Sarah T Garber1, William T Couldwell. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Clinical Neurosciences Center, 175 N. Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: When considering an approach to remove a symptomatic brainstem cavernous malformation, exposure and adequate visualization of the lesion with minimal morbidity should be the primary goals. METHOD: We describe the use of the far-lateral transcondylar technique to access a cavernous malformation in the lower anterior pons. RESULTS: This approach accesses the inferior belly of the pons in an inferior-to-superior direction, where the cavernous malformation approaches the surface between the root exit zones of the abducens (VI) cranial nerves. CONCLUSION: We recommend adding this technique to the repertoire of approaches used to resect these technically challenging lesions in selected cases.
BACKGROUND: When considering an approach to remove a symptomatic brainstem cavernous malformation, exposure and adequate visualization of the lesion with minimal morbidity should be the primary goals. METHOD: We describe the use of the far-lateral transcondylar technique to access a cavernous malformation in the lower anterior pons. RESULTS: This approach accesses the inferior belly of the pons in an inferior-to-superior direction, where the cavernous malformation approaches the surface between the root exit zones of the abducens (VI) cranial nerves. CONCLUSION: We recommend adding this technique to the repertoire of approaches used to resect these technically challenging lesions in selected cases.