Krause approach to pineal tumour with intraoperative oculomotor nerve monitoring

The supra-cerebellar infratentorial approach to pineal region tumours is versatile and safe corridor to lesions located below the deep veins. Monitoring of the extra-ocular muscle pathways using the evoked compound muscle action potential can lead to safer resections.

To describe the use of electrooculography and a three handed retractor less method for pineal region tumour surgeries.

Intraoperative electrooculography uses recording done from two channels (horizontal and vertical)by inserting disposable subdermal needle electrodes along the periorbital area. The oculomotor nerve is being monitored as it exits the midbrain. Retractor-less three-handed-technique allows for minimal handling of the cerebellum while maximizing the operative corridor.

The oculomotor nerve was stimulated post resection and correspondingly led to improved symptoms post-operatively.

We demonstrate a method for the intraoperative monitoring of the continuity of the oculomotor tracts and a three handed retractor-less method of resection of pineal region tumours. The placement of electrodes and area of stimulation need sound knowledge of anatomy of the region. Haemostasis at every step is absolutely essential to be able to visualize in the narrow corridor.