The subtemporal, transcavernous, anterior transpetrosal approach to the upper brain stem and clivus.

The temporal lobe, posterolateral cavernous sinus, tentorium, and petrous apex restrict anterolateral surgical access to lesions of the upper brain stem and clivus. The authors describe a modified transpetrosal approach that enhances the exposure of clival chordomas and aneurysms of the basilar artery bifurcation. An intradural and extradural subtemporal approach is combined with division of the tentorium and superior petrosal sinus, posterolateral dissection of the cavernous sinus, and intradural removal of the petrous bone from its apex to the cochlea. The indications, advantages, and disadvantages of this subtemporal, transcavernous, anterior transpetrosal approach are described in detail, along with its use in six patients.