Extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach: how I do it

The extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial (ELSI) approach was initially proposed to treat lesions of the posterolateral surface of the pons principally cavernomas. The versatility of the approach allowed its use for other pathologies like gliomas, aneurysms, epidermoids, and meningiomas.

We describe here the ELSI approach along with its advantages and limits in comparison with other surgical approaches for the treatment of meningiomas of the petroclival region.

ELSI is a versatile approach that allows access to the anterolateral brainstem surface including extensions to the midbrain diencephalic junction when needed. ELSI compares favorably to other surgical alternatives with respect to the approach-related morbidity, while allowing adequate access to treat the pathology.