Enlarged entry space for the transpetrosal approach.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Approaching deep posterior fossa and perimesencephalic lesions presents surgical challenges.
• Existing surgical approaches may offer limited access to specific anatomical regions like the tentorial edge and upper clivus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an extended temporal craniotomy technique involving the removal of the external auditory meatus roof.
• To evaluate the utility of this technique for accessing various intracranial lesions.

Main Methods:

• The study involved cadaveric dissections and description of clinical surgical procedures.
• The technique focuses on the extended temporal craniotomy with removal of the external auditory canal roof.

Main Results:

• The described technique provides a wider surgical entry space.
• This approach facilitates access to the tentorial edge, cerebellopontine angle, upper clival lesions, and deep perimesencephalic lesions.

Conclusions:

• The extended temporal craniotomy with removal of the external auditory meatus roof is a safe and effective method.
• This technique offers a valuable option for neurosurgeons managing complex posterior fossa and deep perimesencephalic pathologies.