The effect of injection of 1:100 000 adrenaline solution in the pterygopalatine fossa on intra-operative bleeding during endoscopic sinonasal surgical procedures in chronic sinusitis: a blinded clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Rhinosinusitis is one of the most common reasons for a visit to otolaryngology clinics. Some patients are candidates for sinus surgery. Infiltration of 1:100 000 adrenaline in the pterygopalatine fossa was studied, with the aim of evaluating the effect on bleeding in the surgical field. METHODS: This double-blind clinical trial was conducted in 2021-2022 on 40 candidates for endoscopic sinus surgery. For each patient, one side of the pterygopalatine fossa was randomly selected to be infiltrated with a vasoconstrictor. Surgical field bleeding on each side was evaluated. RESULTS: Blood loss was 35.8 ± 20.9 ml in the study group and 38.4 ± 23.7 ml for the control group, with no statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.49). In addition, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of the surgical field based on Boezaart scores. CONCLUSION: Although there are some recommendations on the usage of vasoconstrictors via the pterygopalatine foramen, debate remains.

Transorbital Endoscopic Approach to the Foramen Rotundum for Infraorbital Nerve Stripping.

PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate a transorbital endoscopic approach to the foramen rotundum to excise the maxillary nerve and infraorbital nerve branch. METHODS: Cadaveric dissection study of 10 cadaver heads (20 orbits). This technique is predicated upon 1) an inferior orbital fissure release to facilitate access to the orbital apex and 2) the removal of the posterior maxillary wall to enter the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF). Angulations along the infraorbital nerve were quantified as follows: the first angulation was measured between the orbitomaxillary segment within the orbital floor and the pterygopalatine segment suspended within the PPF, while the second angulation was taken between the pterygopalatine segment and maxillary nerve as it exited the foramen rotundum. With refinement of the technique, the minimum amount of posterior maxillary wall removal was quantified in the final 5 cadaver heads (10 orbits). RESULTS: The mean distance from the inferior orbital rim to the foramen rotundum was 45.55 ± 3.24 mm. The first angulation of the infraorbital nerve was 133.10 ± 16.28 degrees, and the second angulation was 124.95 ± 18.01 degrees. The minimum posterior maxillary wall removal to reach the PPF was 11.10 ± 2.56 mm (vertical) and 11.10 ± 2.08 mm (horizontal). CONCLUSIONS: The transorbital endoscopic approach to an en bloc resection of the infraorbital nerve branch up to its maxillary nerve origin provides a pathway to the PPF. This is relevant for nerve stripping in the context of perineural spread. Other applications include access to the superior portion of the PPF in selective biopsy cases or in concurrent orbital pathology.

Transorbital Endoscopic Approach to the Pterygopalatine Fossa: A Less Invasive Alternative to Traditional Access.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article and accompanying video is to demonstrate a transorbital endoscopic approach for accessing the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF). This technique does not require a skin incision, avoids dissection of critical neurovascular structures, and utilizes a comparatively small osteotomy. The 2 cases presented in this article highlight the utility of a transorbital endoscopic approach for accessing an anatomic region that has traditionally required more invasive techniques to reach. METHODS: Description of surgical technique with 2 illustrative clinical cases and accompanying surgical video. RESULTS: Surgical technique: A trans-conjunctival approach is taken to the inferior orbital rim, and a subperiosteal dissection is propagated posteriorly. The bone of the posterior orbital floor is then deroofed, and the superior portion of the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus is removed, allowing access to the PPF for an incisional biopsy. CASE: A 76-year-old male with a history of left cheek squamous cell carcinoma presented with progressive V2 paresthesia and an abnormally enhancing lesion in the left PPF on MRI. CASE: A 58-year-old male with no significant medical history presented with left facial numbness (V1-V3), ptosis, an abduction deficit, and decreased hearing. Contrast-enhanced MRI demonstrated an abnormally enhanced lesion in the left PPF extending to Meckel's cave.The transorbital approach described was used to successfully obtain a diagnostic biopsy in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: These cases highlight the utility of a transorbital endoscopic approach to the PPF as a less morbid alternative to traditional access. Patient selection is key to identifying appropriate cases.

Drainage of a Pterygopalatine Fossa Abscess With Chronic Sinusitis via an Endoscopic Nasal Approach.

The pterygopalatine fossa is a clinically inaccessible space deep in the face, and reports of pterygopalatine fossa abscesses are rare. The authors present the case of a 63-year-old woman presenting with a severe headache owing to an abscess involving the pterygopalatine fossa. On a computed tomography scan, inflammation of the right pterygopalatine fossa associated with right maxillary sinusitis and periapical inflammation and a cystic lesion around the tooth were observed. After administering appropriate antibiotics, the headache improved considerably, and endoscopic nasal surgery resulted in adequate abscess drainage. To the authors' knowledge, this case study is one of the few reporting the successful treatment of an abscess in the pterygopalatine fossa through an endoscopic transnasal approach.

Endoscopic-assisted en-bloc pterygomaxillectomy: Identifying an efficient and safe location for the pterygoid osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: For aggressive maxillary sinus and pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) tumors, an en-bloc pterygomaxillectomy may be indicated. METHODS: Five head specimens were used to study the feasibility of an en-bloc pterygomaxillectomy. Eighty-five non-pathological CT scans were used to compare the superior edge of the inferior turbinate (IT) and the middle turbinate tail (MT) as landmarks for the pterygoid osteotomy. RESULTS: Through a combined sublabial-subperiosteal incision and transoral route, a mid-sagittal osteotomy through the hard palate and an axial osteotomy below the infraorbital foramen were performed. For the endoscopic pterygoid osteotomy, an infra-vidian transpterygoid approach was performed, subsequently removing the pterygomaxillectomy en-bloc. As landmarks, the osteotomies at the level of the MT tail and IT resected the pterygoid plates completely, but the IT osteotomy was further away from the vidian canal (7.5 vs. 6 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic-assisted en-bloc pterygomaxillectomy is feasible. The IT landmark is safe and ensures complete resection of the pterygoid plates.

A Rare Instance of Pterygopalatine Fossa Tumor With Hearing Loss as the Main Complaint.

Pterygopalatine schwannomas are rare tumors which usually cause the symptoms of the traffic area by the tumors in the pterygopalatine fossa which is difficult to resection. This paper presents 1 rare case of pterygopalatine fossa tumor with hearing loss as the main complaint treated by total resection through the endoscopic endonasal approach.

Infra-Temporal and Pterygo-Palatine Fossae Tumors: A Frontier in Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery-Description of the Surgical Anatomy of the Approach and Report of Illustrative Cases.

Infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossae (ITF and PPF) represent two complex paramedian skull base areas, which can be defined as jewelry boxes, containing a large number of neurovascular and osteomuscular structures of primary importance. They are in close communication with many craniofacial areas, such as nasal/paranasal sinuses, orbit, middle cranial fossa, and oral cavities. Therefore, they can be involved by tumoral, infective or inflammatory lesions spreading from these spaces. Moreover, they can be the primary site of the development of some primitive tumors. For the deep-seated location of ITF and PPF lesions and their close relationship with the surrounding functional neuro-vascular structures, their surgery represents a challenge. In the last decades, the introduction of the endoscope in skull base surgery has favored the development of an innovative anterior endonasal approach for ITF and PPF tumors: the transmaxillary-pterygoid, which gives a direct and straightforward route for these areas. It has demonstrated that it is effective and safe for the treatment of a large number of benign and malignant neoplasms, located in these fossae, avoiding extensive bone drilling, soft tissue demolition, possibly unaesthetic scars, and reducing the risk of neurological deficits. However, some limits, especially for vascular tumors or lesions with lateral extension, are still present. Based on the experience of our multidisciplinary team, we present our operative technique, surgical indications, and pre- and post-operative management protocol for patients with ITF and PPF tumors.

Endoscopic Endonasal Removal of Stray Bullets in the Fossa Pterygopalatine in Innocent Young Bystanders of Conflicts in Somalia in a Period of Six Months.

ABSTRACT: In Somalia, which is located in the horn of Africa, a fragile and insecure state structure allowed the strengthening of terrorist groups provoking armed conflicts. Stray bullet injuries can be defined as an accidental bullet wound caused by an anonymous attacker and are usually associated with celebratory gunfire or urban violence. The anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is complex and penetrating foreign body injuries pose even a greater challenge for the surgeon to operate in this area. Endoscopic approaches facilitate the removal of foreign bodies from the paranasal sinuses, orbital cavity, and aerodigestive system, minimizing potential risks. This study presents a series of removal of stray bullets found in the PPF, as a result of urban violence in Somalia in a period of 6 months. Patient demographics, foreign body origin, treatment modalities, and surgery details were evaluated and assessed. All patients were male and aged 16, 2, and 24 years, respectively. The surgeries were quite straightforward with surgery times recorded as 25, 44, and 22 minutes, respectively. The endoscopic endonasal approach proved to provide safe and sufficient access for removal. Surprisingly, even the foreign body in the PPF of a 2-year-old patient could be removed with an endoscopic endonasal approach and did not require an external approach. The management of foreign body removal in the PPF is challenging due to the potential risks of iatrogenic vascular and nervous tissue injury. The endoscopic endonasal approach for removal proved efficient in 3 cases regardless of age and anatomical dimensions.

A novel landmark for endonasal surgery of the pterygopalatine fossa and inferior orbital fissure: The orbito-pterygo-sphenoidal ligament.

The pterygopalatine fossa contains a dense and complex array of neurovascular structures vulnerable to accidental surgical injury. This study aims to describe a novel landmark, the orbito-pterygo-sphenoidal ligament (OPSL), and implications of this structure for surgery in the pterygopalatine fossa and the inferior orbital fissure. Six cadaveric specimens (12 sides) were dissected using an endonasal approach to expose the periosteal layers associated with the pterygopalatine fossa and orbit. The thickened triangular-shaped ligament at their confluence was termed the OPSL. Dimensions of its lateral, inferior, and medial borders were measured, and their anatomical relationships defined. The pterygopalatine ganglion and the maxillary nerve lie immediately inferior and deep into the OPSL. The superior aspect of the posterior nasoseptal artery and nerve are covered by the medial OPSL. The lateral and inferior borders of the OPSL are contiguous with the periorbita and the periosteum of the pterygopalatine fossa, respectively. Along the medial border of the ligament, the openings of the palatovaginal fissure, vidian canal, and foramen rotundum were sequentially identified in a medial to lateral trajectory. The length of the lateral, inferior, and medial borders of the triangular OPSL were 13.25 ± 0.62, 14.25 ± 0.45, and 12.08 ± 0.90 mm, respectively. The OPSL is a thick, triangular-shaped fascial confluence, which may serve as a landmark for procedures within the pterygopalatine fossa and the inferior orbital fissure.

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.

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Resection of a Pterygopalatine Fossa Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is an inverted, pyramid-shaped space immediately behind the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus, and lesions arising here include juvenile angiofibromas, schwannomas, and, in exceptionally rare cases, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.1,2 Surgical access to the PPF is challenging and has been historically achieved via an open transmaxillary approach associated with facial scaring/deformity as well as potential injury to facial and infraorbital nerve branches.3 We present the case of a 67-year-old woman with facial numbness secondary to a presumed trigeminal schwannoma in the right PPF on magnetic resonance imaging. This surgical video highlights the key stages in performing an endoscopic endonasal excision of a PPF tumor. We start with a wide medial maxillary antrostomy, mobilization of the inferior turbinate, ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidotomy. The posterior wall of the maxillary sinus is then lifted off the anterior aspect of the tumor. The soft tissue attachment medial to the tumor containing the sphenopalatine artery is then cauterized and divided. This is followed by circumferential blunt dissection of the tumor until it is sufficiently mobile to remove in a piecemeal fashion. The PPF is then examined for any residual tumor and any bleeding from the maxillary artery within the fat pad. Hemostasis and reattachment of the inferior turbinate into the lateral nasal wall is demonstrated. The patient did not have any new deficits postoperatively, but histology indicated a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and she underwent postoperative proton beam therapy. Postoperative surveillance magnetic resonance imaging at 14 months showed no tumor recurrence. The patient consented to the procedure in a standard fashion (Video 1).

Endoscopic Endonasal Transinfraturbinate Approach With Nasoseptal Window for Removal of the Pterygopalatine Fossa Tumor.

ABSTRACT: Recent advances in endoscopic intranasal technology have allowed for a safe approach to the pterygopalatine fossa lesion. However, we consider that there is still scope of improvement to approach a broader area with better operability and minimal invasiveness. A 51-year-old man underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery due to the recurrence of chordoma at the left pterygopalatine fossa. To access the lower and lateral part of the pterygopalatine fossa, we performed endoscopic endonasal transmaxillary removal via an inferior turbinate incision. During surgery, a wide operative field and good operability could be secured by inserting an endoscope from the right nostril through a window of the nasal septum. Subtotal removal of the tumor was achieved without any complication during the surgery. Endoscopic endonasal transinfraturbinate approach with nasoseptal window was effective in the removal of the pterygopalatine fossa tumor because it is less invasive and provides a good surgical view with better operability.

Endoscopic Endonasal and Transmaxillary Approach for Resection of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma With Preoperative Embolization in a Child.

ABSTRACT: A 13-year-old Japanese boy with a 6-month history of bilateral nasal obstruction and a 3-week history of recurrent epistaxis from the right nose was admitted to our department. Nasal endoscopy revealed a reddish, smooth-walled tumor occupying the right nasal cavity. Computed tomography scan revealed a 3.5 × 4.5 × 7.0-cm heterogeneously enhancing mass involving the right nasal cavity and extending posteriorly to the nasopharynx, and laterally to the pterygopalatine fossa and the medial part of the infratemporal fossa. We diagnosed as juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with Radkowski classification stage IIC. The internal maxillary and ascending pharyngeal arteries were embolized with polyvinyl alcohol followed by Embosphere using a conventional Seldinger technique. En bloc resection was performed with an endoscopic ipsilateral endonasal and sublabial Caldwell-Luc transmaxillary approach under general anesthesia. As of 3 years postoperatively, no recurrence has been found. We report a child case of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma successfully treated with less invasive surgery with preoperative embolization.

Endonasal endoscopic approach to the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae.

The pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa are spaces located under the skull base, housing important neurovascular structures. Surgical access to these spaces is challenging because of their deep location and complex anatomy. Their surgical access has been classically carried out through multiple craniofacial approaches until the advent of endoscopic endonasal surgery at the end of the XXth century. Our goal is to describe the transmaxillary-transsphenoidal-transpterygoid approach to the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae through endonasal endoscopic surgery based on anatomo-surgical dissection and an illustrative clinical case. We conclude that after careful radiologic evaluation of the feasibility of this technique, the endonasal endoscopic access to these spaces for tumor resection is efficient with reduced surgical morbidities. The endonasal approach is versatile and can be fashioned according to the nature and extent of the lesion.

Composite Cartilage-osseous-mucosal Nasoseptal Flap for Reconstruction after Near Total Rhinectomy.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of full thickness nasal defects usually requires different donor sites for the external skin envelope, structural elements, and internal nasal lining. In this paper we present a novel single site method for dual inner lining and skeleton repair for full thickness nasal defects with a composite nasoseptal flap and extended pedicle dissection. METHODS: A 72-year-old male presented with a T4b melanoma involving the nasal dorsum and left upper lateral cartilage. Following full thickness resection, reconstruction was performed with a nasoseptal flap (NSF) with attached septal cartilage and vomer in conjunction with a paramedian forehead flap. Extended pedicle dissection into the pterygopalatine fossa allowed the NSF to fully cover the defect. RESULTS: The nasal defect was fully corrected. There was no evidence of flap compromise or nasal valve stenosis at 1 month, 2 month, and 1 year follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS: We present here the first successful application of a composite cartilage-osseous-mucosal NSF for multilayered nasal reconstruction. In appropriate patients, this technique may obviate the need for flaps or grafts from extranasal sources, limiting donor site morbidity.

Surgical anatomy and nuances of the expanded transpterygoid approach to the pterygopalatine fossa and upper parapharyngeal space: a stepwise cadaveric dissection.

BACKGROUND: Superb knowledge of anatomy and techniques to remove the natural barriers preventing full access to the most lateral aspect of the skull base determines the ease of using the transpterygoid approach (ETPA) as the main gateway for all the coronal planes during endonasal surgeries. METHODS: Throughout stepwise image-guided cadaveric dissections, we describe the surgical anatomy and nuances of the ETPA to the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and upper parapharyngeal space (UPPS). CONCLUSION: The ETPA represents a lateral extension of the midline corridor and provides a valuable route to access the PPF/UPPS. Major landmarks for this EEA are the infraorbital canal, sphenopalatine foramen, and vidian nerve. It comprises the removal of the palatine bone, posterior wall of the maxillary sinus, and PPF transposition to drill the pterygoid process.

Endoscopic Endonasal Management of Pterygopalatine Fossa Tumors.

ABSTRACT: Surgical removal of pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) tumors with endoscopic endonasal approach is still challenging. The present study aimed to evaluate our endoscopic endonasal management of PPF tumors based on the tumor pathology and purpose of the surgery. This comprised both a single nostril approach for biopsy and a binostril approach for complete resection of benign and noninfiltrating tumors. Based on this strategy, 12 patients underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery for PPF tumors between 2013 and 2018. The patients' data were analyzed retrospectively to demonstrate the significance of our treatment scheme. The surgery was terminated only after taking a biopsy specimen in 6 patients. Other 6 patients underwent gross total resection or bulk tumor reduction. Final pathological diagnosis was malignant in 6 cases and benign in the remaining 6. Post-operative treatment was needed in 7 patients. Four operations for the 6 patients who underwent either debulking or radical surgery were performed by the binostril approach; while 5 surgeries for the 6 biopsy patients were performed by the single nostril approach. Postoperative complications were tolerable. Endoscopic resection should be adopted preferentially for benign tumors that can be removed in a piecemeal fashion. However, as most malignant tumors were impossible to resect with a negative margin, priority should be given to tumor biopsy using an endoscopic approach, which is less invasive than an open approach, and an appropriate treatment customized to the pathological diagnosis should be administered.

Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Schwannoma of Pterygopalatine Fossa.

Trigeminal schwannomas are benign slow-growing tumors originating from the peripheral nerve sheath. They account for 0.1%-0.4% of all intracranial tumors and 1%-8% of all intracranial schwannomas.1-3 While most of these tumors develop in the trigeminal ganglion within the middle fossa, trigeminal schwannomas can develop anywhere along the course of the trigeminal nerve. As a result, they can be intradural, interdural, and extradural.4,5 Trigeminal schwannomas from the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) are extremely rare and very difficult to remove because of limited access to this region and the rich neurovascular contents. Numerous traditional microsurgical approaches to the PPF have been described; however, they are more invasive with increased morbidity.6,7 Therefore, endoscopic endonasal surgery is a feasible solution. This technique allows good visualization of the region with decreased morbidity and a shorter recovery period. A previously healthy, 40-year-old woman presented with right facial pain for 3 weeks. On neurologic examination, the patient had hypoesthesia in the territory of the maxillary (V2) branch of the right trigeminal nerve. She had no other symptoms on physical examination. Cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed and showed a high signal density mass in the right PPF that exhibited heterogeneous contrast enhancement. She was initially treated with low-dose carbamazepine; however, the dose could not be further increased because of drowsiness and dizziness. Given the size and location of the mass, an endoscopic endonasal approach was performed, and the tumor was successfully resected (Video 1). The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient had significant improvement of her symptoms and was discharged with no new neurologic deficits. However, she continued to have hypoesthesia of the V2 segment of the trigeminal nerve.

Robotic-assisted transmaxillary approach for removal of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma of the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossa.

Endoscopic transmaxillary approaches to remove juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNAs) have been described previously and are used for tumors that extend laterally in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and infratemporal fossa (ITF). There is no previous description of robotic-assisted JNA removal in the literature. The video will demonstrate the success of this technique. Robotic transmaxillary approaches to the lateral PPF and ITF are easily achieved through an extended Caldwell-Luc antrostomy. Total operative time was 519 minutes. Total robotic operative time was 283 minutes. The endoscopic approach provided no assistance in tumor dissection or removal. Robotic-assisted transmaxillary JNA removal allows the operating surgeon to control the endoscope and to operate free of collisions from the robotic console while having an active assistant surgeon at the patient bedside. A video demonstrating the technique is found on Head & Neck's web site.