Abstract: The primary goal of the lateral skull base surgery is to radically resect tumors, as well as to reduce mortality and improve quality of life, on the basis of guaranteeing life safety of patients. Following surgical principles and mastering necessary operative skills are essential to ensure the safety and therapeutic effects of the surgery. With the advances of medical science, the lateral skull base surgery has stepped into a new stage, encountering new opportunities as well as challenges. This article summarized the fundamental principles and techniques of lateral skull base surgery, and briefly looked forward to the future in this field.