Neuroanatomy and Surgical Approaches to Paediatric Posterior Fossa Tumours

Posterior fossa tumours in paediatric population remain a challenge to even the most experienced neurosurgeons due to the high concentration of critical neuro-vascular structures in a relatively small space. Complete resection results in prolonged survival for many patients, but it may result in inadvertent injury to surrounding structures and, consequently, poor functional outcomes. Detailed understanding of the pathologies as well as the treatment options and their anatomical relationship with neurovascular structures in the region is fundamental in deciding the surgical approaches. Meticulous preoperative workup and surgical planning are paramount. This chapter provides an overview of paediatric posterior fossa tumours, surgical approaches and techniques with relevant anatomy, and tips to prevent and manage associated surgical complications.