Simple, effective, supine positioning for the retrosigmoid approach.

BACKGROUND: The retrosigmoid approach is often used for posterior fossa pathology. Many variations of positioning exist. Here, we report a simple, safe, and quick positioning technique which maximizes patient safety, surgeon comfort, and intraoperative view.

METHODS: We reviewed the senior author's prospective surgical database for retrosigmoid approaches to the posterior fossa and noted any complications or difficult exposures.

RESULTS: Over 970 retrosigmoid operations were performed over the course of 19 years. There were no positioning-related complications and no aborted surgeries due to inadequate exposure. No normal cerebellum was ever resected to increase exposure and no retractor was ever used in the posterior fossa.

CONCLUSIONS: Supine positioning for the retrosigmoid approach is an excellent and safe positioning alternative.