Exploring endoscopic neck surgery in a porcine model.
OBJECTIVE
This study uses a porcine model to establish the feasibility of performing endoscopic procedures in the neck using standard techniques currently being employed in preperitoneal endoscopy in the abdomen.


METHODS
It is a pilot study presented as a case series.


METHODS
Ten animals were subjected to anterior deep cervical fascia dissection using standard endoscopic instrumentation.


RESULTS
Balloon dissection and CO2 insufflation poses a number of problems: CO2 gas dissection into the chest, CO2 gas embolism into the venous circulation, carotid artery occlusion, and limited visualization causing increased risk of injury to adjacent structures.


CONCLUSIONS
These issues need to be dealt with before such a method could be employed safely in humans. However, with further research and development, endoscopic neck surgery may someday become a reality.
Carreno
O J
OJ
Division of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
Wilson
W R
WR
Nootheti
P K
PK
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D009333:Neck; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013552:Swine