant tumors.

Rerum magistra experientia est: The Evolution of Modern Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery and Reconstruction Techniques

istorically, surgical management of suprasellar lesions has been done by different transcranial approaches H including the subfrontal, frontolateral, and pterional routes. Nevertheless, in the past decades, the evolution of the transsphenoidal technique and the technological progress has favored the introduction and diffusion of the extended transsphenoidal approaches to the skull base. This was first described by Weiss (19), creating a paradigm in transsphenoidal surgery, with opening a new corridor to the suprasellar space. The transtuberculum-transplanum approach provides a direct route to the sellar suprasellar area, ensuring unrivalled visualization of the undersurface of the optic chiasm, third ventricle, pituitary stalk, and hypothalamus. The close visualization of the infrachiasmatic perforators from the carotid, the basilar, the posterior cerebral, and the posterior communicating arteries ensure a direct bimanual tumor dissection of critical neurovascular structures. Finally, the transtuberculum-transplanum pathway provides a direct midline and minimally invasive approach to the suprasellar region, without any brain retraction.

Intraventricular Tension Pneumocephalus after Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

Postoperative pneumocephalus is commonly observed after neurosurgical intracranial procedures and is usually of little consequence. Intraventricular tension pneumocephalus, however, is a rare complication and a neurosurgical emergency that requires immediate intervention. We describe the first case of intraventricular tension pneumocephalus that developed 1 week following an expanded endoscopic endonasal approach for resection of a suprasellar mass. A patient who underwent an endoscopic transplanum transtuberculum approach for resection of a suprasellar epidermoid tumor developed a sudden change in mental status, with imaging consistent with intraventricular tension pneumocephalus. Immediate endotracheal intubation and placement of an external ventricular drain prevented further deterioration. Endoscopic exploration of the skull base reconstruction revealed a one-way ball valve mechanism as the source of pneumocephalus. The skull base reconstruction was revised with autologous fascia lata and repositioning of the pedicled nasoseptal flap. Intraventricular tension pneumocephalus is a rare neurosurgical emergency that may develop after endoscopic skull base surgery. Initial management includes endotracheal intubation and placement of an external ventricular drain to decompress the ventricles. Endoscopic exploration and revision of the skull base repair is imperative to obliterate the ball-valve fistula to prevent further entrapment of air.

Surgical management of craniopharyngioma with third ventricle involvement

Craniopharyngiomas are notorious for their ability to invade the hypothalamus and third ventricle. Although several transcranial approaches have been proposed for their treatment, the endonasal route provides direct access to the tumor with no need for cerebral retraction or manipulation of the optic apparatus. After the lesion is debulked, the unique angle of approach achieved with this technique enables the surgeon to perform an extra-capsular dissection and visualize the walls of the third ventricle, the foramina of Monro, and the anterior comissure. Moreover, the enhanced magnification and lighting afforded by the endoscope facilitate safe tumor removal, particularly in areas where there is loss of clear lesion delimitation and greater infiltration of the surrounding structures. Herein we present the case of a 68-year-old female patient with a 3-month history of visual deterioration accompanied by worsening headaches. Investigation with magnetic resonance imaging revealed a heterogeneous mass in the suprasellar region, extending into the third ventricle and displacing the pituitary gland and stalk inferiorly. Hormonal profile was within expected range for her age. An endonasal, fully endoscopic, transplanum transtuberculum approach was performed. Gross-total removal was achieved and pathology confirmed the diagnosis of craniopharyngioma. Postoperative recovery was marked by transient diabetes insipidus. Closure was achieved with a pedicled nasoseptal flap; despite exploration of the third ventricle, there was no cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Pituitary function was preserved. Visual function has fully recovered and the patient has been uneventfully followed since surgery. The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/it5mpofZl0Q. (http://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/2013.V1.FOCUS12330)

Extended endoscopic transplanum–transtuberculum approach for pituitary adenomas

Few pituitary adenomas require removal through a transcranial route. This may be associated with more significant morbidity and mortality, compared to the transsphenoidal approach. An endoscopic, extended, transplanum–transtuberculum approach (ETTA) in selected pituitary adenomas may offer an alternative to the transcranial route. We describe our technique and experience of ETTA in pituitary adenomas over 10 years. Between 2000 and 2010, we performed 700 endoscopic endonasal procedures for pituitary adenomas. Nineteen patients (13 men; mean age, 48 years; range, 22–76 years) underwent 22 ETTAs. Thirteen patients had non-functioning adenomas. Three tumor groups were identified: (1) tumors developing in or around the pituitary stalk; (2) tumours with sub- frontal extension and (3) tumours with a major extrasellar component. Mean follow-up was 37 months (range 6–72 months). Gross total resection was achieved in 11 procedures (no recurrences), with partial tumour resection in 11 procedures. Of the 12 patients with visual symptoms, ten improved. Of eight patients with hormonal hypersecretion four were cured. Complications included CSF leak (14%), haemorrhage (9%), hemiplegia (5%). There were no mortalities. Experience using the ETTA for pituitary adenomas is limited because it is indicated in highly selected cases (3.1% of our series). An absolute indication is represented by ectopic secreting pituitary stalk/peri-stalk adenomas. ETTA is a useful option in midline frontal adenomas and adenomas with a major extrasellar component, but has a higher morbidity than that seen in the standard transsphenoidal approach. A study comparing ETTA versus transcranial resection is highly desirable.