Functional Surgery of Cerebellopontine Angle by Minimally Invasive Retrosigmoid Approach

The cerebellum is the area at the back of the brain that controls motor movement coordination, balance, equilibrium and muscle tone. The pons connects the cerebral cortex (responsible for thinking perceiving, producing and understanding language) with the medulla oblongata (controls autonomic functions such as breathing, digestion, heart and blood vessel function, swallowing and sneezing). It also serves as a communications centre between the two hemispheres of the brain. The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is the anatomical space at the junction of the cerebellum and the pons and is a frequent site of benign tumour formation and other non life-threatening, functional disorders. (About.com). This manual is a comprehensive guide to functional surgery of the CPA using the minimally invasive retrosigmoid technique, which involves making a small incision behind the ear, providing endoscopic access to the cerebellum and brain stem. Beginning with the surgical anatomy of CPA and in depth discussion on the instruments and set up for the procedure, the following sections cover the pathophysiology, radiological characteristics, neurological presentation, diagnosis and treatment of a wide spectrum of CPA lesions. Written by internationally recognised experts from France, India and Japan, this highly illustrated resource includes 550 full colour clinical photographs, diagrams and tables, as well as extensive references. Key points Comprehensive guide to minimally invasive retrosigmoid surgery of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) In depth discussion of instruments and set up for the procedure Internationally recognised author team Includes 550 photographs, diagrams and tables