Facial translocation approach to infratemporal fossa and cranial base in extensive angiofibroma: A review of 7 cases

Abstract

Angiofibroma extending to infratemporal fossa, orbit and middle cranial fossa is a difficult problem for a surgeon to tackle. Traditional extracranial excision with radiotherapy for the intracranial extension was practiced for a long time with variable results. Different approaches to remove such a tumour are described but most of them are not free from resultant morbidity in the form of facial asymmetry and incomplete tumour removal. Facial translocation approach facilitates complete tumour removal without cutting through the tumour thereby reducing per-operative blood loss. It also avoids facial asymmetry as the zygomatico-orbito-maxillary bony complex is replaced after the tumour removal. We present a review of seven cases with the results. The surgical steps, advantages, disadvantages and the complications are discussed.