BACKGROUND: The caroticoclinoid bar (CCB) is implicated in both transcranial and endonasal surgery. Its morphology reflects differences in the microsurgical anatomy of the parasellar area while its manipulation during an anterior or middle clinoidectomy can result in ICA injury. Although safe surgical access to the paraclinoidal region is related to adjustment of surgical technique according to CCB anatomical variants, a review of the literature indicates the lack of a systematic assortment of published data regarding the prevalence of this variable structure. As such the topic needs further investigation.OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and document the prevalence of the CCB and its anatomic variations.METHODS: 3 Databases were systematically reviewed according to the PRISMA statement through August of 2018 for the identification of relevant studies.RESULTS: A total of 27 articles (7,521 subjects/specimens, 14,449 sides) were included in this meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of the CCB was 32.6% (95% CI 26.6% - 38.8%) when measured over subjects/specimens and 23.6% (95% CI 19.7% - 27.6%) when measured over sides. Overall prevalence of the CCB reported from imaging studies was 23.1% (95% CI 8.9% - 41.4%) when measured over subjects/specimens and 18.7% (95% CI 12.6% - 25.7%) when measured over sides. Moreover, the CCB was slightly more prevalent (p = 0.050), on the right side.CONCLUSION: Our results indicate considerable CCB prevalence rates and that imaging studies report lower prevalence rates. Although meticulous preoperative investigation is mandatory, surgeons carrying for patients with parasellar pathologies should always be vigilant about this structure.