Combined pre-retrochiasmatic resection of third ventricle craniopharyngioma by endoscopic endonasal approach.

Abstract

Third ventricle craniopharyngioma (TVC) refers to the tumor originating from the tuberoinfundibular, and completely located in the third ventricle; unlike most TVCs, the retrochiasmatic-infundibulum corridor is too narrow to expose the tumor with anterior extension via an endoscopic endonasal approach. Retrospective analysis of two TVCs via an endoscopic endonasal combined pre-retrochiasmatic approach. The tumor inside the third ventricle can be satisfactorily exposed through a combined pre-retrochiasmatic approach and be completely removed with the lowest injury of the hypothalamus and optic nerve.