Combined telovelar posterolateral (far lateral) approach for the resection of a large posterior fossa ependymoma: how I do it

Background Ependymomas are glial cell tumors whose recommended treatment, according to the recent European guidelines, is surgical. Patient outcomes, in terms of progression-free survival and overall survival, are strongly related to the extent of resection. However, in some cases, critical locations and/or large dimensions could make a gross total resection challenging. In this article, we describe the surgical anatomy and technique of a combined telovelar-posterolateral approach for the resection of a giant posterior fossa ependymoma. Methods A 24-year-old patient who presented to our institution complaining of a 3-month history of headache, vertigo, and imbalance. Preoperative MRI scans showed a large mass within the fourth ventricle, extending towards the left cerebellopontine angle and perimedullary space through the homolateral Luschka foramen. Surgical treatment was proposed with the aims of releasing the preoperative symptoms, obtaining the tumor’s histopathological and molecular definition, and preventing any future neurological deterioration. The patient gave his written consent for surgery and consented to the publication of his images. A combined telovelar-posterolateral approach was then performed to maximize the tumor’s exposure and resection. Surgical technique and anatomical exposure have been extensively described, and a 2-dimensional operative video has been included. Results The postoperative MRI scan demonstrated an almost complete resection of the lesion, with only a millimetric tumor remnant infiltrating the uppermost portion of the inferior medullary velum. Histo-molecular analysis revealed a grade 2 ependymoma. The patient was discharged home neurologically intact. Conclusions The combined telovelar-posterolateral approach allowed to achieve a near total resection of a giant multicompartimental mass within the posterior fossa in a single surgical stage.