Approaches to the Temporal Bone: Basic Principles
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…
Parasellar Tumors
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…
Combined Transmaxillary and Subfrontal Approach
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…
Sphenoid Wing Meningiomas
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…
Invasive Pituitary Adenomas
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…
Clival Chordomas
Preoperative Considerations • Chordomas are locally aggressive neoplasms that arise from embryonic remnants of the notochord along the vertebral axis. They represent less than 1% of all intracranial neoplasms. They…
Techniques for Skull Base Reconstruction in Endoscopic Surgery
Indications and Preoperative Considerations • Postoperative CSF leak is one of the most important complications secondary to endoscopic skull base surgery. • Skull base reconstruction techniques have been instrumental for…
Combined Transconjunctival and Endonasal Approach
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…
Combined Subfrontal and Endonasal Approach
Indications • The major advantages of this approach include broad exposure to the anterior cranial base with minimal brain retraction. • The approach can facilitate the access to the anterior…
Surgical Treatment of Craniopharyngiomas
Preoperative Considerations • Craniopharyngiomas are tumors with solid-cystic components that originate from embryological remnants of the Rathke’s pouch. They represent 1–3% of lifetime intracranial tumors and up to 5–10% occurring…
