title: Exploration of the pineal region: observations and results.
abstract: Experience with direct exploration of the pineal region in 22 consecutive patients is reported. Of these cases, mass lesions with obstructive hydrocephalus were found in 19; the remaining 3 had arteriovenous malformations of the pineal region. Of the 19 mass lesions, 5 (26%) were benign and curable. Although a preliminary shunt was routinely provided in all patients with obstructive hydrocephalus before exploration of the pineal region, the condition of five (26%) worsened after the shunt operation, requiring emergency decompression of the pineal tumor. A transtentorial approach through a right occipital craniotomy was uniformly employed in all cases. Overall mortality was less than 5%. These observations and results support the policy of direct exploration of all lesions in the pineal region.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D007223:Infant; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D010871:Pinealoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography