Zygomaticotemporal approach to the basis cranii and basilar artery

When using the zygomaticotemporal approach, one removes the whole of the zygomatic bone with its attachment to the masseter muscle, allowing a lower and more anterior approach to the interpeduncular cistern along the inferomedial surface of the temporal lobe. Minimal brain retraction is required to give an excellent view of the bifurcation of the basilar artery and of the suprasellar region.