The retrosigmoid approach is one of the most frequently used cranial approaches to access the lateral part of the posterior fossa, providing access to the lateral surface of the cerebellum, cranial nerves (trigeminal nerve to lower cranial nerves), and the lateral dorsum of the brainstem. It is the approach used for the surgical treatment of neuropathies due to compression (trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm), and resection of tumors in the pontocerebellar angle (meningiomas, schwannomas).
Participants will have the opportunity to practice this approach, including the exact site for the incision, proper placement of the trepanations, removal of the craniotomy, preservation of venous sinuses, proper opening of the dura mater, and dissection of the lateral surface of the brain and cranial nerves. They will also learn the microanatomy of the pontocerebellar angle and the neurovascular structures of the aforementioned regions.