Safety and efficacy of transcervical resection of parapharyngeal space neoplasms

There are several surgical approaches for resection of parapharyngeal space (PPS) neoplasms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate local disease control, facial nerve injury, and need for mandibulotomy associated with resection of PPS neoplasms via the transcervical approach with submandibular gland excision. A retrospective chart review of 33 patients who underwent resection of a PPS neoplasm between October 1991 and July 2000 was performed. Of the 33 patients, 3 patients developed local recurrence after a median follow-up of 24 months. None of the patients experienced facial nerve paresis or paralysis. Three patients (9.1%) required a mandibulotomy for further exposure. This study demonstrated that the transcervical approach with submandibular gland excision for resection of PPS neoplasms provides excellent local disease control with minimal risk of facial nerve injury or need for mandibulotomy and/or tracheotomy.