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Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2011; 54(04): 196-198
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1284396
Technical Note
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Simple, Effective, Supine Positioning for the Retrosigmoid Approach

S. D. Wait
1   Division of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute/St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
4   Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
,
R. Gazzeri
2   Department of Neurosurgery, San Giovanni-Addolorata Hospital, Rome, Italy
4   Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
,
M. Galarza
3   Regional Service of Neurosurgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
,
C. Teo
4   Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 September 2011 (online)

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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
 

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