Stylohamular dissection: a new method for en bloc reaction of malignancies of the infratemporal fossa

Abstract

This study is a description of the "stylohamular" dissection, a technique for the en bloc resection of the infratemporal fossa. The medial plane of this dissection extends from the styloid process to the hamulus of the pterygoid just lateral to the foramen lacerum, allowing the surgeon to spare the internal carotid artery. The foramen ovale and foramen spinosum are routinely exposed during this procedure. Medially, the pterygoid musculature serves as the margin of the cancer block. Posteriorly, the mastoid tip may be included in this resection. Anteriorly, the lateral pterygoid plate is resected making it the anterior vertical plane of the dissection. Laterally, skin and mandible are the block margins. In the last three years, this approach has been utilized in eight patients with advance malignancies involving the infratemporal fossa. The results are encouraging. Five patients have remained well and free of disease for a maximum of three years postoperatively. Two patients have had recurrence of their tumor from six months to one year postoperatively. Palliation in all patients was excellent. The literature on various infratemporal dissections and their results is reviewed.