Anatomy of microvascular decompression via retrosigmoid approach
QI Hao-yi
LI Si-yu
LI Kun-zheng
Abstract：Clinically,common medically refractory neurovascular compression syndromes include primary trigeminal neuralgia,primary hemifacial spasm,and primary glossopharyngeal neuralgia.Microvascular decompression(MVD)through retrosigmoid approach is the preferred surgical modality.The key steps for a successful MVD through retrosigmoid approach involve the positioning of the skin incision,the orientation of the myocutaneous flap,the location of the keyhole,the retention of the petrosal vein,the anatomy of the neurovascular structures,and the anatomy of the deep cisterns.The spatial geometry of the posterior cranial fossa is distinctive,with an irregular shape,and the anatomical structure of the cerebellopontine angle region is complex and subject to numerous variations.This article summarizes the anatomical disparities of the retrosigmoid approach for the three disorders,their respective anatomical landmarks,and the anatomical characteristics of the neurovascular complexes,providing a reference for precise neurosurgical procedures.
Keywords：Cranial nerve disordersRetrosigmoid approachMicrovascular decompressionAnatomy
Publication Date：2025-02-25
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：4( 110-113 )