title: Minimally invasive endoscope-assisted trans-oral excision of huge parapharyngeal space tumors.
abstract: Parapharyngeal space tumors are rare head and neck neoplasms, and most are benign lesions. Complete excision of these tumors is difficult because of the complexity of the surrounding anatomic structures. The algorithm for excision of these tumors is typically based on the tumor's characteristics; excision is performed via approaches such as the trans-oral route, the trans-cervical route, and even a combination of the trans-parotid route and mandibulotomy. However, each of these approaches is associated with some complications. Endoscope-assisted minimally invasive surgery is being increasingly employed for surgeries in the head and neck regions. It has the advantage of leaving no facial scars, and ensures better patient comfort after the operation. Here, we report the use of endoscope-assisted trans-oral surgery for excision of parapharyngeal space tumors. The technique yields an excellent outcome and should be a feasible, safe, and economic method for these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Shang-Yi
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan. Electronic address: 143859@cch.org.tw.
authors.forename: Ching-Hui
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Mu-Kuan
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / Q000379:methods; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000601:surgery*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Endoscope-assisted; Parapharyngeal space tumor; Trans-oral