[Transzygomatic approach of the infratemporal fossa. Value and limits]

We report about one case of neurofibroma in the infratemporal fossa, which was treated surgically through a transzygomatic approach. Lowering the zygomatic arch with the masseter muscle and raising the coronoid process with the temporalis muscles provides a wide access to the infratemporal region without any mutilation. This way of approach can be widened anteriorly towards the orbital frame in order to reach lateral orbital lesions, and posteriorly towards the mastoideum to resect large tumors extending into the base of the skull. The transzygomatic approach seems to be particularly appropriate for the exeresis of benign tumors in the infratemporal region.