The transclival endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for prepontine neuroenteric cysts: report of two cases.
BACKGROUND
The transclival endoscopic endonasal approach was used to completely remove a prepontine neuroenteric cyst in two different patients.


METHODS
Full clinical improvement without postoperative complication was achieved in both cases. The postoperative hospital stay was limited to 2 and 3 days.


CONCLUSIONS
In comparison to posterolateral skull base approaches, the transclival endoscopic endonasal approach allows direct access to the prepontine cistern without unnecessary manipulation of neurovascular structures at the cerebellopontine angle. In contrast to transoral surgery, patients may have decreased risk of infection and can be fed orally immediately without the risks of palatal and oropharyngeal dehiscence.


CONCLUSIONS
Neuronavigation technology, strict adherence to microsurgical principles, and significant endoneurosurgical experience are strongly recommended when approaching these challenging lesions.
Prevedello
Daniel M
DM
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Fernandez-Miranda
Juan Carlos
JC
Gardner
Paul
P
Madhok
Ricky
R
Sigounas
Dimitri
D
Snyderman
Carl H
CH
Carrau
Ricardo L
RL
Kassam
Amin B
AB
D000328:Adult; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011149:Pons / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome