"Stealth" retro-auricular endoscopic surgery for a submandibular mass

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Cosmetic Surgery

Background:

• Growing patient demand for scarless procedures in exposed areas drives innovation in surgical techniques.
• "Stealth" surgery aims to minimize visible scarring, enhancing patient cosmesis.
• The Retro-Auricular HairLine (RAHL) approach is explored for its potential in scarless neck surgery.

Observation:

• A 42-year-old male presented with a submandibular mass, provisionally diagnosed as lymphoma.
• The patient opted for a scarless procedure, leading to the selection of the RAHL approach.
• The surgery involved balloon spacing and ultrasonic dissection for mass excision.

Findings:

• The stealth RAHL surgery for the submandibular mass was successfully performed with excellent hemostasis.
• This marks the first reported case of scarless RAHL surgery for a submandibular mass in the United Arab Emirates.
• Endoscopic resection via the retro-auricular approach proved feasible and safe for submandibular mass excision.

Implications:

• The RAHL approach offers a viable cosmetic alternative for submandibular mass excision, aligning with "stealth" surgery principles.
• This technique demonstrates the feasibility and safety of endoscopic resection for submandibular masses, improving patient outcomes.
• The success of this case encourages wider adoption of scarless surgical techniques for head and neck masses.