The infratemporal fossa approach to the lateral skull base and parapharynx

Surgical management of tumors involving the infratemporal fossa can be technically challenging. Tumors not involving the petrous apex or the carotid artery can be safely and completely resected using a type 1, type 2, or type 3 dissection. The type of approach varies depending on the involvement of surrounding anatomical structures. A type 1 dissection is adequate for tumors involving the maxillary sinuses, type 2 for tumors also involving ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, and type 3 for tumors involving the orbit. The aim of this review is to delineate the preoperative evaluation, surgical technique, intraoperative considerations, and potential complications of these approaches to the infratemporal fossa.