Endoscopic Identification of the Pharyngeal (Palatovaginal) Canal: An Overlooked Area

Islam R. Herzallah; Sameh Amin; Mona A. El-Hariri; Roy R. Casiano

doi:10.1055/s-0032-1322798

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base, Table of Contents

J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2012; 73(05): 352-357
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1322798

Original Article

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Endoscopic Identification of the Pharyngeal (Palatovaginal) Canal: An Overlooked Area

Islam R. Herzallah

¹Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

,

Sameh Amin

²Department of Otolaryngology-ENT, Faculty of Medicine, El Fayoum University, Cairo, Egypt

,

Mona A. El-Hariri

³Lecturer of Radiodiagnosis, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

,

Roy R. Casiano

⁴Rhinology and Endoscopic Fellowship Program, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Objective The pharyngeal or palatovaginal canal (PC) is a small tunnel that lies between the sphenoid process of the palatine bone and the vaginal process of the sphenoid bone. Currently, little endoscopic information is available about this region.

Design and Setting Endoscopic endonasal cadaveric study.

Subjects and Methods Twenty sides in 10 adult cadaver heads were studied endoscopically. The sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) and the adjacent pterygopalatine fossa were exposed. Dissection medial to the vidian canal demonstrated a tunnel that runs posteromedially in the sphenoid floor. Endoscopic data were documented. Additionally, canal measurements were obtained on 20 sides from coronal CT scans of paranasal sinuses.

Results The PC was identifiable in 85% of the sides, although thickness of its bony wall was variable. The endoscopic relationship of the canal and its artery with other landmarks is described. Radiologically, the diameter of the PC averaged 1.7 mm, and the mean distance from the PC to the vidian canal was 3.78 mm.

Conclusion The current study provides a novel endoscopic identification of an overlooked canal. The pharyngeal artery can be a source of bleeding during extended endoscopic procedures. The PC itself could be a place for finger-like projections of anatomically related neoplasms.

Keywords

pharyngeal canal - palatovaginal canal - pharyngeal artery - pterygopalatine fossa - sphenopalatine foramen - vidian canal - epistaxis - endoscopic sinus surgery

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References

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