Abstract: Objective　To investigate the anatomical variation of superior petrosal vein (SPV) and superior petrosal sinus (SPS) and its management during the surgery for petroclival meningioma.　Methods　19 cases of petroclival meningiomas from October 2017 to October 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Different approach were used to perform the operation according to the classification of petroclival meningioma. The anatomical classification of SPV and SPS was observed and made category. The operative complications were treated.　Results　Total resection (Simpson I / II) was performed in 12 cases (accounting for 63.2%), and nearly total resection (Simpson III) in 7 cases (accounting for 36.8%).  During the operation, there were 12 cases (accounting for 63.2%) of type I in the anatomical variation of SPV and SPS, 7 cases (accounting for 21.1%) of type II and 11 cases (accounting for 15.8%) of type III. There were 10 cases of transpetrosal middle cranial fossa approach, 10 cases of disconnection SPS and 2 cases of injured SPV were . 4 cases of supratentorial and infratentorial presigmoid approach were performed, including 3 cases of disconnection SPS and 1 case of injured SPV . 5 cases of retrosigmoid approach were treated, including 1 case of injured SPV. In all cases, 13 cases (accounting for 68.4%) were injured SPS, 4 cases (accounting for 21.1%) were injured SPV, and 3 cases (accounting for 15.8%) were serious complications.　Conclusions　DSA examination before the operation of petroclival meningioma to understand the anatomical variation of SPV and SPS is helpful for the choice of operative approach, avoiding the unnecessary injury and reducing the postoperative complications.

Key words: Petroclival meningioma, 　Superior petrosal vein, 　Superior petrosal sinus, 　Anatomical classification