Endoscopic endonasal extradural posterior clinoidectomy: A key maneuver to access the retrosellar and upper retroclival area.

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic endonasal posterior clinoidectomy represents an important maneuver to improve access and visualization of the retrosellar and upper clivus area [1]. Three different techniques have been described in order to access and remove the posterior clinoid: 1) the intradural pituitary transposition [2], the interdural pituitary transposition [3] and a completely extradural technique [4].

CASE DESCRIPTION: We present here a case of retrosellar and retroclival chordoma that has been removed through endoscopic endonasal approach. Technical nuances of the endonasal extradural posterior clinoidectomy are presented.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic endonasal extradural posterior clinoidectomy allows to access this complex anatomical region with the advantage of avoiding major bleeding from the cavernous sinus and endocrinological impairment.