Preservation or improvement of cranial nerve function can be achieved through total removal of a trigeminal schwannoma, and skull base approaches are better suited to achieving this goal. The zygomatic middle fossa approach is particularly helpful and safe. It allows extradural tumor removal from the cavernous sinus, the infratemporal fossa, and the posterior fossa through the expanded Meckel cave.

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The authors recommend this approach for patients with large or giant retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas.

THE PETROSAL (PRESIGMOID transtentorial) approach has been advocated for resecting retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas. The projection of the surgical corridor, posterior to anterior and inferior upward, is particularly valuable in dissecting the upper pole of the tumor, which projects high into the third ventricle. This approach allows direct visualization for dissecting the hypothalamus and the pituitary stalk, and maintaining their blood supply and functional integrity. With a web site video presentation, we demonstrate the operative nuances of the approach to these tumors. We recommend this approach for patients with large and giant retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas.