title: Petrous apex cholesterol granuloma: transsphenoid endoscopic approach.
abstract: The transsphenoid approach to the petrous apex, a surgical procedure described for the first time by Montgomery in 1977, is a rarely performed approach for the drainage and ventilation of cholesterol granuloma. We consider this approach to be the technique of choice when the cholesterol granuloma is located in the medial section of the petrous apex abutting and/or prolapsing into the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus. The transsphenoid approach, unlike other lateral approaches to the petrous apex, is highly conservative and spares cochlear and vestibular function; moreover, it allows simple and adequate post-operative endoscopic follow up as an out-patient, with easier treatment in the case of recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Livio
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Presutti
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Villari
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Marchioni
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002784:Cholesterol; D004322:Drainage; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D015745:Granuloma, Foreign-Body / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010579:Petrous Bone; D012008:Recurrence; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D002784:Cholesterol