Lateral approaches to the skull base.

Progress in the study of skull base anatomy and the different lesions involving it has led to more and more precise knowledge of the site. New diagnostic tools have allowed better definition of various diseases, and the use of an operative microscope and modern surgical instruments have all contributed to the development of microsurgery of the skull base. Refinements in microsurgical techniques have led to the description of multiple approaches to the skull base. Lateral approaches to the skull base have been described by pioneering surgeons who created the basis of this surgery and further contributed with their own experience. Refinements and modifications to the original technique have taken place over years, to the point that nowadays the large number of approaches described by oto- and neurosurgeons have led to some confusion. We have attempted to simplify this by retracing it to the original, basic steps based on the most representative publications and personal experience.