Minimally invasive subfrontal route for the resection of medial temporal region intrinsic tumors

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2015 Nov;157(11):1971-4. doi: 10.1007/s00701-015-2595-1. Epub 2015 Sep 28.

Abstract

Background: The mesial temporal region (MTR) comprises important components of the limbic system, as well as vital neurovascular structures. Because of its important functional role, as much healthy brain tissue as possible must be preserved while targeting resection of MTR lesions.

Methods: A frontal minicraniotomy is used to access the MTR through a subfrontal approach. By opening the most medial part of the Sylvian fissure, the uncus-amygdala complex is exposed, and through this, the head of the hippocampus can be reached and removed as well.

Conclusions: This approach is extremely suitable for MTR lesions, as it provides the advantage of sparing the most important functional structures of the temporal lobe, the temporal stem, and the limen insulae, as well as the optic radiations and the fronto-occipital connections.

Keywords: Amygdala; Gliomas; Limbic system; Medial temporal region; Minimally invasive; Uncus.

MeSH terms

  • Craniotomy / methods*
  • Craniotomy / standards
  • Frontal Bone / surgery
  • Humans
  • Limbic System / anatomy & histology
  • Limbic System / pathology
  • Limbic System / surgery*
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / standards
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / standards
  • Temporal Lobe / anatomy & histology
  • Temporal Lobe / pathology
  • Temporal Lobe / surgery*