Cisterna Ambiens: anatomia microquirurgica y abordajes / Ambient cistern: microsurgical anatomy and approaches

ABSTRACT

Objective: to define the limits of the ambient cistern and to show the different ways to approach that space. Method: four formalin-fixed adults were examined using X6 to X40 magnification. The vessels were filled with colored silicon. Results: The ambient cistern is located in both sides of the mesencephalon; it is in relation with the crural cistern in front, the cuadrigeminal cistern behind and the cerebellopontine cistern bellow. The diferent approaches to the ambient cistern are; 1)transchoroidal approach, 2)infraoccipital transtentorial approach and 3) supracerebellar transtentorial approach. Conclusion: the transchoroidal, infraoccipital transtentorial and supracerebellar transtentorial are options when there are a lesion in the ambient cistern