THE FAR LATERAL/COMBINED SUPRATENTORIAL AND INFRATENTORIAL APPROACH - A HUMAN CADAVERIC PROSECTION MODEL FOR ROUTES OF ACCESS TO THE PETROCLIVAL REGION AND VENTRAL BRAIN-STEM

A far lateral approach to the Ventral brain stem, lower clivus, and anterior foramen magnum is described. Methods for further exposure of the superior petroclival region by incorporating a subtemporal craniotomy and posterior petrosectomy are also demonstrated. Eight sequentially illustrated steps depict this technique. The far lateral/combined supra- and infratentorial exposure is a comprehensive surgical approach that provides direct access to the entire anterior and lateral brain stem and craniovertebral junction. It minimizes brain-stem retraction and maximizes visualization of the neurovascular structures.