Microsurgical anatomy of the cavernous sinus and limitations of surgical approaches: a cadaveric study

Background: The endoscopic endonasal approach is common in the treatment of pathologies in and around the cavernous sinus. This cadaveric study aims to examine the anatomy of the cavernous sinus to guide endoscopic studies and determine points to consider during surgical approaches.Materials and methods: For this study, a total of 7 cadavers, 4 male and 3 female, were injected with coloured silicone and dissections were performed under the microscope. The characteristics of the surgical corridors encountered during the transsphenoidal, transsellar and transcavernous approaches were examined and their images were recorded.Results: The stages and limitations of surgical approaches to the cavernous sinus in cadavers are presented. The anatomical features of the triangles defined in the cavernous sinus and the structures they contain are explained. It was determined that the surgical field formed by clinoidal and anteromedial triangles could be used effectively to reach cavernous sinus pathologies during endoscopic endonasal interventions. It was also observed that supratrochlear and infratrochlear triangles are dangerous for such surgical interventions.Conclusions: The detailed anatomical features related to the cavernous sinus, revealed in our cadaveric study, are valuable in terms of preventing complications that may occur during surgical interventions. (Folia Morphol 2023; 82, 4: 805-813)