Surgical Anatomy of the Trigeminal Nerve: From the Cisternal Part to the Trigeminal Ganglion and Surgical Involvement

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of the study is to briefly present the surgical anatomy of the cisternal segment of the trigeminal nerve and its neurovascular relationships. Materials and Methods: Three previously fixed heads of adult male cadavers of different ages underwent a macroscopic and microscopic anatomical examination. During the dissection of the root territory, photos were taken tracing the nerve from its apparent origin to the trigeminal ganglion. Results and discussion: The descriptive and functional anatomy of the segment selected for the study were understood and detailed. The photos taken were used as a support to reproduce the nerve pathways, first illustrating the descriptive anatomy of this part of the nerve and the associated neurovascular anatomical structures, then its functional anatomy highlighting its two sensory and motor contingents. A brief reflection, which focused on the surgical management of trigeminal neuralgia, highlighted the importance of knowledge of anatomical landmarks in mastering microsurgical approaches. Conclusion: The use of dissection of the cisternal segment of the trigeminal nerve on cadaveric specimens in order to detail a root part that is difficult to access during surgical interventions, constitutes a practical and useful alternative for better preoperative assessment and mastery of surgical procedures without major complications.