Radiologic anatomy of the sphenoid sinus for intranasal surgery

Endoscopic surgery of the sphenoid sinus can present the operator with a co nsiderable challenge. The relationship of the sphenoid sinuses, in particul ar on the lateral wall, to the carotid artery, optic nerve, as well as the other anatomic structures, is of utmost importance. Surgical complications can occur because of a lack of orientation during dissection. To avoid the complications or lessen, somehow, the rate of complications, some described the technique consisting of the opening of the sphenoid sinus ostium media lly. Me studied 69 axial high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of temp oral bones to reveal the relationship of sphenoid sinus to the vital struct ures and to get some measurements in the sphenoid sinus. The lateral distan ce from the sphenoid ostium revealed that the lateral distance was about th e distance between both ostea. We consider that in selected cases the disse ction might be carried out laterally from the sphenoid ostium for safe enla rgement of the ostium and approaching the sinus.