Classification of facial translocation approach to the skull base

Abstract

Objective: To categorize a surgical approach to the skull base.

Design: Retrospective assessment of an evolving concept pertaining to the facial translocation procedure.

Setting: Schematic/conceptual.

Main outcome measures: To allow favorable surgical reach of the essential anatomy at the cranial base with the potential for functional and esthetic reconstruction.

Intervention: Systematic craniofacial disassembly.

Results: The facial translocation technique of modular craniofacial disassembly of facial units permits a satisfactory match between a skull base tumor and a selected surgical approach. Individual units have a complementary relationship to one another, allowing an expansion of the surgical approach as needed.