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Background: Retrochiasmatic, retroinfundibular craniopharyngiomas are surgically challenging tumors. Anterolateral, posterolateral, and endoscopic endonasal approaches represent the most commonly used techniques to access these tumors, but all require an extensive exposure time, and each has its own risks and limitations. The subtemporal approach is a well-known neurosurgical approach that is rarely described for craniopharyngiomas., Objective: To assess the feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages of a subtemporal approach for craniopharyngiomas., Methods: Five patients with retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas where the majority of the tumor extended behind the dorsal clival line underwent a subtemporal approach for resection. Extent of resection, degree of temporal lobe injury, visual and endocrine outcomes, and time to recurrence were analyzed., Results: Average tumor volume was 6.4 cm3. Near-total resection was achieved in 80% (4/5) and subtotal in 20% (1/5). All patients had stable or improved vision. There was 1 new permanent endocrine deficiency. Minimal temporal lobe edema was observed in 80% (4/5) of patients. Three patients required postoperative radiation., Conclusion: The subtemporal approach represents a feasible approach for retrochiasmatic, retroinfundibular craniopharyngiomas when gross total resection is not mandatory. It provides rapid access to the tumor and a caudal-to-cranial visualization that promotes minimal manipulation of critical neurovascular structures, particularly the optic apparatus.

Objective: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become routine for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Because both of these disorders are common in patients older than the age of 60, neurosurgeons are likely to encounter increasing numbers of patients who require DBS surgery but who already have another electronic medical implant such as a cardiac pacemaker/defibrillator or intrathecal infusion pump, raising the concern that one device might interfere with the performance of the other., Clinical Presentation: Herein we report a modification of surgical technique resulting in the successful use of thalamic DBS to treat disabling essential tremor in a man with a previously implanted cochlear implant., Intervention and Technique: The presence of the cochlear implant necessitated a number of modifications to our standard surgical technique including surgical removal of the subgaleal magnet that holds the receiver to the scalp and the use of computed tomography instead of magnetic resonance imaging to target the thalamus. More than a year after surgery, the patient is enjoying continued tremor suppression and an enhanced quality of life. The presence of the DBS device has not interfered with the proper functioning of his cochlear implant., Conclusion: DBS can be used successfully in patients with a previously implanted cochlear implant. The operating neurosurgeon should be aware of the limitations of intraoperative imaging and the need to coordinate with an otologic surgeon for maximum patient benefit.