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The epidural approach to the Meckel’s cave: a how I do it

  • How I Do it - Neurosurgical Techniques
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Abstract

Background

Meckel’s cave (MC) is a meningeal cleft lying in the middle fossa laterally to the cavernous sinus. Tumours that develop inside the MC may require a surgical resection. The authors describe the surgical technique of the intracranial epidural approach to the MC.

Methods

Based upon anatomical dissection showing the relevant surgical anatomy, and illustrated by the video of an operated case, the authors detail the surgical procedure. The key point is to shave the floor of the middle fossa and skeletonize the superior orbital fissure, rotundum and ovale foramen in order to delineate the plane of dural elevation and expose the lateral wall of the MC. The rules of exposure and resection of the tumour are then shown. Variations and limitations of the approach are discussed.

Conclusion

Conducted in a stepwise manner and following relevant landmarks, the epidural anterolateral approach offers a safe and reliable exposure to the diseases that develop within the MC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Service de Neurochirurgie, Hôpital Nord, APHM, University Hospital of Marseille Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France

    Pierre-Hugues Roche

  2. Service de Neurochirurgie, Hôpital Nord, APHM, Marseille, France

    Lucas Troude, Hadrien Peyriere & Rémy Noudel

Authors
  1. Pierre-Hugues Roche
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  2. Lucas Troude
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  3. Hadrien Peyriere
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  4. Rémy Noudel
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pierre-Hugues Roche.

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Roche, PH., Troude, L., Peyriere, H. et al. The epidural approach to the Meckel’s cave: a how I do it. Acta Neurochir 156, 217–220 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-013-1916-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-013-1916-5

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