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Published on: August 11, 2015
Anatomic Correlates and Surgical Experience with Goel Orbital Cortical Approach to Caudate Head Tumors
Abhidha Shah1, Saswat Dandpat1, Atul Goel1
1Department of Neurosurgery, K.E.M. Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai, India.
Objective:
We analyzed cortical landmarks, trajectory of approach, and various fiber tracts in the vicinity of our earlier described approach through the orbital/basal surface of the frontal lobe to access tumors located in the region of the caudate nucleus. We also present a new lateral orbital trajectory to approach these tumors.
Methods:
The orbital surfaces of 3 formalin fixed and frozen cadaveric brain specimens were dissected to decipher the white fibers in the region of the caudate nucleus. Safe trajectories to lesions of the head of the caudate nucleus were identified, and the anatomic landmarks of the approach were evaluated. Three patients with caudate head tumors were operated using this approach.
Results:
The caudate head lies at an average distance of 34 mm from the tip of the frontal pole, 24 mm from the basal medial orbital surface of the frontal lobe, 35 mm from the basal lateral orbital surface, and 37 mm from the superior surface of the frontal lobe. Two avenues were identified to approach the caudate head: one by making a cortical incision in the lateral orbital gyrus (lateral orbital approach), and the second by making a corticectomy in the medial orbital gyrus (medial orbital approach) in line with the temporal pole. All 3 patients were operated successfully using this approach.
Conclusions:
Surgical approach to the caudate head through the orbital surface of the frontal lobe as described by us provides the shortest trajectory and safe surgical route to access tumors of the caudate nucleus.
Insights
This study identifies safe surgical routes to the caudate nucleus through the frontal lobe
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neuroanatomy
Background:
- Tumors in the caudate nucleus region present surgical challenges.
- Accessing these tumors requires precise understanding of surrounding neuroanatomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze surgical trajectories for accessing caudate nucleus tumors.
- To present novel orbital approaches for improved tumor resection.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of cadaveric brain specimens to map white matter tracts.
- Identification of safe surgical corridors and anatomical landmarks.
- Clinical application in three patients with caudate head tumors.
Main Results:
- The caudate head is located at specific distances from the frontal lobe surfaces.
- Two primary surgical trajectories were identified: lateral and medial orbital approaches.
- Successful tumor resection was achieved in all three operated patients.
Conclusions:
- The orbital approach to the caudate head offers a safe and direct surgical route.
- This method provides the shortest trajectory for accessing caudate nucleus tumors.
