Abstract

Background:Lesions of the petroclival fissure are difficult to access surgically. Both retrosigmoid and presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approaches have been described to successfully treat these complex tumors. The retrosigmoid approach offers quick and familiar access, whereas the presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach reduces the operative distance and the need for cerebellar retraction. The presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach, however, is constrained by anatomical limits that can be subject to patient variation. We sought to characterize the surgically relevant variation to guide preoperative assessment.

Methods:One hundred and seventy-seven high-resolution computed tomography scans of the head (without preexisting pathology) were reviewed. Three hundred and fifty-four temporal bone scans were analyzed for level of aeration, size of Trautmann's triangle dura, and petrous slope. Petrous slope is the angle between the anterior sigmoid sinus and the petroclival fissure at the level of the internal acoustic canal.

Results:Trautmann's triangle area had a mean of 185.15 mm² (range 71.4–426.7 mm²). Petrous slope had a mean value of 149° (range 106–178°). Increasing aeration was found to be correlated with decreasing petrous slope and decreasing Trautmann's triangle area.

Conclusion:The presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach is uniquely confined. Variations in temporal bone anatomy can have dramatic impacts on the operative time, risk profile, and final exposure. Preoperative assessment is critical in guiding the surgeon on the appropriateness of approach. Preoperative measurement of Trautmann's triangle, petrous slope, and aeration can help to reduce surgical morbidity.

Keywords: Petrocival, presigmoid, retrolabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, surgical anatomy, temporal bone

INTRODUCTION

Lesions of the petroclival region have been described as “formidable, untreatable, or both.”[ 24 ] They provide a unique surgical challenge given the proximity of the brainstem, cranial nerves, and vascular structures. Various open surgical approaches have been described, including subtemporal, anterior transpetrosal, posterior transpetrosal, retrosigmoid, and far lateral approaches. Interest in the transpetrosal corridor began in the 1980s, with the advantage of decreasing the operative distance, avoiding the major venous sinuses, and lessening brain retraction.[ 1 9 11 19 ] However, there is a stepwise increase in morbidity as more petrous bone is resected, including increased operating time, risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and risk to hearing.

The decision to pursue a retrosigmoid versus a presigmoid retrolabyrinthine (henceforth referred to as presigmoid) approach has generally been predicated on patient anatomy, pathology (location and characteristics), and surgeon preference. Previously described specific preoperative radiographic anatomy includes level of petrous bone aeration and height of jugular bulb.[ 2 30 ]

Trautmann's triangle is an area of dura exposed via a retrolabyrinthine approach, and represents the posterior transpetrosal window to the posterior fossa that preserves hearing. It is bordered by the superior jugular bulb, the sinodural angle, and the posterior semicircular canal.[ 28 ] Despite the known variability of this dural exposure, detailed anatomic studies to date have only involved small cadaveric series.[ 8 28 ] Several radiographic studies have also examined other characteristics of the temporal bone, including degree of aeration of the mastoid portion in relation to the sigmoid sinus and labyrinth. Because mastoid aeration can influence the ease of exposure of critical structures and the degree of visualization of the petroclival region from the posterolateral approach, this is another aspect of patient anatomy that can be considered as part of the preoperative planning.

Given that the individual variability of this operating space has been demonstrated only in small cadaveric studies,[ 8 28 ] a systematic radiographic assessment of a patient's temporal bone can allow for a more nuanced preoperative planning. We sought to quantify anatomical constraints that may affect either the decision to use a particular approach (retrosigmoid versus presigmoid) or inform the need to modify the presigmoid approach. Using the degree of temporal bone aeration, the calculated area of Trautmann's triangle and a newly described parameter, the “petrous slope,” we describe a method of preoperative evaluation for the presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An institutional review board approval was obtained (EH15-319) to select a sample of 200 computed tomography (CT) scans obtained through the head according to a CT angiography protocol from the previous year. Twenty-three scans were excluded due to duplicate exams or temporal bone pathology. Three hundred and fifty-four total temporal bones were examined and data recorded. 0.6 mm thick slices in the axial and coronal planes of each scan were examined for distance from jugular bulb to petrous ridge (JB–PR), distance from posterior semicircular canal (PSCC) to sigmoid sinus (PSCC–SS), and the “petrous slope” defined as the angle between the anterior sigmoid sinus and the petroclival fissure at the level of the internal auditory canal (IAC) [ Figure 1 ]. Aeration of the temporal bone was measured in relation to the sigmoid sinus and at the labyrinth by previously described methods.[ 10 ] On axial CT imaging, aeration that stopped anterior to the sigmoid sinus was categorized as type 1, aeration that extended halfway around the sigmoid sinus was categorized as type 2, aeration that extended to the posterior aspect of the sigmoid sinus was type 3, and if the aeration extended beyond the posterior limit of the sigmoid sinus it was classified as type 4.

Figure 1

Example of petrous slope angle. (a) Example of a small petrous slope angle of approximately 116 degrees. (b) Example of a large petrous slope of approximately 155 degrees

Because the boundaries of Trautmann's triangle generate a rhomboid-shaped safe zone of dura, the JB–PR and PSCC–SS distances were multiplied to generate an estimated area of dural exposure. This rhomboid area, level of aeration, and the measured petrous slope were analyzed for any statistical correlation.

RESULTS

In left-sided temporal bones, the distance between the jugular bulb (JB) and petrous ridge averaged 16.75 mm (range 9–25.1 mm); the average distance from PSCC to the anterior sigmoid sinus was 11.85 mm (range 6.57–23.25 mm) and the mean measured left petrous slope was 150.26° (range 106–178°). On right-sided temporal bones, the JB to petrous ridge height averaged 16.3 mm (range 9.5–30.7 mm), the distance from PSCC to anterior sigmoid sinus averaged 10.51 mm (range 4.66–19.5 mm) and the mean measured right petrous slope was 148.58° (range 116.2–178°). The area of Trautmann's triangle, calculated by multiplying the JB–PR and PSCC–SS distances for each temporal bone, averaged 185.15 mm² (range 71.4–426.7 mm²).

Increasing temporal bone aeration displayed a trend towards decreasing petrous slope values, however, this did not reach statistical significance [ Table 1 ]. Moreover, there was also a trend towards decreasing Trautmann's triangle area with increased aeration. This is more pronounced when type 2 and type 3 aeration was combined. Practically, distinguishing type 2 and type 3 can be difficult, particularly if the the size of the sigmoid sinus is small.

Table 1

Patients divided by level of aeration around the sigmoid sinus and correlation with petrous slope and Trautmann's triangle. Last column combines type 2 and 3

DISCUSSION

In this study, we characterized individual variability in temporal bone anatomy in 177 patients. We captured this variation across three variables that we believe significantly impact surgical considerations when performing a presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach. Significant ranges were found in aeration, Trautmann's triangle area (355.3 mm²), and petrous slope (72°). Moreover, there was a trend towards decreasing petrous slope and decreasing Trautmann's triangle area with increasing levels of aeration. This suggests that extension of aeration beyond the posterior border of the sigmoid sinus may portend a more difficult and less expansive presigmoid exposure. Aeration may play a more significant role in the presigmoid exposure than our measurement, particularly at extremes; other authors have found the position of the sigmoid sinus to carry more significance.[ 21 ]

In 1980, the retrolabyrinthine approach was described as the “direct”[ 23 ] route to the CP angle, being well-liked by otologists and neurosurgeons alike, in the treatment of Meniere's disease,[ 22 ] petroclival meningiomas,[ 12 ] vestibular schwannomas,[ 4 7 ] and in the placement of auditory brainstem implants.[ 5 ] In the early 2000s, the retrolabyrinthine approach was described as “the unsung hero of skull base surgery.”[ 18 ] When compared to a retrosigmoid approach, the presigmoid exposure provides the benefits of a shorter working distance and less cerebellar retraction.[ 15 ] Despite its widely accepted and disseminated use, the ease of the presigmoid approach to the CP angle or petroclival region is significantly affected by bony anatomy. A transpetrosal corridor often requires significant bone drilling and increases the operative time and associated complications (deep venous thrombosis, pneumonia, etc.). The presigmoid approach is also complicated by difficult dural closure, increased risk of spinal fluid leak, and increased risk of hearing loss.[ 13 26 29 ] With multiple reports that suggest the equivalence in achieving the surgical goals between presigmoid and retrosigmoid approaches in even the most complex petroclival pathology, the ideal approach for an individual lesion remains controversial particularly for those deemed accessible by both techniques.[ 6 16 17 20 25 27 ]

The technical elements of a presigmoid approach make it susceptible to three specific anatomic characteristics – level of temporal bone aeration, size of Trautmann's triangle, and the angle of the petrous slope. Significant temporal bone aeration can facilitate intraoperative identification of anatomic landmarks (labyrinth, fallopian canal) and can dramatically reduce the exposure time. A poorly aerated or sclerotic temporal bone, on the other hand, can make adequate exposure both treacherous and time consuming.

Variation in the height of the jugular bulb has been well described.[ 2 30 ] The impact of this on the presigmoid exposure has also been well established.[ 2 3 14 ] While assessing the jugular bulb height on axial imaging alone is simple, it fails to capture the full extent of dural exposure (Trautmann's triangle). A full assessment of the dural exposure available in a particular patient requires determining the labyrinth to sigmoid sinus distance and the jugular bulb to petrous ridge distance. In a recent study, Tubbs et al. examined 10 cadaveric specimens and found a range in Trautmann's triangle area of 45–210 mm² with a mean of 151 mm².[ 28 ] They classified the area into three categories – type 1 specimens had areas less than 75 mm²; type 2 had areas of 75–149 mm²; and type 3 had areas of greater than 150 mm². Type 1 specimens were felt to have a prohibitively small working area, type 2 had potentially workable area depending on the specific pathology, while type 3 had the largest working corridor. Our study found the upper range to be significantly higher (71.4–426.7 mm²). This could be the result of a much larger analysis (177 versus 10 patients) or an artifact of our estimation method. Nevertheless, our significantly larger range emphasizes the need for preoperative assessment of this parameter as the true intraoperative exposure can vary dramatically between patients.

DeMelo et al. described a laterally displaced sigmoid sinus as requiring a more technically demanding mastoidectomy with a narrow surgical corridor to the petroclival region when compared to a medially displaced sigmoid sinus. They noted a theoretical increased risk of injury to the facial nerve because of its close relation with the sigmoid sinus.[ 8 ] While a laterally displaced sigmoid sinus can be ameliorated to some degree with a retrosigmoid bone exposure, ligation of the superior petrosal sinus, and tentorial splitting to allow posterior retraction of the sigmoid sinus, it nevertheless requires significantly more time and incurs more risk. In a cadaveric study assessing the impact of sigmoid sinus variation on the Trautmann's triangle exposure, Sarmiento and Eslait found the degree of lateral displacement to be correlated with decreasing Trautmann's triangle area.[ 21 ] While useful, the study is limited in its applicability to preoperative plan phase. In the present study, we propose the use of the petrous slope to quickly assess the “openness” of the posterior petrous bone or the accessibility of Trautmann's triangle. In our study, we found significant variability (106–178°) in this angle. A small angle can make a presigmoid approach more difficult and Trautmann's triangle less accessible [ Figure 1 ].

Our large analysis of 177 computed tomography scans of 354 temporal bones attempted to establish a simple and reliable method of systematically assessing the presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach using preoperative imaging. We found three factors that varied considerably among individuals – aeration, Trautmann's triangle area, and petrous slope. Interestingly, increasing levels of aeration decreased the petrous slope and decreased the area of Trautmann's triangle. The indirect relationship of decreasing petrous slope with decreasing Trautmann's triangle area confirms previous cadaveric analysis on the impact of sigmoid sinus anatomy on Trautmann's triangle.[ 21 ] The effect of aeration on both these variables suggests that aeration may be a useful preoperative factor to consider. While the nuances of choosing a retrosigmoid versus a presigmoid approach are unlikely to be simplified to a particular cutoff or measurement, careful consideration of these three temporal bone characteristics can help guide the skull base surgeon regarding the time needed for exposure, the inherent risks involved, and the need for technique modifications (tentorium sectioning, sigmoid sinus retraction, etc.). When added to the surgical goals and patient comorbidities, an individualized optimal surgical strategy can be devised to minimize morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

The presigmoid, retrolabyrinthine approach represents a versatile skull base technique to access the lateral and ventrolateral posterior fossa. While it shortens the working distance and reduces the need for cerebellar retraction, it requires additional time for petrosal bone drilling and increases the risk of spinal fluid leak and hearing loss. Careful preoperative planning is critical to reduce the inherent risks, plan technique modifications (and prepare for the additional time required), and ensure the appropriateness of the approach altogether. Calculating Trautmann's triangle area, the petrous slope, and the extent of aeration can nuance the skull base surgeon's considerations when deciding on whom and how to perform the presigmoid approach.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

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