Combined Presigmoid-Subtemporal Approach in a Semi-Sitting Position for Petroclival Meningiomas: A Technical Report

The removal of petroclival meningiomas (PMs) is considered a neurosurgical challenge due to the critical mobilization of key neurovascular structures. Limited knowledge about the benefits of operating on patients with PMs using the combined presigmoid-subtemporal approach (CPSA) in a semi-sitting position has precluded its generalizability. We report on ten patients with PMs operated in a semi-sitting position using CPSA. We remark that before the surgical approach was accomplished in our group of patients, the CPSA via semi-sitting position was conducted and standardized in six adult cadaveric heads. The neuroanatomic dissections made in cadavers allowed us to confidently use CPSA in our set of patients. There were no comorbidities, perioperative complications, or deaths associated with the surgical procedure. CPSA via a semi-sitting position can be considered a safe approach to remove PMs.