title: Transoral robotic resection of a large schwannoma in the retropharyngeal space.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  External approaches have been traditionally used for the complete excision of large retropharyngeal space lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper describes a case of a large schwannoma of the retropharyngeal space excised transorally with the use of a robotic system. This lesion measured 2.7 × 1.2 cm in axial dimensions and over 5.8 cm in craniocaudal length. The lesion was delivered en bloc with an intact capsule. No peri- or post-operative complications were encountered. The procedure allowed quick resumption of an oral diet and a return to normal activity for the patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is, to our knowledge, the first report of this technique used in the excision of a large retropharyngeal space mass.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery,Freeman Hospital,Newcastle upon Tyne,UK.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Gungadeen
authors: Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery,Freeman Hospital,Newcastle upon Tyne,UK.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Lisseter
authors: Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery,Ninewells Hospital,Dundee,Scotland,UK.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Manickavasagam
authors: Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery,Freeman Hospital,Newcastle upon Tyne,UK.
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Paleri
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009055:Mouth; D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000601:surgery*; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Benign Neoplasms; Retropharyngeal Space; Robotics; Schwannoma