Combined transmandibular-zygomatic approach and infratemporal craniotomy for intracranial skull base tumors.

Large intracranial skull base tumors remain surgically treacherous lesions. The preauricular transzygomatic infratemporal approach to this area has rapidly gained popularity. This article presents modifications to this approach which improved visualization and access to the infratemporal fossa. The procedure increases visualization, minimizes brain retraction, and results in improved resection and outcome. Reconstruction is rapid and there are minimal functional and cosmetic deficits.