Resection of a Posterior Fossa Endodermal Cyst With Exoscopic Assistance: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Neurenteric cysts are rare, benign congenital tumors of endodermal origin.
• They most commonly affect the spine but can occur intracranially.
• Preoperative diagnosis can be challenging due to variable imaging appearances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of a posterior fossa neurenteric cyst.
• To highlight the diagnostic and surgical considerations for this rare entity.

Main Methods:

• A 33-year-old male presented with headache and facial symptoms.
• Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging revealed a posterior fossa mass.
• The patient underwent a left-sided retrosigmoid craniotomy for surgical resection.

Main Results:

• The cyst was found to be adjacent to critical neurovascular structures.
• Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a neurenteric cyst.
• The patient experienced complete symptom resolution postoperatively.

Conclusions:

• Complete surgical resection is the recommended treatment for neurenteric cysts.
• Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can lead to favorable outcomes.
• This case underscores the importance of considering neurenteric cysts in the differential diagnosis of posterior fossa lesions.