Abstract
The goal of parapharyngeal space tumor surgery is to obtain adequate visualization to ensure complete removal with preservation of the surrounding nerves and vessels. Different surgical approaches have been described.
Transoral approach is the most controversial one due to cited limited exposure, risk of tumor spillage, and possibility of neurovascular injury. We present retrospective analysis of 26 consecutive patients treated for parapharyngeal tumors by transoral or combined transoral-transcervical approach.
Transoral approach provides access to selected cases of parapharyngeal tumors based on preoperative imaging methods and fine-needle aspiration cytology. Risk of non-radical resection is acceptable.
It can be combined with external transcervical approach to achieve safe resection of some benign tumors which would need transmandibular approach.