Stylohamular dissection: a new method for en bloc reaction of XXXX of the infratemporal fossa.

@entity5 @entity1
This study is a description of the "stylohamular" dissection, a technique for the en bloc resection of the infratemporal fossa. The medial plane of this dissection extends from the styloid process to the hamulus of the pterygoid just lateral to the foramen lacerum, allowing the surgeon to spare the internal carotid artery. The foramen ovale and foramen spinosum are routinely exposed during this procedure. Medially, the pterygoid musculature serves as the margin of the @entity5 . Posteriorly, the mastoid tip may be included in this resection. Anteriorly, the lateral pterygoid plate is resected making it the anterior vertical plane of the dissection. Laterally, skin and mandible are the block margins. In the last three years, this approach has been utilized in eight @entity1 with advance @entity5 involving the infratemporal fossa. The results are encouraging. Five @entity1 have remained well and free of disease for a maximum of three years postoperatively. Two @entity1 have had recurrence of their @entity5 from six months to one year postoperatively. Palliation in all @entity1 was excellent. The literature on various infratemporal dissections and their results is reviewed.
