A. Hirano et al., HEMIFACIAL DEGLOVING APPROACH TO TUMORS IN THE INFRATEMPORAL AND PTERYGOPALATINE FOSSAE - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT, Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery, 24(5), 1996, pp. 285-288
A new approach to tumours in the infratemporal or pterygopalatine foss
a is presented. Through a midline skin incision, one side of the face
from the forehead to the neck is completely degloved. Zygomatic and ma
ndibular osteotomies improve access. All mimic muscles and the facial
nerve are included in the elevated flap. This approach provides a wide
ly exposed field from the temporal fossa to the neck without damage to
major vessels or nerves other than the supra- and infraorbital nerves
. Direct access to tumours in the infratemporal or pterygopalatine fos
sa is facilitated, thus making tumour resection easier, safer and more
reliable. Details of this approach are described.