Objective: To demonstrate anatomic relationships pertinent to the endoscopic multiport approach to the infratemporal fossa (ITF). Discuss advantages and limitations of each individual approach.
Study design: Cadaveric study.
Methods: Endoscopic and endoscopic-assisted endonasal transpterygoid, sublabial transmaxillary, endoscopic transorbital, and endoscopic transoral approaches to accessing the ITF were completed in five silicone-injected fresh cadaveric specimens (10 sides) with the assistance of 0, 30, and 450 rods-lens endoscopes. Image guidance was used to confirm and document the anatomical relationships encountered in each approach.
Results: The endonasal endoscopic transpterygoid approach provides better visualization and more direct exposure to median structures. Endoscopic-assisted sublabial transmaxillary approach enhances the field of exposure, angle of attack, and ease of instrumentation to the lateral part of the ITF. Endoscopic-assisted transorbital approach via the inferior orbital fissure provided cephalic and anterior access. Endoscopic-assisted transoral approach complements the access to lesions extending inferior to the hard palate or far lateral to the mandibular condyle.
Conclusions: A combination of minimal access infratemporal approaches can provide adequate exposure of the entire ITF while avoiding some of the morbidity associated with open approaches.
Level of evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 133:1367-1374, 2023.
Keywords: combined; endoscopic; infratemporal fossa; minimally invasive; multiport.
© 2023 The Authors. The Laryngoscope published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.