Endoscopic Endonasal Transclival Resection of a Pontine Metastasis: Case Report and Operative Video.

TitleEndoscopic Endonasal Transclival Resection of a Pontine Metastasis: Case Report and Operative Video.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsGerges MM, Godil SS, Kacker A, Schwartz TH
JournalOper Neurosurg (Hagerstown)
Volume19
Issue1
PaginationE75-E81
Date Published2020 07 01
ISSN2332-4260
Abstract

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Brainstem lesions are challenging to manage, and surgical options have been controversial. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been used for local control, but life-threatening toxicities from 0% to 9.5% have been reported. Several microsurgical approaches involving safe entry zones have been developed to optimize the exposure and minimize complications in different portions of the brainstem, but require extensive drilling and manipulation of neurovascular structures. With recent advancements, the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) can provide direct visualization of ventral brainstem. No case has been reported of EEA to remove a brainstem metastasis.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present an illustrative case of a 68-yr-old female with metastatic colon cancer who presented with 2.8 × 2.7 × 2.1 cm (7.9 cm3) heterogeneously enhancing, right ventral pontine lesion with extensive edema. She underwent endoscopic endonasal transclival approach, and gross total resection of the lesion was achieved.

CONCLUSION: The endoscopic approach may offer certain advantages for removal of ventral brainstem lesions, as it can provide direct visualization of important neurovascular structures, especially, if the lesion displaces the tracts and comes superficial to the pial surface.

DOI10.1093/ons/opz380
Alternate JournalOper Neurosurg (Hagerstown)
PubMed ID31832658