The midface degloving approach for intracranial tumours

Although many approaches to the anterior clivus and parasellar region have been described, safe access to this area remains difficult. The authors describe the use of the midface degloving approach as a route for resection of intracranial lesions of the anterior skull base. Six cases are presented: two sellar meningiomas, a trigeminal neuroma, a pituitary adenoma, fibrous dysplasia and fibrosis of the trigeminal nerve within Meckel's cave. The midface degloving approach has allowed excellent exposure, avoids any visible scarring and obviates the need for craniotomy. The approach is a useful adjunct to the armamentarium of the surgeon operating in this area and indeed may allow removal of lesions that could not safely be removed transcranially.