Surgery for space-occupying lesions in the parapharyngeal and infratemporal fossa and study on regional clinical anatomy

Objective To expatiate the anatomy of parapharyngeal and infratemporal fossa and the adjacent anatomical structure in order to provide anatomical basis for an appropriate surgical approach and surgical techniques of tumors in the parapharyngeal and infratemporal fossa so as to reduce complications.Methods Nine cases of Chinese adult cadavers fixed by 10% formalin were studied as well as seven patients who suffered from the tumor in the parapharyngeal and infratemporal fossa.Clinically,all patients were underwent the surgery applying with preauricular and submandibular incision combined with preoperative image examination.Results Referring to superior and inferior pterygoid muscle,there existed many important blood vessels and nerves.Surgery in all patients had been finished smoothly,and no obvious complications.Followed up from two months to three years,no recurrence was found in all patients.Conclusion Tumors in the parapharyngeal and infratemporal fossa with a clear boundary relatively could be successfully removed by only preauricular and submandibular incision.It is important for reducing surgical trauma and complication to be familiar with the anatomy of parapharyngeal and infratemporal fossa.