Surgical technique and risk control of tumor resection in parapharyngeal space via transoral endoscopic parapterygomandibular ligament internal approach

Abstract

Due to the deep location and complex anatomy of the parapharyngeal space, the exploration of improved surgical approach for tumors in the parapharyngeal space is one of the hotspots in the head and neck surgery in recent years. Transoral endoscopic approach has the advantages of small trauma and short path, which is gradually widely used in the resection of tumors in the parapharyngeal space. However, due to the limited operation space and the difficulty of tumor exposure, it is laborious to operate through transoral approach, and the risk control is rather critical. The transoral endoscopic parapterygomandibular ligament internal approach can fully expose the upper and lower poles of tumors in the parapharyngeal space, and avoid damage to the greater and lesser palatine nerve and blood vessels. This surgical approach has a satisfactory protective effect on the sensory function of oral and soft palate mucosa, as well as the tensor velum palatine muscle and levator velum palatine muscle with less surgical trauma and fewer postoperative complications.