Objective To discuss the operative technique of parapetrosal presigmoid approach for patients with petroclival tumors and its outcome. Methods 16 petroclival tumors have been microsurgical treated with parapetrosal presigmoid approach and the clinical data were analysed retrospectively. Results In all patients, 9 had meningiomas, 3 epidermoid cysts, 2 pontine gliomas, and 2 schwannomas. Total resection was performed in 12 patients, subtotal resection in 3, and near subtotal resection in 1. Temporary post-operative cranial nerve paresis occurred in 3 patients but no CSF leakage and mortality ever occurred. Conclusion This approach is simpler and safer than other more extensive transpetrosal approaches. It can expose sufficiently the petroclival regions and facilitate tumor removal and provides good clinical outcome.