The location of jugular foramen is deep and hidden, and its local anatomical structure is complex, so it can be called "the most complicated foramen of skull base". Most of the tumors in this area are benign or low-grade malignant; currently, radical resection is the main treatment method. However, the surgery in the jugular foramen region is still a ticklish problem in neurosurgery, and there are still many shortcomings in the relevant surgical approaches and methods. This paper reviews the development of anatomical research and surgical approaches in the jugular foramen region, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of common surgical approaches for tumors in this region, so as to provide references for further clinical anatomical research or improved surgical approaches.