Endoscopic Endonasal Dissection of the Infratemporal Fossa: Anatomic Relationships and Importance of Eustachian Tube in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

The Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Removal of Petroclival Chondrosarcomas

“…The Eustachian cartilage is followed superiorly, continuing as the cartilage of the foramen lacerum; thus, use of the cautery while releasing the torus tubarius must be performed with caution. 22 This step is performed to grant access to tumor located inferior to the petrous apex. 2.…”

Comparison of lateral microsurgical preauricular and anterior endoscopic approaches to the jugular foramen

“…The vaginal process has received little attention as a landmark in the endoscopic approach to the jugular foramen. 1,2,4 However, it proved to be a useful landmark in this study. The fascia attached to the vaginal process protects the major neuromuscular structures, and opening it exposes the ICA, IJV and cranial nerve IX.…”

“…1,2,4,5,7 The infratemporal fossa is a complicated area. Surgical approaches to this deep region may be associated with bleeding and injury of nerves.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The traditional lateral microsurgical approaches to the jugular foramen and infratemporal fossa include Fisch's type C infratemporal fossa approach and the preauricular subtemporal infratemporal fossa approach. 3,5 The preauricular approach, as compared with Fisch's approach, has the advantage of minimising risk to facial nerve function and avoiding sacrifice of the middle and inner ear.…”

“…The cadaveric surgical procedures were done as described previously. 2,5 Results and analysis Cadaveric dissection: preauricular subtemporal infratemporal fossa approach (Figure 1) The preauricular subtemporal infratemporal fossa approach includes three distinct exposures: cervical, middle cranial base and infratemporal fossa. The preauricular incision from the frontal scalp to the neck, along with a neck dissection, provides access for control of the major vessels and lower cranial nerves, IX-XII (Figure 1a).…”