Endoscope-assisted transoral approach to parapharyngeal space tumors.

BACKGROUND

Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are rare tumors for which the surgical management differs widely. The purpose of this study was to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the endoscope-assisted transoral approach over the traditional approaches.

METHODS

This prospective study included 4 patients who were diagnosed with PPS tumors and treated with the endoscope-assisted transoral approach.

RESULTS

The endoscope-assisted transoral approach described here safely allowed for the resection of benign neoplasms with high surgical view to the parapharyngeal neurovascular structures. The average tumor size was 42 mm. Three patients had isolated PPS tumors, and 1 patient had a tumor originating from the deep lobe of the parotid gland. The postoperative histopathological diagnosis of the patients was pleomorphic adenoma for 3 of the patients, and marginal zone and follicular hyperplasia for the other.

CONCLUSION

This technique provided less operative trauma, a more comfortable postoperative period, and, most importantly, increased operative exposure.