الفهرس 
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Abstract
The infratemporal fossa is a small space lying deep to the ramus of the mandible, closed from all sides except inferiorly. It contains mainly the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles, the mandibular nerve, the maxillary artery and the pterygoid venous plexus. It has many communications; mainly with the pterygopalatine fossa, parapharyngeal space, middle cranial fossa and the orbit.
The ITF may be the seat of many pathological conditions with characteristic clinical presentations and radiologic signs. Infections of the ITF usually start as cellulitis with subsequent abscess formation, mostly of dental origin and may be life threatening. Incision and drainage are indicated when an abscess is formed; intraorally, transantral or external drainage. Tumors and tumor-like lesions may rarely arise in the ITF or more commonly invade it from adjoining areas. Metastasis may also affect the ITF. Nature of many lesions can be surmised on a careful review of the clinical picture and radiology. Histologic confirmation is mandatory before subjecting the patient to major extirpative surgery and if the nature of the lesion cannot be predictably identified.
Variety of surgical approaches has been suggested to deal with lesions of the ITF and their extensions. However, access to this deep seated region is still somewhat difficult because of the restrictions of the maxillofacial bony compartment and the proximity to vital neurovascular structures. ITF lesions can be attacked by anterior, lateral and other directions. These approaches vary in extent and depth of exposed areas, intraoperative extensibility, functional / cosmetic morbidity and ability to control the adjacent neurovasculature. Therefore; selection of the surgical approach depends on the origin of the lesion and its exact extension in the ITF, the biologic behavior of the tumor, the experience of the surgeon and fitness of the patient. In case of malignant tumor;Radical excision with preservation of life quality of the patient are the ultimate goal of surgery.
Endoscopic access to the ITF provides safe, effective, magnified, multi-angled view and brilliantly illuminated approach for lesions affecting this challenging area with less functional and cosmetic morbidity than open surgical approaches. This technique continues to expand, propelled by improvements in technology, better understanding of endoscopic surgical anatomy and amplification of the surgical experience.