胸廓出口综合征手术治疗中对前中小斜角肌的处理

目的随访35例胸廓出口综合征手术治疗的疗效。方法手术治疗35例37侧胸廓出口综合征患者,其中上干型5例,下干型28例30侧,全臂丛型2例。X线片示颈肋1例,第七颈椎横突过长3例。手术切除增长的骨组织和颈肋,术中发现35例均有纤维束带压迫臂丛神经,均作前、中、小前斜角肌切断术。术后随访1年～3年6个月。结果术后症状明显改善26例27侧,部分改善5例6侧,无效4例。结论斜角肌是引起臂丛神经血管受压征的主要因素,手术探查时应常规切断前、中斜角肌及小斜角肌。     

The transdural approach for thoracic disc herniations: a technical note

Surgery for thoracic disc herniations is still challenging, and the disc excision via a posterior laminectomy is considered risky. A variety of dorsolateral and ventral approaches have been developed. However, the lateral extracavitary and transthoracic approach require extensive surgical exposure. Therefore, we adopted a posterior transdural approach for direct visualization without entry into the thoracic cavity. Three cases that illustrate this procedure are reported here with the preoperative findings, radiological findings and surgical techniques used. After the laminectomy, at the involved level, the dorsal dura was opened with a longitudinal paramedian incision. The cerebrospinal fluid was drained to gain more operating space. After sectioning of the dentate ligaments, gentle retraction was applied to the spinal cord. Between the rootlets above and below, the ventral dural bulging was clearly observed. A small paramedian dural incision was made over the disc space and the protruded disc fragment was removed. Neurological symptoms were improved, and no surgery-related complication was encountered. The posterior transdural approach may offer an alternative surgical option for selected patients with thoracic paracentral soft discs, while limiting the morbidity associated with the exposure.     

胸腰椎肿瘤全脊椎切除手术入路的选择与评价

目的 :探讨胸腰椎肿瘤全脊椎切除手术的入路选择,初步评价不同手术入路的临床意义。方法 :2001年10月~2013年12月共收治74例胸腰椎肿瘤患者,男31例,女43例;年龄11~69岁,平均40.2岁。分别采用单纯后正中入路、后路联合前路或后路联合侧前方入路手术完成肿瘤的全脊椎切除。分析脊柱肿瘤WBB分期及肿瘤所在部位、是否首次手术与手术入路选择的关系。结果:选择后正中入路手术者25例,肿瘤位于B~D、3~9区15例,其中单节段12例,两节段3例;B~D、1~12区4例,其中单节段3例,两节段1例;肿瘤软组织肿块较小、位于A~D/E、3~9区4例,其中单节段3例,两节段1例;A~D/E、1~12区单节段2例。整块切除24例,大块经瘤切除1例。上胸椎2例,胸椎及胸腰段21例,中下腰椎2例。后路联合前方入路手术者30例,肿瘤侵袭A~D/E、累及1~12区20例,单节段11例,两节段及以上9例,其中复发肿瘤12例;累及3~9区8例,单节段5例、两节段及以上3例,其中上胸椎5例(复发肿瘤2例);累及B~D、3~9区的L4和L5肿瘤各1例。整块切除8例,大块经瘤切除22例。上胸椎7例,下腰椎(L4-L5)5例,胸椎或胸腰段18例。后路联合侧前方入路19例,肿瘤累及A~D/E、1~12区10例,单节段肿瘤9例,2节段1例;累及A~D/E、3~9区的单节段初次手术的胸腰段肿瘤5例,软组织肿块位于脊椎的侧方;累及B~D、1~12区的中下腰椎单节段肿瘤2例,胸腰段肿瘤2例。整块切除3例,大块经瘤切除16例。胸椎及胸腰段10例,中下腰椎9例。结论:胸、腰椎肿瘤全脊椎切除手术入路应根据肿瘤侵袭范围及所在脊椎部位进行选择。局限在脊椎骨内或椎旁肿块较小的单及两节段肿瘤选择单纯后正中入路;肿瘤突破脊椎致前方有较大肿块、复发肿瘤及侵袭椎旁的上胸椎肿瘤多选择联合前方入路;软组织侵袭位于脊椎侧方的肿瘤多选择后路联合侧前方入路。     

经不同手术径路治疗胸中下段食管鳞癌的比较研究

目的比较经左胸与右胸手术径路治疗胸中下段食管鳞癌的疗效,探讨合理的胸中下段食管鳞癌手术径路。方法回顾性分析2004年1月到2007年12月间上海交通大学附属胸科医院行手术治疗的120例食管中下段鳞癌患者的临床资料．其中左胸径路和右胸径路各60例．比较两组患者手术切除率、淋巴结清扫情况、术后并发症发生率、复发情况以及生存率。结果左胸径路组和右胸径路组患者手术切除率分别为91．7％（55／60）和95．0％（57／60）,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。左胸径路组平均每例淋巴结清扫数和转移淋巴结数分别为4．60枚和0．57枚,显著低于右胸径路组的8．32枚和1．33枚（均P〈0.01）。两组术后并发症发生率分别为26．7％（16／60）和31．7％（19／60）,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。两组术后局部复发率分别为43．3％（26／60）和23．3％（14／60）．差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）：但远处转移率的差异无统计学意义[68.3％（41／60）比56．7％（34／60）,P〉0.05]。左胸径路组术后5年生存率为21．7％,明显低于右胸径路组（36．7％,P〈0.05）。结论右胸径路与左胸径路对胸中下段食管鳞癌的手术切除率相似．但右胸径路更易于进行系统性的纵隔淋巴结清扫．有助于减少局部复发、提高长期生存。     

胸椎管狭窄症后路手术神经系统并发症发生原因及处理

【摘要】 目的：回顾性分析胸椎管狭窄症后路手术神经系统并发症发生的原因,并提出相应的处理对策。方法：自2008年1月～2014年1月经后路手术治疗胸椎管狭窄症患者101例,男52例,女49例,年龄32～81岁,平均55.6岁。单纯胸椎黄韧带骨化89例,其中单节段29例,连续型56例,跳跃型4例;胸椎后纵韧带骨化3例;胸椎间盘突出合并胸椎黄韧带骨化9例。均采用经后路“揭盖法”椎板切除减压术。记录术中及术后神经系统并发症情况和相应的处理措施,随访患者神经功能AISA分级变化情况。结果：共有7例患者发生11例次神经系统并发症,发生率为6.9%。其中脊髓损伤2例次;硬脊膜损伤5例次;脑脊液漏3例次;硬膜外血肿1例次。2例脊髓损伤患者中,1例为术中减压过程操作不慎损伤,1例为术后硬膜外血肿致伤,2例均经甲强龙冲击治疗,术后康复锻炼,脊髓功能不完全恢复。1例硬膜外血肿急诊行血肿清除术,术后痊愈。5例硬脊膜破损者4例硬脊膜损伤术中行硬脊膜修补,1例未予修补,术后均加压包扎及生物蛋白胶封闭,其中3例发生脑脊液漏,经放置引流、严密缝合及补充水电解质等处理治愈。7例患者均获得随访,随访时间5~62个月,平均随访26个月,术前2例ASIA B级患者末次随访时1例改善为C级,1例改善为D级;4例ASIA C级患者2例改善为D级,2例改善为E级;1例ASIA D级患者改善为E级。结论：胸椎管狭窄症后路手术神经系统并发症有一定的发生率,术中规范精心操作,术后及时有效处理是减少和防治并发症的关键。     

Temporary claviculectomy approach for plexiform neurofibroma of the first intercostal nerve

Plexiform neurofibroma at the thoracic inlet has rarely been reported and to our knowledge, the use of a temporary middle claviculectomy approach for thoracic inlet tumors has never been reported. We report a case of plexiform neurofibroma of the first intercostal nerve resected using a temporary claviculectomy approach. An abnormal shadow detected radiographically in a 16-year-old boy led to a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF-1) with a chest wall tumor at the thoracic inlet. The patient underwent resection of the tumor with the right first rib. The resected clavicle was reapproximated with a plate and postoperative shoulder function was satisfactory. The tumor was diagnosed pathologically as a plexiform neurofibroma and the patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. The temporary middle claviculectomy approach provides excellent exposure of the subclavian vessels and brachial plexus before resection of the tumor. We recommend this approach for tumors of the anterior thoracic inlet.     

A radical procedure of circumferential spinal cord decompression through a modified posterior approach for thoracic myelopathy caused by severely impinging anterior ossification

Background contextThoracic myelopathy caused by an anterior, massive ossified plaque is often progressive and responds poorly to conservative treatment. Direct removal of the compressing ossification is the optimal procedure for a spinal cord that is severely impinged anteriorly. However, both anterior and posterior decompressive manipulations have caused catastrophic iatrogenic spinal cord injuries. A comprehensive treatment method for severe thoracic myelopathy that enables a sufficient and safe decompression of the spinal cord is needed.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy, safety, and results of a one-stage circumferential decompressive procedure using a modified posterior approach in patients with severe thoracic myelopathy resulting from anterior spinal compression.Study designA modified procedure of circumferential spinal cord decompression for thoracic myelopathy is described. A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the clinical outcomes of 23 sequentially treated patients.Patient sampleTwenty-three patients were treated sequentially with a modified procedure for circumferential spinal cord decompression for thoracic myelopathy.Outcome measuresOutcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, modified Frankel classification, Hirabayashi recovery rate, and a general assessment of complications.MethodsTwenty-three patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by a massive, anterior ossified structure were treated with an extensive posterior laminectomy, anterior removal of the ossification, and interbody fusion with kyphosis-reversing stabilization through a modified posterolateral approach. The neurologic outcomes are evaluated according to the JOA and the modified Frankel classification before surgery, 2 weeks after surgery, 1 year after surgery, and at the final follow-up visit. The surgical outcomes are also described using the Hirabayashi recovery rate. Radiographs, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging were performed before and after surgery. A postoperative CT scan was obtained to determine the efficacy of the decompression. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were reviewed from the medical records. In addition, a 48-year-old man who presented with severe thoracic myelopathy resulting from anterior impingement with multiple osteophytes is described as an illustrative patient.ResultsThe sites of ossification in this series were distributed widely, from T4–T12. The anterior ossified plaques of all patients were resected completely. Five patients who had intraoperative evidence of dural ossification required resection of the ossified dura matter. The average operating time was 276 minutes. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 1,350 mL. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 2.5 to 6 years, with an average of 4.6 years. The average preoperative JOA score was 4.3±1.5 points, and it improved to 6.1±1.9 points 2 weeks postoperatively, to 8.1±1.8 points 1 year postoperatively, and to 8.5±1.9 points at the most recent follow-up. The overall Hirabayashi recovery rate at the final examination averaged 63.6±22.4%. Eight patients were graded as excellent, 10 as good, 4 as fair, and 1 as unchanged. No patient was graded as deteriorated. The paralysis improved by at least 1 grade in 22 patients (95.7%). Transient deterioration of thoracic myelopathy occurred immediately after surgery in three patients (13%). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in six patients (26.1%). One patient sustained severe bilateral groin pain, three had unilateral intercostal neuralgia, and pleura tear occurred in one patient.ConclusionOne-stage posterior decompression, anterior extirpation of the ossification, and interbody fusion with instrumentation via a modified posterior approach is a safe and effective treatment for severe thoracic myelopathy resulting from prominent anterior impingement. This procedure is technically demanding, and the indications are limited to thoracic myelopathy caused by severe anterior impingement of various etiologies from T4–T12.     

“菱形”截骨切除脊髓前方致压物治疗硬化性胸及胸腰段椎间盘突出症

目的:探讨经后路"菱形"截骨切除脊髓前方致压物治疗硬化性胸及胸腰段椎间盘突出症的临床疗效。方法:2009年8月~2014年7月,共收治26例硬化性胸及胸腰段椎间盘突出症患者,男19例,女7例;年龄平均43.8±23.3岁(18~70岁)。19例为胸椎间盘突出,包括胸椎间盘突出并钙化14例,胸椎后缘骨赘5例;7例为胸腰段椎间盘突出并钙化。术前神经功能Frankel分级:B级3例,C级14例,D级9例。手术均采用经后路"菱形"截骨切除脊髓前方致压物。手术疗效评价参照改良Macnab疗效评定标准及Frankel分级,随访观察治疗效果。结果:手术均顺利完成,术后X线片显示内固定位置良好,CT显示突出物切除彻底。1例患者(T10/11)术后出现症状加重(Frankel分级由D级变为C级),经甲强龙、脱水剂、营养神经药物治疗后恢复至术前水平。随访5~36个月,平均19.8个月。24例患者术后神经功能获不同程度恢复(2例Frankel D级患者无变化)。根据改良Macnab疗效评定标准,本组优15例,良8例,可2例,差1例,优良率88.46%(23/26),总有效率96.15%(25/26)。所有患者均获得骨性融合,无内固定松动断裂等并发症发生。结论:经后路"菱形"截骨切除脊髓前方致压物治疗硬化性胸及胸腰段椎间盘突出症可获得满意疗效。     

经胸腔入路的颈部器械吻合治疗食管上段癌

Cervical anastomosis by the thoracic approach for the treatment of upper esophageal cancer can simplify surgical steps and reduce incidence of anastomotic leak. This approach has been used for 26 patients with upper esophageal cancer who were admitted to the Jiangsu Cancer Hospital from July 2006 to August 2009. The mean length between lesion and incisor was 23.3 cm. General anesthesia and double-lumen intubation through left posterolateral incision in the fifth intercostal space was adopted. The stomach was dissociated with the technique of "in situ dissociation", and esophagus was dissociated conventionally. Double purse-string suture was adopted to fix the esophageal mucosa onto the supportive base of the stapler, and make purse-string suture to fix stomach on the center pole of the stapler. There was one failure case which has been converted to the manual cervical anastomosis, and the operations for the rest 25 cases were completed successfully, without anastomotic leakage and positive margin. The average blood loss was (352 ±211 )ml, and the average operation time was (3.7 ±0.6 )hours.     

Oblique paraspinal approach for thoracic disc herniations using tubular retractor with robotic holder: a technical note

Introduction

Symptomatic thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are uncommon and can be surgically treated. Although transthoracic decompression is considered the gold standard, it is associated with significant comorbidities. In particular, approach via a posterior laminectomy has been associated with poor results. Several strategies have been developed for the resection of TDHs without manipulating the spinal cord. We describe a minimally invasive technique by using 3-D navigation and tubular retractors with the aid of a robotic holder via an oblique paraspinal approach.

Materials and Methods

The 20-mm working tube via an oblique trajectory through the fascia provides a good surgical field for thoracic discectomy through a microscope. We present our first five patients with TDHs operated using this minimally invasive approach.

Results

Neurological symptoms were improved postoperatively, and there were no surgical complications. There was no instability or recurrence during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The oblique paraspinal approach may offer an alternative surgical option for treating TDHs.     

Efficacy of thoracic sympathetic ganglion block and prediction of complications: Clinical evaluation of the anterior paratracheal and posterior paravertebral approaches in 234 patients

In the 10 years from 1980 to 1989, a total of 234 patients underwent 557 thoracic sympathetic ganglion blocks. The block was performed by the anterior paratracheal approach in 129 cases and by the posterior paravertebral approach in 428 cases. The procedures for using these two approaches are presented here. The efficacy of thoracic sympathetic ganglion blockade was evaluated as follows; marked efficacy was defined by the complete control of sweating in the palms, moderate efficacy was defined by a decrease in palmar sweating which persisted for at least one week, and minor efficacy was defined by a decrease in sweating followed by recurrence of hyperhidrosis within one week with maintenance of palmar warmth. in addition, the results were retrospectively reviewed in relation to the age and sex of the patients, the technique used, the laterality of the block, the disease treated, the doses of local anesthetic and neurolytic agents, and the number of blocks. The posterior approach was significantly more successful than the anterior approach, and the treatment of both T2 and T3 by the posterior approach was significantly more effective than the treatment of either nerve alone by the same approach (P 0.01). The efficacy rate was significantly lower for hyperhidrosis than for the other diseaces (P 0.01). Complete cessation of hyperhidrosis was significantly less common in the over-60 age group (P 0.01). Regarding the dose of neurolytic, the complete cessation of hyperhidrosis was achieved significantly more frequently with doses of 2.5ml or higher than with lower doses (P 0.01) when both T2 and T3 wee treated by the posterior approach. A dose-dependent response if hyperhidrosis was noted at dose levels higher than 2.5ml. Thoracic sympathetic ganglion blockade was only occasionally associatid with complications, and no serious complications were observed. Before injecting the neurolytic agent, a mixture of contrast medium and local anesthetic was injected to determine the three-dimensional distribution of the contrast and to assess the scope of the analgesia produced by the local anesthetic. Significant complications could thus be avoided.(Ohseto K: Efficacy of thoracic sympathetic ganglion block and prediction of complications: Clinical evaluation of the anterior paratracheal and posterior paravertebral approaches in 234 patients. J Anesth 6: 316–331, 1992)     

经后外侧入路椎管减压椎间融合内固定术治疗胸椎间盘突出症

目的:观察经后外侧入路椎管减压椎间融合内固定术治疗胸椎间盘突出症的手术疗效。方法:选择2009年1月~2015年8月收治的47例单节段胸椎间盘突出症患者,采用椎管减压椎间融合内固定术治疗,其中经后外侧入路组26例,经侧前方入路组21例。术前两组患者的年龄、性别分布、病程、病变节段、突出类型、脊髓受压情况、临床表现、随访时间均无统计学差异(P0.05)。记录两种术式的手术时间、术中出血量和手术并发症;术前及术后3d、6个月采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)评估疼痛情况;术后6个月采用Otani分级评定其临床疗效,采用改良胸脊髓神经功能JOA评分及神经功能Frankel分级评估神经功能恢复情况,影像学测算椎管矢状径残余率评估椎管减压程度,CT薄层扫描重建评估椎间融合情况,动态X线片对固定情况进行评估。结果:经后外侧入路组的手术时间、术中出血量、切口长度和住院时间均优于经侧前方入路组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。经侧前方入路组术后发生胸腔积液4例、肺炎4例、脑脊液漏2例、肠麻痹5例,经后外侧入路组术后无上述并发症出现,两组并发症发生率的差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后6个月两组Otani分级优良率无统计学差异(P0.05)。术后3d经后外侧入路组VAS评分优于经侧前方入路组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后6个月两组患者的疼痛、神经功能及椎管有效容积均较术前明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后6个月,两组间VAS评分、JOA评分、神经功能Frankel分级和椎管矢状径残余率比较均无统计学差异(P0.05),CT三维重建显示两组椎间融合率均为100%,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);动态X线片检查脊柱连续性及稳定性良好,无钉棒断裂和松动现象,椎间高度无明显丢失,椎体间cage无下陷及移位。结论:后外侧入路椎管减压椎间融合内固定术治疗胸椎间盘突出症的近期效果满意。     

Comparison of primary total hip replacements performed with a direct anterior approach versus the standard lateral approach: perioperative findings

Background  

Given the increasing demand for tissue-sparing surgery, the surgical approach is the subject of lively debate in total hip replacement. The aim of this paper is to compare the efficacy of the minimally invasive direct anterior approach and the standard lateral approach to total hip replacement surgery by observing intra- and perioperative outcomes.     

肩胛下高位经胸入路行上胸椎前路减压融合术

目的探讨前路肩胛下高位经胸入路行上胸椎减压内固定的显露效果。方法本组 8例 ,男 6例 ,女 2例 ,年龄2 6 - 5 5岁 ,平均 37岁。病变范围胸3 ～胸5椎体 ,其中胸3 ,4结核 3例 ,胸3 ～胸5转移性肿瘤 3例 ,胸4,5骨折 2例。采用肩胛下高位经胸入路显露胸1～胸5椎体 ,结核行病灶清除 ;肿瘤行病椎切除 ,骨水泥充填 ,Z -plate内固定 ;骨折行侧前方减压、植骨、Z -plate内固定。结果 8例均良好地显露出胸1～胸5椎体 ,并完成病灶清除、减压、内固定 ,无重要血管神经损伤 ,无 1例出现神经症状加重 ,伤口均一期愈合 ,仅 1例发生胸导管损伤 ,经对症治疗 1周后痊愈。结论肩胛下高位经胸入路是显露上胸椎较理想的入路 ,便于行侧前方减压 ,并有充分的空间行内固定。     

“Approaches and surgical results in the treatment of ventral thoracic meningiomas. Review of our experience with a postero-lateral combined transpedicular-transarticular approach.”

Summary ?Background. The surgical treatment of anterior thoracic meningiomas provides a set of technical difficulties: the access is obstructed by the spinal cord posteriorly, thoracic cage and musculature laterally, mediastinum and pleural cavity anteriorly. It is fundamental to avoid any manipulation of the compressed, but also undamaged spinal cord: this shows significant plastic capabilities. Any effort should be directed to maximizing the contribution of the plasticity in order to obtain a good functional recovery. Method. We have utilized a postero-lateral combined transpedicular-transarticular approach in order to obtain less invasiveness on the neural structures. Ten patients with ventral thoracic meningioma were operated in the last 5 years. The preoperative clinical evaluation, follow-up monitoring, timing of recovery, Clinical/Functional Grade change were analysed. Findings. 8 Patients had significant neurological improvement, 2 were unchanged. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was useful in preoperative planning. Radical excision was possible in all patients and the late postoperative MRI did not reveal recurrence of the lesions at this time. To date, there has been no evidence of clinical or radiological instability. Interpretation. We found this surgical exposure very helpful in the treatment of anterior thoracic meningiomas. The related morbidity and risk of instability are minimal. The combined postero-lateral approach offers a good surgical access to ventral, lateral and dorsal aspects of the thoracic spinal canal without manipulation of the spinal cord. Exposure is obtained by avoiding damage to the pleura and manipulation of the lungs and mediastinum and may be a feasible alternative in elderly patients, too. Published online June 4, 2003     

Posterior transdural discectomy: a new approach for the removal of a central thoracic disc herniation

Background  

The optimal surgical approach for thoracic disc herniation remains a matter of debate, especially for central disc herniation. In this paper, we present a new technique to remove central thoracic disc herniation, the posterior transdural approach, and report a series of 13 cases operated on in this way at our institute.     

Posterolateral transforaminal interbody fusion for thoracic disc herniation: a retrospective study of 38 cases

Objective: To evaluate the clinical results of posterolateral transforaminal interbody fusion (PTIF) for the treatment of thoracic disc herniation (TDH). Methods: Thirty‐eight patients with TDH were treated with PTIF in our hospital from November 1999 to November 2003. The mean follow‐up period was 5.8 years (range, 4.2 to 6.5 years). There were 24 men and 14 women, ranging from 30.5 to 67.5 years, with an average of 46.5 years. The interval between onset of symptoms and surgery ranged from 5 to 12 months with an average of 9 months. In this group, the disc herniation involved T_9‐10 or T_10‐11 in 26 (68.5%) patients, T_8‐9 in 4 (10.5%), T_11‐12 in 4 (10.5%) and T₁₂L₁ in 4 (10.5%). All patients underwent X‐ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. Twenty‐two patients underwent myelography, while 25 patients underwent computer tomography (CT) or CT myelography (CTM) examination. The clinical results were evaluated using the Otani scoring system. Results: The outcome according to the Otani scoring system was excellent in 16 patients, good in 18, fair in 2 and poor in 2. No neurological symptoms, wound infection or clinical or radiographic evidence of instability were found; and the fusion rate was 100% by final follow‐up. An excellent or good outcome was achieved in 89.5% of patients. Conclusion: PTIF is an effective strategy for the treatment of TDH.     

Trans-zygomatic middle cranial fossa approach to access lesions around the cavernous sinus and anterior parahippocampus: a minimally invasive skull base approach

Purpose  Exposure of the cavernous sinus or anterior parahippocampus often involves a wide exposure of the temporal lobe and mobilization of the temporalis muscle associated with temporal lobe retraction. The authors present a cadaveric study to illustrate the feasibility, advantages and landmarks necessary to perform a trans-zygomatic middle fossa approach to lesions around the cavernous sinus and anterior parahippocampus. Methods  The authors performed bilateral trans-zygomatic middle fossae exposures to reach the cavernous sinus and parahippocampus in five cadavers (10 sides). We assessed the morbidity associated with this procedure and compared the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of this method versus more extensive skull base approaches. A vertical linear incision along the middle portion of the zygomatic arch was extended one finger breadth inferior to the inferior edge of the zygomatic arch. Careful dissection inferior to the arch allowed preservation of facial nerve branches. A zygomatic osteotomy was followed via a linear incision through the temporalis muscle and exposure of the middle cranial fossa floor. Results  A craniotomy along the inferolateral temporal bone and middle fossa floor allowed extradural dissection along the middle fossa floor and exposure of the cavernous sinus including all three divisions of the trigeminal nerve. Intradural inspection demonstrated adequate exposure of the parahippocampus. Exposure of the latter required minimal or no retraction of the temporal lobe. Conclusions  The trans-zygomatic middle fossa approach is a simplified skull base exposure using a linear incision, which may avoid the invasivity of more extensive skull base approaches while providing an adequate corridor for resection of cavernous sinus and parahippocampus lesions. The advantages of this approach include its efficiency, ease, minimalism, preservation of the temporalis muscle, and minimal retraction of the temporal lobe.