Classification of facial translocation approach to the skull base.

Abstract

To categorize a surgical approach to the skull base. Retrospective assessment of an evolving concept pertaining to the facial translocation procedure. Schematic/conceptual. To allow favorable surgical reach of the essential anatomy at the cranial base with the potential for functional and esthetic reconstruction. Systematic craniofacial disassembly. The facial translocation technique of modular craniofacial disassembly of facial units permits a satisfactory match between a skull base tumor and a selected surgical approach. Individual units have a complementary relationship to one another, allowing an expansion of the surgical approach as needed.