Retrosigmoid approach

See the attached PDF below. 

Before lab: 

• Obtain extra gowns from clinic

• Find the keys for the T bone lab

For lab: 

• Move the heads to the T bone lab and back in order to be able to use the drills and microscopes

Procedure

1. Retromastoid vertical incision, expose the cranium

2. Initiate craniotomy with 4 burr holes

   • The anterior 2 are immediately posterior to the sigmoid 

3. Connect the burr holes with the Rongeur or drill

4. Dural incision 5 mm within each margin of the craniotomy 

5. Retract the cerebellum posteriorly 

6. Open the posterior wall of the IAC and incise its dura

7. Identify CN 8  

Links

• YouTube surgical guide from AANS with step by step narration of mostly photos