[The maxillary swing approach to resect the tumors in the skull base and the paranasopharyngeal space]

Abstract

Objective: To determine the best approach to resecting the tumors in paranasopharyngeal space and skull base.

Method: Through a Weber-Ferguson-Longmire incision,the whole maxilla was freed from bony connections and swung laterally while remaining attached to the masseter muscle and the cheek flap. Then the skull base and paranasopharyngeal space was exposed. So the tumor could be resected completely. Two cases of tumor in paranasopharyngeal space, 1 case of tumor in skull base, by the maxillary swing approach, the tumor was resected under sight. The fat of check was used to pack the space.

Result: One case was vascular smooth muscle tumor and 1 case was adenoid cystic carcinoma in paranasopharyngeal space, 1 case was chordoma in skull base. The last case received post-operation radiotherapy. All the cases healed with no severe dentofacial malformation and dysfunction. In the follow up period, no one recurred postoperatively.

Conclusion: The maxillary swing approach to resect the tumor in the skull base and the paranasopharyngeal can expose better. The operation is safe with little damage.