Operation path to pterygopalatine fossa under endoscope

[Objective] To explore the feasibility of operation on pterygopalatine fossa under endoscope.[Methods] Five 10% formaldehyde fixed wet adult skull specimen were studied.Under nasoendoscope,the middle turbinate,uncinate process,ethmoid bulla,anterior and posterior ethmoid sinuses were resected by turns.Then after punch out perpendicular part of palatine bone and posterior wall of maxillary,and the pterygopalatine fossa were showed and some related structures were explored.[Results] This pathway led to good view of pterygopalatine fossa.The exposed anatomic range showed superiorly orbit apex,inferiorly floor,laterally upper part of external lamina of pterygoid process and infratemporal fossa.[Conclusion] The endoscopic pterygopalatine fossa sugery is safe and practical from the anatomic structres.