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Published on: May 12, 2023
Endoscope-Assisted Transcervical Resection of Parapharyngeal Space Tumors
Joshua D Smith1, Steven B Chinn2, Shaum Sridharan1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Objective:
We describe a novel technique for endoscope-assisted (EA) transcervical (TC) approach for resection of parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors and compare perioperative outcomes of this approach to standard TC approaches.
Study Design:
Retrospective chart review.
Setting:
Single tertiary care center.
Methods:
This was a single-institution, retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing TC approach for resection of PPS tumors over a 10-year period. We describe unique advantages of our surgical approach utilizing a 0° endoscope for improved surgical access, visualization, and efficiency. χ2 and Student's t test were used to compare perioperative outcomes between cases in which an endoscope was utilized EA for resection versus standard TC approach.
Results:
Our cohort included 77 patients (n = 40 EA, n = 37 TC). There was no difference in patient age, sex, tumor laterality, tumor size, or tumor location between groups. The EA approach was associated with significantly shorter operative times (median [range] for EA 73 [33-270] minutes vs TC 112 [56-362] minutes, P < .01) and reduced rates of immediate postoperative marginal mandibular nerve paresis (EA: n = 5 [12.5%] vs TC: n = 16 [43.2%], P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
EA TC approach for resection of PPS tumors offers improved surgical access and is associated with reduced surgical time and rates of marginal mandibular nerve paresis compared to standard transcervical approaches.

