Early experience in endoscopic transoral resection for parapharyngeal space tumors

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the resection of parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors via an endoscopic transoral approach. We reviewed 9 patients who were diagnosed with PPS tumors and who were treated with an endoscopic transoral approach. PPS tumors ranging from 2.5 to 6 cm were removed completely with no complications and excellent recovery (mean inpatient hospital stay: 6.89 days). Pathology was pleomorphic adenoma (n = 7), schwannoma (n = 1) and malignant pleomorphic adenoma (n = 1). For the malignant lesion, the patient underwent postoperative radiotherapy (70 Gy). There was no radiographic evidence of recurrences, with mean follow-up of 11.22 months (range: 3 to 20). We conclude that resection of PPS tumors via an endoscopic transoral approach appears to be feasible, safe, and effective. Potential advantages of this approach include an excellent surgical view, rapid surgical access, less tissue injury, avoidance of external scar, fewer postoperative complications, and less morbidity.