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Endoscopic Access to the Infratemporal Fossa and Skull Base
A Cadaveric Study
Christopher J. Hartnick, MD;
John S. Myseros, MD;
Charles M. Myer III, MD
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001;127:1325-1327.
Objectives To demonstrate that the regions of the infratemporal fossa and skull
base at the level of the foramen ovale can be visualized endoscopically and
that structures can be manipulated within these regions using endoscopic instruments.
Methods Cadaveric dissection of 3 human cadavers using an endoscopic optical
dissector. In all, 6 endoscopic infratemporal fossa and skull base approaches
were performed.
Setting Human temporal bone laboratory.
Results A Gillies incision was coupled with a lateral brow incision, and then
subperiosteal planes were developed. Endoscopic visualization and instrumentation
was then performed. The infratemporal fossa was readily identified. The skull
base at the level of the foramen ovale and the branches of the third division
of the trigeminal nerve were seen distinctly. A probe was placed with ease
within the foramen ovale itself.
Conclusions Endoscopic access to the infratemporal fossa is readily accomplished,
with excellent visualization and instrumentation ability. This novel technique
provides access to this remote region for evaluation, possible biopsy, and
potential treatment of infratemporal fossa lesions.
From the Departments of Pediatric Otolaryngology (Drs Hartnick and
Myer) and Pediatric Neurosurgery (Dr Myseros), Children's Hospital Medical
Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr Hartnick is now with the Department of Otolaryngology,
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.
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Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001;127(11):1403-1405.
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