[A novel surgical technique for neck neoplasms: endoscope-assisted resection of benign tumors via a small concealed incision].

Objective

To introduce a new surgical procedure for the treatment of neck benign tumors by endoscopic techniques.

Methods

Seventeen patients with neck benign tumor underwent surgery by endoscope through a concealed incision in Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2018 to August 2019 were analyzed, which included 3 cases of tumor in the submental area, 2 cases in submandibular region, 9 cases in lower pole region of parotid gland, 1 case in superior region of sternocleidomastoid muscle, 1 case in central region of sternocleidomastoid muscle, 1 case in inferior region of sternocleidomastoid muscle. All patients underwent routine preoperative examination and CT examination to evaluate tumor size, boundary, morphology and nature. According to the area where the tumor located, concealed incisions in different sites were designed. Lumps in the submental area and submandibular area were treated with oral vestibular sulcus incision. Benign tumors located in the lower pole region of parotid gland and the sternocleidomastoid muscle region were treated with approach of the short hidden postauricular incision. During the operation, the self-developed "maxillofacial suspension device" was used to provide the operating space. The tumors were completely removed with endoscope and all patients were followed up every 3 months.

Results

All surgical procedures were performed as expected. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was 9.3 on average at 3 months after operation, all the patients were satisfied with the incision design and the cosmetic effect. No recurrences were found in patients with a follow-up period ranged from 1-15 months.

Conclusions

These studies have shown that endoscope-assisted neck benign tumor resection is a surgical procedure with covert incision and good cosmetic results.