Microscope neuronavigation-guided microsurgical fenestration of quadrigeminal cistern arachnoid cysts: how I do it.

BACKGROUND

Management options for treatment of quadrigeminal arachnoid cysts (QAC) include microsurgical/endoscopic fenestration or shunt. There is an open debate about which method is the best. Microsurgical fenestration is well suited for treatment of QAC with predominant infratentorial component and without hydrocephalus making endoscopic procedures more challenging.

METHOD: We describe the microsurgical technique and related anatomy to fenestrate infratentorial QAC through supracerebellar infratentorial approach. We also discuss our experiences with this approach, some of the drawbacks and nuances.

CONCLUSION

Navigation-guided microsurgical fenestration of infratentorial QAC is the authors' surgical approach of choice for treating these rare challenging lesions when not associated with hydrocephalus.