Extended temporal bone resection

A histologically benign tumor of the temporal bone became a life-threatening neoplasm. Previous surgical procedures and a course of radiotherapy failed to arrest the growth of the neoplasm. Our therapeutic objectives were fourfold: (1) ventilation of tumor histology; (2) total tumor removal without an increase of the neurological deficit; (3) watertight closure of the dural defect; and (4) aesthetically acceptable scalp reconstruction. These goals were achieved by performing temporal bone resection extending from the foramen lacerum to near the foramen magnum. The external soft-tissue defect was reconstructed with a contralateral scalp flap. The patient recovered satisfactorily from her surgery and achieved improvement of her ataxia and level of consciousness.