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Anatomy of the posterior Fossa: a comprehensive description for pediatric brain tumors

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Abstract

Posterior fossa tumors are the most common pediatric brain tumors, and present unique challenges in terms of their location and surgical management. The posterior fossa comprehends complex anatomy and represents the smallest and deepest of the three cranial base fossae. An in-depth understanding of posterior fossa anatomy is crucial when it comes to the surgical resection of pediatric brain tumors. Mastering the knowledge of posterior fossa anatomy helps the neurosurgeon in achieving a maximal and safe volumetric resection, that impacts in both overall and progression free survival. With the advancements in microsurgery, the telovelar approach has emerged as the workhorse technique for the resection of posterior fossa tumors in pediatric patients. This approach involves meticulously dissecting of the natural clefts present in the cerebellomedullary fissure, making a comprehensive understanding of the underlying anatomy key for its success.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurology, University of Campinas, 126 Tessalia Vieira de Camargo St. 13083–887, Campinas, SP, Brazil

    Cleiton Formentin, Leo Gordiano Matias, Lucas de Souza Rodrigues dos Santos, Romulo Augusto Andrade de Almeida, Andrei Fernandes Joaquim & Enrico Ghizoni

  2. Centro Infantil Boldrini, Campinas, SP, Brazil

    Cleiton Formentin, Leo Gordiano Matias, Andrei Fernandes Joaquim & Enrico Ghizoni

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  1. Cleiton Formentin
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  2. Leo Gordiano Matias
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  3. Lucas de Souza Rodrigues dos Santos
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  4. Romulo Augusto Andrade de Almeida
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  5. Andrei Fernandes Joaquim
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Contributions

CF and EG made substantial contributions to the conception of the work; CF performed the anatomical dissections; LGM, LSRS, and RAAA were responsible for the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of the literature; CF wrote the main manuscript text; CF, LGM, LSRS, RAAA, AFJ, and EG critically reviewed the work for important intellectual content; all authors have given their approval for the final version.

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Correspondence to Cleiton Formentin.

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Formentin, C., Matias, L.G., de Souza Rodrigues dos Santos, L. et al. Anatomy of the posterior Fossa: a comprehensive description for pediatric brain tumors. Childs Nerv Syst 40, 613–624 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-023-06220-8

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