Cranio-cervical junction decompression by transoral approach technique, indications and results. Report of 4 patients

The surgical treatment of anterior upper cervical spine and skull base disease remains challenging because of their anatomical complexity and limited surgical accessibility. The aim of this study is to discuss the indications and complications of this technique. The authors present a retrospective study about 4 cases of craniocervical junction decompression by a transoral approach, operated between 2001-2003. The indications were craniovertebral junction tuberculosis in 1 case, C1 and C2 metastasis of digestive carcinoma and 2 cases of arthritis dystrofic lesions of C1-C2. Immediat post-operative death occured in one case and neurological impoval was observed in 3 cases. Medullary decompression by the transoral approach is a logical and anatomical surgical technique.