The authors describe biopsy of a petrous apex lesion via a transnasal, transsphenoidal endoscopic approach. Various surgical approaches to the petrous apex are discussed as well as our experience using the endoscopic approach. We propose that this approach can be refined for future use as a method for biopsy and permanent fistulization of cystic petrous apex lesions that encroach on the sphenoid sinus.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
GlasscockM.E., MillerG.W., DrakeF.D.Surgery of the skull base.Laryngoscope88: 905–923, 1978.
2.
FloodL.M., KeminkJ.L.Surgery in lesions of the petrous apex.Otolaryngol Clin N Am17: 565–575, 1984.
3.
StankiewiczJ.A.The endoscopic approach to the sphenoid sinus.Laryngoscope99: 218–22, 1989.
4.
GacekR.R.Diagnosis and management of primary tumors of the petrous apex.Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol84(Supplement 18), 1–20, 1975.
5.
GacekR.R.Evaluation and management of primary petrous apex cholesteotoma.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg88(5): 518–523, 1980.
6.
MontgomeryW.W.Cystic lesions of the petrous apex: transsphenoidal approach.Ann Otol86: 429–435, 1977.
7.
HouseW.F.Middle cranial fossa approach to the petrous pyramid. Report of 50 cases.Arch Otolaryngol78: 460–469, 1963.
8.
HouseW.F., HitselbergerW.E.Transchochlear approach to the skull base.Arch Otolaryngol102: 334–342, 1976.
9.
HouseW.F.Evolution of transtemporal bone removal of acoustic tumors.Arch Otolaryngol80: 731–741, 1964.
10.
FischU.Infratemporal fossa approach to tumors of the temporal bone and skull base.J Laryngol Otol92: 949–967, 1978.