Central quadrantotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat a condition called homonymous hemianopia, which is a visual field defect that occurs as a result of damage to the optic pathway in the brain. In this procedure, a portion of the optic nerve fibers that are responsible for transmitting visual information from the central part of the visual field to the brain is cut. This results in a smaller visual field, but it can help patients with homonymous hemianopia to better navigate and function in their daily lives.
Central quadrantotomy is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the procedure involves making a small incision in the scalp to access the skull. The surgeon then creates a small hole in the skull to gain access to the brain and uses a surgical instrument to carefully cut the targeted optic nerve fibers. After the procedure, patients may experience some temporary visual disturbances or headaches, but these usually resolve within a few days. Rehabilitation and therapy may be necessary to help patients adjust to their new visual field and improve their functional abilities.
Cossu G, Aureli V, Roulet-Perez E, Thomas C, Marston JS, Pralong E, Messerer M, González-López P, Daniel RT. Central quadrantotomy for intractable childhood epilepsy: operative technique and functional neuroanatomy. J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2023 Feb 10:1-9. doi: 10.3171/2022.11.PEDS22356. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36787130.