Endoscopic Surgical Treatment of Neurogenic Tumor in Pterygopalatine and Infratemporal Fossae Via Extended Medial Maxillectomy

Conclusion: The endoscopic extended medial maxillectomy approach for the management of lesions of the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossa provides excellent exposure and results with good hemostasis and low morbidity. This approach is a viable alternative to the open approaches to these areas.

Objectives: To describe an endoscopic extended medial maxillectomy approach for the treatment of nonmalignant tumors in the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossa.

Methods: From January 2004 to June 2007, five patients who had tumors in the pterygopalatine fossa and/or infratemporal fossa, and underwent surgical resection of the tumors with the endoscopic extended medial maxillectomy approach, were reviewed regarding demographics, preoperative images, tumor cell type, surgical techniques, and outcomes.

Results: Five patients underwent the procedure mentioned above; three females and two males with a mean age of 38 and a range of 21-58 years. All patients had adequate exposure and total tumor resection with the endoscopic extended medial maxillectomy approach. None of the patients required an external approach for tumor extirpation. There were no major postoperative complications. No evidence of tumor recurrence was noted after follow-up for 12-78 months.