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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection
Published on: August 15, 2025
Image-guided transoral surgery in childhood
Jessica Ternier1, Shabin M Joshi, Dominic N P Thompson
1Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK.
Summary
Image guidance, or neuronavigation, is feasible for transoral surgery in children. This technique aids in navigating complex anatomy for safe and effective decompression of the neuraxis.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Paediatric Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Transoral surgery in children presents challenges due to small oropharyngeal size and distorted craniocervical anatomy.
- Immobilization of the craniocervical axis is crucial for successful transoral approaches in pediatric patients.
Observation:
- Neuronavigation was employed in six pediatric cases undergoing transoral surgery.
- Craniocervical junction immobilization and volumetric imaging preceded the neuronavigation-assisted procedure.
- Post-operative imaging evaluated the surgical resection extent.
Findings:
- Neuronavigation demonstrated good correlation with intraoperative findings, achieving the goal of neuraxis decompression in all cases.
- Post-operative imaging confirmed the surgeon's assessment of decompression.
- One patient experienced transient neurological deterioration; no mortality or wound complications occurred.
Implications:
- Intraoperative neuronavigation is a viable technique for transoral surgery in the pediatric population.
- The use of neuronavigation facilitates safe and predictable decompression in complex pediatric craniovertebral anatomy.
- Image guidance offers significant value in pediatric transoral surgical interventions.
