Infratemporal fossa approach to tumours of the temporal bone and base of the skull.

In spite of the development of a superior (middle cranial fossa) and posterior (translabyrinthine) approach to the temporal bone, tumours situated in the infralabyrinthine and apical compartments of the pyramid and surrounding base of the skull were still a challenge for neurosurgeons and otologists as well. The infratemporal fossa approach closes the existing gap in the surgical management of the most hidden lesions of the temporal bone. The approach features the permanent anterior transposition of the facial nerve, resection of the mandibular condyle and mobilization of the zygoma and lateral orbital rim. Obliteration of the pneumatic spaces of the temporal bone, with permanent occlusion of the Eustachian tube and blind sac closure of the external auditory canal, avoids the danger of post-operative infection and leads to primary wound healing in the shortest time. Three types of infratemporal fossa approach are presented and dicussed on the basis of 51 operated patients.