Manejo quirúrgico de los meningiomas de la región petroclival: resultados y elección de una vía de abordaje / Surgical Management of Petroclival Region Meningiomas: Results and Approach Selection

Introducción: Los Meningiomas de la Región Petroclival (MRPC) son tumores benignos que crecen circunscritos en una región anatómica de difícil acceso quirúrgico comprendida entre el clivus superior y medio, y la cara posterior del hueso petroso, medial al conducto auditivo interno. El manejo quirúrgico de estos tumores representa un desafío en la neurocirugía moderna. El objetivo del presente trabajo es describir los resultados quirúrgicos en una serie de casos y orientar al lector a la selección del abordaje quirúrgico adecuado desde nuestra experiencia. Materiales y Métodos: Se analizaron las historias clínicas de 30 pacientes intervenidos con MRPC desde junio del 2005 hasta septiembre del 2022. Resultados: De los 30 MRPC tratados, la edad promedio fue 52,7 años y el sexo predominante fue el femenino en un 83,3% de los casos. La zona de implantación más común fue la fisura petroclival en un 66% de los casos. El abordaje quirúrgico más utilizado fue el retrosigmoideo en un 44% de las veces seguido del presigmoideo en un 23%. Se consiguió una resección superior o igual al 95% en el 73% de los casos intervenidos. Finalmente presentamos nueve casos clínicos relevantes. Conclusiones: Los resultados de esta serie coinciden con la percepción de la literatura sobre el manejo de esta patología. La elección de una vía de abordaje es un factor determinante para lograr un resultado quirúrgico prometedor (AU)

Background. Meningiomas of the Petroclival Region (MRPC) are benign tumors that arise circumscribed in an anatomical region of difficult surgical access comprised, between the superior and middle clivus, and the posterior aspect of the petrous bone medial to the internal auditory canal. The surgical management of these tumors represents a challenge in modern neurosurgery. The object of the present work is describing the surgical results in a series of cases and to guide the reader in the selection of the appropriate surgical approach based on our experience. Methods: We included 30 patients operated on with MRPC from June 2005 to September 2022. Results: Of the 30 MRPC treated, the average age was 52.7 years, and the predominant sex was female in 83.3% of the cases. The most common implantation site was the petroclival fissure in 66% of cases. The most used surgical approach was the retrosigmoid in 44% of the cases followed by the presigmoid in 23%. A resection of 95% or more was achieved in 73% of the cases. Finally, we present nine relevant clinical cases. Conclusions: The results of this series coincide with the perception of the literature on the management of this pathology. The choice of an approach is a determining factor in achieving a promising surgical outcome(AU)

[Surgical Approaches to Petroclival Meningiomas Part 1: Microsurgical Anatomy]. / Abordajes quirúrgicos de meningiomas petroclivales parte 1: anatomía microquirúrgica.

Background: Most petroclival meningiomas are benign tumors, but their neurosurgical treatment is one of the greatest challenges in this field. Acquiring a deep practical knowledge of brain anatomy is the first step on the path to successfully meeting this challenge. To this end, the present paper is divided into two parts. The first regards the microsurgical anatomy and surgical approaches used in the management of petroclival meningiomas. The second correlates the brain anatomies of the 30 cases of petroclival meningiomas which the senior author (GRI) has operated on. Methods: Eight cadaver heads were dissected using surgical microscopes at the University of Arkansas microsurgery laboratory. The heads were stabilized in a Mayfield device to simulate surgical conditions and colored silicon was injected to highlight the differences between arteries and veins. The approaches performed were: cranio-orbital zygomatic, posterior and anterior petrosectomy, and retrosigmoid. Results: Three main surgical approaches were chosen to treat petroclival meningiomas: the pterional approach and its variants, the petrous approach and its variants, and the retrosigmoid approach. To rationalize the choice of approach, the clivus was separated into superior, middle, and inferior thirds. Conclusion: Several surgical approaches are useful in accessing the petroclival region. Acquiring a practical knowledge of this anatomy in a microsurgical laboratory is fundamental for any surgeon who intends to operate on petroclival meningiomas.

Microsurgical Resection of Giant Petroclival Meningioma via the Posterior Petrosal Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Petroclival meningiomas are challenging deep-seated lesions related to many critical neurovascular structures of the skull base.1-5 We present the case of a 45-year-old male presenting with a 3-year history of progressive headache associated gradually with multiple cranial nerves deficits and progressive tetraparesis leading to use of a wheelchair (Video 1) Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a mass highly suggestive of a giant left petroclival meningioma. Considering worsening of symptoms and impressive mass effect, microsurgical resection employing the posterior petrosal approach was performed. Mastoidectomy with skeletonization of semicircular canals and a craniotomy approaching both posterior and middle cranial fossae were done. Dural incision at the base of the temporal lobe was communicated to other incision in the presigmoid dura by ligation and sectioning of superior petrosal sinus. Tentorium was cut all the way toward the incisura, with attention to preserve the fifth nerve along its division and fourth nerve in the last cut. After a complete tentorium incision, the presigmoid space enlarged, exposing both supratentorial and infratentorial spaces. The lesion was totally resected employing microsurgical techniques. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated complete tumor resection. The patient experienced improvement of complaints and no new neurologic deficit on follow-up. The posterior petrosal approach gives great exposure and a more lateral angle of attack to the ventral surface of brainstem, allowing in this case to approach the whole tumor attachment. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for the procedure and publication of this operative video. Anatomic images were courtesy of the Rhoton Collection, American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Neurosurgical Research and Education Foundation.

Posterior petrosal approach for microsurgical resection of petroclival meningioma: 3-Dimensional operative video.

BACKGROUND: Petroclival meningiomas are challenging lesions considering their deep location and close relationship with many vital neurovascular structures.[1-8]. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 54-year-old male presenting a history of headache, dizziness, and tinnitus on the left side, associated with left facial hypoesthesia. Preoperative imaging depicted a lesion highly suggestive of a petroclival meningioma with important compression of the brainstem. Considering worsening of symptoms, size, and location of this lesion, microsurgical resection was indicated. A left posterior petrosal approach was employed with aid of neurophysiological monitoring. The patient was placed in a true lateral position and an arciform incision was done. First, the mastoidectomy was performed and then the craniotomy around encompassing both posterior and middle cranial fossae. Middle and posterior fossa dural incisions were connected through coagulation of the superior petrosal sinus. Then tentorium was all the way cut to the incisura. After that, sigmoid sinus can be mobilized posteriorly, increasing exposure of presigmoid space. The area since jugular foramen up to the supratentorial region was fully exposed, allowing safe total resection of the lesion. Postoperative imaging demonstrated complete tumor removal. Patient presented improvement of symptoms, with no new neurological deficits on follow-up. CONCLUSION: The posterior petrosal approach provided a shorter pathway and direct angle of attack to the tumor attachment, allowing successful resection.[1,6] Extensive laboratory training is essential to get familiarized with the complex anatomical relationships in that area. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for the procedure and publication of this operative video.

Petroclival Meningiomas: A Simple System That Could Help in Selecting the Approach.

BACKGROUND: Petroclival meningiomas (PCM) represent a neurosurgical challenge due to their strategic location close to the brainstem. OBJECTIVE: To assess the applicability of a retrosigmoid approach (RSA) by analyzing the degree of displacement of the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) elicited by PCM. METHODS: Patients with PCM were prospectively included and divided into those whose imaging studies showed that the posterior end of the MCP was displaced by the tumor and were eligible for and underwent RSA (group A) and those who were not eligible for RSA and who underwent surgery via a posterior transpetrosal approach (group B). We compared tumor behavior, clinical characteristic of patients and surgical results. RESULTS: Twenty patients with PCM were enrolled and allocated to group A (n = 15) or group B (n = 5). The clinical manifestations were more severe in group B; tumors in this group were larger and gross total removal was achieved in only 1 patient (20%). In comparison, in 12 cases on group A, tumors could be totally removed (80%) and all of these patients could recover their quality of life after surgery. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this study is the first to consider displacement of the MCP when establishing a suitable surgical approach for PCM. Our results suggest that the RSA becomes increasingly suitable when peduncle displacement is greater. By using this method, it was also possible to identify two types of tumors: petroclivals (group A) and clivopetrosals (group B), that show some specific clinical and surgical differences.

Microsurgical Resection of Petroclival Meningioma via the Posterior Petrosal Approach: Three-Dimensional Operative Video.

Petroclival meningiomas are complex, deep-seated lesions related to many critical neurovascular structures. We present the case of a 44-year-old woman who had presented with a history of severe facial pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus on the left side, associated with left facial hypoesthesia (Video 1). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a mass highly suggestive of a left petroclival meningioma. Considering the worsening symptoms and important mass effect, microsurgical resection using the posterior petrosal approach was performed. Mastoidectomy was performed first, followed by craniotomy encompassing both posterior and middle cranial fossae. The posterior fossa and middle fossa dural incisions were connected, coagulating and sectioning the superior petrosal sinus. Next, the tentorium was cut all the way toward the incisura, with care to preserve the fourth nerve in the last cut. After completion of the tentorium incision, the presigmoid space increased. The lesion was totally resected using microsurgical techniques, with the aid of an ultrasonic aspirator to debulk the mass and allow for its circumferential dissection. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated complete tumor resection. The patient presented with improvement of symptoms and no new neurological deficit during follow-up. Skull base approaches, such as the posterior petrosal approach, are useful for successfully treating challenging lesions such as the one presented, with low morbidity. Laboratory training is essential to be familiarized with the complex intraoperative neuroanatomical nuances. The patient provided written informed consent for the report of her case and operative video. The anatomical images were provided courtesy of the Rhoton Collection, American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Neurosurgical Research and Education Foundation.

The extradural minipterional pretemporal approach for the treatment of spheno-petro-clival meningiomas.

BACKGROUND: Cavernous sinus and petroclival region is an anatomically complex region in close relationship with important neurovascular structures. As such, the surgical treatment of spheno-petro-clival (SPC) meningiomas represents an operative challenge, in which several routes and its combinations might be used. METHODS: We describe in detail the surgical technique of the extradural minipterional pretemporal approach (eMPT-P) to the SPC region and highlight the main anatomical key elements involved in this approach as well as the technical aspects for avoiding surgical complications. CONCLUSION: The eMPT-P is a versatile approach that uses the extradural route, and thereby reduces brain retraction, while provides a good angle of exposure of the SPC region.

Combined Presigmoid and Retrosigmoid Approach to Petroclival Meningiomas.

Introduction The management of petroclival meningiomas is among the most intimidating in neurosurgery, due to its difficult accessibility and close relationship with vital structures; therefore, an appropriate exposure is mandatory. We present a surgical video demonstrating a presigmoid transtentorial approach, associated with the opening of the retrosigmoid dura to a petroclival meningioma, performed by the senior surgeon (L.A.B.B.), along with its indications and pitfalls. Approach Decision The patient's clinical history is summed to the tumor's radiological features as its extension, vascularization, and venous drainage, when selecting the appropriate approach. The presigmoid transtentorial approach offers a wide exposure of the petroclival area along with the tumor's attachment. Its association with the retrosigmoid route allows the surgeon to freely work through multiple paths, and parallel to the skull base, reducing the traction in the temporal lobe. Clinical Case This is a 39-year-old female presenting with trigeminal neuralgia. Imaging depicted a petroclival meningioma, extending from the posterior aspect of the cavernous sinus to the cerebellopontine angle, extending inferiorly to the jugular bulb. A Simpson II resection was achieved through a combined presigmoid and retrosigmoid approach, and the patient was discharged with no complications or new deficits. Conclusion Petroclival meningiomas are a formidable and surgically treatable disease. The appropriate approach is design to each patient and should not be the limiting factor for total tumor removal, which is truly given by the absence of a dissection plane between the tumor and the brainstem, nerves and vascular structures of the skull base. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/MFjqZvElBSo .

Petroclival Meningiomas: Factors Determining the Choice of Approach.

Objectives To review a surgical series of petroclival meningiomas and the factors considered in the choice of approach. Design Retrospective review. Setting The study was conducted in a university hospital in southern Brazil. Participants Twenty-two patients with petroclival meningioma originating from the upper two-thirds of the clivus medial to the fifth cranial nerve. Main Outcome Measures Gross-total resection, mortality, major morbidity, new cranial nerve deficits and tumor progression or recurrence. Results Retrosigmoid approach was used in tumors <3 cm and in those at or below the internal auditory meatus. Posterior petrosectomy was performed for tumors extending into the middle fossa. Gross-total resection was performed in 11 patients (50%). The mean follow-up time was 32 months (6-75 months). There were four cases of tumor progression or recurrence, which were treated with radiosurgery. Conclusions Resection of petroclival meningiomas remains challenging. In most cases, the retrosigmoid approach was sufficient, without affecting the degree of tumor resection. Petrosal approaches were reserved for patients with tumor extension into the middle fossa.

Palsy of the Contralateral Abducens Nerve after Aneurysm Surgery and Temporal Meningioma in the Presence of Petroclival Meningioma: A Case Report

The sixth abducens nerve is subject to injury after rare complications of intracranial hypotension caused by procedures such as dural punctures and spinal surgeries. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the mechanism of nerve palsy in these situations. Therefore, we describe a case of onset of contralateral sixth cranial nerve palsy after intracranial aneurysm and temporal meningioma surgery. Moreover, in this case there is a singularity due to the presence of the petroclival meningioma that amplified the unfolding of the lesion.

O sexto nervo abducente está sujeito a lesões após raros eventos de hipotensão intracraniana gerada por procedimentos como punções de dura-máter e cirurgias de coluna. O propósito deste relato de caso é discutir o mecanismo da paralisia deste nervo nestas situações. Para isso, descrevemos um caso de aparecimento de paresia do sexto nervo craniano contralateral após cirurgia de aneurisma intracraniano e de meningioma temporal. Além do mais, neste caso há uma singularidade em razão da presença do meningioma petroclival contralateral, que amplificou o desdobramento da lesão.

Meningiomas petroclivales: estrategia quirúrgica endoscópica a propósito de dos casos / Petroclival meningioma: endoscopic approach and case report

A pesar del desarrollo de las técnicas quirúrgicas de base de cráneo, los meningiomas petroclivales constituyen un reto para el neurocirujano debido a su localización y relación con estructuras neurológicas y vasculares críticas. Se reportan 2 pacientes con diagnóstico de meningioma petroclival que recibieron tratamiento por etapas incluyendo derivación ventrículo peritoneal asistida por endoscopia para la hidrocefalia, abordaje endonasal endoscópico (AEE) extendido al ápex petroso, keyhole subtemporal y retromastoideo con remoción de la lesión. La evolución fue satisfactoria. Se concluyó que los abordajes endoscópicos y por etapas constituyen una excelente opción en el tratamiento de los meningiomas petroclivales.

In spite of the development of the skull base surgery techniques, petroclival meningiomas are a challenge for neurosurgeon due to their localization and relationship with neurovascular structures. Those are two patient with diagnostic of petroclival meningioma whom received treatment step by step included ventricle peritoneal shunt with endoscopic guide for hydrocephalus, extended endonasal approach to petrous apex, subtemporal and retrosigmoid keyhole. The endoscopic approach is an excellent option in the treatment of petroclival meningioma.

Meningioma petroclival. abordaje petroso combinado con extensión translaberíntica / Petroclival meningioma. petrosus approach combined with translabyrinthine extension

Objetivo: Presentar un caso de meningioma petroclival con extensión al cavum de Meckel, tratado quirúrgicamente a través de un abordaje petroso combinado con extensión translaberíntica. Introducción: Se define como meningioma petroclival, al que se origina en los dos tercios superiores de la fisura petroclival, y medial al nervio trigémino. Existen numerosos abordajes para estos tumores, y cada caso requiere un análisis individualizado. Descripción del caso: Paciente de 25 años que refiere cefalea de 6 meses de evolución, progresiva e invalidante, e hipoacusia derecha. Al examen físico presenta hipoestesia en territorio trigeminal derecho y desviación velopalatina a derecha. En la imagen de resonancia magnética (IRM) se evidencia voluminosa lesión expansiva petroclival derecha con extensión al cavum de Meckel. La cirugía fue programada en dos tiempos: en el primero se realizó el abordaje y en el segundo la exéresis tumoral total. En el post operatorio evolucionó con una hemiparesia izquierda transitoria y parálisis completa del tercer par derecho en recuperación. Discusión: Existen múltiples modalidades terapéuticas para los meningiomas de base de cráneo. En este caso considerando la ubicación, el tamaño, su extensión clival, al cavum de Meckel y su relación con la arteria basilar, se decidió realizar un abordaje petroso combinado, con extensión translaberíntica debido a la hipoacusia. Conclusiones: Los abordajes de base de cráneo acortan la distancia de trabajo al tumor y mejoran los ángulos de exposición, facilitando su exéresis. Su principal desventaja, que es el tiempo de realización, puede sortearse dividiendo la cirugía en 2 tiempos.

Objective: To present a patient with a right petroclival meningioma with extension into Meckel´s cave, surgically treated by combining a petrosal approach with translabyrinthine extension.Introduction: Petroclival meningiomas are tumors that arise from the upper two thirds of the petroclival fissure, medial to the trigeminal nerve. There are several treatment options, with every case warranting an individualized approach.Case description: Our patient was a 25-year-old male/female with a 6-month history of progressive, disabling headaches and right hearing loss. The physical exam revealed right trigeminal hypoesthesia and rightward deviation of the soft palate. Magnetic resonance imaging detected a huge right petroclival tumor with extension into Meckel´s cave. Two-stage surgery was planned, the first procedure to create an approach, and the second to attempt total tumor resection, which was achieved. Postoperatively, the patient had transient left hemiparesis and a complete third nerve palsy that recovered partially. Discussion: Many different surgical approaches exist for treating petroclival meningiomas. In this case, considering the tumor’s location and volume, its clival and Meckel´s cave extension and basilar artery involvement, we elected to combine a petrosal approach with translabyrinthine extension, due to the patient’s previous hearing loss. Conclusion: Skull-base approaches shorten the working distance to the tumor, improving the angle of approach and rendering total resection possible. One of the procedure’s main disadvantages is the time required; but this can be overcome by performing the procedure in two stages.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to Ventral Posterior Fossa Meningiomas: From Case Selection to Surgical Management.

Clival, petroclival, and foramen magnum meningiomas are challenging lesions to manage independently of the selected surgical approach. The expanded endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) provided a safe alternative on the armamentarium of skull base approaches. There is a paucity of literature regarding endoscopic management of meningiomas because of certain limiting factors, including rarity of the pathologic condition, technical challenges, expertise of the surgical team, and available resources. The surgical technique, possible complications, and postoperative care are described in detail. This article highlights the important aspects in choosing this surgical approach and managing ventral posterior fossa meningiomas through the EEA.

Cirugía endoscópica endonasal extendida a la región Petro-Clival / Ápex Petroso. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Endonasal endoscopic surgery extended to the Petro-Clival / Petrópe region. Case report and literature review

INTRODUCCIÓN: las indicaciones de la cirugía endoscópica endonasal en el tratamiento de tumores de base de cráneo continúan expandiéndose, sobre todo para los tumores extradurales, como son los cordomas. A partir de un caso, nuestro objetivo fue revisar la literatura relevante de estos desafiantes tumores operados bajo esta técnica. CASO CLÍNICO: paciente de 59 de edad con antecedentes de depresión mayor, que comenzó con un cuadro de diplopía por compromiso del VI par izquierdo. Los estudios (CT y RM) mostraron un proceso expansivo en la región del ápex petroso. Se realizó un abordaje endoscópico extendido a la región petro-clival con resección tumoral subtotal. Buena evolución postquirúrgica con desaparición de su diplopía. El diagnóstico histológico fue de Cordoma Condroide. Se indicó radioterapia adyuvante. DISCUSIÓN: a partir del conocimiento y la experiencia en el manejo endoscópico de la patología intraselar se desarrollaron abordajes para el tratamiento de patologías que comprometen la fosa anterior, media e inclusive la fosa posterior. Actualmente, los abordajes endoscópicos, se han extendido a otras áreas de la base de cráneo que de otro modo presentan un reto técnico para la exposición a través de los abordajes transcraneales habituales. El abordaje endoscópico endonasal ofrece una ruta quirúrgica adecuada para la resección del tumor que se presenta en este caso. Las vías que pueden ser utilizados para llegar a la región petroclival a través de la acceso endonasal incluyen la medial (con o sin la movilización de ACI) y la infrapetrosa transterigoidea. En este reporte de caso se analizan las indicaciones del abordaje endoscópico endonasal basado en una revisión de la literatura. CONCLUSIÓN: el abordaje endoscópico endonasal extendido se presenta como una alternativa segura para el tratamiento de determinadas lesiones petro-clivales. Se requieren más estudios anatómicos y clínicos para establecer mejor el rol de este tipo de técnicas en el manejo de las lesiones localizadas en esta región

INTRODUCTION: indications for endoscopic endonasal surgery for the treatment of skull base tumors continue to expand, particularly for extradural tumors, such as chordomas. Based on this case report presentation, we aim to review the literature on the endoscopic technique relevant to the management of these challenging tumors. CASE REPORT: a 59 year-old woman who presented with diplopia due to left sixth nerve palsy underwent imaging studies (CT, MRI) that revealed a mainly intra-osseous expansive process of the left petrous apex. An expanded endoscopic endonasal approach to the petroclival region was performed and the tumor was subtotally resected. The patient recovered from surgery with resolved diplopia. Histopathology was compatible with chondroid chordoma. The radiation therapy was indicated after surgery. DISCUSSION: built upon the bulk experience on the treatment of intrasellar pathology, endonasal endoscopic approaches have been developed for the treatment of skull base lesions involving the anterior, middle and even posterior cranial fossae. Nowadays, the use of these techniques has spread to other areas of the skull base, which otherwise present as a formidable technical challenge for exposure through transcranial approaches. The endonasal endoscopic approach provides an adequate surgical corridor for the resection of the tumor presented in this case report. The alternative corridors that can be utilized to reach the petroclival region through the endonasal endoscopic route include the medial corridor (with or without ICA mobilization) and the transpterygoid infrapetrous corridor. In this article, we discuss the indications for the endoscopic endonasal approach for the case presented, and discuss our choice of approach based on our review of the literature. CONCLUSION: the extended endoscopic endonasal approach presents as a safe alternative for the treatment of select petroclival lesions. Further anatomical and clinical studies are required to better establish the role of the endoscopic endonasal approach for lesions located in this region

Nuances in the treatment of malignant tumors of the clival and petroclival region.

Introduction Malignancies of the clivus and petroclival region are mainly chordomas and chondrosarcomas. Although a spectrum of malignancies may present in this area, a finite group of commonly encountered malignant pathologies will be the focus of this review, as they are recognized to be formidable pathologies due to adjacent critical neurovascular structures and challenging surgical approaches. Objectives The objective is to review the literature regarding medical and surgical management of malignant tumors of the clival and petroclival region with a focus on clinical presentation, diagnostic identification, and associated adjuvant therapies. We will also discuss our current treatment paradigm using endoscopic, open, and combined approaches to the skull base. Data Synthesis A literature review was conducted, searching for basic science and clinical evidence from PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Database. The selection criteria encompassed original articles including data from both basic science and clinical literature, case series, case reports, and review articles on the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and management of skull base malignancies in the clival and petroclival region. Conclusions The management of petroclival malignancies requires a multidisciplinary team to deliver the most complete surgical resection, with minimal morbidity, followed by appropriate adjuvant therapy. We advocate the combination of endoscopic and open approaches (traditional or minimally invasive) as required by the particular tumor followed by radiation therapy to optimize oncologic outcomes.

Nuances in the Treatment of Malignant Tumors of the Clival and Petroclival Region

Introduction: Malignancies of the clivus and petroclival region are mainly chordomas and chondrosarcomas. Although a spectrum of malignancies may present in this area, a finite group of commonly encountered malignant pathologies will be the focus of this review, as they are recognized to be formidable pathologies due to adjacent critical neurovascular structures and challenging surgical approaches. Objectives: The objective is to review the literature regarding medical and surgical management of malignant tumors of the clival and petroclival region with a focus on clinical presentation, diagnostic identification, and associated adjuvant therapies. We will also discuss our current treatment paradigm using endoscopic, open, and combined approaches to the skull base. Data Synthesis A literature review was conducted, searching for basic science and clinical evidence from PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Database. The selection criteria encompassed original articles including data from both basic science and clinical literature, case series, case reports, and review articles on the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and management of skull base malignancies in the clival and petroclival region. Conclusions: The management of petroclival malignancies requires a multidisciplinary team to deliver the most complete surgical resection, with minimal morbidity, followed by appropriate adjuvant therapy. We advocate the combination of endoscopic and open approaches (traditional or minimally invasive) as required by the particular tumor followed by radiation therapy to optimize oncologic outcomes...