[Orbito-zygomatic approach for removal of tumors of the skull base]

To evaluate the advantages and indications of orbito-zygomatic approach for removal of tumors of the skull base.

Fifteen patients with tumors of the skull base were operated on using obito-zygomatic approach. The advantages and indications of the approach were evaluated.

In 7 cases of meningioma, total removal of the tumor was achieved in 6 cases, and subtotal removal in 1. In 4 cases of craniopharyngioma, the tumor were totally removed in 3 cases, and subtotally removed in 1. The tumor were totally removed in 2 cases of trigerminal neurilemoma and 1 case of germinoma. There was one operative death. All patients recovered except 3 who had minor extraocular parasis.

This approach ensures additional space, and less cerebral retraction for easy access to skull base tumor, especially the large neoplasm of middle cranial base with or without orbital or posterior cranial base extension.