Tag: Cerebellomedullary fissure

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Tonsillobiventral fissure approach to the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle

J Neurosurg (127): 768-774, 2017

Surgical access to the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle (LR) is suboptimal with existing transvermian and telovelar approaches because of limited lateral exposure, significant retraction of the cerebellar tonsil, and steep trajectories near brainstem perforator arteries. The goal in this study was to assess surgical exposure of the tonsillobiventral fissure approach to the LR, and to describe the relevant anatomy.

METHODS Two formaldehyde-fixed cerebella were used to study the anatomical relationships of the LR. Also, the tonsillobiventral fissure approach was simulated in 8 specimens through a lateral suboccipital craniotomy.

RESULTS The pattern of the cerebellar folia and the cortical branches of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery were key landmarks to identifying the tonsillobiventral fissure. Splitting the tonsillobiventral fissure allowed a direct and safe surgical trajectory to the LR and into the cerebellopontine cistern. The proposed approach reduces cervical flexion and optimizes the surgical angle of attack.

CONCLUSIONS The tonsillobiventral fissure approach is a feasible and effective option for exposing the LR. This approach has more favorable trajectories and positions for the patient and the surgeon, and it should be added to the armamentarium for lesions in this location.

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Transcerebellomedullary fissure approach to lesions of the fourth ventricle: less is more?

TCMF

Acta Neurochir (2013) 155:1011–1016

The transcerebellomedullary fissure (trans-CMF) approach is safe and effective. Nevertheless, previous research documented a few differences in the use of this approach with regard to the opening portion of the fissure and roof of the ventricle. Here, we present a series of patients with fourth ventricular lesions and our experience using the trans-CMF approach.

Methods Fifty patients who underwent the trans-CMF approach were analyzed. The tela choroidea was simply incised in 32 patients: 27 unilaterally and 5 bilaterally. Both the tela and inferior medullary velum were cut in 18 patients: 16 unilaterally and 2 bilaterally. Unless the tumor extended below the C1 level, C1 was preserved intact. Brainstem mapping (BSM) and corticobulbar tract (CBT) motor-evoked potential (MEP) monitoring were used.

Results Gross total removal was achieved in 41 (82 %) cases, and sub-total removal was achieved in 9 (18 %) cases. Two deaths occurred 1–2 months postoperatively because of pulmonary complications. Four patients developed temporary mutism, all of whom underwent the bilateral trans-CMF approach (this rate is significantly higher than that of the unilateral approach, P<0.05). No permanent neurological deficit occurred.

Conclusion The trans-CMF approach provides excellent access to fourth ventricular lesions without splitting the vermis. The opening portion of the fissure and roof of the ventricle should be determined by the location, extension and size of the lesion. In most cases, the unilateral trans- CMF approach with only a tela choroidea incision is adequate; this procedure is mini-invasive and possibly prevents postoperative mutism.

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Comparison of Tonsillar Retraction and Resection in the Telovelar Approach

Neurosurgery 66[ONS Suppl 1]:ons30-ons40, 2010 DOI: 10.1227/01.NEU.0000348558.35921.4E

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of the telovelar approach with tonsillar manipulation for approaching the recesses of the fourth ventricle.

METHODS: A telovelar approach was performed in 8 injected cadaveric heads. Areas of exposure were measured for the superolateral and lateral recesses. Horizontal angles were evaluated by targeting the cerebral aqueduct and medial margin of the lateral recess. Quantitative comparisons were made between the telovelar dissections and various tonsillar manipulations.

RESULTS: Tonsillar retraction provided a comparable exposure of the superolateral recess with tonsillar resection (26.4 ± 17.6 vs 25.2 ± 12.5 mm2, respectively; P = .825). Tonsillar resection significantly increased exposure of the lateral recess compared with tonsillar retraction (31.1 ± 13.3 vs 20.2 ± 11.5 mm2, respectively; P = .002). Compared with tonsillar retraction, the horizontal angle to the lateral recess increased after either contralateral tonsillar retraction (22.7 ± 4.8 vs 36.7 ± 6.5 degrees) or tonsillar resection (22.7 ± 4.8 vs 31.5 ± 7.6 degrees; all adjusted P < .01). The horizontal angle to the cerebral aqueduct increased significantly with tonsillar resection compared with tonsillar retraction (17.6 ± 2.3 vs 13.2 ± 2.8 degrees; P < .001)

CONCLUSION: Compared with tonsillar retraction, tonsillar resection provides a wider corridor to, and a larger area of exposure of, the cerebral aqueduct and lateral recess. Contralateral tonsillar retraction improves access to the lateral recess by widening the surgical view from the contralateral side.

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