Classification and Management of Pontecerebellar-Petrosal Bridging Veins

Objectives: The risks and benefits of coagulating intradural venous elements during a retrosigmoid approach for trigeminal neurovascular decompression has not been accurately established. The objectives of this study were to identify the veins that drain into the superior petrosal sinus, classify them in relation to the suprameatal tubercle, and determine the implication of their coagulation.

Methods: A retrospective study of 3-dimensional surgical videos of retrosigmoid approaches for trigeminal neurovascular decompression from the Laboratory of Neurosurgical Innovations of Tucumán (LINT) digital archive was carried out. The veins encountered were classified into 3 groups: retromeatal, meatal and premeatal. The neurosurgical postoperative complication scale proposed by Landriel et al. was utilized to assess complications from venous coagulation. A grade 0 was added for patients without complications. The STATA 14 program was utilized for statistical analysis.

Results: The pontocerebellar-petrosal veins of 28 patients who underwent trigeminal decompressive surgery were analyzed. In 7 cases these were found in the retromeatal region; 100% were sacrificed. Eleven cases revealed veins within the meatal region; 90.91% were coagulated. Veins in the premeatal region were found in 14 cases; 57.14% were sacrificed. In the postoperative follow-up, 27 patients were grade 0 and 1 patient developed postoperative meningitis (grade Ib complication). No patient suffered vascular complications.

Conclusions: The venous elements identified in trigeminal neurovascular decompressive surgery are variable. We propose classifying them into retromeatal, meatal, and premeatal groups. Retromeatal and meatal veins can be safely sacrificed for appropriate visualization of the neurovascular conflict. The premeatal venous elements should be coagulated only in justified cases.