The surgical intervention for pineal region tumors

Histological and molecular characterization is essential for the diagnosis of pediatric brain tumors. In the pineal region tumors, it is necessary to remove a sufficient tumor volume to make a diagnosis. However, surgery in this region is challenging due to its deep anatomical location and surrounded by critical structures and complex venous system. Knowledge of the anatomy and function of the pineal region and tumor histological types is imperative for the successful management of pineal region tumors. This article describes surgical approaches to pineal tumors, focusing on the occipital transtentorial approach and adding the author's experience to what has been known in the literature. Recent innovations have made this approach more popular and can be applied to occipital fossa lesions.