Pterygopalatine Fossa: Microsurgical Anatomy and its Relevance for Skull Base Surgery
Arq. bras. neurocir; 40 (1), 2021
Publication year: 2021
Introduction The purpose of this study was to define the anatomical relationships of
the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and its operative implications in skull base surgical
approaches.
Methods Ten cadaveric heads were dissected at the Dianne and M Gazi Yasargil
Educational Center MicrosurgicaLaboratory, in Little Rock, AK, USA. The PPF was
exposed through an extended dissection with mandible and pterygoid plate removal.
Results The PPF has the shape of an inverted cone. Its boundaries are the pterygomaxillary
fissure; themaxilla, anteriorly; themedial plate of the pterygoid process, and
greater wing of the sphenoid process, posteriorly; the palatine bone,medially; and the
body of the sphenoid process, superiorly. Its contents are the maxillary division of the
trigeminal nerve and its branches; the pterygopalatine ganglion; the pterygopalatine
portion of the maxillary artery (MA) and its branches; and the venous network.
Differential diagnosis of PPF masses includes perineural tumoral extension along the
maxillary nerve, schwannomas, neurofibromas, angiofibromas, hemangiomas, and
ectopic salivary gland tissue. Transmaxillary and transpalatal approaches require
extensive resection of bony structures and are narrow in the deeper part of the
approach, impairing the surgical vision and maneuverability. Endoscopic surgery solves
this problem, bringing the light source to the center of the surgical field, allowing
proper visualization of the surgical field, extreme close-ups, and different view angles.
Conclusion We provide detailed information on the fossa’s boundaries, intercommunications
with adjacent structures, anatomy of the maxillary artery, and its
variations. It is discussed in the context of clinical affections and surgical approaches
of this specific region, including pterygomaxillary disjunction and skull base tumors.