Abstract
Background:
The retrosigmoid approach is often used for posterior fossa pathology. Many variations
of positioning exist. Here, we report a simple, safe, and quick positioning technique
which maximizes patient safety, surgeon comfort, and intraoperative view.
Methods:
We reviewed the senior author’s prospective surgical database for retrosigmoid approaches
to the posterior fossa and noted any complications or difficult exposures.
Results:
Over 970 retrosigmoid operations were performed over the course of 19 years. There
were no positioning-related complications and no aborted surgeries due to inadequate
exposure. No normal cerebellum was ever resected to increase exposure and no retractor
was ever used in the posterior fossa.
Conclusions:
Supine positioning for the retrosigmoid approach is an excellent and safe positioning
alternative.
Key words
retrosigmoid approach - microsurgery - cerebellopontine angle - skull base surgery
