Endoscopic transoral approach for resection of retrostyloid parapharyngeal space tumors: Retrospective analysis of 16 patients

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the endoscopic transoral approach for resection of retrostyloid benign tumors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients with retrostyloid parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors resected via an endoscopic transoral approach. After separation and control of the internal carotid artery (ICA), tumors in the retrostyloid PPS were then removed under the guidance of angled endoscope (45°). Results: All 16 patients with retrostyloid PPS tumors were successfully removed via an endoscopic transoral approach. There were 15 schwannomas and 1 paraganglioma. Two tumors were removed en bloc, and the other 14 tumors were removed by piecemeal. In five patients, the tumor extended into the jugular foramen, and was completely removed via the transoral corridor, without cerebrospinal fluid leak. No ICA injury was encountered in any of the 16 patients. Conclusion: The endoscopic transoral approach is suitable for the resection of retrostyloid PPS tumors and is associated with low morbidity.