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J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2012; 73 - A008
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1312056

Functional Outcomes of Individuals Undergoing Surgery of the Infratemporal Fossa, a 14-Year Experience

Rohit Garg 1(presenter), David B. Keschner 1, Jivianne Lee 1, Joseph Brunworth 1, Eugene Chu 1, Marc Vanefsky 1, Kenneth Krantz 1, Sooho Choi 1, Terry Shibuya 1
  • 1Irvine, CA, USA

Objective: To assess the functional outcomes of individuals undergoing surgery of the infratemporal fossa for tumor removal.

Study Design: Case series with chart review.

Setting: Community hospital and tertiary referral center.

Methods: Fifty-nine individuals were identified as having undergone infratemporal fossa surgery over the past 14 years. Of these individuals, 45 had clinical data available for analysis. Patient clinical outcomes were measured assessing nine areas: (1) mastication, (2) speech, (3) swallowing, (4) cranial nerve VII function, (5) V2 and V3 sensation, (6) vision, (7) cosmesis, (8) pain, and (9) pre- and postoperative scores. The results of the assessments were: Mastication graded as normal (1), mildly impaired (2), moderately impaired (3), severely impaired, and NPO (4). Speech graded as normal (1), mildly impaired (2), moderately impaired (3), severely impaired, aphonia (4). Swallowing graded as normal (1), mildly impaired (2), moderately impaired (3), severely impaired, NPO (4). Cranial nerve VII function graded as House-Brackmann scale (1–6). V2 and V3 sensation graded as present (1), impaired (2), absent (3). Vision graded as normal (1), impaired (2), absent (3). Cosmesis graded as normal (1), minimal change (2), moderated change (3), severe change (4). Pain graded as none (1), mild (2), moderate (3), severe (4). Pre- and postoperative scores were compared using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test.

Results: There were 31 malignancies and 14 benign tumors studied. There were no significant differences in pre- and postoperative function with regard to mastication, speech, swallowing, cosmesis, and V3 function. There was significant reduction in pain, V2 sensation, and vision postoperatively. Individuals with malignancies had a significantly higher incidence of loss of vision and V2 and VII function due to surgical sacrifice. They also had a significantly higher reduction in pain.

Conclusion: Functional outcomes of individuals undergoing surgery of the ITF were not significantly different with regard to mastication, speech, and swallowing. There was a significantly higher reduction in pain postoperatively for all cases. Individuals with malignancy had a higher incidence in loss of vision, V2, and VII function due to surgical resection.