Y Kurokawa1, T Uede, K Hashi. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The transtentorial approach is well known as an approach to the pineal region. We have modified this approach for mediosuperior cerebellar tumors. METHODS: We describe six cases of tumor excision in this region using an occipital interhemispheric transtentorial approach. RESULTS: The lesions were easily accessible and the tumor was totally removed by this modified approach in all cases. Transient visual field disturbance with spontaneous recovery occurred in two patients. The lateral margin of the tumor was accessed easily up to 35 mm from the midline on the operative side and up to 17 mm from the midline on the contralateral side. CONCLUSION: This approach proved to be very useful for mediosuperior lesions of the cerebellum, without causing any neural structural damage, and allowed for a wider operative field.
BACKGROUND: The transtentorial approach is well known as an approach to the pineal region. We have modified this approach for mediosuperior cerebellar tumors. METHODS: We describe six cases of tumor excision in this region using an occipital interhemispheric transtentorial approach. RESULTS: The lesions were easily accessible and the tumor was totally removed by this modified approach in all cases. Transient visual field disturbance with spontaneous recovery occurred in two patients. The lateral margin of the tumor was accessed easily up to 35 mm from the midline on the operative side and up to 17 mm from the midline on the contralateral side. CONCLUSION: This approach proved to be very useful for mediosuperior lesions of the cerebellum, without causing any neural structural damage, and allowed for a wider operative field.