[Value and Control Possibilities of the Vertebral Artery in Tumor Surgery at the Base of the Skull]

Following anatomical description of the third segment of the vertebral artery (from C2 to the foramen magnum), the surgical techniques which permit to expose and control this artery at this level are presented. Choice is between the posterior approach in sitting or procubitus position and the lateral approach in supine position. The former is mainly applied on intradural tumors or prolongments and the latter on extradural tumors. These techniques were utilized on more than 60 cases including for the most frequent types meningiomas, neurinomas, paragangliomas and osseous tumors and were associated with a very low morbidity and mortality.