Microanatomical study of the endoscopy-assisted extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial keyhole approach to the dorsolateral mesencephalon region

Abstract

Objective To explore the microanatomy technique of the endoscopy-assisted extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial keyhole approach and clinical significance.Methods The extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial keyhole approach was imitated in 10 vascular perfusion adult cadaveric heads fixed in formalin,the dorsolateral mesencephalon region was dissected and observed by microscopy and neuroendoscopy from December 2012 to March 2013.Results The extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial keyhole approach could be fully exposed the ambient cisterns,the posteromedial tentorial incisura,the dorsolateral mesencephalon region,the trochlear nerve,the root of the trigeminal nerve,the superior cerebellar artery,the posterior cerebral artery and other important anatomical structures.The temporal lobe and parahippocampal gyrus could be exposed when the tentorial was incised.The application of neuroendoscopy could clearly reveal the trigeminal nerve and surrounding structures.Conclusion The extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial keyhole approach is suitable for the surgical resection in dorsolateral mesencephalon region.The application of neuroendoscopy can make up for the lack of the trigeminal nerve observed under microscopy and expand the operative field. Key words: Extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach ; Keyhole approach ; Neuroendoscopy ; Mesencephalon; Microanatomy