title: The use of intraoperative suprasellar pneumocisternogram for resection of large pituitary tumors.
abstract: Adequate removal of large pituitary tumors with significant suprasellar extension remains a challenge through the trans-sphenoidal corridor because of this route's limited working window. The application of intracisternal air and intraoperative fluoroscopy is explored as a form of intraoperative imaging to maximize tumor resection and to confirm adequate suprasellar tumor decompression. The authors confirmed adequate decompression of suprasellar space using this technique of fluoroscopy with the present intrathecal air for 10 of 12 patients with giant, non-functioning pituitary tumors. Intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid fistulae prevented the use of intrathecal air in the remaining two patients.
authors.affiliation: Clarian Neuroscience, Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States.
authors.forename: Gregory M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Helbig
authors.forename: Aaron A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Cohen-Gadol
mesh_terms: D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002404:Catheterization; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011011:Pneumoencephalography; D012658:Sella Turcica / Q000601:surgery*; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000601:surgery; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome