The transoral surgical approach is useful for operating on structures at the base of the brain and the upper cervical spinal cord. For example, this route has been used for resecting spinal tumors and clipping vertebrobasilar aneurysms. In the past, this surgical approach was not advocated due to concerns about exposure and infection. However, the availability of the microscope, computed tomography, computed myelotomography, magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative radiography as well as more effective techniques have improved the diagnosis of pathology of the craniovertebral junction and surgical performance. An understanding of the operative procedures involved with this approach assists the neuro-science nurse in preoperative teaching and anticipating potential postoperative complications.