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Endoscopic transnasal approaches to pterygopalatine fossa tumors
Author(s) -
Battaglia Paolo,
Turri–Zai Mario,
Lepera Davide,
Sica Eleonora,
Karligkiotis Apostolos,
Dallan Iacopo,
Castelnuovo Paolo
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.23972
Subject(s) - pterygopalatine fossa , medicine , surgery , lesion , head and neck , skull
Background The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is a difficult area to access, as it has been traditionally treated by external approaches. The development of endoscopic transnasal approaches enables surgeons to reach this region through a minimally invasive route, reducing the associated morbidity. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients with benign and malignant tumors arising in or extending to the PPF, treated from 2000 to 2013 at a single institute, using endoscopic transnasal transmaxillary approaches. Results Thirty‐seven consecutive patients with benign (27 cases) and malignant (10 cases) tumors were treated with curative intent. Radical resection was achieved in 36 of 37 patients. No major complications were observed. No local recurrences were observed, with a median follow‐up of 38.5 months for malignancies and 60 months for benign tumors. Conclusion The endoscopic transnasal approaches are safe and feasible techniques for the radical resection of selected tumors involving the PPF and should be tailored according to the biology and extension of the lesion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38 : E214–E220, 2016