Exoscopic En Bloc Carotid-Sparing Total Temporal Bone Resection: Feasibility Study and Operative Technique

Objective: To delineate the steps of exoscopic en bloc carotid artery-sparing total temporal bone resection for malignancies involving the temporal bone in a cadaveric model.

Methods: Dissections were performed on 3 right-sided (3 sides) formalin-fixed, latex-injected cadaveric specimens. An exoscopic en bloc carotid artery-sparing total temporal bone resection was performed on each cadaver. In the past 4 years, 8 patients have undergone exoscope-assisted internal carotid artery-sparing total temporal bone resection with the technique described in this report. As an example, we present a representative case of a patient in whom this technique was used.

Results: Exoscope-assisted en bloc total temporal bone resections were performed on 3 right-sided cadaveric specimens. The following steps were described to circumferentially expose the petrous temporal bone: infratemporal fossa exposure, temporal craniotomy for subtemporal middle fossa approach to the petrous bone, retrosigmoid craniotomy, and transjugular approach. Finally, 3 skull base osteotomies were performed to liberate anterior, medial, posterior attachments of the petrous bone for en bloc removal. Possible extensions of these dissections as indicated by tumor pathology were described. A case illustration and operative video utilizing these techniques is presented.

Conclusions: Exoscope-assisted en bloc carotid artery-sparing total temporal bone resection is a feasible technique for management of malignancies with temporal bone invasion.