3D technology facilitates transoral endoscopic precision surgery of parapharyngeal space tumors.

OBJECTIVE

Using three-dimensional reconstruction techniques to facilitate precision surgery of parapharyngeal interstitial tumours with transoral endoscopic assistance.

METHODS

We reported three cases in this article including a hemangioma in the left parapharyngeal space, a nerve sheath tumour in the right parapharyngeal space and a pleomorphic adenoma in the left parapharyngeal space. Three-dimensional (3D) visualisation technology facilitated the creation of a digital three-dimensional model of the patient's tumour and the surrounding structures. This model enabled intuitive visualisation of the tumour's anatomical characteristics and anatomical relationship with surrounding tissues. Consequently, general anaesthesia was administered with the assistance of transoral endoscopy, and the surgical incision was strategically located in the lateral palatoglossal arch and the pharyngo-palatine muscular space.

RESULTS

The postoperative pathological diagnosis was as follows: left parapharyngeal hemangioma, right parapharyngeal complex nerve sheath tumour and left parapharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma. Following the administration of oral endoscopy-assisted surgical treatment, the patient exhibited a marked alleviation of related symptoms. No complications were observed.

DISCUSSION: The integration of medical imaging with contemporary software for three-dimensional reconstruction facilitates the delivery of precise and minimally invasive treatment, ensuring enhanced safety and efficacy. Transoral endoscopic-assisted parapharyngeal space tumour resection is a surgical procedure that offers several advantages, including minimal trauma, rapid recovery and a low complication rate. It is considered a highly effective method for treating benign tumours in the parapharyngeal space.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The combination of medical imaging and three-dimensional technology can better evaluate the preoperative location of complex tumors,avoid the risk of intraoperative damage to important structures. And it can also be used in medical teaching.