Facial translocation approach to the cranial base.

Facial translocation is a new approach which has been developed for surgical management of extensive lesions of the anterolateral cranial base, including the nasopharynx, sphenoid sinus, clivus, infratemporal fossa, superior orbital fissure, and cavernous sinus. Temporary displacement of the craniofacial skeleton allows direct, wide access to this complex anatomic area, while giving the surgeon a high degree of control over critical neural and vascular structures.