Anatomic changes in operation through pterion to opticocarotid space

Abstract

Objective To comprehend the anatomic changes of opticocarotid space during neuro⁃surgical procedure to increase the success rate of operation at sellar region. Methods Tumors at sellar region were operated through Yasargil pterion to opticocarotid space. Digital imaging was used to collect the picture of anatomic changes at preoperation and during operation. The ratio of the length of opticocarotid space and the diameter of internal carotid artery (ICA), and the ratio of the width of opticocarotid space and the diameter of ICA were measured in each picture. These ratios of each patient at preoperation stage and operation stage were compared. Results Opticocarotid space was classified into 3 types: triangle type, fusiform type and fissure type. The ratio of each type may be changed after operation due to the release of tumor. During operation, the ratio of the length of opticocarotid space and the diameter of ICA was 2.58 ± 0.86, and the ratio of the width of opticocarotid space and the diameter of ICA was 1.28 ± 0.52. At preoperation stage, the ratio of the length of opticocarotid space and the diameter of ICA was 1.08 ± 0.87, and the ratio of the width of opticocarotid space and the diameter of ICA was 0.49 ± 0.48. The ratios at operation stage were significantly higher than those at preoperation stage (t = 6.164, P = 0.000; t = 7.030, P = 0.000). Conclusion Comprehending these anatomic changes of opticocarotid space is useful in directing the operation at sellar region. DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2010.05.014

Keywords

• Pituitary neoplasms
• Sella turcica
• Optic nerve
• Carotid artery, internal
• Neuroanatomy