Supra-Orbital Eyebrow & Retro-sigmoid Approach
Supra-Orbital Eyebrow Craniotomy:This keyhole approach is performed through an incision in the eyebrow and a small craniotomy (bony opening) measuring approximately 2 x 3 cm. It differs from the traditional fronto-temporal craniotomies in that it requires minimal temporalis muscle dissection (the chewing muscle), much less bone removal and minimizes brain retraction.
The supra-orbital approach is ideal for many meningiomas, some craniopharyngiomas and many frontal lobe tumors such as gliomas and metastatic brain tumors.
Retro-sigmoid Craniotomy:
This keyhole approach is performed through an incision behind the ear and a small bony opening that allows access to the posterior fossa which is an area of the cranium where the cerebellum (for balance and coordination), brainstem and many important nerves reside.
The retro-sigmoid approach is ideal for removal of most schwannomas (acoustic neuroma), meningiomas and tumors of the cerebellum. It is also the route for performing microvascular decompression in patients with trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm and glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
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