Operative approach to the frontal skull base: extensive transbasal approach.

An operative technique called the extensive transbasal approach is reported with the operative results of 11 cases. This is an operative mode in which en bloc osteotomy of the orbital roofs and frontal sinus is performed after ordinary bifrontal craniotomy. Through this approach, a far wider operative space than that afforded by conventional operative techniques is possible, and reconstruction of the frontal base can be made securely. We consider this approach of major clinical value.