Usefulness of Extradural Optic Nerve Decompression via Trans-Superior Orbital Fissure Approach for Treatment of Traumatic Optic Nerve Injury: Surgical Procedures and Techniques from Experience with 8 Consecutive Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience of extradural optic nerve decompression via the trans-superior orbital fissure approach for traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) and retrospectively analyze its advantages and pitfalls. METHODS: Between September 2009 and August 2014, 8 consecutive patients with TON underwent extradural optic canal decompression via the trans-superior orbital fissure approach. We retrospectively reviewed medical charts, radiologic findings, surgical techniques, complications, and final surgical results. RESULTS: All 8 patients presented with visual disturbance caused by head injury; 2 patients had no light perception, 6 had light perception, and 2 had ophthalmoplegia. All patients underwent extradural optic canal decompression and high-dose steroid administration within 24 hours after injury. Postoperative visual acuity on discharge was improved in 6 patients and unchanged in 2. The 2 patients with ophthalmoplegia gradually recovered by 3 months after operation. The postoperative outcome was good recovery in 7 patients and moderate disability in 1 patient. There were no complications related to the surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Emergent optic canal release has been recommended in patients with TON. The advantage of the extradural optic canal decompression via the trans-superior orbital fissure approach is easy identification of the optic canal after partial removal of the anterior clinoid process, resulting in fewer surgical complications. In addition, this procedure can achieve intraorbital decompression if necessary. We recommend this modified approach with mini-peeling as a safe and reliable procedure in patients with TON.

Surgical removal of the solitary metastasis of renal cell carcinoma in the third ventricle using an interhemispheric transcallosal trans-choroidal approach.

We herein describe a case of a solitary metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the third ventricle, which was totally removed via an interhemispheric trans-callosal trans-choroidal approach. The histological examination revealed a solitary metastasis of RCC. The postoperative course was uneventful. A stereotactic cyber knife was additionally used for the tumor cavity. As of 2 years after surgery, the patient has been doing well without recurrence. This case highlights the urgent need for an early diagnosis and surgical treatment for solitary metastasis of RCC to the third ventricle due to its critical course.

[A case of primary intraosseous cavernous hemangioma extending from the orbital rim to the sphenoid wing: a case report].

A primary intraosseous cavernous hemangioma located at the sphenoid bone with extensive involvement of the orbital roof and the lateral wall of the orbit is very rare. A 48-year-old woman presented with progressive right exophthalmos and diplopia. CT showed a bony mass lesion in the right sphenoid bone extending to the orbital bone. MRI showed an abnormal lesion in the sphenoid bone, which was heterogeneously enhanced with gadolinium. All of the abnormal bone was surgically removed, and histological examination confirmed a cavernous angioma. We also present a brief clinical and radiological review of seven previously reported cases.

[Extradural temporopolar approach for surgical management of paraclinoid lesions].

OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment of paraclinoid tumors adjacent to important anatomical structures, such as the optic nerve, optic chiasm, pituitary stalk, and internal carotid artery, should emphasize maximum resection and preservation of visual function. Thus, early localization and exposure of the optic nerve, and complete mobilization and decompression of the optic nerve and internal carotid artery, are necessary in order to prevent intraoperative neurovascular injuries. However, this technique requires wide exposure of the optic-carotid space through the interpeduncular cistern. We have developed an extradural temporopolar approach for resection of paraclinoid tumors, which can also allow early devascularization of arteries that feed the tumors. We evaluated the surgical outcomes of this approach, paying special attention to clinical and visual outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients(4 men, 9 women;24-78 years, mean age 54 years), underwent tumor removal using an extradural temporopolar approach between March 2000 and April 2013. We retrospectively reviewed medical charts, radiological findings, intensive care unit flow sheets, and surgical records. RESULTS: Histological diagnoses included craniopharyngioma(4 cases), pituitary adenoma(3 cases), medial sphenoid ridge meningioma(2 cases), tuberculum sellae meningioma(2 cases), trigeminal neurinoma(1 case), and malignant epidermoid(1 case). Tumors were 1.5-6.0cm in length(mean 3.2cm). Tumors were cystic in all 4 craniopharyngiomas and solid in the other 9 cases. Preoperative neurological deficits included visual disturbance in 10 patients, double vision caused by oculomotor nerve palsy in 2 patients, and vertigo in 1 patient. Additional orbitozygomatic craniotomies were performed in 8 patients. Total tumor removal was performed in 7 patients and subtotal removal performed in 6. The pituitary stalk was microscopically preserved in all patients. Postoperative complications included transient diabetes insipidus in 2 patients, chronic subdural hematoma in 1 patient, and abducens palsy in 1 patient. All complications were completely resolved. Surgical outcomes on discharge were recorded as follows:good recovery(11 patients), moderate disability(1 patient), and severe disability(1 patient, who suffered preoperative consciousness disturbance). Visual outcomes were improved in 7 patients, unchanged in 5, and worsened in 1, with recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The present extradural temporopolar approach, which allows early decompression of the optic nerve, and early devascularization and detachment of the tumor, may lead to greater tumor resection and improved visual outcomes in patients with paraclinoid tumors.