Luca Zanin, Edoardo Agosti, Florian Ebner, Lucio de Maria, Francesco Belotti, Barbara Buffoli, Rita Rezzani, Bernard Hirt, Marco Ravanelli, Tamara Ius, Marco Zeppieri, Marcos Soares Tatagiba, Marco Maria Fontanella, Francesco Doglietto
BACKGROUND: Meckel's cave is a challenging surgical target due to its deep location and proximity to vital neurovascular structures. Surgeons have developed various microsurgical transcranial approaches (MTAs) to access it, but there is no consensus on the best method. Newer endoscopic approaches have also emerged. This study seeks to quantitatively compare these surgical approaches to Meckel's cave, offering insights into surgical volumes and exposure areas. METHODS: Fifteen surgical approaches were performed bilaterally in six specimens, including the pterional approach (PTA), fronto-temporal-orbito-zygomatic approach (FTOZA), subtemporal approach (STA), Kawase approach (KWA), retrosigmoid approach (RSA), retrosigmoid approach with suprameatal extension (RSAS), endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach (EETPA), inferolateral transorbital approach (ILTEA) and superior eyelid approach (SEYA)...
October 30, 2023: Journal of Clinical Medicine