Robotic-assisted transmaxillary approach for removal of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma of the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossa.

Abstract

Endoscopic transmaxillary approaches to remove juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNAs) have been described previously and are used for tumors that extend laterally in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and infratemporal fossa (ITF). There is no previous description of robotic-assisted JNA removal in the literature. The video will demonstrate the success of this technique. Robotic transmaxillary approaches to the lateral PPF and ITF are easily achieved through an extended Caldwell-Luc antrostomy. Total operative time was 519 minutes. Total robotic operative time was 283 minutes. The endoscopic approach provided no assistance in tumor dissection or removal. Robotic-assisted transmaxillary JNA removal allows the operating surgeon to control the endoscope and to operate free of collisions from the robotic console while having an active assistant surgeon at the patient bedside. A video demonstrating the technique is found on Head & Neck's web site.