Minimally invasive treatment of posterior fossa craniopharyngioma by means of navigated endoscopy

• Published in: Minimally invasive neurosurgery Vol. 51; no. 3; p. 165
• Main Authors: Novák, Z, Chrastina, J, Feitová, V, Lzicarová, E, Ríha, I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01-06-2008
• Subjects: Aged; Cisterna Magna - surgery; Cranial Fossa, Posterior - surgery; Craniopharyngioma - diagnosis; Craniopharyngioma - surgery; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Interventional - methods; Male; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - methods; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - diagnosis; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - surgery; Neuroendoscopy - methods; Neuronavigation - methods; Pituitary Neoplasms - diagnosis; Pituitary Neoplasms - surgery; Reoperation
• ISSN: 0946-7211
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1062743

The aim of the paper is to present an unusual case of ectopic posterior fossa craniopharyngioma after repeated surgeries for primary suprasellar tumor. The clinical condition of the patient favored minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgery. After presurgical planning with the help of neuronavigation system a trajectory from the contralateral side through the cisterna magna was chosen. Endoscopic cyst fenestration and cyst wall resection were safely performed with an excellent outcome. The possible origin of this posterior fossa craniopharyngioma is discussed together with tumor dissemination pathways. The endoscopic contralateral approach to the tumor utilized the wide working space provided by the cisterna magna and the great versatility of the navigated neuroendoscopic approach was proven.