[Transcallosal approach to para-ventricular tumors]

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neuro-oncology

Background:

• The transcallosal approach offers surgical access to tumors within or near the cerebral ventricles and deep brain structures.
• This technique involves dividing specific parts of the corpus callosum to access lesions in the lateral ventricle, third ventricle, basal ganglia, and thalamus.

Observation:

• A total of 9 patients with various intraventricular and deep-seated tumors were treated using anterior or posterior transcallosal approaches.
• Complete tumor excision was achieved in most cases, except for those involving the basal ganglia, thalamus, and anterior third ventricle.

Findings:

• The transcallosal approach demonstrated a low rate of operative mortality.
• Complications included venous infarctions and subdural fluid collections, highlighting the need for preoperative assessment of venous anatomy.
• Postoperative testing in two patients showed no significant clinical deficits after dividing the anterior corpus callosum.

Implications:

• The transcallosal approach is a feasible and safe surgical alternative for managing tumors in challenging locations within the brain.
• Preoperative angiographic assessment is crucial for planning flap placement and brain retraction to mitigate risks associated with venous tributaries.