Clinical application of reserved gastric tube in neuroendoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary tumor

BACKGROUND The neuroendoscopic approach has the advantages of a clear operative field,convenient tumor removal,and less damage,and is the development direction of modern neurosurgery.At present,transnasal surgery for sphenoidal pituitary tumor is widely used.But it has been found in clinical practice that some patients with this type of surgery may experience post-operative nausea and vomiting and other discomforts.AIM To explore the effect of reserved gastric tube application in the neuroendoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors.METHODS A total of 60 patients who underwent pituitary adenoma resection via the endoscopic endonasal approach were selected and randomly divided into the experimental and control groups,with 30 in each group.Experimental group:After anesthesia,a gastric tube was placed through the mouth under direct vision using a visual laryngoscope,and the fluid accumulated in the oropharynx was suctioned intermittently with low negative pressure throughout the whole process after nasal disinfection,during the operation,and when the patient recovered from anesthesia.Control group:Given the routine intraoperative care,no gastric tube was left.The number of cases of nausea/vomiting/aspiration within 24 h post-operation was counted and compared between the two groups;the scores of pharyngalgia after waking up,6 h post-operation,and 24 h postoperation.The frequency of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection were compared.The hospitalization days of the two groups were statistically compared.RESULTS The times of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the experimental group were lower than that in the control group,and the difference in the incidence of nausea was statistically significant(P<0.05).After the patient woke up,the scores of sore throat 6 h after the operation and 24 h after operation were lower than those in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The number of cases of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection was higher than that of the control group,but there was no statistically significant difference from the control group(P>0.05).The hospitalization days of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Reserving a gastric tube in the endoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors,combined with intraoperative and postoperative gastrointestinal decompression,can effectively reduce the incidence of nausea,reduce the number of vomiting and aspiration in patients,and reduce the complications of sore throat The incidence rate shortened the hospitalization days of the patients.

New mucosal flap modification for endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in Asians

AIM: To describe a simple modification of fashioning the mucosal flap for endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EES-DCR) in Asians and investigate its efficacy. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with unilateral primary chronic dacryocystitis (PCD) were randomized into two groups: the new shaped nasal mucosal flap group (group A) and the removed nasal mucosal flap group (group B). All patients underwent standard EES-DCR. Patients in group A were performed a new shaped nasal mucosal flap covering the bared bone around the opened sac and those in group B was removed the nasal mucosal flap uncovering the bared bone. Patients were followed up for one year. The occurrence of granulation tissue, the proliferation of scar tissue and success rate of EES-DCR was compared. RESULTS: In the present study, complete postoperative data were acquired from 54 patients in group A and from 57 patients in group B. During process of review, the occurrence of granulation tissue was at the ostium margins account for 15% (8/54) in group A and 39% (22/57) in group B (P<0.05). At the one-year review, scar tissue was present in 5 patients in group A compared with 18 in group B (P<0.05). The success rate of EES-DCR was 98% (53/54) in group A and 84% (48/57) in group B (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The simple modification of fashioning nasal mucosal flap can effectively cover the bared bone around the opened sac and reduce formation of granulation tissue, lessen the risk of scar tissue formation and closure of ostium, thus improve the success rate of EES-DCR in Asians.

Expanded Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEEA) for Clival Chordomas

Objective: To evaluate the role of expanded endoscopic endonasal approach in removal of clival chordomas. Patients & Methods: Nine patients with clival chordomas were operated upon in Cairo University hospital from September 2015 to September 2018 using the EEEA a recurrent case and seven new cases were involved in these study and ten operations were done. All patients had preoperative neurological and radiological examination. The study was focusing on the approach, efficacy of tumor removal, reconstruction of the base and complications related to this approach. Results: Nine patients were operated in this study in which ten operations were done. It included six males (66.6%) and three females (33.3%) with age ranging from 4 years to 63 years with average age 40.7 years. Headache and diplopia were the most common symptoms found in six patients (66.6%). Brainstem affection was found in two patients (22.2%). Lower cranial nerves affection was found in two patients (22.2%). One case developed CSF leakage postoperatively (11.1%). Two patients underwent tracheostomy. We achieve total removal in four patients (44.4%), near total removal in one patient (11.1%) and subtotal tumor resection in four patients (44.4%). Conclusion: EEEA for clival chordomas is safe and effective approach regarding the results of the incidence of complications, and the percentage of tumor resection.

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery at the Yaounde General Hospital-Cameroon: Case Study of 30 Operated Patients

Introduction: Endoscopic endonasal surgery is currently a validated therapeutic modality in most nasal sinus disorders. In developed countries, this practice is common and sees the indications constantly reviewed;In sub-Saharan Africa, this surgical technique is popularized. The external pathways are morbid and not very functional. In our daily practice at the Yaounde General Hospital (YGH), this technique is still in its infancy. Gradually it’s entering our habits and sees its indications increases. Through this study, we are reporting readily available data from our experience. Objectives: The objective was to study the practice of endoscopic endonasal surgery in our setting. Patients and Method: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective study. The site of study was the ear-nose and throat service of Yaounde General Hospital. The study was conducted from January 2013 to December 2020, for an 8 years basis. The sampling was consecutive. We included in this study all patients operated on for a nasal sinus disease by the endoscopic endonasal modality. We excluded patients with incomplete files, as well as those who had a complementary transfacial approach during the same operation. The data were collected on prepared questionnaire. Data analysis is done with ssps 23.0 software. Results: We recruited 30 cases, out of a total of 330 interventions carried out in our department. The prevalence of this surgery in our activity was 9%. Male and female had equal ratio of 50%. The most represented age group was 30 - 40 years (33.3%). All the patients had a facial sinus CT scan, we did not note any anatomical variant as risk. Two patients of our sample size had a history of sinus surgery, treated externally. Chronic maxillary sinusitis was the surgical indication in 36.7%, followed by Killian antro-choanal polyps in 13.3%, nasosinus polyposis in 13.3% and all performed under general anesthesia. The most performed procedure was unilateral mean meatotomy with 43.33% followed by bilateral mean meatotomy with 20%, ethmoidectomy 13.3%, bimeatotomy 10%. The admission lasted for 2 days. 100% of patients had a previous nasal tamponade at the end of the intervention. The tamponade was removed on the second postoperative day in 100% of patients. 16.7% of patients presented with complications of low abundance postoperative bleeding. All patients noted clinical improvement over the initial symptoms postoperatively. Conclusion: Endoscopic endonasal surgery is experiencing slow but certain progress in our daily practice. The operated patients are young, chronic maxillary sinusitis is the main indication, the most performed procedure is the unilateral mean meatotomy. The operation goes uneventful with satisfactory prognosis. A study with a larger sample is necessary in order to refine our results. The practice remains limited by the technical platform, which needs to be strengthened, in order to optimize the practice.

Complications's prophylaxis in neuroendoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas

Objective To discuss the complicatiaons’s prophylaxis of removing pituitary adenomas by neuroendoscopy in tranasphenoidal surgery. Methods Clinical data of 253 cases treated by endoscopic endanasal transsphenoidal surgery were analysed. Results The total tumor removal was done in 216 (85.38%) cases,subtotal in

Sinonasal Polyposis: About 60 Cases at Fann University Hospital Center, Senegal

Introduction: Sinonasal polyposis (SNP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the mucosa of the nasal cavities and facial sinuses. It is characterized by an oedematous, multifocal and bilateral degeneration of the nasosinus mucosa, which originates in the lateral masses of the ethmoid, where it causes the formation of smooth, gelatinous, translucent and pyriform polyp lesions. The objective of this study was to review epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical data and evaluate the results of endoscopic surgical treatment. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study on 60 patients followed at the ENT department of the Fann National University Hospital Center, from January 2010 to December 2015. All patients with sinonasal polyposis were included in the study. Results: The average age of our patients was 38 years and the sex ratio (M/F) was 0.8. In the patients’ histories, we found 18% asthma and 10% Widal’s disease. The average consultation time was 8.5 years. All patients had consulted for nasal obstruction;rhinorrhea was bilateral and found in 67.7% of cases, with olfactory disorders accounting for 50%. The CT scan performed in 58% of cases made it possible to specify the extent of the lesions;the involvement of the ethmoidal sinus was constant and extended to the other sinuses except in 2 cases. All patients had received medical treatment with local corticosteroids. Endoscopic surgical treatment was initiated in 43% of cases after failure of corticosteroid-based medical treatment. The evolution under treatment marked by the reappearance of symptoms that increased each month. At one month postoperatively, all clinical symptomatology had improved with the exception of olfactory disorders, which persisted in 3 patients. At 12 months we noted 12 cases of reappearance of nasal obstruction. Conclusion: SNP is a disease of little known etiology. The diagnosis is almost always clinical. Endoscopic surgery remains a recourse to medical treatment. For good local control, patients should be more respectful of good compliance with corticosteroid therapy.

Application of endoscopic endonasal approach in skull base surgeries: summary of 1886 cases in a single center for 10 consecutive years

Background:Endonasal endoscopic skull base surgery has undergone rapid technological developments and is now widely performed,but its strengths and weaknesses deserve further investigation and deliberation.This study was performed to investigate the surgical indications,complications,and technical advantages and disadvantages of endonasal endoscopic skull base surgery.Methods:The clinical data of 1886 endoscopic endonasal skull base surgeries performed in our ward at Beijing Tiantan Hospital from June 2006 to June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:One thousand ninety-three(73.4%,1490)pituitary adenomas,54(24.9%,217)chordomas,28(80.0%,35)craniopharyngiomas,and 15(83.3%,18)meningiomas underwent total resection.Two patients died postoperatively,both having pituitary adenomas.Other postoperative complications included olfactory disorders(n=226,11.9%),postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage(n=78,4.1%),hypopituitarism(n=74,3.9%),diabetes insipidus(n=64,3.4%),intracranial infection(n=36,1.9%),epistaxis(n=24,1.3%),vascular injury(n=8,0.4%),optic nerve injury(n=8,0.4%),and oculomotor movement impairment(n=4,0.2%).In total,1517(80.4%)patients were followed up for 6 to 126 months(average,42.5 months)postoperatively.A total of 196(13.2%)pituitary adenomas and 13(37.1%)craniopharyngiomas recurred but no meningiomas recurred.Chordomas recurred in 97(44.7%)patients,in whom 5-year survival rate was 65%.Conclusion:Endoscopic surgery is an innovative surgical technique and the first choice for most midline extradural lesions such as chordomas,and an excellent choice for pituitary adenomas.It probably will be a good technique for many kinds of craniopharyngiomas and a common technique for most of skull base meningiomas,so the surgical indications of these cases should be chosen carefully to make good use of its respective advantages.

Does reconstruction affect outcomes following exclusively endoscopic endonasal resection of benign orbital tumors: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Objective:As exclusively endoscopic endonasal resection of benign orbital tumors has become more widespread,high-quality outcomes data are lacking regarding the decision of when and how to reconstruct the medial orbital wall following resection.The goal of this study was to systematically review pertinent literature to assess clinical outcomes relative to orbital reconstruction practices.Methods:Data Sources:PubMed,EMBASE,Web of Science.A systematic review of studies reporting exclusively endoscopic endonasal resections of benign orbital tumors was conducted.Articles not reporting orbital reconstruction details were excluded.Patient and tumor characteristics,operative details,and outcomes were recorded.Variables were compared usingχ^(2),Fisher’s exact,and independentt tests.Results:Of 60 patients included from 24 studies,34(56.7%)underwent orbital reconstruction following resection.The most common types of reconstruction were pedicled flaps(n=15,44.1%)and free mucosal grafts(n=11,32.4%).Rigid reconstruction was uncommon(n=3,8.8%).Performance of orbital reconstruction was associated with preoperative vision compromise(P<0.01).The tendency to forego orbital reconstruction was associated with preoperative proptosis(P<0.001),larger tumor size(P=0.001),and operative exposure of orbital fat(P<0.001)and extraocular muscle(P=0.035).There were no statistically significant differences between the reconstruction and nonreconstruction groups in terms of short-or long-term outcomes when considering all patients.In patients with intraconal tumors,however,there was a higher rate of short-term postoperative diplopia when reconstruction was foregone(P=0.041).This potential benefit of reconstruction did not persist:At an average of two years postoperatively,all patients for whom reconstruction was foregone either had improved or unchanged diplopia.Conclusion:Most outcomes assessed did not appear affected by orbital reconstruction status.This general equivalence may suggest that orbital reconstruction is not a necessity in these cases or that the decision to reconstruct was well-selected by surgeons in the reported cases included in this systematic review.

Endoscopic endonasal approach to the craniovertebral junction

The surgical approach to lesions of the ventral craniovertebral junction(CVJ)has evolved significantly in the last several years with the advent of endoscopic skull base surgery.Differing pathologies of the CVJ can result in irreducible compression of the cervicomedullary region.The endoscopic endonasal approach lends itself well to this region due to the ventral location,and while there is a steep learning curve,is a safe and effective way to perform decompression of the cervicomedullary region.Herein,we discuss the anatomy of the CVJ,preoperative evaluation and surgical considerations,our surgical approach,complications,and outcomes.

Extended endoscopic endonasal approach for pituitary adenoma: a single-center experience of 171 patients

Background: Pituitary adenoma (PA) is a common intracranial tumor and surgical treatment is considered to be the best treatment for most patients. The extended endoscopic endonasal approach (EEEA) has been used to treat increasing numbers of patients with PA in recent years. We conducted this study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this approach for PA resection. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent an EEEA to remove PA by a binostril, four-handed technique between October 2013 and April 2016 in our department. The medical information of the patients including gender, age, tumor size, hormone level, clinical outcome, and complications were collected and analyzed.Results: From a total of 593 pituitary adenoma surgeries, 171 patients (101 male and 70 female, mean age 47.4 ± 12.8 years) underwent EEEA, including 96 with functional adenomas (56.14%) and 75 with nonfunctional adenomas (43.86%). The most common symptoms were headache and vision change. Gross total resection was achieved in 126 patients (73.68%). Common complications were hyposmia or anosmia, diabetes insipidus, hypopituitarism, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, cerebral hemorrhage, and epistaxis. The mean duration of follow-up was 14.6 months (range: 6–31 months). Conclusions: The application of EEEA for PA resection by a binostril, four-handed technique provided great surgical freedom with minimal invasion, and resulted in few complications. EEEA is a secure and effective surgical method that could be used for the majority of PAs.

Endoscopic endonasal transclival removal of tumors of the clivus and anterior region of the posterior cranial fossa (results of surgical treatment of 140 patients)

Background: Until recently, tumors of the clivus and the anterior region of the posterior cranial fossa were considered extremely difficult to access and often inoperable using standard transcranial approaches. With the introduction into the neurosurgical practice of minimally invasive methods utilizing endoscopic techniques, it became possible to effectively remove hard-to-reach tumors, including central tumors of the anterior region of the posterior cranial fossa. Methods: From 2008 to the present time, the inpatient institution has operated on 140 patients with various tumors of the base of the skull, localized to the clivus and anterior region of the posterior cranial fossa (65 men and 75 women). The age of patients ranged from 3 to 74 years. Tumor distribution according to the histopathological features was as follows: chordomas, 103 (73.57%);meningiomas, 12 (8.57%);pituitary adenomas, 9 (6.43%);fibrous dysplasia, 4 (2.86%);cholesteatoma, 3 (2.14%);craniopharyngiomas, 2 (1.43%);plasmacytomas, 2 (1.43%);and other tumors (giant cell tumor, neurohypophyseal glioma, osteoma, carcinoid, chondroma), 5 (3.57%). The tumors had the following size distribution: giant (more than 60 mm), 35 (25%);large (35–59 mm), 83 (59.3%);medium (21–35 mm), 21 (15%);and small (less than 20 mm), 1 (0.7%). In 11 cases, intraoperative monitoring of the cranial nerves was performed (21 cranial nerves were identified). Results: Upper, middle, and lower transclival approaches provide access to the anterior surface of the upper, middle, and lower neurovascular complexes of the posterior cranial fossa. The chordoma cases were distributed as follows according to extent of removal: total removal, 68 (66.02%);subtotal removal, 25 (24.27%);and partial removal, 10 (9.71%). The adenomas of the pituitary gland were removed totally in 6 cases, subtotally in 1 case and partially in 2 cases. The meningiomas were removed totally in 1 case, subtotally in 5 cases, and partially in 5 cases, with less than 50% of the tumor removed in 1 case. Other tumors (cholesteatoma, craniopharyngioma, fibrous dysplasia, giant cell tumor, glioma of the neurohypophysis, osteoma, plasmacytoma, carcinoid, and chondroma) were removed totally in 9 cases and subtotally in 7 cases. Postoperative CSF leaks occurred in 9 cases (6.43%) and meningitis in 13 cases (9.29%). Oculomotor disorders developed in 19 patients (13.57%), 12 of which regressed during the period from 4 to 38 days after surgery, and 7 of which were permanent. In 2 cases, surgical treatment had a lethal outcome (1.43%). (Continued on next page) (Continued from previous page) Conclusion: The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach can be used to obtain access to the centrally located tumors of the posterior cranial fossa. It is an alternative to transcranial approaches in the surgical treatment of tumors of the clivus. The results of using this approach are comparable with the results of transcranial and transfacial approaches and, in some cases, surpass them in effectiveness. The extended endoscopic endonasal posterior (transclival) approach, considering its minimally invasive nature, allows fora radical and low-risk (in terms of postoperative complications and lethality) removal of various skull base tumors of central localization with the involvement and without the involvement of the clivus, which, until recently, were considered to be almost inoperable.

Endoscopic endonasal intraconal orbit surgery

Endoscopic endonasal orbital surgery is evolving.With increasing knowledge,expertise,and technology,the historical limits of the endonasal endoscopic approach to the orbit have been redefined.This review discusses the clinical presentation and etiology,and highlights the pertinent anatomy,and discusses the diagnostic workup and surgical approach to orbital tumors and post-operative care.The role of the multidisciplinary team is not to be underestimated.The introduction of a classification system to ensure standardization of technical difficulty and outcome data will assist with international collaboration and further consolidate our attainment of knowledge in this developing field.

Cranial nerve monitoring in endoscopic endonasal surgery of skull base tumors (observing of 23 cases)

Background:Preservation of anatomic integrity and function of the cranial nerves during the removal of skull base tumors is one of the most challenging procedures in endoscopic endonasal surgery.It is possible to use intraoperative mapping and identification of the cranial nerves in order to facilitate their preservation.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative trigger electromyography in prevention of iatrogenic damage to the cranial nerves.Methods:Twenty three patients with various skull base tumors(chordomas,neuromas,pituitary adenomas,meningiomas,cholesteatomas)underwent mapping and identification of cranial nerves during tumor removal using the endoscopic endonasal approach in Department of Neurooncology of Federal State Autonomous Institution"N.N.Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery"of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation from 2013 to 2018.During the surgical interventions,mapping and identification of the cranial nerves were carried out using electromyography in triggered mode.The effectiveness of the method was evaluated based on a comparison with a control group(41 patients).Results:In the main group of patients,44 nerves were examined during surgery using triggered electromyography.During the study,the III,V,VI,VII,and XII cranial nerves were identified intraoperatively.Postoperative cranial nerve deficiency was observed in 5 patients in the study group and in 13 patients in the control group.The average length of hospitalization was 9 days.Conclusion:We did not receive statistically significant data supporting the fact that intraoperative identification of cranial nerves using trigger electromyography reduces the incidence of postoperative complications in the form of cranial nerve deficits(p=0.56),but the odds ratio(0.6)suggests a less frequent occurrence of complications in the study group.Based on our experience,the trigger electromyography methodology appears quite promising and requires further research.

Combined Transcranial and Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Resecting a Giant Intracranial and Extracranial Communicating Meningioma:A Case Report

Objective Although intracranial and extracranial communicating meningiomas are uncommon in clinical settings,they pose a considerable challenge for surgeons.Thus,one-stage surgery should be more comprehensively explained as it is not frequently reported as a first-line treatment.Case report A 27-year-old man with a massive intracranial and extracranial communicating meningioma was admitted with nasal congestion and mild numbness on the left side of his face.A combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach was performed in a single day aided by preoperative tumor embolization.The tumor was nearly completely removed without any serious complications.Follow-up revealed the disappearance of diplopia,with the patient having a normal life.Furthermore,no tumor progression was noted.Conclusion The combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach is feasible for removing certain massive intracranial and extracranial communicating tumors.Hybrid techniques,such as embolization,microscopic,and endoscopic manipulation,are indispensable tools for treating such cases.

“In situ bone flap” combined with vascular pedicled mucous flap to reconstruction of skull base defect

BACKGROUND At present,neuroendoscopy technology has made rapid development,and great progress has been made in the operation of lesions in the saddle area of the skull base.However,the complications of cerebrospinal fluid and intracranial infection after the operation are still important and life-threatening complications,which may lead to poor prognosis.AIM To investigate the method of in situ bone flap combined with nasal septum mucosal flap for reconstruction of enlarged skull base defect by endonasal sphenoidal approach and to discuss its application effect.METHODS Clinical data of 24 patients undergoing transnasal sphenoidal endoscopic approach in the Department of Neurosurgery,Affiliated 2 Hospital of Nantong University from January 2019 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent multi-layer reconstruction of skull base using in situ bone flap combined with nasal septum mucosa flap.The incidence of intraoperative and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection were analyzed,and the application effect and technical key points of in situ bone flap combined with nasal septum mucosa flap for skull base bone reconstruction were analyzed.RESULTS There were 5 cases of high flow cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)leakage and 7 cases of low flow CSF leakage.Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 2 patients(8.3%)and intracranial infection in 2 patients(8.3%),which were cured after strict bed rest,continuous drainage of lumbar cistern combined with antibiotic treatment,and no secondary surgical repair was required.The patients were followed up for 8 to 36 months after the operation,and no delayed cerebrospinal fluid leakage or intracranial infection occurred during the follow-up.Computed tomography reconstruction of skull base showed satisfactory reconstruction after surgery.CONCLUSION The use of in situ bone flap combined with vascular pedicled mucous flap to reconstruction of skull base defect after endonasal sphenoidal approach under neuroendoscopy has a lower incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and lower complications,which has certain advantages and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Lamb's head: The model for novice education in endoscopic sinus surgery

Structured training in endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery(EESS) and skull base surgery is essential considering serious potential complications. We have developed a detailed concept on training these surgical skills on the lamb's head. This simple and extremely cheap model offers the possibility of training even more demanding and advanced procedures in human endonasal endoscopic surgery such as: frontal sinus surgery, orbital decompression, cerebrospinal fluid-leak repair followed also by the naso-septal flap, etc. Unfortunately, the sphenoid sinus surgery cannot be practiced since quadrupeds do not have this sinus. Still, despite this anatomical limitation, it seems that the lamb's head can be very useful even for the surgeons already practicing EESS, but in a limited edition because of a lack of the experience and dexterity. Only after gaining the essential surgical skills of this demanding field it makes sense to go for the expensive trainings on the human cadaveric model.

Rathke Cleft Cyst with a Coexisting Gonadotropin Producing Pituitary Adenoma

Rathke cleft cyst is thought to arise from incomplete obliteration of the lumen of Rathke pouch. The cells of the anterior pituitary lobe, from which pituitary adenomas develop, are also derived from the cells of Rathke pouch. Although Rathke cleft cyst and pituitary adenoma have a shared ancestry, they rarely occur coincidentally. Rathke cleft cysts have been found incidentally in 11% - 33% of post-mortem examinations, and were associated with 1.7% - 2.1% of the pituitary adenoma cases. These coexisting lesions are difficult to diagnose pre-operatively due to the variable signal intensity and position of the Rathke cleft cysts. Treatment of these lesions involves surgical resection to decrease mass effect and medical management to normalize hormonal imbalances. To our best knowledge, only 42 cases of Rathke cleft cyst with a coexisting pituitary adenoma have been reported in the English or Japanese literatures, but none of the coexisting pituitary adenoma is gonadotropin producing. We would like to report a case of Rathke cleft cyst with a coexisting gonadotropin producing adenoma that was successfully treated by endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach with the removal of the sellar lesion and temporary hormone replacement.

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenoma. Early Experience in Sohag University Hospitals

Objective: To report the results of our first series of patients undergoing a purely endoscopic endonasal approach for pituitary surgery in Sohag University Hospitals. Patients and Methods: We reviewed 20 consecutive patients during the period from January 2017 to January 2020 with pituitary adenoma who underwent purely endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of their lesions. The patients’ clinical outcomes, degrees of tumor removal, and complications were reported. Results: There were 18 primary and 2 recurrent adenomas (19 nonfunctioning and 1 functioning GH secreting adenoma). The average degree of gross total removal for tumors was 70%, C.S.F leak occurred in 20%, diabetes insipidus in 10% and sellar hemorrhage in 5%. There was no post-operative mortality, vascular injury, sphenoiditis, septal perforation, epistaxis or general complication. Conclusion: A purely endoscopic approach for pituitary adenoma treatment is a safe and effective alternative to the traditional microscopic procedure.

Endoscopic expand transnasal approach to the suprasellar region ： anatomical study and clinical considerations

Backgroud The expanded endonasal approach （EEA） is used sparingly by surgeons for resection of lesions in the ventrocranial base. Herein, we examined the anatomy of the ventrocranial base by endoscopy and comment on the use of EEA in clinical practice. Methods Twenty artery-injected adult cadaveric heads were studied under surgical conditions using the endoscopic EEA. The extent of the surgical exposure, the endoscopic anatomic view and the maneuverability of surgical instruments about the suprasellar region were studied by the endoscopic EEA. Results The EEA by endoscope can reach the suprasellar region. In this approach, the optocarotid recess, supra and infra-optic chiasm interspace, the ophthalmic artery and others were important anatomical landmarks for identification of the suprasellar region. Conclusions The endoscopic EEA can be used to remove many types of lesions in the ventrocranial base. The microanatomy observed using the endoscope provides important anatomical information on the suprasellar region for neurosurgeons.

Surgical approaches to the petrous apex

The petrous apex is a difficult to reach surgical area due to its deep position in the skull base and many vital surrounding structures.Petrous apex pathology ranges from extradural cholesterol granulomas,cholesteatomas,asymmetric pneumatization,and osteomyelitis to intradural meningiomas and schwannomas.Certain lesions,such as cholesterol granulomas,can be managed with drainage while neoplastic lesions must be completely resected.Surgical options use open,endoscopic,and combined techniques and are categorized into anterior,lateral,and posterior approaches.The choice of approach is determined by the nature of the pathology and location relative to vital structures and extension into surrounding structures and requires thorough preoperative evaluation and discussion of surgical goals with the patient.The purpose of this state-of-the-art review is to discuss the most commonly used surgical approaches to the petrous apex,and the anatomy on which these approaches are based.