[Cranio-orbital zygomatic extradural approach for cavernous sinus or Meckel's cave tumors]

Direct surgery to cavernous sinus (CS) lesions has become one of the optimal treatments based on advancement in microsurgical anatomy and imaging modality, and the progress of microsurgical techniques. We have removed the CS or Meckel's cave tumors extradurally when they do not extend intradurally, using modified Al-Mefty's cranio-orbital zygomatic craniotomy. Three CS tumors; trigeminal neurofibroma, squamous cell carcinoma and chondrosarcoma, and a Meckel's cave meningioma were reported. Total removal was achieved in all but one (case 4). Postoperative complications were permanent ophthalmoplegia in one, transient ophthalmoplegia in one, subcutaneous CSF accumulation in two and trigeminal dysfunction in one. The extradural approach can be the first choice of methods for total removal of tumors when they are confined to the CS or Meckel's cave.