Retrosigmoid Transtentorial Approach. Technical Nuances and Quantification of Benefit From Tentorial Incision

摘要

OBJECTIVE: The transtentorial extension of the retrosigmoid approach allows for improved visualization of the brainstem and petroclival region. This approach is an important tool in the skull base surgeon's armamentarium for pathologies involving the petroclival region. It has been shown that the addition of tentorial transection improves the exposed surface area of the brainstem. However, no data have been reported regarding the depth of the additional anterior and medial exposure. The goal of the present study was to describe the additional depth of exposure gained by performing tentorial transection. This information allows surgeons to preoperatively estimate the amount of operative exposure gained by this technique.