Maximizing the subtonsillar transcerebellomedullary approach to suprasellar cistern: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: The subtonsillar transcerebellomedullary approach (STA) has been well established as one of the surgical options to access lesions in the foramen of Luschka. The middle cerebellar peduncle has been defined as the superior limit of this corridor, and tumors extending beyond this landmark were often approached through combined accesses. METHOD: We illustrate the access to the suprasellar cistern, from a purely STA for a large tumor arising from the foramen of Luschka. CONCLUSION: This manuscript demonstrates the STA as a valid alternative for certain tumors of the foramen of Luschka, which extend into crural and suprasellar cisterns.