MICROSURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE SAFE ENTRY ZONES ON THE ANTEROLATERAL BRAINSTEM RELATED TO SURGICAL APPROACHES TO CAVERNOUS MALFORMATIONS

Abstract

The white fiber dissection technique is a valuable tool for understanding the three-dimensional disposition of the anatomic structures. The lateral mesencephalic sulcus, the peritrigeminal area, and the inferior olivary nucleus provide surgical spaces and delineate the relatively safe alleys where the brainstem can be approached without injuring important neural structures.