Transpterygoid Stent Placement for Management of a Recurrent Infratemporal Fossa Epidermoid Cyst: A Technical Note

Epidermoid cysts (ECs) are benign congenital cysts that typically develop from misplaced stratified squamous epithelium during neural tube closure. They are most commonly encountered in the cerebellopontine angle, the fourth ventricle, and the region of the sella turcica. Recurrence of an EC or regrowth of residual components following surgery is known to occur, but the exact incidence is not defined. Repeat surgical removal is generally considered but may be complicated by significant morbidity. We present a novel endoscopic method by which to manage a recurrent EC of the infratemporal fossa using a silastic stent through a transpterygoid approach that permits periodic drainage of recurrent cyst material in the outpatient setting with minimal morbidity.