Transcranial Approach to Cavernous Sinus and Middle Cranial Fossa

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Orbital Apex and Periorbital Skull Base Diseases
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Abstract

Despite the advances in skull base techniques, lesions involving cavernous sinus and deeper part of the middle cranial fossa still pose a challenge to neurosurgeons. Even with the advancement of endoscopic instruments, these lesions cannot be completely resected via endoscopic approach and require open surgery. Transcranial approach to this region can be combined with others depending on necessity, for example, anterior clinoidectomy, splitting the lateral wall of cavernous sinus, cutting of tentorium, and anterior petrosectomy. To choose the best approach, we have to ascertain thorough understanding of the involved anatomical structures, clinical symptoms and signs, tumors’ nature, and patients’ expectation. Here, we would like to focus on a standard transcranial approach to the cavernous sinus via the middle cranial fossa approach, its variation to expand the operative corridor to suit different pathology, the technical nuances, and how to avoid major complications.

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Correspondence to King Fai Kevin Cheng .

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Cheng, K.F.K., Lui, W.M. (2023). Transcranial Approach to Cavernous Sinus and Middle Cranial Fossa. In: POON, T.L., MAK, C., YUEN, H.K.L. (eds) Orbital Apex and Periorbital Skull Base Diseases. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-2989-4_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-2989-4_18

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-99-2988-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-99-2989-4

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