Turkish Neurosurgery 2007 , Vol 17 , Num 1
Removal of Clival Chordoma in an Adolescent Thorough Combned Pterional Transsylvian and Anterior Temporal Approach
Mustafa BOZBUĞA1, Hikmet TURAN SÜSLÜ2, İlker GÜLER3, Bilge BİLGİ4, Çiçek BAYINDIR5
1,2,3Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Neurosurgery, İstanbul, Turkey
4,5İstanbul University, Medicine Faculty of İstanbul, Neuropathology, İstanbul, Turkey
Extensive and aggressive surgical removal is treatment of choice for patients who have chordomas of the cranial base. Well-developed micro s u rgical techniques, as well as good surgical judgment learned from experience are essential to avoid major morbidity. A 14-year-old female presented with pro g ressive headaches and diplopia for three months. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-circumscribed mass in the clival region. The mass was totally excised via right combined pterional transsylvian and anterior temporal approach (+ orbitozygomatic osteotomy). The tumor was located extradurally. The resected tumor had the typical histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of chordoma. No radiation therapy or chemotherapy was administered. Keywords : Chordoma, Clivus, Combined approach, Transsylvian approach, Anterior temporal approach
Corresponding author : Hikmet Turan Süslü, hikmets1972@yahoo.com