[The role of palatovaginal canal and sphenopalatine artery in the localization of vidian canal during vidian neurotomy]

Objective:To explore the role of palatovaginal canal and sphenopalatine artery in the localization of pterygoid canal during pterygoid neurotomy. Method:55 patients with or without nasal polyps were divided into two groups: group A（twenty-nine cases, anterior wall approach of sphenoid sinus） and group B（twenty-six cases, middle nasal meatus approach）. All patients underwent unilateral vidian neurectomy under nasal endoscope. The vidian canal was located by palatal canal and sphenopalatine artery in group A and B, respectively. Result:The vidian canal was located successfully in all patients, with small wound, fast postoperative recovering. There was no irreversible complication. Conclusion:The relationship between the palatovaginal canal, sphenopalatine artery and the external orifice of vidian canal is constant, which can be used as an anatomical marker of vidian neurotomy.