Transsylvian opticocarotid resection of a stony craniopharyngioma with midbrain and ventricular extension
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: A 20-year-old male with a densely calcified craniopharyngioma involving the third ventricle and interpeduncular cistern underwent transsylvian resection with zygomatic osteotomy. After the lamina terminalis window proved inadequate, the approach was shifted to the opticocarotid corridor. The stony tumor required mechanical debulking with microscissors, Kerrison rongeurs, and pituitary curettes. A controlled "milking" maneuver delivered the soft ventricular component while preserving hypothalamic integrity. A small basilar artery remnant was intentionally left, achieving near-total resection. Postoperatively, visual fields remained intact; only transient diabetes insipidus occurred. This case illustrates intraoperative flexibility and mechanical debulking as a safe, effective strategy for heavily calcified craniopharyngiomas. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2026.7.FOCVID2673.
Source: Neurosurgical Focus Video
Institution: Ankara Etlik City Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7214038741