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The management of meningioma in elderly patients (MEP) presents a complex and evolving challenge. Data available offer conflicting information on treatment options and complications. This survey aimed to examine the current approach to MEP, comparing the national profile to data in the current literature. A survey addressing the treatments options and management of meningioma in elderly was designed on behalf of SINch® (Società Italiana di Neurochirurgia) and sent via email to all Chiefs of Neurosurgical Departments. The survey remained open for responses from May 5th, 2022, until November 21st, 2022. A search of the literature published between January 2000 and March 2023, in accordance to PRISMA guidelines, was included. A total of 51 Neurosurgical centers participated in the survey. The caseload profile of each center influences the choice of treatment selection (Stereotactic Radiosurgery versus open surgery) (p = 0.01) and the consolidated practice of discussing cases within a multidisciplinary group (p = 0.02). The pooled meta-analysis demonstrated a significant increased risk in the elderly group for permanent deficits (p < 0.00001), postoperative infections (p = 0.0004) and hemorrhage (p = 0.0001), perioperative mortality (p < 0.00001), and medical complications (p < 0.00001) as compared to the young population. This study presents the initial comprehensive analysis of the existing trends in the surgical management of MEP in Italy. The significant variation in practices primarily stems from the absence of standardized guidelines. While most centers have adopted an integrated approach, there is a need to promote a multidisciplinary care model. Prospective studies are needed to gather robust evidence in this clinical setting., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by cardinal motor signs: 4-6 Hz resting tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. In addition, 3-18% of PD patients have camptocormia, an abnormal forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine, which may have a negative impact on patients' quality of life. Different possible treatments have been suggested for such a condition, but no one is resolutive. This study aims to define the possible impact of DBS, with selective targeting on the dorsal-lateral region of the STN, on the sagittal balance of patients affected by PD. Among all patients that have undergone DBS procedures in our institution, we selected eight subjects, four females and four males, with selective targeting on the dorsal-lateral region of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) because of camptocormia and other severe postural changes. Radiological assessments of spinal balance parameters before surgery and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively were carried out. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative spine X-ray data showed a statistically significant improvement in dorsal kyphosis angle (D-Cobb) 12 months after the operation. Deep brain stimulation with selective targeting of the dorsal lateral part of the STN may induce changes of the posture in patients with Parkinson's disease 12 months after the operation, which appears to improve in this small sample size, but larger observational and controlled trials would be required to confirm this observation., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the relationships of the trochlear nerve with the surrounding structures through both endoscopic and microscopic perspectives. The aim was to assess the anatomy of the nerve and to carry out a thorough description of its entire course. A comprehensive anatomically and clinically oriented classification of its different segments is proposed. Forty human cadaveric fixed heads (20 specimens) were used for the dissection. The arterial and venous systems were injected with red and blue colored latex, respectively, in the transcranial dissection. For illustrative purposes, the arterial vessels were injected alone in endoscopic endonasal procedures. A CT scan was carried out on every head. Median supracerebellar infratentorial, subtemporal, fronto-temporo-orbito-zygomatic, and endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approaches were performed to expose the entire pathway of the nerve. A navigation system was used during the dissection process to perform the measurements and postoperatively to reconstruct, using dedicated software, a three-dimensional model of the different segments of the nerve. The trochlear nerve was divided into five segments: cisternal, tentorial, cavernous, fissural, and orbital. Detailed and comprehensive examination of the basic anatomical relationships through the view of transcranial, endoscope-assisted, and pure endoscopic endonasal approaches was achieved. As a result of a thorough study of its intra- and extradural pathways, an anatomic-, surgically, and clinically based classification of the trochlear nerve is proposed. Precise knowledge of the involved surgical anatomy is essential to safely access the supracerebellar region, middle fossa, parasellar area, and orbit.

The third ventricle has historically represented one of the most challenging areas to access surgically, so that lesions directly harboring into the ventricular chamber or secondarily extending into it from adjacent areas have been approached by means of different transcranial routes. The aim of this work is to report our experience with the endoscopic endonasal approach in the management of a series of patients affected by craniopharyngiomas, extending into or arising from the third ventricle, evaluating pros and cons of this technique, also in regards of the anatomy and the pathology dealt with. During the period between January 2001 and February 2011, 12 patients, 9 male and 3 female (mean age 50.4 years; range 12-68) underwent an endoscopic endonasal approach for the treatment of a craniopharyngioma involving or arising from the third ventricle. According to the grade of involvement of the third ventricle, we identified three main ventricular growth patterns: (1) stalk-infundibulum; (2) infundibulum-ventricular chamber; (3) stalk-infundibulum-ventricular chamber. Though gross total removal was achieved in eight patients (66.7%), in three patients (25%) was possible a near total removal (>95%) and only in one case (8.3%) tumor removal has been partial (<50%). The overall analysis revealed a rate of 77.8% improvement of post-operative visual defects. Concerning the complications, we reported an overall CSF rate of 16.7%; two patients developed a subdural hematoma that has been treated with a surgical drainage. One patient died after the occurrence of a brainstem hemorrhage. The endoscopic endonasal route provides a good exposure, especially of the sub- and retro-chiasmatic areas, as well as of the stalk-infundibulum axis, which represents, when directly involved by a lesion, a gate to access the third ventricle chamber. Despite this study reporting only a preliminary experience, it seems that in properly selected cases--namely tumors growing mostly along the pituitary stem-infundibulum-third ventricle axis--this approach could be advocated as a valid route among the wide kaleidoscope of surgical approaches to the third ventricle.

The endoscopic endonasal technique is currently used by otolaryngologists for the management of different extradural lesions located below the ethmoidal planum. The cooperation between ENTs and neurosurgeons has recently pushed the use of such approach also in the removal of some intradural lesions, which has promoted the interest for an anatomic study to identify the anatomical landmarks and the dangerous points during the endoscopic approach to this area. In six fresh cadaver heads, unilateral and bilateral measurements between the main landmarks of the approach were performed by means of an endoscopic endonasal approach. A wide exposure of the midline anterior skull base was realized. The maximum of lateral extension was obtained between the two medial orbital walls, at the middle of the cribriform plate (mean distance 25,33 mm), while the mean distance between the anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries at the level of the lamina papyracea was 16 mm. The endoscopic endonasal route can be considered a minimally invasive technique to approach the ethmoidal planum. It requires adequate anatomical knowledge and endoscopic skill for its realization. Due to the wide window realizable through this corridor, it could be considered in selected cases for the removal of intradural lesions such as meningiomas or estesioneuroblastomas.

Cystic mass lesions within the sella turcica are common, and they include cystic pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, Rathke's cleft cysts, arachnoid cysts, and other entities. Until recently, such lesions were typically removed by a microsurgical transsphenoidal route. Given the increased use of the endoscope in transsphenoidal surgery, we evaluated the potential benefits of this tool in the treatment of such lesions. Between January 1997 and March 2005, 76 consecutive patients with sellar-suprasellar cystic lesions treated in three Neurosurgical Divisions underwent transsphenoidal removal in which the endoscope was used at least during the sellar step of the procedure (endoscope-assisted or fully endoscopic). The series consisted of 26 pituitary macroadenomas, 20 Rathke's cleft cysts, 18 craniopharyngiomas, 10 arachnoid cysts, one craniopharyngioma associated with an adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenoma, and one chordoid glioma. Rigid 4-mm endoscopes (0 degrees , 30 degrees , and/or 45 degrees ) were used, and the advantages and limits of the endoscope during the sellar step of the procedure were recorded. Endoscopic exploration after lesion evacuation was generally easier and of greatest efficacy when the residual cystic cavity was larger as opposed to smaller. The use of angled endoscopes was optimal in larger residual cavities. Early descent of the suprasellar cistern, bleeding inside the residual cyst cavity, and a small sella were the most common causes preventing thorough exploration of the residual cavity after its evacuation. In no cases did the endoscope cause injury during the sellar cavity exploration. Endoscopic exploration of the sellar cavity during transsphenoidal surgery offers both general and specific advantages in the treatment of a variety of different cystic sellar lesions. Its routine use during transsphenoidal surgery for such lesions is recommended to achieve maximal and safe tumor removal.

Different disorders may produce irreducible atlanto-axial dislocation with compression of the ventral spinal cord. Among the surgical approaches available for a such condition, the transoral resection of the odontoid process is the most often used. The aim of this anatomical study is to demonstrate the possibility of an anterior cervico-medullary decompression through an endoscopic endonasal approach. Three fresh cadaver heads were used. A modified endonasal endoscopic approach was made in all cases. Endoscopic dissections were performed using a rigid endoscope, 4 mm in diameter, 18 cm in length, with 0 degree lenses. Access to the cranio-vertebral junction was possible using a lower trajectory, when compared to that necessary for the sellar region. The choana is entered and the mucosa of the rhinopharynx is dissected and transposed in the oral cavity in order to expose the cranio-vertebral junction and to obtain a mucosal flap useful for the closure. The anterior arch of the atlas and the odontoid process of C2 are removed, thus exposing the dura mater. The endoscopic endonasal approach could be a valid alternative to the transoral approach for anterior odontoidectomy.

The possibility of removing the brain through the nose without disfiguring the face was already known to the ancient Egyptians, who were experts in using this approach in the mummification process. A similar route through the nose and the sphenoid bone has been developed in the last century as a surgical procedure for the treatment of tumors of the pituitary region, which makes the more invasive craniotomy unnecessary in most cases. This has resulted in a significant decrease of the overall mortality and morbidity rates and has led to the great popularity of such minimally invasive surgery both for patients and doctors. The recent advent of the endoscope in this specific field and the development of further possibilities and instrumentation has contributed to a new renaissance of this old treatment modality.