Marcos Tatagiba et al. described the surgical anatomy of the midline suboccipital subtonsillar approach to the hypoglossal canal. This approach includes a midline suboccipital craniotomy, dorsal opening of the foramen magnum and elevation of ipsilateral cerebellar tonsil to expose the hypoglossal nerve and its canal. The midline subtonsillar approach permits a straight primary intradural view to the hypoglossal canal. There is no necessity of condylar resections 1) 2).
A study was performed on three alcohol (ETOH)-fixed specimens (6 sides), and the technique of the approach was highlighted. The tonsillar retraction needed to view the important structures was measured. Additionally, the records of 31 patients who underwent the STA procedure were evaluated and provide three clinical cases as examples.
Tonsillar retraction of 0.3cm (SD±0.1cm) exposed the PICA with its telo-velo-tonsillar and cortical branches. Retraction of 0.4cm (SD±0.2cm) exposed the spinal root of CN XI. Retraction of 0.9cm (SD±0.01cm) exposed the hypoglossal canal. Retraction of 1.3cm (SD±0.2cm) exposed the root exit zone of the glossopharyngeal nerve. Retraction of 1.6cm (SD±0.3cm) exposed the jugular foramen (JF), and retraction of 2.4cm (SD±0.2cm) exposed the inner auditory canal (IAC). In all of the selected cases, the pathology could be reached and exposed using the STA.
They recommend STA as a straightforward, easy-to-learn and therefore time-saving and safe procedure compared with other standard approaches to the cerebellomedullary cistern and its pathologies 4).
Indications
Anterior, anterolateral, and posterior Foramen magnum meningiomas 6).
There was no significant postoperative complication in the remainder of the patientes, and their conditions improved after surgery 7).
Hypoglossal canal meningioma.