Endoscopic Retrolabyrinthine Craniotomy for Exposure of the Trigeminal Nerve Root Entry Zone: Volumetric Analysis of Anatomic Exposure in the Cadaver.

The endoscopic RL approach is a viable alternative to the standard retrosigmoid approach. Potential advantages of the RL include a more lateral trajectory that minimizes the need for cerebellar retraction and a shorter working distance and shallower angle to the cerebellopontine angle. Potential disadvantages include longer surgery time, increased technical difficulty of exposure, and potential for cerebrospinal fluid leak and or hearing loss.