Bilateral fronto-orbito-zygomatic craniotomy - A combined extended frontal and orbitozygomatic approach

In extensive skull base lesions involving the spehno-ethmoido-clival region and extending into both the cavernous sinuses and infratemporal regions, a combination of approaches is usually required, either in the same operation or at a second stage. The bilateral fronto-orbito-zygomatic craniotomy described in this report is a combination of an extended frontal approach acid fronto-orbito-zygomatic craniotomy. This gives a wide exposure of the spheno-ethmoido-clival regions of both the cavernous sinuses and both the infratemporal regions. The exposure is thus greatly improved with minimal frontal lobe retraction. The single bone piece can he speedily replated obviating the need for a complicated reconstruction technique and gives a superior cosmetic result. The operative technique is described in detail.