Microanatomical study of the neurovascular complex in the cerebellopontine angle region through imitating the operation of retrosigmoid approach

Objective To study the shape of cerebellopontine angle(CPA) and the relationship of the structures through imitating the operation of retrosigmoid approach under operative microscope to provide anatomic base for retrosigmoid approach.Methods The CPA and its structures were observed by operative microscope on 16 adule cadaveric heads via the restrosigmoid approach.Results The anterior inferior cerebellar artery(AICA) mainly originated from the basilar artery as a single(30CPAs,93.75%).The posterior inferior cerebellar artery(PICA) mainly originated from vertebral artery(25CPAs,78.75%).Conclusion There are huge differences of the nerves and blood vessels in CPA.This anatomic study will help the neurosurgeon to correctly localize the facial and cochlear nerve,improve functional protection of the facial and cranial nerve during operations and decrease morality.