Subtemporal (Intradural and Extradural) Craniotomy

Indications

• This technique is effective for lesions of the middle fossa (i.e., cavernous sinus, medial temporal lobe, tentorial region, petrous bone, incisura) and posterior fossa (i.e., extraaxial lesions in the petroclival region, intraaxial lesions in the anteromedial region of the superior cerebellum).

• Lesions that can be approached via a right-sided craniotomy are preferred for an intradural approach.

• This approach can be expanded by adjuncts, such as division of the tentorium, zygomatic osteotomy, and anterior petrosectomy.