A modification of the maxillary swing procedure to prevent palatal fistula for resection of recurrent chordoma in the infratemporal fossa

Abstract

A 64 years-old man with recurrent chordoma had a massive tumor in the infratemporal fossa. CT and MRI findings suggested that the tumor invaded the cavernous sinus. Because the tumor was considered likely to recur, we planned surgery using the maxillary swing procedure to preserve the postoperative function and facial form.
A palatal fistula has been often reported after the operation using the maxillary swing. We operated on a patient using a modified palatal incision to prevent the incidence of palatal fistula associated with the maxillary swing procedure. No postoperative palatal fistula occurred.