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Published on: March 18, 2020
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.
Abstract:
Omohyoid muscle syndrome (OMS) is a rare disease characterized as a protruding lateral neck mass feature during swallowing. Because there is a 5 cm scar after traditionally surgery, we designed a laparoscopic surgery procedure to meet the cosmetic needs of patients. From the year 2006 to 2016, there were 3 patients diagnosed as omohyoid muscle syndrome that underwent laparoscopic surgery. Operative and postoperative follow-up data were summarized. Average surgery time was 35 ± 13 min. Average blood loss was 3 ± 1 mL. No case converted to open surgery. No major vessel or nerve damage complications occurred. After the surgery, the neck mass completely disappeared during swallowing, and there were no operative scars on the neck. All patients were discharged within 2 days. During the follow-up of a year, no recurrence occurred. In conclusion, the endoscopic procedure is suitable for OMS. It's a safe, effective and cosmetic surgery.
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.

