Abstract:

 Objective   To investigate the difference of the extent and structure of the foramen jugulare region from a far lateral inferior suboccipital approach, post aur presigmoid approach, improved post aur head and neck approach.　Methods　Six emblamed adult cadaveric heads were randomally and equally assigned to three groups (group A、B、and C). Jugular foramen operative approach was simulated under high power microscope. The far lateral inferior suboccipital approach was applied to A, the post aur presigmoid approach was applied to B, the improved post aur head and neck approach was applied to C to proceed microdissection studies；exposed structure and scope were compared among the above-mentioned surgical approaches.  Result The far lateral inferior suboccipital approach was better for jugular foramen area to exposeintracranial structures, post aur presigmoid approach was better to expose internal structures in the jugular foramen、tympanum、mastoid air cell and structures around cervical artery sheath; improved post aur head and neck approach was better for exposure of extracranial-intracranial(EC-IC) structures through multiple angles such as rear, outside, above and below.    Conclusion    The exposure range and structures of jugular foramen area vary in different surgical approaches.  Improved post aur head and neck approach with its multiple angles was better at exposure of intracranial and extracranial structures, so that total resecction of tumor can be achieved.

Key words: Jugular foramen region, Surgical approach, Microdissection, Exposure structure