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

To explore the role of palatovaginal canal and sphenopalatine artery in the localization of pterygoid canal during pterygoid neurotomy. 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. The vidian canal was located successfully in all patients, with small wound, fast postoperative recovering. There was no irreversible complication. 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.