Neuroendoscopic Anterior Prelacrimal Recess Approach for Resection of Tumors in the Infratemporal Fossa.

BACKGROUND

The infratemporal fossa, nestled deep within a complex network of vital nerves and blood vessels, presents a formidable challenge to neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, and maxillofacial surgeons alike.

IMPORTANCE

Surgery is the main treatment method for lesions in the infratemporal fossa area. While traditional surgery is fraught with significant trauma, complexity, and a high rate of complications, the neuroendoscopic anterior prelacrimal recess technique offers a less invasive alternative, minimizing damage to the nasal cavity's architecture.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Two patients with tumor in the infratemporal fossa were operated via transnasal prelacrimal approach assisted by neuronavigation. The intraoperative tumors were completely removed. The patient experienced transient facial numbness on one side postsurgery. Postoperative pathology revealed a solitary fibrous tumor and a schwannoma. No tumor recurrence was found at 3 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The neuronavigation-assisted neuroendoscopic resection via the anterior prelacrimal recess-maxillary sinus approach stands out as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive technique for tackling infratemporal fossa tumors, deserving of wider adoption in clinical practice.