Endoscopic Transpterygoid Corridor for Petroclival Tumors: Case Series and Technical Nuances.

Background: The petroclival area is a technically challenging region to operate owing to the proximity of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the need to obtain gross total excision of tumors in this area as they are often resistant to radiotherapy. Objective: We present our experience with the endonasal endoscopic transpterygoid approach in managing tumors of the petroclival region and discuss various operative nuances for safer resection. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of all consecutive cases of lesions occupying the petroclival region that were operated via endonasal endoscopic transpterygoid approach at our center between January 2016 and December 2021 was performed. Results: The study included 14 cases of lesions occupying the petroclival region. Gross total resection by intraoperative observation was achieved in 10 patients, near total decompression was performed in two patients, and the remaining two patients underwent marsupialization of lesion. Postoperatively, one patient had right Lower motor neuron (LMN) facial nerve palsy and one patient required surgery for Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea on postoperative day 8. The mean duration of follow-up was 13.8 ± 16.6 months (range: 2-59 months). Four of six patients with visual symptoms on presentation reported improvement in vision, and the other two patients had a stable vision on follow-up. Two patients received radiotherapy postsurgery. No mortality was noted. Conclusion: The extended endonasal endoscopic transpterygoid approach can be safely and efficiently used for petroclival lesions. Very sound knowledge of anatomical relationship, use of intraoperative image guidance to avoid injury to ICA, and multilayer reconstruction with a vascularized nasoseptal flap are required to optimize the clinical outcome.

Endoscopic Endonasal Excision of a Meckel's Cave Dermoid Cyst.

Background: Meckel's cave dermoid cyst is an extremely rare and a technically challenging lesion. The objective of the study is to show that endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has recently emerged as a better alternative to transcranial approach for this formidable tumor, owing to minimal retraction-related morbidity. Method: A 52-year-old male presented with numbness over the right side of the face and temporal area for the last 3 years. On examination, there was decreased sensation to touch, pain, and temperature over the right V1, V2, and V3 areas with an absent right corneal reflex. Imaging revealed a heterogenous extra-axial lesion in the right Meckel's cave. The tumor was resected by an extended endonasal transpterygoid approach. Results: The patient had improvement in his symptoms with no endocrine complication. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the surgical techniquenof endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid resection of a Meckel's cave dermoid cyst.

Endoscopic Endonasal Excision of a Complex Craniopharyngioma Operated Multiple Times by Transcranial Route.

Background: Complex craniopharyngiomas pose a significant surgical challenge owing to its proximity to critical structures and its intrinsic nature to resist radical excision. Objective: To show that endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is potentially a better alternative to transcranial approach in tumors that have been operated multiple times by transcranial route for achieving radical excision with minimal morbidity. Materials and Methods: A 32-year-old male previously operated twice through interhemispheric approach for craniopharyngioma presented with blurring of vision accompanied by headache and intermittent diplopia. Imaging revealed a large lobulated suprasellar recurrence with a large calcified part adjacent to left internal carotid artery. The tumor was resected by an extended endonasal approach. The patient experienced improvement in his vision with no significant endocrine complication. Results and Conclusion: This case demonstrates the surgical technique and various operative nuances of endoscopic endonasal resection of a complex craniopharyngioma.