Partial maxillary swing approach for removal of the tumors in the retromaxillary area

Removal of tumors around the pterygoid process poses difficult challenges. Our method for removal of tumors in this area using a modification of the maxillary swing approach is reported.

A retrospective study of five cases was performed using the partial maxillary swing approach. Like the "maxillary swing approach", the maxilla is swung laterally with the facial skin; however, only two-thirds of the anterior maxillary bone is swung.

All tumors were safely removed using the partial maxillary swing approach alone, with the exception of one patient who needed an additional mandibular swing. No facial palsy, masticatory problems or necrosis of the maxilla were observed in any cases.

The partial maxillary swing approach offers a wide surgical field of the lesion around the posterior part of the maxilla and pterygoid process without severe complications and is useful for removal of tumors in these areas.