Microanatomic study of endoscopic endonasal approach to the pterygopalatine fossa region

Objective: To provide microanatomic data for the operation of pterygopalatine fossa region through endoscopic endonasal approach. Methods: Microanatomy was performed by dissection and simulating transnasal endoscopic surgery in 30 adult cadaveric heads (60 sides). Results: ①The main contents of pterygopalatine fossa included maxillary artery and its branches, maxillary nerve and its branches and pterygopalatine ganglion; ②The distance was about (52.99±4.95)mm from sphenopalatine foramen to anterior nasal spur; ③The length of maxillary nerve was about (62.90±3.81)mm from foramen rotundum to anterior nasal spur; ④The distance was (58.83±3.91)mm from nerve of pterygoid canal to anterior nasal spur. Conclusions: For performing operation in pterygopalatine fossa smoothly through endoscopic endonasal approach, it is helpful to have an intimate knowledge of microanatomy of this region.