The orbitozygomatic infratemporal approach: a new surgical technique

Abstract

Lesions in the parasellar region and the interpeduncular fossa, including medial-third sphenoid wing meningiomas, petroclival meningiomas, trigeminal neurinomas, and basilar tip aneurysms, are very difficult to approach for radical procedures. To minimize brain retraction and achieve excellent exposure in the shortest possible distance for safe manipulation within these regions, the authors have developed a new surgical technique, an orbitozygomatic infratemporal approach. Sixteen patients with parasellar tumors, nine patients with basilar tip aneurysms, and one patient with a P-1 distal aneurysm were operated on using this orbitozygomatic infratemporal approach, with excellent results. The operative technique and its results are detailed.