Transzygomatic approach to tumours of the parasellar region. Technical note

A simple transzygomatic approach to the middle fossa centered on the inferior retraction of the temporal muscle hinged on the transected zygomatic arch is described. This approach allows a very low basal exposure of the middle and temporal fossa minimizing the amount of temporal lobe retraction needed to approach intra and extradural lesion in this location. The upper portion of the infratemporal fossa is also reached after removal of the middle fossa skull base. This approach is simple, easily performed, does not require extensive skull base removal, and still offers excellent visualization of the middle fossa and of the upper infratemporal fossa.