Zygomatic anterior subtemporal approach for lesions in the interpeduncularcistern

The interpeduncular cistern is a difficult region to approach through conve ntional methods due to its deep location and important adjacent neurovascul ar structures. Therefore, it is usually difficult to expose the region suff iciently. Technical problems associated with various surgical approaches ha ve led to emergence of combined approaches and their modifications (i.e., t he 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 re sults of 24 patients who underwent a zygomatic anterior subtemporal approac h.