Extra-intradural extracavernous subtemporal approach for chondrosarcomas: technical note and case report

Abstract

Background: Skull base chondrosarcomas are rare tumors often invading the petrous apex and cavernous sinus, and many surgical approaches have been described. For most of them, these tumors grow slowly and their partial removal can be a first option before complementary radiotherapy. We described herein a minimally invasive approach that could be useful for soft non-calcified chondrosarcomas. Method and results: We report a case of right parasellar chondrosarcoma, for which an extra-intradural extracavernous subtemporal approach allowed a safe effective partial removal. Conclusion: This surgical approach is indicated in selected cases to obtain good decompression or partial removal of lesions involving the parasellar space and the petrous apex.