Microanatomic Morphometric Characteristics of the Third Ventricle Floor.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neuroanatomy
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a key treatment for hydrocephalus.
• Precise microanatomical knowledge is vital for ETV accuracy, safety, and complication avoidance.
• Existing literature lacks detailed microanatomical data relevant to ETV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the knowledge gap in microanatomical metrics and correlations pertinent to ETV.
• To provide detailed measurements of key anatomical landmarks in the relevant surgical area.
• To enhance the understanding of the microanatomy crucial for ETV procedures.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive microanatomical study utilizing 25 human cadaver brains.
• Dissection and measurement of anatomical landmarks under surgical microscope with high-precision tools.
• Statistical analysis using RStudio, including Shapiro-Wilk test for distribution evaluation.

Main Results:

• Quantified distances between key structures: Foramen of Monro to mamillary body (16.83±1.04 mm anteriorly), mamillary body margins to infundibulum (6.39±1.9 mm) and optic recess (8.25±1.84 mm).
• Measured anterior commissure to brain aqueduct (22.46±2.29 mm) and infundibulum (13.93±2.54 mm).
• Provided dimensions for mamillary body (4.91±0.34 mm AP, 4.21±0.48 mm CC), hypothalamus (1.37±0.75 mm), Liliequist membrane (0.19±0.07 mm), and lamina terminalis (0.35±0.32 mm).

Conclusions:

• The study presents novel microanatomical measurements and correlations essential for ETV.
• These detailed metrics are expected to improve the safety and efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy.
• Findings contribute valuable data for neurosurgeons performing ETV and related procedures.