Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026
Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection
Published on: August 15, 2025
Transoral robotic approach to parapharyngeal space tumors: Case series and technical limitations
Brian J Boyce1, Joseph M Curry1, Adam Luginbuhl1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Objectives/Hypothesis:
The transoral robotic approach to parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors is a new technique with limited data available on its feasibility, safety, and efficacy. We analyzed our experience with transoral robotic excisions of PPS tumors to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique.
Study Design:
Retrospective chart analysis at tertiary academic medical center. From July 2010 to June 2014, 17 patients who had transoral robotic excision of PPS tumors were included in the study. Our cohort had an average age of 61.6 years and was 52.9% male.
Results:
All patients had successful removal of their PPS tumors, and the average size of the tumors was 27.3 cm(3) (range 2-80 cm(3) ). Two cases (11.7%) required a cervical incision to assist with tumor removal. The average total operative time was 140.5 minutes. Two PPS PAs had focal areas of capsule rupture and one was fragmented. The average length of stay was 1.8 days (range 1-7 days), and all patients were discharged on an oral diet. Three patients experienced complications. There was no clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence.
Conclusion:
This is the largest single-institution case series of transoral robotic approaches to PPS tumors. We demonstrate that this approach is feasible and safe but also note limitations of the robotic approaches for tumors on the far lateral and superior areas of the PPS, which required transcervical assistance. There were no patients who demonstrated recurrent tumor either radiographically or clinically.
Level Of Evidence:
4. Laryngoscope, 126:1776-1782, 2016.
Insights
Transoral robotic surgery for parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors is a safe and feasible technique. This study shows successful tumor removal with no recurrence, though some cases required additional cervical incision.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Oncology
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- The transoral robotic approach (TORA) for parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors is emerging.
- Limited data exists on its feasibility, safety, and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the experience with transoral robotic excisions of PPS tumors.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the TORA for PPS tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart analysis of 17 patients undergoing TORA for PPS tumors.
- Data collected from July 2010 to June 2014 at a tertiary academic medical center.
Main Results:
- All 17 patients had successful tumor removal, with an average tumor size of 27.3 cm³.
- Average operative time was 140.5 minutes; average length of stay was 1.8 days.
- No clinical or radiographic evidence of tumor recurrence was observed.
Conclusions:
- TORA is a feasible and safe approach for PPS tumors.
- Limitations exist for far lateral and superior PPS tumors, sometimes requiring transcervical assistance.
- No recurrence was observed in this case series.
More Related Videos
05:25Identification and Protection of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve during Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy
Published on: October 24, 2025
04:01Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: September 15, 2023