A surgical approach to extensive tumors in the pterygopalatine fossa extending into the maxillary sinus

Purpose: This article describes a surgical approach to extensive tumors in the pterygopalatine fossa extending into the maxillary sinus. Technique: The Barbosa approach was modified by adding a lateral incision in the mandibular gingivobuccal fold from the canine tooth to the retromolar area. Results: This technique allowed a large, inferiorly based flap to be raised, which includes the parotid gland. The masseter and temporalis muscles was divided horizontally, and the ascending ramus of the mandible was osteotomied between the mandibular angle and the sigmoid notch and reflected to expose the tumor in the pterygopalatine fossa and maxillary sinus. Conclusion: This technique is especially useful to tumors in the pterygopalatine fossa extending into the maxillary sinus.