Role of transcranial sphenoidotomy in skull base surgery: classification of surgical techniques based on the surgical anatomy of the sphenoid sinus

OBJECTIVE

Although sphenoidotomy is more commonly performed via the transnasal approach than via the transcranial approach, transcranial sphenoidotomy (TCS) remains indispensable for en bloc resection of locally advanced sinonasal malignant tumors (SNMTs) extending to the skull base. TCS also enables transsphenoidal transposition of the temporoparietal galeal flap (TPGF) to compensate for the lack of vascularized reconstructive tissue after endoscopic transnasal skull base surgery. The objective of this study was to review the authors' surgical experience using TCS with an emphasis on the surgical anatomy of the sphenoid sinus and on the purpose of TCS. Relevant anatomy is further illustrated through cadaveric dissection and photo documentation.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the records of 50 patients who underwent TCS at the Nagoya University Hospital, Fukushima Medical University Hospital, or Aichi Medical University Hospital over the course of 7 years (between January 2011 and November 2017). The authors also performed cadaveric dissection in 2 adult cadaveric skull base specimens.

RESULTS

Of the 50 patients included in this study, 44 underwent craniofacial resection (CFR) for en bloc resection of SNMTs involving the anterior and/or lateral skull base, and 6 underwent transsphenoidal transposition of the TPGF flap. The authors categorized the TCS procedures according to the portion of the sphenoid sinus wall involved (i.e., superior, lateral, and superolateral). Superior sphenoidotomy was used in patients requiring anterior CFR. Lateral sphenoidotomy was further divided into 2 subtypes, with type 1 procedures performed for the transsphenoidal transpositioning of the TPGF, and type 2 procedures used in patients requiring lateral CFR. Superolateral sphenoidotomy was used in anterolateral CFR.

CONCLUSIONS

TCS still represents a useful tool in the armamentarium of neurosurgeons treating central skull base lesions. The newly proposed surgical classification facilitates a profound understanding of TCS and how to incorporate this technique into clinical practice.