Retromastoid Craniotomy: An Adaptable and Panoramic Approach to the Cerebellopontine Angle

There are many approaches to the cerebellopontine angle, all of which involve different degrees of disruption of the normal anatomy. The retromastoid craniotomy has stood the test of time for the efficiency, panoramic exposure, and flexibility it provides while allowing excellent control over the vital cerebrovascular structures including the brainstem. This approach allows the surgeon not to get distracted by how to get there but instead to focus on what to do when he or she is there. Herein, I discuss the nuances of this simple approach with its "extended" variations.