Endoscopic Transorbital Transtentorial Approach to the Perimesencephalic Cisterns Following the Intracranial Course of the Trochlear Nerve: A Comprehensive Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

The superior eyelid endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) has recently emerged as a minimally invasive technique for treating selected skull base lesions. This study assesses the feasibility of transtentorial ETOA in accessing the perimesencephalic cisterns, following the course of the trochlear nerve and potentially transposing it depending on the pathology.

METHODS

Anatomic dissections were conducted on 6 cadaveric specimens (12 orbits) using 0° and angled endoscopes. A stepwise anatomic description of the approach and visualized anatomic structures was provided. Furthermore, a quantitative analysis of the area of exposure (AoE) was conducted before (AoE1) and after (AoE2) the tentorial opening. A cadaveric dissection video and 3D model of the surgical corridor and targets were created to enhance the understanding of this complex region.

RESULTS

Using the ETOA, the entire lateral wall of the cavernous sinus and middle cranial fossa floor were exposed through interdural dissection, with an average AoE1 of 336.17 mm 2 (±SD 79.16). After the tentorial opening, complete exposure of the middle incisural space, cerebellomesencephalic fissure, and trigeminal root entry zone was achieved. The trochlear nerve was followed from its fissural segment to its exit point in the dorsal midbrain within the quadrigeminal cistern. The transtentorial ETOA allowed exposure of all 4 perimesencephalic cisterns, along with the oculomotor nerve, posterior cerebral artery, and superior cerebellar artery. The average AoE2 was 1059.25 mm 2 (±SD 231.39, P = .00222).

CONCLUSION

The transorbital approach, through a minimally invasive superior eyelid incision and a transtentorial corridor, provides an effective route to the perimesencephalic cisterns. Creating a tentorial flap window increases the exposed area by an average of 723.07 mm 2 . By working between the cerebellum and the brainstem-cranial nerve complex and performing subarachnoid dissection through the cerebellomesencephalic fissure, the trochlear nerve exit point can be exposed.