Simple, effective, supine positioning for the retrosigmoid approach

The retrosigmoid approach is often used for posterior fossa pathology. Many variations of positioning exist. Here, we report a simple, safe, and quick positioning technique which maximizes patient safety, surgeon comfort, and intraoperative view.

We reviewed the senior author's prospective surgical database for retrosigmoid approaches to the posterior fossa and noted any complications or difficult exposures.

Over 970 retrosigmoid operations were performed over the course of 19 years. There were no positioning-related complications and no aborted surgeries due to inadequate exposure. No normal cerebellum was ever resected to increase exposure and no retractor was ever used in the posterior fossa.

Supine positioning for the retrosigmoid approach is an excellent and safe positioning alternative.