Minimal invasive surgery for space-occupying lesions in the infratemporal fossa and pterygopalatine fossa:a report of 4 cases

Objective To explore the feasibility of minimal invasive surgery for space-occupying lesions in the infratemporal fossa and pterygopalatine fossa. Methods To analyze retrospectively 4 cases of space-occupying lesions in the infratemporal fossa and pterygopalatine fossa treated by endoscopic endonasal surgery during May 2004 to February 2007. There were 3 cases with neurofibroma and 1 case with neurilemmoma. Results The endoscopic transnasal approach could provide excellent visualization of lesions. Tumors were totally resected in 3 patients and subtotally resected in 1, the latter was completed in two stages because of bleeding. Only one complication, transient cerebrospinal otorrhea,occurred in 1 case, which was cured after conservative measures for 5 days. No recurrence and death occurred during the follow-up period of 12 -45 months after the surgery. Conclusion The endoscopic transnasal surgery is a safe, effective and minimally invasive approach in strictly selected cases of space-occupying lesions in the infratemporal fossa and pterygopalatine fossa.