G Feigl1, F Anderhuber, J H D Fasel, R Likar. 1. Division für Anatomie im Department für Morphologie, CMU der Universität Genf. Georg.Feigl@medecine.unige.ch
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The almost unknown stylopharyngeal fascia may be one of the reasons for unsuccessful therapy of the trigeminal neuralgia by a transoral block of the superior ganglion of the sympathetic trunk. We investigated the anatomy of the fascia to show the efficiency of the block for this therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 103 halves of human heads were investigated. The stylopharyngeal fascia was dissected by a lateral approach. We classified three groups. Group A was formed by fascias without perforation, group B by perforated fascias and group C by all halves without a developed fascia. RESULTS: We found a fully developed fascia in 86 cases. 13 halves had perforated fascias; in 4 cases the fascia was not developed. CONCLUSION: The stylopharyngeal fascia may inhibit the distribution of opoids into the infratemporal fossa associated with a consecutive block of the mandibular nerve and lower the rate of pain relief.
BACKGROUND: The almost unknown stylopharyngeal fascia may be one of the reasons for unsuccessful therapy of the trigeminal neuralgia by a transoral block of the superior ganglion of the sympathetic trunk. We investigated the anatomy of the fascia to show the efficiency of the block for this therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 103 halves of human heads were investigated. The stylopharyngeal fascia was dissected by a lateral approach. We classified three groups. Group A was formed by fascias without perforation, group B by perforated fascias and group C by all halves without a developed fascia. RESULTS: We found a fully developed fascia in 86 cases. 13 halves had perforated fascias; in 4 cases the fascia was not developed. CONCLUSION: The stylopharyngeal fascia may inhibit the distribution of opoids into the infratemporal fossa associated with a consecutive block of the mandibular nerve and lower the rate of pain relief.