Microsurgical anatomic study of subtemporal approach using a minimal access

Objective To investigate the surgical exposure of the subtemporal approach and explore clinical indications using a minimal-access.Methods Ten adult cadaveric heads fixed with formalin were used in this study.The holes with 3.0 cm × 2.5 cm of zygomatic arch vertically were operated on each head with subtemporal approach.During the anatomical procedures,measured the maximal exposure lengths of tentorial margin,posterior cerebral artery,and anterior border of brain stem,vertical distances between highest structure in the field of view and posterior clinoid process,the shortest distances form the zygomatic arch 1/3 to tentorial edge,sulcus lateralis mesencephali and anterior clinoid process; After tentorium of cerebellum was cut,measured the straight distance form the internal carotid artery to the optic nerve and form the posterior communicating artery to the tentorial edge.Results Oculomotor,trochlear nerve,tentorial edge,superior cerebllar artery.,P1-P2 segment of posterior cerebral artery,ventrolateral surface of mesencephalon and pon higher than root of trigeminal nerve,anterior and posterior clinoid process,posterior communicating artery and anterior choroidal artery,and superior portion of pituitary stalk could be observed via subtemporal approach using a minimal-access.Conclusion 1.The subtemporal approach using a minimal-access can protect the superficial temporal artery and the facial nerve branches especially in the process of the flap formation.It does little damage to the temporallis,reduces the invalid exposure of brain tissue,farthest lowers the damage to the scalp,skull and adjacent tissue ; 2.The subtemporal approach using a minimal-access can obtain the exposure rang.It can see the upper pons,petroclival region,tentorial notch area,ventrolateral brain stem. Key words: Subtemporal approach; Superficial temporal artery; Facial nerve; Tentorial notch area; Microanatomy