Objective: To determine the prevalence of Vidian canal types and dehiscence of the bony roof of the canal.
Methods: This study included 594 patients (391 males and 203 females; average age, 32.43±11.98 years; range, 18-65 years). Computed tomography (CT) images were analyzed in terms of the prevalence of Vidian canal types and dehiscence of the bony roof of the canal.
Results: Vidian canal types 1, 2, and 3 based on the sphenoid sinus body were found on the right side in 33.8%, 29.7%, and 6.5%, and on the left side in 36.4%, 27.4%, and 36.2% of the patients, respectively. Dehiscence of the bony roof of the canal was found on the right side in 22.2% of the patients and on the left side in 26.6%. In terms of Vidian canal types based on the sphenoid sinus floor, types 1, 2, 3, and 4 were found on the right side in 53.5%, 27.4%, 7.6%, and 11.5%, and on the left side in 54.9%, 26.6%, 6.6%, and 11.9% of the patients, respectively. On the right side, Vidian canal type 2 was significantly (p=0.002) more frequent in males than in females.
Conclusion: When studying the complex anatomy of the sphenoid sinus, it is essential to consider Vidian canal types. Before endoscopic sinus surgery the Vidian canal and other anatomical structures should be carefully evaluated in all patients during preoperative paranasal sinus CT imaging to avoid complications.
Keywords: Sphenoid sinus; Vidian canal; dehiscence.