Classification of facial translocation approach to the skull base

OBJECTIVE: To categorize a surgical approach to the skull base. DESIGN: Retrospective assessment of an evolving concept pertaining to the facial translocation procedure. SETTING: Schematic/conceptual. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To allow favorable surgical reach of the essential anatomy at the cranial base with the potential for functional and esthetic reconstruction. INTERVENTION: Systematic craniofacial disassembly. RESULTS: The facial translocation technique of modular craniofacial disassembly of facial units permits a satisfactory match between a skull base tumor and a selected surgical approach. Individual units have a complementary relationship to one another, allowing an expansion of the surgical approach as needed.