Trans-tonsillar approach for resection of a tumor located in the lateral aspect of the medulla: Operative video

In the neurosurgical literature, there are descriptions of the suboccipital subtonsillar approach, including cadaveric studies, technical notes, and reports of its application in various pathologies. However, the use of the trans-tonsillar pathway is not described in the neurosurgical bibliography. This fact attracts attention, since resection or coagulation of only cerebellar tonsils does not generate a clinically significant neurological deficit. This suggests that the trans-tonsillar pathway, if necessary, is a valid option. The current work constitutes the first report of the usage of a suboccipital trans-tonsillar approach.