Figure 3-33.
Step 7. After the tumor has been debulked, the capsule is manipulated with a cottonoid and a #5 or #7 suction tip. Fine spatulas or bipolar cautery forceps are used to peel the capsule gently off the optic tracts and optic chiasm. It is important to recognize that deep to the tumor is a layer of arachnoid that overlies the basilar artery and its performing branches. Laterally, this arachnoid overlies the posterior communicating artery. Preserving this arachnoid will protect these structures.
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