Nasosinusal Endoscopic Anatomy and Physiology

The present article focuses on the analysis of the nasal cavity's anatomy succinctly and descriptively. This essay was carried out through a bibliographic review, directed to the detailed anatomy of the nasal cavity, and the structures that form its sinuses. We have identified the need formore studies directed to the related anatomical area so that the improved knowledge of this region ensures a nasoendoscopic treatment with better effectiveness and no complications.

Pterygopalatine Fossa: Microsurgical Anatomy and its Relevance for Skull Base Surgery

Introduction The purpose of this study was to define the anatomical relationships of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and its operative implications in skull base surgical approaches. Methods Ten cadaveric heads were dissected at the Dianne and M Gazi Yasargil Educational Center MicrosurgicaLaboratory, in Little Rock, AK, USA. The PPF was exposed through an extended dissection with mandible and pterygoid plate removal. Results The PPF has the shape of an inverted cone. Its boundaries are the pterygomaxillary fissure; themaxilla, anteriorly; themedial plate of the pterygoid process, and greater wing of the sphenoid process, posteriorly; the palatine bone,medially; and the body of the sphenoid process, superiorly. Its contents are the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve and its branches; the pterygopalatine ganglion; the pterygopalatine portion of the maxillary artery (MA) and its branches; and the venous network. Differential diagnosis of PPF masses includes perineural tumoral extension along the maxillary nerve, schwannomas, neurofibromas, angiofibromas, hemangiomas, and ectopic salivary gland tissue. Transmaxillary and transpalatal approaches require extensive resection of bony structures and are narrow in the deeper part of the approach, impairing the surgical vision and maneuverability. Endoscopic surgery solves this problem, bringing the light source to the center of the surgical field, allowing proper visualization of the surgical field, extreme close-ups, and different view angles. Conclusion We provide detailed information on the fossa's boundaries, intercommunications with adjacent structures, anatomy of the maxillary artery, and its variations. It is discussed in the context of clinical affections and surgical approaches of this specific region, including pterygomaxillary disjunction and skull base tumors.

Tumores de Fosa Pterigopalatina: Tipos de abordajes quirúrgicos y complicaciones / Pterygopalatine Fossa Tumors: Types of surgical approaches and complications

INTRODUCCIÓN. La fosa pterigopalatina es una zona anatómica de difícil acceso, que al presentar masas tumorales genera un alto riesgo de morbimortalidad en población juvenil y adulta, que precisa determinar las complicaciones asociadas a cirugía. OBJETIVO. Evaluar los tipos de abordaje quirúrgico, complicaciones e identificar la estirpe histológica de los tumores de fosa pte-rigopalatina. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio transversal retrospectivo. Población y muestra conocida de 29 Historias Clínicas de pacientes con hallazgos de imagen e histopatológico de tumores con invasión a fosa pterigopalatina divididos en dos grupos: A) resección de masa tumoral y B) biopsia de masa tumoral, operados en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín en el período de enero 2017 a diciembre de 2020. RESULTADOS. El 82,76% (24; 29) fueron hombres, con promedio de edad de 30,6 años. El 82,76% (24; 29) de las masas tumorales se originaron en nasofaringe; no se reportaron casos primarios. El tumor más frecuente fue el Angio-fibroma Nasofaringeo Juvenil 68,97% (20; 29), seguido por los tumores malignos con el 20,69% (6; 29), siendo usual el carcinoma adenoideo quístico. En el 62,07% (18; 29) el tumor invadió Fosa Infratemporal y en el 44,83% (13; 29) hacia esfenoides. En el grupo A, el abordaje quirúrgico empleado en el 20,83% (5; 24) fue mediante técnica abierta y en el 79,17% (19; 24) con técnica endoscópica, tanto uni 31,58% (6; 19) como multiportal 68,42% (13; 19). La complicación fue la hiposensibilidad facial en el 12,5% (3; 24), todos en abordajes abiertos. CONCLUSIÓN. Se evaluó los tipos abordaje quirúrgico y se identificó la estirpe histológica de los tumores de fosa pterigopalatina

INTRODUCTION. The pterygopalatine fossa is an anatomical area of difficult access, which when presenting tumor masses generates a high risk of morbimortality in the juvenile and adult popula-tion, which needs to determine the complications associated with surgery. OBJECTIVE. To eva-luate the types of surgical approach, complications and identify the histologic type of pterygopala-tine fossa tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Retrospective cross-sectional study. Population and known sample of 29 Clinical Histories of patients with imaging and histopathological findings of tumors with invasion to pterygopalatine fossa divided into two groups: A) resection of tumor mass and B) biopsy of tumor mass, operated at the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialty Hospital in the period from january 2017 to december 2020. RESULTS. The 82,76% (24; 29) were men, with an average age of 30,6 years. 82,76% (24; 29) of the tumor masses originated in nasopharynx; no primary cases were reported. The most frequent tumor was juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma 68,97% (20; 29), followed by malignant tumors with 20,69% (6; 29), being usual the adenoid cystic carcinoma. In 62,07% (18; 29) the tumor invaded the Infratemporal Fossa and in 44,83% (13; 29) into the sphenoid. In group A, the surgical approach used in 20,83% (5; 24) was by open technique and in 79,17% (19; 24) by endoscopic technique, both uni 31,58% (6; 19) and multiportal 68,42% (13; 19). The complication was facial hyposensitivity in 12,5% (3; 24), all in open approaches. CONCLUSION. The types of surgical approach were evaluated and the histologic type of pterygo-palatine fossa tumors was identified.

Analysis on endoscopic endonasal approach combined with the frontotemporal orbitozygomatic approach under the microscope for skull base tumor with intra and extra-cranial involvement / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To evaluate the application of combination use of endoscopic endonasal approach combined with the frontotemporal orbitozygomatic approach microscopically in skull base tumor with intra and extra-cranial involvement. Methods: A total of 7 patients (4 males and 3 females, aging from 27 to 65 years old, with a medium age of 48) undergone complicated skull base surgeries via endoscopic endonasal approach combined with the frontotemporal orbitozygomatic approach microscopically from May 2016 to January 2018 were reviewed respectively. The patients included 2 cases of recurrent invasive pituitary adenoma, 3 cases of basal skull meningiomas, 1 case of clivus chondrosarcoma, and 1 case of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The lesion extensively infiltrated nasal cavity, extending to the paranasal sinus, bilateral cavernous sinus, sellar region, suprasellar, superior clivus, temporal lobe, pterygopalatine fossa, infratemporal fossa and important intracranial vessels. All the 7 patients were treated under general anesthesia by endoscopic endonasal approach combined with frontotemporal orbitozygomatic approach under the microscope. Total excision rate, intraoperative and postoperative complications and postoperative curative effect were observed. All of them were followed up for 6 to 12 months. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was used to evaluate the prognosis. Result: Total tumor removal was performed in 5 cases, subtotal removel in 2 cases. There was no complication during the operation. Postoperative severe complications occurred in 2 cases, including 1 case of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and intracranial infection, which was cured by lumbar cistern drainage and intrathecal injection; 1 case occurred oculomotor nerve paralysis, which recovered during follow-up. Postoperative complications occurred in 1 case of trochlear nerve dysfunction, 2 cases of facial numbness, and 1 case of tinnitus. During follow-up, all patients recovered to varying degrees. There was no bleeding and death after the operation. No tumor recurred during the follow-up period. All patients were recovered well with GOS grade Ⅳ-Ⅴ. Conclusions: Endoscopic transnasal approach combined with microscopic frontotemporal orbitozygomatic approach can remove tumors in one stage, reduce surgical complications and improve surgical effect. It has good application prospects and is suitable for excising complex intracranial and extracranial communicating tumors of widely involving sellar, clivus and petrous apex area.

The anatomic analysis of the vidian canal and the surrounding structures concerning vidian neurectomy using computed tomography scans / Avaliação anatômica do canal vidiano e estruturas adjacentes por tomografia computadorizada para a neurectomia do vidiano

Abstract Introduction: The type of endoscopic approach chosen for vidian neurectomy can be specified by evaluating the vidian canal and the surrounding sphenoid sinus structures. Objective: The variations and morphometry of the vidian canal were investigated, focusing on the functional correlations between them which are crucial anatomical landmarks for preoperative planning. Methods: This study was performed using paranasal multidetector computed tomography images that were obtained with a section thickening of 0.625 mm of 250 adults. Results: The distributions of 500 vidian canal variants were categorized as follows; Type 1, within the sphenoid corpus (55.6%); Type 2, partially protruding into the sphenoid sinus (34.8%); Type 3, within the sphenoid sinus (9.6%). The pneumatization of the pterygoid process is mostly seen in vidian canal Type 2 (72.4%) and Type 3 (95.8%) (p < 0.001). The mean distances from the vidian canal to the foramen rotundum and the palatovaginal canal were greater in the vidian canal Type 2 and 3 with the pterygoid process pneumatization (p < 0.001). The prevalence of the intrasphenoid septum between the vidian canal and the vomerine crest and lateral attachment which ending on carotid prominence were much higher in vidian canal Type 3 than other types (p < 0.001). The mean angle between the posterior end of the middle turbinate and the lateral margin of the anterior opening of the vidian canal was measured as 33.05 ± 7.71°. Conclusions: Preoperative radiologic analysis of the vidian canal and the surrounding structures will allow surgeons to choose an appropriate endoscopic approach to ensure predictable postoperative outcomes.

Resumo Introdução: O tipo de abordagem endoscópica para a neurectomia do vidiano pode ser definido pela avaliação do canal do vidiano e das estruturas adjacentes aos seios esfenoidais. Objetivo: Investigar as variações e a morfometria do canal vidiano com enfoque nas suas correlações funcionais, pois são parâmetros anatômicos cruciais para o planejamento pré-operatório. Método: Esse estudo foi realizado utilizando-se imagens de tomografia computadorizada multidetectores dos seios paranasais com espessura de corte de 0,625 mm obtidas de 250 indivíduos adultos. Resultados: A distribuição das 500 variantes do canal vidiano foi categorizada da seguinte forma: Tipo 1, dentro do corpo ósseo esfenoidal (55,6%); Tipo 2, protrusão parcial no interior do seio esfenoidal (34,8%); Tipo 3, no interior do seio esfenoidal (9,6%). A pneumatização do processo pterigoide foi observada principalmente no canal vidiano Tipo 2 (72,4%) e Tipo 3 (95,8%) (p < 0,001). As distâncias médias do canal vidiano até o forame redondo e o canal palatovaginal foram maiores no canal vidiano do Tipo 2 e 3, com a pneumatização do processo pterigoide (p < 0,001). A presença do septo intraesfenoidal entre o canal vidiano e a crista vomeriana e a extensão lateral, que termina na proeminência da carótida, foi muito maior no canal vidiano Tipo 3 do que nos outros tipos (p < 0,001). A angulação média entre a cauda da concha média e a margem lateral da abertura anterior do canal vidiano foi de 33,05° ± 7,71°. Conclusões: A análise radiológica pré-operatória do canal do vidiano e das estruturas circunjacentes permitem ao cirurgião escolher uma abordagem endoscópica apropriada e prever resultados pós-operatórios.

Contribución al Estudio Descriptivo del Foramen y Canal Palatino Mayor / Contribution to the Descriptive Study of the Foramen and Greater Palatine Canal

RESUMEN: El foramen y canal palatino mayor (FPM y CPM) comunican boca con fosa pterigopalatina. El conocimiento adecuado de su morfología, permite el abordaje anestésico del nervio maxilar. En el vivo, el FPM está recubierto por una mucosa gruesa, debido a esto los puntos de referencia óseos y dentarios son importantes para ubicar el sitio de punción. Se ha descrito gran variabilidad en cuanto a la etnia, posición, forma, diámetros, longitudes y permeabilidad. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir éstas características en cráneos de adultos chilenos. Se utilizaron 31 cráneos de ambos sexos. En los paladares se determinó; forma, largo, profundidad y ancho. En los FPM se consideró su forma, diámetros y localización. En los CPM se registró su permeabilidad y su coincidencia con la forma del FPM. Los registros se realizaron con cámara digital, compás de precisión, caliper digital, compas tridimensional de Korkhaus y sonda metálica. Los resultados muestran un predominio de la forma cuadrada del paladar por sobre las formas triangular y redondeada. Las mediciones de su largo, ancho y profundidad indican diferencias por sexo y por etnia. La forma del FPM no muestra diferencia por sexo, primando la forma ovalada por sobre la fusiforme y la redondeada. La posición de este mismo foramen tampoco muestra diferencias sexuales, primando la posición frente al tercer molar superior, seguida por la posición frente al espacio entre segundo y tercer molar superior y por último frente al 2do molar superior. Las dimensiones del FPM son mayores en individuos masculinos. Los CPM se observaron en su totalidad permeables y los FPM no siempre coincidieron en forma con la sección transversal del CPM. Estos resultados y su comparación con la literatura indican variaciones importantes, lo que impide establecer directrices objetivas a la técnica anestésica que utiliza esta vía anatómica.

ABSTRACT: The greater palatine foramen and canal (GPF and GPC) communicate with the pterygopalatine fossa. The adequate knowledge of its morphology allows the anesthetic approach of the maxillary nerve. In vivo, the GPF is covered by a thick mucosa, therefore, the bone and dental reference points are important to locate the puncture site. Great variability has been described in terms of ethnicity, position, shape, diameters, lengths and permeability. The objective of this study was to describe these characteristics in skulls of Chilean adults. 31 skulls of both sexes were used. In the palates shape, length, depth and width were determined. In the GPF its shape, diameters and location were considered. In the GPC, their permeability and their coincidence with the shape of the GPF were recorded. The records were made with digital camera, precision compass, digital caliper, Korkhaus three-dimensional compass and metallic probe. The results show a predominance of the square shape of the palate over the triangular and rounded forms. The measurements of its length, width and depth indicate differences by sex and ethnicity. The shape of the GPF shows no difference by sex, with the oval shape prevailing over the fusiform and the rounded. The position of this same foramen also shows no sexual differences, with the position prevailing against the upper third molar, followed by the position in front of the space between the upper second and third molars and finally against the upper 2-molar. The dimensions of GPF are greater in male individuals. The GPC were found to be entirely permeable and the GPF did not always coincide in form with the cross section of the GPC. These results and their comparison with the literature indicate important variations, which prevents establishing objective guidelines for the anesthetic technique used in these cases.

Evolution of transmaxillary approach to tumors in pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa: anatomic simulation and clinical practice / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The endoscopic transnasal approach has been proven to have advantages on the removal of the tumors in pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and infratemporal fossa (ITF). Herein, this study aimed to describe a modified approach for resection of the tumors in these areas, both in cadaveric specimen and clinical patients.@*METHODS@#The 20 adult cadaveric specimens and five patients with tumors in PPF and ITF were enrolled in this study. For the cadaveric specimens, ten were simulated anterior transmaxillary approach and ten were performed modified endoscopic transnasal transmaxillary approach. The exposure areas were compared between two groups and main anatomic structure were measured. Surgery was operated in the five patients with tumors of PPF and ITF to verify the experience from the anatomy. Perioperative management, intraoperative findings and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The modified endoscopic transnasal transmaxillary approach provided as enough surgical exposure and high operability to the PPF and ITF as the anterior transmaxillary approach did. The diameter of maxillary artery in the PPF was 3.77 ± 0.78 mm (range: 2.06-4.82 mm), the diameter of middle meningeal artery in the ITF was 2.79 ± 0.61 mm (range: 1.54-3.78 mm). Four patients who suffered schwannoma got total removal and one of adenocystic carcinoma got subtotal removal. The main complications were facial numbness and pericoronitis of the wisdom tooth. No permanent complication was found.@*CONCLUSIONS@#With the widespread use of neuroendoscopy, the modified endoscopic transnasal transmaxillary approach is feasible and effective for the resection of tumors located in PPF and ITF, which has significant advantages on less trauma and complications to the patients.

Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease Presenting with Isolated, Intractable Trigeminal Neuralgia

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated systemic condition affecting diverse organs which lately has been increasingly recognized. A 40-year-old male presents intractable trigeminal neuralgia lasting more than a year even with numerous pain medication, which lead further evaluation. The infiltrative lesion was found involving left pterygopalatine fossa where maxillary nerve locates. We report a case of IgG4-RD with a sole manifestation of intractable unilateral trigeminal neuralgia which was improved by steroid treatment.

Endoscopic endonasal approach for mass resection of the pterygopalatine fossa

OBJECTIVES: Access to the pterygopalatine fossa is very difficult due to its complex anatomy. Therefore, an open approach is traditionally used, but morbidity is unavoidable. To overcome this problem, an endoscopic endonasal approach was developed as a minimally invasive procedure. The surgical aim of the present study was to evaluate the utility of the endoscopic endonasal approach for the management of both benign and malignant tumors of the pterygopalatine fossa. METHOD: We report our experience with the endoscopic endonasal approach for the management of both benign and malignant tumors and summarize recent recommendations. A total of 13 patients underwent surgery via the endoscopic endonasal approach for pterygopalatine fossa masses from 2014 to 2016. This case group consisted of 12 benign tumors (10 juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas and two schwannomas) and one malignant tumor. RESULTS: No recurrent tumor developed during the follow-up period. One residual tumor (juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma) that remained in the cavernous sinus was stable. There were no significant complications. Typical sequelae included hypesthesia of the maxillary nerve, trismus, and dry eye syndrome. CONCLUSION: The low frequency of complications together with the high efficacy of resection support the use of the endoscopic endonasal approach as a feasible, safe, and beneficial technique for the management of masses in the pterygopalatine fossa.

Sphenopalatine ganglion block for relieving postdural puncture headache: technique and mechanism of action of block with a narrative review of efficacy

The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a parasympathetic ganglion, located in the pterygopalatine fossa. The SPG block has been used for a long time for treating headaches of varying etiologies. For anesthesiologists, treating postdural puncture headaches (PDPH) has always been challenging. The epidural block patch (EBP) was the only option until researchers explored the role of the SPG block as a relatively simple and effective way to treat PDPH. Also, since the existing evidence proving the efficacy of the SPG block in PDPH is scarce, the block cannot be offered to all patients. EBP can be still considered if an SPG block is not able to alleviate pain due to PDPH.

Pituitary Epithelioid Osteosarcoma after Gamma-knife Surgery of a Pituitary Adenoma / 대한내과학회지

With the increasing use of stereotactic radiosurgery, recent reports have suggested that stereotactic radiosurgery may induce secondary malignancies. While the risk of secondary malignancy after conventional radiotherapy is well known, its development after stereotactic radiosurgery has been reported in only a few cases. Here we present the case of a 56-year-old female with visual disturbance of sudden onset. She underwent trans-sphenoidal surgery for a pituitary adenoma 13 years earlier. Imaging studies revealed a newly developed pituitary mass invading the right carvenous sinus. Gross total resection of the tumor was performed using a trans-sphenoidal and pterygopalatine fossa approach. The histological diagnosis was pituitary epithelioid osteosarcoma. Clinicians should be aware of the rare occurrence of radiation-induced pituitary sarcoma as a potentially fatal late complication of stereotactic radiosurgery.

The progress of research about anatomy of posterolateral wall of maxillary sinus in endoscopic surgery / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

As an important landmark, the posterolateral wall of maxillary sinus can help to locate numbers of significant signs such as maxillary artery and its branches, maxillary nerve and infraorbital nerve, infratemporal fossa and pterygopalatine fossa etc. in the endoscopic surgery for paranasal sinuses and lateral skull base. This article reviewed related researches about the anatomy and endoscopic surgery of posterolateral wall of maxillary sinus.

Surgical anatomy, technique and application of endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach in skull base surgery / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the landmarks of transpterygoid approach and to report its application in a series of cases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two silicon-injected adult cadaveric heads(4 sides) were dissected by performing an endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach after CT scanning for imaging guidance. High-quality pictures were obtained. This approach was used to treat twelve patients with skull base lesions including 3 spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks in the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus, 2 neurofibromas and 2 Schwannomas involving the pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa, 1 dermoid cyst involving the middle fossa and infratemporal fossa, 1 invasive fungal sinusitis invading the middle fossa base, 1 basal cell adenoma in the upper parapharyngeal space, 1 chondrosarcoma in the parasellar region and 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma. Clinical records were reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In terms of approach dissection, important landmarks, such as the sphenopalatine foramen and artery, vidian canal and nerve, foramen rotundum and maxillary branch of trigeminal nerve, foramen ovale and mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve, as well as pterygoid segment of Eustachian tube were identified. In terms of clinical data, three patients with spontaneous CSF leak underwent repair. Six patients with benign lesions underwent complete tumor resection. In the patient with invasive fungal disease, thorough debridement was undertaken and antifungal drug was administered for one month. For these benign skull base lesions, there was no recurrence during the follow-up period. In the patient with chondrosarcoma, most of the tumor was removed in the first operation, and was followed by two endoscopic operations because of fast growth of the tumor. Final control was achieved with chemotherapy and radiation. In the patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma, tumor recurred five years after surgery, and was reoperated.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>An understanding of the landmarks of the transpterygoid approach is paramount for surgically dealing with disease located within and adjacent to the region of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. The endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach is feasible and safe in selected patients with skull base lesions.</p>

Pterygopalatine fossa infiltration: A radio-anatomic study among adult patients in a tertiary private hospital

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> As   a   guide   to   the   clinical   practice   of   infiltration   of   local   anesthesia   into   the pterygopalatine fossa via the greater palatine canal, this study sought to determine and record the  mean  CT  scan  measurements  of  the  following:  1)  palatal  mucosal  thickness,  2)  length  and width  of  greater  palatine  canal,  and  3)  length  and  width  of  pterygopalatine  fossa  among  adult patients in a private tertiary hospital in Quezon City.<br /><strong>METHODS:</strong><br /><strong>Design:</strong> Retrospective, Descriptive Study<br /><strong>Setting:</strong> Tertiary Private Hospital<br /><strong>Subjects:</strong> Paranasal Sinus (PNS) CT Scans of 113 adult patients from January 2014 to May 2014 were reviewed and evaluated. Excluded were images with pathology that distorted the anatomy of the sinuses and surrounding structures.<br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Our study showed average CT scan measurements of 5.98 mm palatal mucosal thickness, 16.99  mm  greater  palatine  canal  length,  18.75  mm  pterygopalatine  fossa  length,  2.37  mm greater palatine canal width and 2.58 mm pterygopalatine fossa width. Comparison of average measurements  by  sex  was  not  statistically  significant.  There  was  statistical  significance  when comparing the right palatal mucosal thickness of 5.86 mm with the left which was 6.11 mm with p-value of 0.001. Comparison between the length of the right pterygopalatine fossa of 18.48 mm with the  left side at 19.01 mm showed statistical significance with p-value of 0.01.<br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> As the average measurement of the mucosal palatal thickness combined with the length of the greater palatine canal was 22.97 mm, we recommend bending the needle 23 mm from  the  tip  in  a  45  degree  angle  for  adult  patients  who  will  undergo  sinus surgery,  control  of posterior epistaxis, trigeminal nerve block and minor oral cavity surgeries.</p>

Transpterygoid Approach to a Dermoid Cyst in Pterygopalatine Fossa

Objective: To describe a case of dermoid cyst arising from the pterygopalatine fossa and review the literature. Methods: We report a case of a 23-year-old man who suffered a car accident 2 years before otolaryngologic attendance. He had one episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure and developed a reduction of visual acuity of the left side after the accident. Neurologic investigation was performed and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an incidental finding of a heterogeneous ovoid lesion in the pterygopalatine fossa, hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging. Results:  Endoscopic sinus surgery with transpterygoid approach was performed. The ovoid lesion was noted in the pterygopalatine fossa. Puncture for intraoperative evaluation showed a transparent thick fluid. Surprisingly, hair and sebaceous glands were found inside the cyst capsule. The cyst was excised completely. Histologic examination revealed a dermoid cyst. The patient currently has no evidence of recurrence at 1 year postoperatively. Conclusion:  This unique case is a rare report of a dermoid cyst incidentally diagnosed. An endoscopic transnasal transpterygoid approach may be performed to treat successfully this kind of lesion. Although rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of expansive lesions in the pterygopalatine fossa, including schwannoma, angiofibroma, esthesioneuroblastoma, osteochondroma, cholesterol granuloma, hemangioma, lymphoma, and osteoma...

Endoscopic skull base surgery under the guidance of image navigation technology / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility of image navigation technology in endoscopic skull base surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study consisted of 75 patients who underwent the endoscopic operations with the help of the image navigation system by the same surgeon between March 2010 and March 2013. The time to prepair image navigation system, identifying anatomical structure, complications, tumor resection, and follow-up results were analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The application of image navigation technology in the endoscopic skull base operations was both safe and reliable for delineation of tumors and identification of vital structures hidden or encased by the tumors, such as internal carotid artery, optic canal, comb, saddle bottom, foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, foramen lacerum, jugular foramen, cerebral dura mater. The tumor was removed completely, subtotally, or partially. All patients were successfully registered with accuracy, and the preoperative time was 8-15 minutes for preparation, 11 minutes in average. The target error was less than or equal to 1.5 mm. With guidance of the image navigation system, all patients were successfully operated on without serious complication. There were 13 cases with anterior skull base tumor, all were removed completely. There were 28 cases with sella region tumor, 21 totally resected, 7 subtotally resected. There were 20 cases with petroclival region tumor, 12 totally resected, 5 subtotally resected, 3 partially resected. There were 14 cases with pterygopalatine fossa and/or infratemporal fossa region tumor, 11 totally resected, 3 subtotally resected. All patients were available for follow-up (mean = 26 months) except 6 cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Image navigation technology can be applied in endoscopic skull base operations with advantages of accurately locating, clearly marking, significantly decreasing incidence of complications, and maximally removing the lesions.</p>

Endoscopic endonasal approach resection for anterior skull base, pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa tumors: retrospective analysis of 73 patients / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the clinical experience with endoscopic transnasal resection of nasal skull- base neoplasms, which involved anterior skull base, pterygopalatine fossa, nfratemporal fossa.@*METHOD@#Clinical data from 73 patients performed on endoscopic transnasal resection of nasal skull-base neoplasms were analyzed retrospectively.@*RESULT@#Total tumor removal was obtained in 54 cases, subtotal removal in 19 cases. In 16 cases of benign tumor, the postoperative survival rate was 100%; Malignancy in 57 cases, of which 16 patients were died, and half-year survival rate was 71.9%.@*CONCLUSION@#Endoscopic endonasal approach be able to fully reveal and re- moval of lesions involving the anterior skull base, pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa. The approach is feasible and safe.

Estudio anatómico de la región pterigopalatina en cráneos macerados de brasileños con el objetivo de contribuir al desarrollo de la técnica de disyunción de la sutura esfenomaxilar / Anatomical study of the pterigopalatine region in macerated skulls of brazilians aiming to contribute to the improvement of spheno-maxillary suture disjunction technique

Una de las técnicas utilizadas en cirugía ortognática es la osteotomía Le Fort I en la cual un paso quirúrgico importante es la disyunción de la sutura esfenomaxilar. Durante este procedimiento a veces ocurren complicaciones quirúrgicas, tales como lesiones neurovasculares, debido principalmente a la falta de conocimiento de la anatomía de la región y posicionamiento inadecuado de los cinceles. El objetivo de este estudio fue contribuir para que esta técnica sea más predecible, ofreciendo datos morfométricos de los principales reparos anatómicos de la región pterigopalatina. El valor promedio de la altura de la sutura esfenomaxilar fue 13,22mm en hombres y 12,47mm en mujeres; el valor promedio del ancho de la sutura esfenomaxilar fue 11,40mm en hombres y 11,02mm en mujeres; el valor promedio de la distancia del punto de mayor concavidad de la cresta cigomatoalveolar hasta la sutura esfenomaxilar fue 25,12mm en hombres y 23,80mm en mujeres; el valor promedio de la distancia desde el punto más inferior de la sutura esfenomaxilar hasta la fisura orbitaria inferior fue 31,12mm en hombres y 29,61mm en mujeres. Los valores obtenidos en nuestra investigación pueden ser utilizados como parámetros para la realización de la técnica de disyunción de la sutura esfenomaxilar, haciéndola más predecible y con menor riesgo de complicaciones.

Among the techniques used in orthognathic surgery is the Le Fort I osteotomy in which a important surgical step is the disjunction of the spheno-maxillary suture. During this procedure surgical complications, such as neurovascular injuries sometimes occur, mainly due to lack of knowledge of regional anatomy and poor positioning of chisels. The aim of this work is to contribute for this surgical technique to become more predictable, offering morphometric data of the main anatomical landmarks of the pterygopalatine region. The height of the spheno-maxillary suture was on average 13.22mm in men and 12.47mm in women; the width of the spheno-maxillary suture was on average 11.40mm in men and 11.02mm in women, the distance from the point of greatest concavity of zigomaticoalveolar crest until spheno-maxillary suture was on average 25.12mm in men and 23.80mm in women; the distance between the lowest portion of the spheno-maxillary suture and the inferior orbital fissure was on average 31.12mm in men and 29.61mm in women. The values obtained in our study may be used as a parameter in performing the technique of spheno-maxillary suture disjunction, making it more predictable and with less risk of complications.

Removal of Schwannoma in the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossa via endoscopic prelacrimal recess approach / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To sum up and analyze the results of surgical removal of Schwannoma in the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossa (PPF and ITF) through postero-lateral wall via prelacrimal recess approach (PLRA). The surgical technique and indications were presented and discussed.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six patients aged from 29-59 year-old with Schwannoma in the PPF and ITF, who received the tumor resection via PLRA under endoscope, were enrolled in this paper. Three were female and 3 were male. All of them received preoperative CT and MRI. The PPF and ITF were approached via prelacrimal recess endoscopically under general anesthesia. Schwannoma was histopathologically confirmed after surgery. The postoperative periodical CT and MRI follow up was conducted.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The tumors were removed completely in these 6 patients. No recurrence was found during 19.3 months follow up on the average. Three patients had obvious numbness in the V2 innervation area 1 or 2 weeks after operation and disappeared afterwards. Only 1 patient had mild altercation numbness at the end of follow up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Schwannoma involved PPF and ITF can be removed endoscopically via PLRA. The lateral wall of nasal cavity might be kept intact. It is a novel minimally transnasal invasive approach to PPF and ITF with less damage and complications.</p>