The Use of the Suboccipital Transtentorial Approach to the Posterior Inferior Incisural Space

Objective To describe our experience with the microsurgical technique of the suboccipital transtentorial (SOTT) approach in the removal of posterior fossa lesions located in the posterior incisural space. Method Between 2002 and 2020 we reviewed all patients who underwent microsurgical resection of lesions of the posterior incisural space at the Department of Neurosurgery, Essex Neuroscience Centre, London, England (eight patients, male to female 3:5, mean age: 51, range 35-69). We describe the preoperative symptoms, radiological findings, surgical techniques, histology and postoperative outcomes in this cohort of patients. Results Eight patients with tumours located in the posterior incisural space underwent surgery during the study period including four meningiomas (50%), two haemangioblastomas (25%), one metastasis (13%) and one giant prolactinoma (13%). Gross or near total resection was achieved in six patients (75%): the giant prolactinoma could not be radically removed and one of the meningiomas required a small fragment to be left in place to protect the Vein of Galen. No patient developed a visual field deficit due to occipital lobe retraction. One patient developed a temporary trochlear nerve palsy (13%). Five patients had mild disability (Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) = 5), and four had moderate disability (GOS = 4). Conclusion In our series, the SOTT approach provided excellent access for all cases of tumours in the posterior incisural space. The tumour’s size and relationship to the deep venous system contributed to the choice of approach and in one patient who had previously undergone surgery via the supracerebellar route, the SOTT approach enabled the avoidance of gliotic scar tissue. Success is dependent on careful case selection, though from our series of 8 patients, we conclude that this approach allows safe access to the posterior incisural space, with acceptable outcomes with regard to postoperative disability and cranial nerve palsy. As such, the approach should be in the armamentarium of any neurosurgeon who regularly deals with posterior fossa pathology.