How I do it: purely intracondylar approach to the hypoglossal canal for the treatment of an intracanalicular hypoglossal lesion.

Abstract

Lesions confined to the hypoglossal canal are rare, but may lead to invalidating symptoms. Moreover, extensive approaches to this region frequently require complex dissections and high surgical risks. We propose a minimally invasive approach specifically tailored to purely intracanalicular lesions of the hypoglossal canal. With the aid of operative images and anatomic dissection, we present a clinical case of such a lesion and describe a targeted surgical approach for treatment. For lesions purely confined to the hypoglossal canal, a tailored intracondylar approach is feasible and may, in selected cases, reduce surgical times and complications.