Imaging Evaluation of Modified Poppen Approach for Microsurgical Removal of Pineal Lesions

Abstract

Objective: The pineal region is deep, and anatomical relationship is complex. Imaging evaluation can effectively guide all kind of neurosurgery. The aim of this study was to explore the value of image evaluation in pineal region microsurgery via modified Poppen approach. Methods: From January 2008 to December 2017, the imaging and clinical data form 62 patients received microsurgery of pineal lesions via the modified Poppen approach at our Hospital were reviewed. The incidences of postoperative complications were compared between the patients with differences in lesion diameter, tentorial angle and preoperative hydrocephalus. Result: According to the data from image evaluation, all the pineal lesions was removed through modified Poppen approach, with total tumor resection in 48 cases, subtotal resection in 10 cases, and partial resection in 4 cases. After 3 to 12 months follow-up, the complication was found in 13 cases (21.0%), including hemianopia (2 cases), occipital lobe contusion (7 cases), monoparesis (2 cases), intracranial infection (2 cases). The incidences of postoperative hemianopia and monoparesis for patients with a lesion > 4.5 cm were significantly higher than those with a lesion ≤ 4.5 cm (P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative hemianopia for the patients with a tentorial angle > 60° was significantly higher than for those with a tentorial angle ≤ 60° (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Imaging evaluation is useful for microsurgical removal and prediction of complication for modified Poppen approach of pineal lesions.