Preoperative embolization of anastomoses of the jugular bulb: an adjuvant in jugular foramen surgery.

We describe the technique of preoperative embolization of the inferior petrosal sinus/anterior condylar vein complex and the posterior condylar vein in three patients undergoing skull base surgery that required opening of the jugular bulb. Contrary to the usual situation, essentially no blood was lost during the operation, resulting in decreased surgical time and reduced risk to the lower cranial nerves.