Experimental study on subtemporal keyhole approach

Objective The surgical procedure of subtemporal keyhole approach and the anatomical exposure was studied. Methods A total of 10 fresh cadaver heads were fixed with Formalin and the in-tracranial arteries were perfused. Results Through this keyhole approach, the following structures, eg. tento-rial hiatus, trachlear nerve, trigeminal nerve, retro-optic structures (opticocarotid space and retrocarotid space), supra-sellar cistern, pituitary stalk, dorsum sella, supra-clinoid segment of internal carotid artery, the P1 and P2 segment, P1, P2 junction, contra-lateral P1 segment of posterior cerebral artery, the anterolateral aspect of mesencephalon and upper pons, were well exposed. Conclusion The subtemporal keyhole approach as well as the conventional subtemporal approach may well expose the post circulation and its surrounding anatomical structures and fit the operational procedures.