OBJECTIVE: To summarize the operation experience of resecting petroclival region tumors by lateral approaches. METHODS: (1) Ameliorate pterion approach; (2) temporal-occipital transtentorial-transpetrous approach; (3) transpetrous combined with supratentorial and infratentorial presigmoid approach; (4) far lateral transcondylar approach were applied for 61 patients with petroclival region tumor. RESULTS: Of the 61 tumors studied, 54 were completely resected, 6 were nearly complete and 1 was subtotally resected. No patient died in this group, 37 patients were followed up, and all showed satisfying results. 45% of the patients had CNs deficit, with III, VI, V, VIII, IX, X, XII nerve deficits most commonly seen. CONCLUSION: Lateral approaches are recommended for total resection of petroclival region tumors. HoVDever the operative techniques are complex and potential risks of morbidity exist.