Theory and practice of laparoscopic surgery against omohyoid muscle syndrome

Zhipeng Sun1, Yubing Zhu1, Nengwei Zhang1

  • 1General Surgery Department, Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine (Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University), Beijing, China.

Insights

Laparoscopic surgery for Omohyoid muscle syndrome (OMS) offers a cosmetic solution. This minimally invasive approach effectively resolves the neck mass without visible scarring, providing a safe and efficient treatment option.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical Innovation
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

  • Omohyoid muscle syndrome (OMS) presents as a rare lateral neck mass during swallowing.
  • Traditional surgery for OMS results in a significant 5 cm scar, impacting patient aesthetics.
  • There is a need for cosmetic surgical alternatives for OMS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery for Omohyoid muscle syndrome.
  • To assess the cosmetic outcomes of laparoscopic treatment for OMS.
  • To determine the recurrence rate of OMS after laparoscopic intervention.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of 3 patients diagnosed with OMS who underwent laparoscopic surgery between 2006 and 2016.
  • Analysis of operative and postoperative data, including surgery time, blood loss, and complications.
  • One-year follow-up to monitor for recurrence and cosmetic results.

Main Results:

  • Laparoscopic surgery for OMS demonstrated an average operative time of 35 ± 13 minutes with minimal blood loss (3 ± 1 mL).
  • No conversions to open surgery or major vessel/nerve damage complications were reported.
  • All patients achieved complete resolution of the neck mass during swallowing and exhibited no operative scars, with discharge within 2 days and no recurrence at one year.

Conclusions:

  • Laparoscopic surgery is a safe, effective, and cosmetic treatment option for Omohyoid muscle syndrome.
  • The endoscopic approach for OMS eliminates visible scarring, addressing patient cosmetic concerns.
  • Minimally invasive surgery provides a favorable alternative to traditional open procedures for OMS.

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