Retromaxillary-infratemporal fossa dissection for tumors of the anterior and anterior/lateral skull base

The retromaxillary-infratemporal fossa dissection with preauricular incision is a versatile approach that can be used effectively for treating tumors involving the anterior and lateral skull base. This approach, which originally was described for accessing the temporomandibular joint, lateral orbit, and zygomatic arch, has been expanded for the treatment of tumors extending or originating within the infratemporal fossa. We have used this approach alone or in combination with a facial degloving approach, subfrontal approach, or submandibular/cervical exposure for the past decade. Because of its excellent exposure, ease of access and low rate of morbidity, we believe the retromaxillary-infratemporal fossa dissection is an important surgical technique that should be in the armamentarium of any surgeon operating in the anterior/lateral skull base.