Trans-sulcal or fissure approach for supratentorial brain lesions: evaluation

Abstract Object To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trans-sulcal or fissure approach in surgical treatment of supratentorial lesions Study design Retrospective clinical case series Methods This study included 42 patients. Age ranged from 4 to 78 years. Sulcal dissection was done in 26 patients at or near the eloquent areas, and in 16 patients, it was done in non-eloquent areas. Diffusion tensor tractography, neuronavigation, and intraoperative monitoring were applied for lesions at the motor areas. The follow-up period was 24 months. Results Gross total excision could be achieved in 52% of patients. Sulcal dissection was easy in 26 patients with the lax brain. The outcome, according to the Karnofsky scale, was 100 in 21/42 (50%). Complications were transient deterioration of function in three patients, and immediate post-operative hemorrhage in two patients. Three patients became seizure-free after surgery. Conclusion The trans-sulcal dissection is a safe, useful, and applicable approach. Through which it is possible to reach deeply seated lesions. It preserves the motor functions, provides wider exposure, minimizes the need of brain retraction during surgery, and preserves the gyral layers. Complications are usually transient, specially in the presence of preoperative diffusion tensor tractography, intraoperative neuronavigation, and monitoring.