Endoscope-assisted infratentorial-supracerebellar approach to the third ventricle: An anatomical study

Andrea Cardia, Manuela Caroli, Mauro Pluderi, Cesare Arienta, Sergio M. Gaini, Giuseppe Lanzino, Manfred Tschabitscher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Object. The authors studied the microsurgical anatomy and endoscopic features of the pineal region and third ventricle to describe a combined microsurgical-endoscopic infratentorial-supracerebellar approach to the posterior third ventricle. Such an approach exposes the pineal gland and its complex neurovascular structures so that the third ventricle can be reached through a minimally invasive parapineal incision. Methods. The approach was studied in 10 adult cadaveric heads, six fresh and four formalin fixed, by using an operative microscope with a magnification level of 6 to 40 and the assistance of an endoscope. The endoscope-assisted infratentorial- supracerebellar approach affords a complete view of the third ventricle from a posterior perspective. The third ventricle is entered through a parapineal incision using the natural space between the internal cerebral vein and the vein of Rosenthal located above the superior colliculi. Conclusions. The infratentorial-supracerebellar approach to the third ventricle follows a natural corridor and requires minimal retraction and resection of critical neural structures. With the use of the endoscope, an unsurpassed view into the third ventricle from a posterior perspective is obtained.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)409-414
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of neurosurgery
Volume104 PEDIATRICS
Issue numberSUPPL. 6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2006

Keywords

  • Endoscopy
  • Infratentorial-supracerebellar approach
  • Microsurgical anatomy
  • Pediatric neurosurgery
  • Pineal region
  • Third ventricle

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Clinical Neurology

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