Orbitopterional Approach for the Resection of a Suprasellar Craniopharyngioma: Adapting the Strategy to the Microsurgical and Pathologic Anatomy

Objectives To describe the orbitopterional approach for the resection of a suprasellar craniopharyngioma with emphasis on the microsurgical and pathological anatomy of such lesions. Design After completing the orbitopterional craniotomy in one piece including a supraorbital ridge osteotomy, the Sylvian fissure was split in a distal to proximal direction. The ipsilateral optic nerve and internal carotid artery were identified. Establishing a corridor to the tumor through both the opticocarotid and optic cisterns allowed for a wide angle of attack. Using both corridors, a microsurgical gross total resection was achieved. A radical resection required transection of the stalk at the level of the hypothalamus. Photographs of the region are borrowed from Dr Rhoton's laboratory to illustrate the microsurgical anatomy. Understanding the cisternal and topographic relationships of the optic nerve, optic chiasm, and internal carotid artery is critical to achieving gross total resection while preserving normal anatomy. Participants The surgery was performed by the senior author assisted by Dr. Jaafar Basma. The video was edited by Dr. Vincent Nguyen. Outcome Measures Outcome was assessed with extent of resection and postoperative visual function. Results A gross total resection of the tumor was achieved. The patient had resolution of her bitemporal hemianopsia. She had diabetes insipidus with normal anterior pituitary function. Conclusions Understanding the microsurgical anatomy of the suprasellar region and the pathological anatomy of craniopharyngiomas is necessary to achieve a good resection of these tumors. The orbitopterional approach provides the appropriate access for such endeavor. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/Be6dtYIGqfs .