Trans oral approach to the nasopharynx and clivus using the Le Fort I osteotomy with midpalatal split.

The Le Fort I level osteotomy is a procedure well known to oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who routinely use it to correct midfacial skeletal deformities and alter the dental occlusion. This osteotomy can also be used as a maxillotomy for access to more superiorly and posteriorly situated structures. The downfracture technique provides the surgeon with a safe approach that allows visualization of the maxillary sinuses, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, base of the skull and upper cervical spine. This approach can also be combined with a midline lip split, mandibulotomy and glossotomy to give access to retropharyngeal structures. By modifying the combined Le Fort I and transmandibular approach utilizing a midline split of the hard and soft palate, the access to the clivus can be improved considerably. The clinical applications of these combined procedures in the treatment of basilar invagination and tumors of the nasopharynx are discussed.