Surgical Anatomy of the Retrosigmoid Approach With Transtentorial Extension: Protecting the 4th Cranial Nerve

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The retrosigmoid approach with transtentorial extension (RTA) allows us to address posterior cranial fossa pathologies that extend through the tentorium into the supratentorial space. Incision of the tentorium cerebelli is challenging, especially for the risk of injury of the cranial nerve (CN) IV. We describe a tentorial incision technique and relevant anatomic landmarks. METHODS: The RTA was performed stepwise on 5 formalin-fixed (10 sides), latex-injected cadaver heads. The porus trigeminus's midpoint, the lateral border of the suprameatal tubercle (SMT)'s base, and cerebellopontine fissure were assessed as anatomic landmarks for the CN IV tentorial entry point, and relative measurements were collected. A clinical case was presented. RESULTS: The tentorial opening was described in 4 different incisions. The first is curved and starts in the posterior aspect of the tentorium. It has 2 limbs: a medial one directed toward the tentorium's free edge and a lateral one that extends toward the superior petrosal sinus (SPS). The second incision turns inferiorly, medially, and parallel to the SPS down to the SMT. At that level, the second incision turns perpendicular toward the tentorium's free edge and ends 1 cm from it. The third incision proceeds posteriorly, parallel to the free edge. At the cerebellopontine fissure, the incision can turn toward and cut the tentorium-free edge (fourth incision). On average, the CN IV tentorial entry point was 12.7 mm anterior to the SMT base's lateral border and 20.2 mm anterior to the cerebellopontine fissure. It was located approximately in the same coronal plane as the porus trigeminus's midpoint, on average 1.9 mm anterior. CONCLUSION: The SMT and the cerebellopontine fissure are consistently located posterior to the CN IV tentorial entry point. They can be used as surgical landmarks for RTA, reducing the risk of injury to the CN IV.