Gross total removal of gliomas in the pulvinar and correlative microsurgical anatomy

Abstract

Tumors in the pulvinar tend to present as circumscribed lesions with exophytic growth into the lateral and third ventricles. These lesions may be best explored via a parietal-transcortical-transventricular approach. If the tumor extends posteriorly or inferiorly, a posterior-interhemispheric-transtentorial approach may provide a good angle of access. Gross total removal of the tumors in the pulvinar of two patients was achieved by surgical sectioning of the unilateral crus of the fornix or the splenium via a transventricular or interhemispheric approach with acceptable risk. These patients are now doing well as students about 6 years following the first operations. During tumor removal, a posterior-in-terhemispheric-transtentorial approach combined with above-mentioned approaches was useful for orientation of the critical structures in the posterior incisural space. Knowledge of the anatomical relationships of the pulvinar to the crus of the fornix and the choroid plexus, and to the critical structures located in the posterior incisural space is extremely important for neurosurgeons.