title: Making the "inoperable" tumors "operable": Harvey Cushing's contributions to the surgery of posterior fossa tumors.
abstract: Harvey Cushing played a pivotal role in establishing neurosurgery as a distinct surgical discipline. One of his most important contributions was defining the surgical removal of posterior fossa tumors. Compulsive preoperative evaluation followed by meticulous surgical technique as well as incorporation of maneuvers such as ventricular puncture and electrocautery further advanced resection of tumors in this region. Herein, the authors review Cushing's contributions to posterior fossa surgery.
authors.affiliation: Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
authors.forename: Mahdi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Malekpour
authors.forename: Aaron A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Cohen-Gadol
mesh_terms: D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D015192:Infratentorial Neoplasms / Q000266:history / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods*