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This article discusses the extended transplanum/transtuberculum endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for the surgical treatment of suprasellar tumors, specifically craniopharyngiomas. The study outlines the surgical techniques and steps involved in customizing the bone drilling and dural opening based on the tumor's relationship to the pituitary stalk. The article provides cadaveric dissection photos and intraoperative findings from three cases to illustrate the surgical nuances and minimal exposures required for different types of suprasellar craniopharyngiomas. The authors emphasize the importance of a customized approach to ensure a safe surgical corridor while minimizing unnecessary overexposure. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a systematic literature review of intracranial ectopic Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs), which are benign congenital lesions located in the sellar and suprasellar regions. The authors present a case of a symptomatic ectopic retrosellar RCC that caused extensive clival erosion. The study includes data on patient demographics, clinical presentation, and treatment details. Surgical approaches varied depending on the cyst's location, and gross total resection was achieved in the majority of cases. The article concludes that further research is needed to better understand the natural history and long-term outcomes of these cysts. [Extracted from the article]

This article describes a rare case of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) caused by compression on the trigeminal sensory nucleus and tract by an aberrant dual anastomotic artery loop. The patient, a 74-year-old male, experienced progressive episodic pain in the left forehead, eyelid, cheek, and jaw. Brain MRI revealed compression on the pons near the fourth ventricle caused by the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and an anastomotic loop connecting the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and PICA. The patient underwent endoscopic-assisted microvascular decompression (MVD), which successfully relieved the pain. The article discusses the vulnerability of the trigeminal nerve to vascular forces and the effectiveness of MVD in reversing microstructural changes. It also highlights the need for further research on the mechanism and treatment of TN caused by vascular compression. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "Fully Endoscopic Supraorbital Translaminar Approach: Step-by-Step Illustrative Description" discusses a surgical technique called the fully endoscopic supraorbital translaminar approach (ESOTLA) for the management of third ventricle tumors. The traditional microsurgical approaches have limitations in accessing certain tumors and pose risks to nearby neurovascular structures, prompting the exploration of alternative techniques. ESOTLA combines a minimally invasive keyhole approach with endoscopic visualization, providing enhanced illumination and a broader field of view within the third ventricle. This technique offers improved cosmetic and neurological outcomes compared to other approaches, although it has limitations for certain types of tumors. The article includes a detailed case description and photographs to guide the surgical process. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery, provides a systematic review of the literature on adult traumatic encephaloceles, which are rare cases of brain tissue protrusion into a skull defect. The majority of encephaloceles occur in children, but this study focuses on adult-onset cases, specifically the extradiploic type that breaches the outer table of the skull. The authors describe a unique case of an adult-onset traumatic extradiploic encephalocele in the pterion involving the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone. The study includes patient demographics, clinical presentation, treatment details, and outcomes, highlighting the importance of considering encephaloceles in adult patients with skull base lytic lesions or enlarging skull masses. Surgical intervention was found to provide significant relief for persistent symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of intraoperative ultrasound (IUS) as an adjunct to the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for the surgical resection of skull base lesions. The authors present a case study where a novel small-probe IUS was used to assist in the resection of a recurrent Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) located in an atypical retrosellar region. The small-probe IUS provided real-time imaging feedback and enhanced visualization, allowing for accurate localization of the cyst and surrounding neurovascular structures. The authors conclude that IUS is a promising surgical adjunct that can potentially increase the extent of resection and decrease operation times. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the successful treatment of recurrent lymphocytic hypophysitis (LH) using fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT). LH is a rare autoimmune inflammation of the pituitary gland that can mimic pituitary adenomas. The authors conducted a systematic literature review and found that FSRT can be a viable alternative treatment for refractory cases of LH. The study included eight patients, and seven of them achieved a complete clinical response after one course of radiation. FSRT offers long-term disease control while minimizing radiation exposure to nearby critical structures. However, further studies are needed to determine the long-term effects, optimal dose planning, and patient selection criteria for FSRT. [Extracted from the article]