A Direct Lateral Approach to the Base of the Skull

Abstract

At the Triological Society section meeting at the combined otolaryngology spring meeting in Palm Beach, Fla, John Conley, MD, New York, described his experience with five cases of massive, chronic, recurring, benign mixed tumors that required mandibulectomy and facial nerve resection with replantation of the ascending ramus of the mandible. These cases were in a series of 135 deep-lobe tumors of the parotid gland, of which 73 tumors were handled in the classic manner, with lateral lobectomy, preservation of the facial nerve, and deep lobectomy. Thirty-seven tumors were malignant and required more extensive surgical procedures. These cases were not discussed. Twenty cases required an osteotomy of the ascending ramus and preservation of the seventh cranial nerve. The five patients who were discussed in detail had had from five to 13 conservative operations over a period of seven to 15 years and would not permit a radical operation to be performed