Comprehensive review of the extended middle cranial fossa approach.

Publication/Presentation Date

10-1-2018

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current literature on the extended middle cranial fossa (xMCF) approach and to provide a comprehensive description of the relevant anatomy, indications, surgical technique, results, and complications.

RECENT FINDINGS: The xMCF approach expands the surgical exposure provided by the sMCF approach, allowing access to the internal auditory canal, cerebellopontine angle, prepontine cistern, anterior petrous apex, petrous carotid artery, Meckel's cave, cavernous sinus, mid and upper clivus, and posterior lesions approaching the jugular foramen. Preservation of serviceable hearing is possible with success rates approximating 50% in vestibular schwannoma and meningioma resection, and facial nerve outcome is excellent.

SUMMARY: The xMCF is an important approach for difficult to access lesions that additionally offers the possibility of hearing preservation. This approach is also useful for vascular lesions, auditory brainstem implantation, and lesions of mid-brainstem.

Volume

26

Issue

5

First Page

286

Last Page

292

ISSN

1531-6998

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

29957681

Department(s)

Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology

Document Type

Article

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