Subtotal temporal bone resection (STBR) is performed on tumors that involve the mastoid, middle ear, inner ear, or lateral skull base. In STBR the medial margin may be obtained in a piecemeal fashion, usually with a drill. The specimen includes the lateral temporal bone dissection (LTBR) along with additional dissection of the otic capsule and the medial bony wall of the middle ear and mastoid.
