P.094 Modified Obwegeser temporal approach to the infratemporal fossa: four cases and review of literature

Abstract

Background: The infratemporal fossa is an anatomically complex region. Lesions that arise in the infratemporal fossa are uncommon; however, their surgical resection remain challenging. Here we present a modified preauricular subtemporal approach initially described by Obwegeser et al. used in four patients with large skull base lesions. Methods: Retrospective case series of 4 patients Results: Four patients with various lesions of the infratemporal fossa (aneurysmal bone cyst, giant cell tumor of the bone, recurrent melanoma and recurrent clival chordoma) underwent surgical resection using the modified Obwegeser approach. A multidisciplinary team cared for patients consisting of maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology and neurosurgery. After either nasotracheal intubation or tracheostomy, the patient’s jaw was temporarily wired shut. A curvilinear incision was fashioned and the root of zygoma was exposed (masseter attached) and osteotomized followed by inferior mobilization. The mandibular condyle is osteomized next and TMJ disarticulated with temporalis muscle still attached and reflected superiorly. Surgical resection of tumor then proceeded centered around the region bridging the temporal and infratemporal fossae. Reconstruction was carried out using plates and screws. Conclusions: The modified Obwegeser approach can provide safe and direct access to certain infratemporal fossa lesions with good cosmesis and functional outcome for patients without substantially increasing OR time.