Acta Neurochirurgica · Published 2026-06-15 · DOI 10.1007/s00701-026-06904-5
Thibault Passeri, Gabriel C. Heemann, Michelle Grouls, Sébastien Froelich
Abstract Background Petroclival and brainstem lesions remain challenging to access due to their deep-seated location and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Method We describe the step-by-step technique of the standard extradural anterior transpetrosal approach, and its extensions, illustrated through cadaveric and surgical illustrations. A surgical video demonstrates its application in a patient with a petroclival meningioma with posterolateral extension. Conclusion The extradural anterior transpetrosal approach provides a direct « looking-down» trajectory to petroclival lesions with minimal brain retraction, making it a valuable route for safe and effective access to this complex anatomical region.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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Passeri, T., Heemann, G., Grouls, M., et al. (2026). Extradural anterior transpetrosal approach: how I do it. Acta Neurochirurgica. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-026-06904-5