Keyhole Brain Surgery

What is a "keyhole" craniotomy?

Retro-sigmoid craniotomy (often called "keyhole" craniotomy) is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure performed to remove brain tumors. This procedure allows for the removal of skull base tumors through a small incision behind the ear, providing access to the cerebellum and brainstem. Neurosurgeons may use this approach to reach certain tumors, such as meningiomas and acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas).

Benefits of "keyhole" craniotomy:

Retro-sigmoid craniotomy results in:

• Less pain than an open craniotomy
• Faster recovery than an open craniotomy
• Minimal scarring

Types of brain tumors treated with "keyhole" craniotomy:

The retro-sigmoid craniotomy is one of many treatment options for brain tumors. It may be performed for the following types of brain tumors:

• Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas)
• Meningiomas
• Metastatic brain or spine tumors
• Skull base tumors