[Posterior Fossa Anatomy for Microvascular Decompression Surgery]

No Shinkei Geka. 2024 Jan;52(1):29-37. doi: 10.11477/mf.1436204876.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

In most microvascular decompression surgeries, surgical maneuvers are performed within normal anatomical structures without any neoplasms. Thus, detailed anatomical knowledge is essential to perform safe and efficient procedures. "Rule of 3" by Rhoton AL Jr. is helpful for understanding not only the anatomy of the posterior fossa but also the three neurovascular compression syndromes. The cerebellar arteries and posterior fossa veins have substantial variability, but a basic understanding of their typical patterns is useful to explore individual cases. To use adequate surgical approaches through the cerebellar tentorial or petrosal surface in individual trigeminal neuralgia surgeries, anatomical knowledge of the bridging veins on the tentorial(the bridging veins into the tentorial sinus)and petrosal surfaces(the superior petrosal vein)is crucial. Fissure openings help to minimize cerebellar retraction, similarly to the sylvian fissure dissection in supratentorial surgeries.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Cerebellum / surgery
  • Cerebral Veins*
  • Dura Mater
  • Humans
  • Microvascular Decompression Surgery*
  • Syndrome