The interpeduncular cistern is a difficult region to approach through conventional
methods due to its deep location and important adjacent neurovascular structures.
Therefore, it is usually difficult to expose the region sufficiently. Technical problems
associated with various surgical approaches have led to emergence of combined approaches
and their modifications (i.e., the removal of the zygomatic arch). In addition, a
frontotemporal craniotomy is reported to provide a wide exposure of the anterior temporal
base, thus allowing oblique access to the interpeduncular cistern with minimal brain
retraction. This study describes clinicians' experience and the surgical results of
24 patients who underwent a zygomatic anterior subtemporal approach.
Basilar aneurysm - chordoma - craniopharyngiomas - interpeduncular cistern - skull
base - zygomatic approach