[Endoscopic transpterygoid intervention for lesions of lateral recess of sphenoid sinus in 4 cases(with literature review) ].

Objective: To investigate the anatomy and application of endoscopic transpterygoid intervention in lesions of lateral recess of sphenoid sinus(LRSS). Method: Four hospitalized patients with lesions of LRSS were studied. The clinical presentations included spontaneous cerebrospinal fuild(CSF) leakage in 2 cases, meningoencephaolece complicated CSF leakage in 1 case and chronic invasive fungal sphenoid sinusitis invading the base of the middle fossa in 1 case. Endoscopic transpterygoid intervention and repairment of skull base defects were performed under general anesthesia. Result: he operations were successfu1 in all patients. One patient suffered from postoperative palatal hypesthesia and all the symptoms mentioned above relieved gradually 6 months after operation. No recurrence was found during the follow-up ranging from 6 to 45 months(mean follow-up period,22.75 months).Conclusion: Endoscopic transpterygoid intervention in lesions of LRSS is a minimally invasive and safe surgical approach.