Poststyloid Space Research Articles

Endoscopic transoral approach to the lateral poststyloid space.

The lateral poststyloid space (LPSS) located at the posterolateral aspect of the styloid process. This study aims to explore the anatomical relationships in LPSS via a transoral corridor, providing reference for addressing lesions extending to this region. An endoscopic transoral approach for exposure of the LPSS was performed on 6 cadaveric specimens (12 sides). Related landmarks were explored, and transoral extirpation of tumors extended into LPSS was employed in 12 patients. The deep lobe of the parotid gland, extratemporal facial nerve, and the accompanying artery in the LPSS were sufficiently exposed via the transoral corridor in all 12 cadaveric sides. The transoral corridor provided adequate exposure for tumors extending to the LPSS, and en bloc resection was achieved in these 12 patients. No facial nerve or vascular injury occurred, and no recurrence observed in this cohort with an average follow-up of 26 months. An endoscopic transoral approach provides a direct access to the LPSS. Appreciation of the anatomical relationships within the LPSS is valuable for employing a transoral extirpation of tumors extending to this specific region.

Endonasal access to the lateral poststyloid space: Far lateral extension of an endoscopic endonasal corridor

The styloid process constitutes the posterolateral boundary for an endonasal exposure of the infratemporal fossa. This study aims to explore the feasibility of a far‐lateral extension to the lateral poststyloid space via an endonasal corridor. An endonasal dissection was performed on six cadaveric specimens (12 sides). Following an endoscopic endonasal access to the parapharyngeal space, the styloid process and the tympanic portion of the temporal bone were removed to reveal the jugular bulb and the extratemporal facial nerve. Distances from the anterior nasal spine to the relevant landmarks were measured using a surgical navigation device. Through an endonasal corridor, only the anteroinferior aspect of the jugular bulb was exposed. Conversely, the extratemporal facial nerve could be sufficiently exposed, and the deep temporal nerve could be transposed to the stylomastoid foramen. The average horizontal distances from the nasal spine to the posterior tract of V3, styloid process, and facial nerve were 79.33 ± 3.41, 97.10 ± 4.74, and 104.77 ± 4.42 mm, respectively. Access to the lateral poststyloid space via an endonasal corridor is feasible, potentially providing an alternative approach to address select lesions extending to this region. The deep temporal nerve has a similar diameter to that of the facial nerve; thus, providing potential reinnervation of the facial nerve.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to the Pterygopalatine Fossa and Infratemporal Fossa: Comparison of the Prelacrimal and Denker's Corridors.

Both the endoscopic transnasal Denker's and prelacrimal approaches provide surgical access to the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and infratemporal fossa (ITF). This study compares the potential maximum exposure of the PPF and ITF and quantifies the difference in surgical freedom via endoscopic Denker's and prelacrimal approaches. Six cadaveric specimens (12 sides) were dissected using a prelacrimal approach on one side and an endoscopic Denker's approach on the contralateral side. The contents of the PPF and ITF were sequentially exposed. Surgical freedom for each corridor was subsequently calculated. This study confirms that both the prelacrimal and Denker's approaches provide adequate exposure of the PPF and ITF. The maximum exposure boundaries were similar for both approaches, including the middle cranial fossa superiorly, floor of the maxillary sinus inferiorly, zygomatic arch and temporomandibular joint laterally, and post-styloid space posteriorly. However, the data revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) regarding the surgical freedom of the prelacrimal (388.17 ± 32.86 mm2) and the endoscopic Denker's approaches (906.35 ± 38.38 mm2). When compared with an endoscopic Denker's approach, a prelacrimal approach seems to achieve a similar extent of exposure (ie, visualization) of the PPF and ITF. Nonetheless, the endoscopic Denker's approach offers superior surgical freedom; thus, it is preferred for the management of complex lesions which requires increased instrument maneuverability with a 3- or 4-handed technique.

MRI of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: parapharyngeal subspace involvement has prognostic value and influences T-staging in the IMRT era.

To identify the prognosis of parapharyngeal space involvement (PPSI) based on the number of subspaces involved (pre-styloid space, carotid space (CS), areas outside the CS) and explore its significance for current T-staging in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). PPSI was retrospectively identified in 1224 patients with non-disseminated NPC at two centers on MRI and separated into four invasion patterns: pattern A (only post-styloid space), pattern B (post-styloid space, CS extension), pattern C (post-styloid space, pre-styloid space extension), and pattern D (all spaces). The Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression models were used. PPSI was diagnosed in 63.4% of cases, with patterns A, B, C, and D in 14.3%, 3.8%, 25.3%, and 18.6% of cases, respectively. No prognostic heterogeneity was observed between pattern B and pattern C (p > 0.05). Thus, the degree of PPSI was based on the number of subspaces involved: grade 0 (none), grade 1 (one), grade 2 (two), and grade 3 (three), which could independently predict overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001). T3 patients with grade 0/1 PPSI (slight-T3) had a better prognosis than those with grade 2/3 PPSI (severe-T3) in terms of OS, locoregional-free survival (LRFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) (all p < 0.001), whose hazard ratios were higher and lower than those with T1 and T2, respectively. Combining the T2 and slight-T3 groups as the proposed T2 provided significant differences in OS, LRFS, and PFS between T2 and T3 (all p < 0.05). The risk of death increased with the number of parapharyngeal subspaces involved. The degree of PPSI is recommended to optimize T3 heterogeneity. • Parapharyngeal space involvement was proposed to differentiate patient risk groups based on the number of involved subspaces: grade 0 (none), grade 1 (one), grade 2 (two), or grade 3 (three). • The degree of parapharyngeal space involvement was an independent negative prognosticator for OS. • The degree of parapharyngeal space involvement may influence T-staging in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Surgical Outcome of Parapharyngeal Tumour

Background: Parapharyngeal tumours are rare accounting for 0.5-1.5% of all head neck tumuors. The anatomy of the Parapharyngeal space (PPS) is responsible for a wide variety of tumours arising from PPS.&#x0D; Objective: Evaluation of the strategy for parapharyngeal tumor surgery based on preoperative symptoms, clinical signs, imaging investigations and histopathology.&#x0D; Methodology: This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck surgery in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) included 32 patients were underwent surgery for primary parapharyngeal tumors between January 2018 and December 2019. Informed written consent was obtained from the patients prior to their inclusion in the study. In regard to histologic type there were 21 cases salivary gland origin tumors and 11 of neurogenic tumors. The following data were evaluated preoperative symptoms, histological type, surgical approach and complications patients were evaluated following a laboratory investigations.&#x0D; Results: The most common symptoms of these tumors were a neck swelling. Total of 18 tumors were located in the prestyloid and poststyloid space cases were located 10(31.25%) and 4(12.50%) in the pre and poststyloid. Majority 12(37.50%) was found pleomorphic adenomaof deep lobe of parotid gland followed by 6(18.75%) were schwannoma,4(12.50%) were neurofibroma, 3(9.38%) were ectopic salivary gland tumor,2(6.25%) were mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 2(6.25%) were adenocarcinoma. First bite syndrome and lower lip palsy were common post operative complications. Transcervical approach was the most often performed approach in this study (56.25%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Parapharyngeal tumours most often derived from parotid gland. Most of them are non-malignant. Pleomorphic adenoma is the more common. Surgical resection being the main stay of treatment. Tumours of this complex anatomy call for careful preoperative planning and great skill for selecting the right approach and for management with minimal morbidity and recurrence.&#x0D; Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; April 2021; 27(1): 66-72

Excision of tumors in the parapharyngeal space using an endoscopically assisted transoral approach: a case series and literature review.

ObjectiveMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides important information regarding tumors in the parapharyngeal space (PPS), revealing their origin, whether they are benign or malignant, and their relationships with surrounding structures.MethodsTwelve tumors in the PPS were completely excised using an endoscopically assisted transoral approach (EATA). The MRI features were analyzed.ResultsTen pleomorphic adenomas confirmed on postoperative pathological examination had the parotid pedicle sign. A fat space between the tumor and parotid gland may distinguish such a tumor from a tumor arising from a minor salivary gland in the prestyloid space and a tumor arising from the deep lobe of the parotid gland. Both the jugular vein and carotid artery were displaced posteriorly in all 10 cases of pleomorphic adenomas. The principal features of the two schwannomas confirmed on postoperative pathological examination were separation of the internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein and anteromedial displacement of the internal carotid artery, suggesting that the tumors originated in the poststyloid space. In this review, 95 tumors were excised by the EATA in the English-language literature.ConclusionsMRI renders differential diagnosis possible. PPS tumors may be completely excised via an EATA guided by tumor features evident on preoperative MRI.

Surgical Management of Parapharyngeal Space Tumours in a Single Tertiary Care Center.

Because of the inaccessibility and overcrowding of the vital neurovascular structures, management of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumouris always a challenge to the surgeons. Here we have discussed the clinical findings and management of the PPS tumours with special concern to the surgical approaches. It is a retrospective study containing 14 patients of PPS tumour from June 2015 to January 2018 in the department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery in a tertiary care referral hospital. 14 consecutive patients with PPS tumours were included in the study. The retrospective clinical data, diagnostic procedures, surgical approaches and the complications were analyzed after 12 months of surgery. Of 14 patients included in the study, 10 patients were males and 4 were females. Prestyloid and poststyloid spaces were involved in 28.57% and 71.42% cases respectively. Transcervical excision of the tumours were performed in 10 patients, 2 patients had undergone transcervical-transoral approach. Transcervical transmandibular and transcervical transparotid excision of tumours were performed in one patient each. Facial nerve injury was detected in 3(21.42%) patients. Injury to the internal carotid artery and wound infection were detected in one patient each. Radiological imaging, especially the MRI helps by narrowing the spectrum of the differential diagnosis distinguishing the benign from malignant lesions, especially in cases where FNAC is contraindicated. Although the transcervical approach is commonly practiced, the combined surgical approach can be effectively applied specially for extensive PPS tumours associatedwith satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Advantages and Complications of Fisch Partial Mastoidotympanectomy for Tumors of the Retromandibular Fossa and Poststyloid Space.

Objective This study aims to characterize a single surgeon's experience with resection of tumors of the retromandibular fossa and poststyloid space utilizing the Fisch partial mastoidotympanectomy (FPMT) technique of partial temporal bone resection. Design Retrospective review. Setting Academic medical center. Participants Seven patients who underwent tumor resection with FPMT. Main Outcome Measures Complications. Results Six males and one female underwent FPMT, with ages ranging from 44 to 79 years. The facial nerve was sacrificed in six cases, no cases were converted to more extensive temporal bone resection procedures, and no postoperative hearing loss occurred. The only intraoperative complication experienced was a violation of the external auditory canal in four cases, which resulted in postoperative wound healing issues in two cases. Conclusions FPMT allows for the release of tumors of the poststyloid space and retromandibular fossa without compromise of hearing status. Preservation of external auditory canal soft tissues is challenging, and the violation is experienced relatively frequently due to shearing forces during soft tissue retraction. When encountered, robust repair of defects is encouraged to prevent further wound healing complications.

Advantages and Complications of Fisch Partial Mastoido-Tympanectomy for Tumors of the Retromandibular Fossa and Post-Styloid Space

Advantages and Complications of Fisch Partial Mastoido-Tympanectomy for Tumors of the Retromandibular Fossa and Post-Styloid Space

Anatomy of the fasciae and fascial spaces of the maxillofacial and the anterior neck regions.

This review provides an overview of comprehensive knowledge regarding the anatomy of the fasciae and fascial spaces of the maxillofacial and the anterior neck regions, principally from the standpoint of oral surgery, whose descriptions have long been puzzling and descriptively much too complex. The maxillofacial and the anterior neck regions are divided into four portions: the portions superficial and deep to the superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia (SfDCF) including its rostral extension to the face, the intermediate portion sandwiched by the splitting SfDCF, and the superficial portion peculiar to the face where the deep structures open on the body surface to form the oral cavity. Different fascial spaces are contained in each of the portions, although the spaces belonging to the portion of the same depth communicate freely with each other. The spaces of the superficial portions are adjacent to the oral cavity and constitute the starting point of deep infections from that cavity. The spaces of the intermediate portion lie around the mandible and occupy the position connecting the superficial and deep portions. Among these spaces, the submandibular and prestyloid spaces play an important role as relay stations conveying the infections into the deep portion. The spaces of the deep portion lie near the cervical viscera and communicate inferiorly with the superior mediastinum, among which the poststyloid space plays a role as a reception center of the infections and conveys the infections into the superior mediastinum particularly by way of the retrovisceral space and the carotid sheath.

Diagnosis and treatment of parapharyngeal space tumors

The parapharyngeal space extends from the nasopharynx to the oropharynx. It is bordered medially by the pharyngeal wall and the constrictor pharyngis muscles, and laterally by the mandible. One distinguishes between apre- and a poststyloid space. Tumors of the parapharyngeal space are rare and represent less than 1 % of all head and neck neoplasms. Benign (70-80 %) as well as malignant (20-30 %) tumors arise from different structures of the parapharyngeal space, mainly from salivary glands and nerve structures. Concerning salivary gland tumors, most are pleomorphic adenomas typically appearing in the prestyloid space, whereas the schwannomas that may also arise are located in the poststyloid space. The main symptom is dysphagia, with the tumor generally presenting as avisible bulking of the pharyngeal wall, in rare cases also as an externally visible cervical mass. Treatment is generally surgical resection, particularly in benign tumors, preferably via transcervical access. If R0resection of malignancies is possible, this should be performed. In malignant lymphomas and nonresectable tumors, primary chemo-, radio-, or combination therapy should be considered after histologic confirmation. For neurogenic tumors, particularly vagal nerve schwannoma and especially in older patients, a wait-and-scan strategy is most favorable, since postoperative vagal palsy is unavoidable with surgical resection. Treatment planning for parapharyngeal space tumors requires good knowledge of topographic anatomy and careful evaluation of imaging findings.

Transoral robotic surgery in retrostyloid parapharyngeal space schwannomas.

Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are very rare, representing about 0.5% of head and neck neoplasms. An external surgical approach is mainly used. Several recent papers show how transoral robotic surgery (TORS) excision could be a prospective tool to remove mainly benign lesions in PPS; no cases of neurogenic tumors from the retrostyloid space treated with TORS have been reported. We present two cases which underwent TORS for schwannomas from the retrostyloid compartment of the parapharyngeal space. Clinical diagnosis of schwannoma was performed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the first case a 6 cm neurogenic tumor arose from the vagus nerve and in the second case a 5 cm mass from the sympathetic chain was observed. Both cases were treated successfully by the TORS approach using a new “J”-shaped incision through the mucosa and superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. Left vocal cord palsy and the Claude Bernard Horner syndrome, respectively, were observed as expected postsurgical sequelae. In case 1 the first bite syndrome developed after three months, while no complications were observed in case 2. Both patients regained a normal swallowing function. TORS seems to be a feasible mini-invasive procedure for benign PPS masses including masses in the poststyloid space.

Effectiveness and Toxicities of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Patients with Locally Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

PurposeTo analyze the effectiveness and toxicities in the re-irradiation of locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 54 NPC patients with local recurrence re-irradiated with IMRT. The re-staging for rT1, rT2, rT3, rT4 were 3 (5.6%), 8 (14.8%), 9 (16.7%), 34 (63%) respectively. The average dose to GTV was 69.95 Gy (49.8-76.58 Gy), the average BED3Gy was 116.8 Gy (83.5-127.9 Gy). V95 was 96%, and D95 was 65.75Gy. 33.3% of them received concurrent chemoradiotherapy.ResultsMedian overall survival (OS) was 21 months (1-93 mon). The 1-, 2-year local progression free survival (LPFS) rate was 84.5%, 64% and OS rate was 71.7%, 44.3%. Severe late adverse events (SLAE) occurred in 48.1% of patients, including 31.5% with ulcer or necrosis of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, 20.4% with difficulty in feeding, 18.5% with temporal lobe necrosis, 11.1% with massive hemorrhage. 15.4% died of local regional progression, 5.8% died of distant metastasis, 25% died of SLAE, 9.6% died of both local regional progression and SLAE that could not be differentiated, 5.8% died of other medical complications. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy was the independent negative prognostic factors for LPFS; PTV>100 ml was a predictive factor of poor OS; patients with invasion of post-styloid space were at higher risk of SLAE.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that IMRT with 70Gy was efficient for local tumor control. However, we observed a high frequency of serious late complications. More optimized combination treatment and patient selection are required to achieve excellent local control without significant late morbidities in locally recurrent NPC.

Editorial to: “Transoral resection of large parapharyngeal space tumors” by Hussain et al.

The parapharyngeal space is not easily accessible for routine clinical examinations and remains silent until affected by pathological processes like tumors [3]. Parapharyngeal space tumors are rare, most are benign. Next to typical salivary gland tumors, the parapharyngeal space can house a variety of even rarer tumors [4]. Imaging studies are essential to get more information on the location (preor post-styloid space) and the extent [6]. In general, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium is the preferred imaging study for parapharyngeal space neoplasms. In addition, fine-needle aspiration cytology can be useful [10]. In contrast, open biopsy can be hazardous because of the risk of injury to large vessels and cranial nerves in the parapharyngeal space. In case of a pleomorphic adenoma, a preceding biopsy could create adhesions between the tumor and the surrounding tissue making it problematic to remove the neoplasm via blunt dissection what is particularly important for pleomorphic adenoma [4]. Furthermore, a biopsy would per se increase the risk of tumor recurrence. A comprehensive diagnostic work-up is very important because many tumors are benign and slowly growing, often asymptomatic, i.e. there is often no urgency of treatment [4]. The colleagues from the Department of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck surgery in Aberdeen, Scotland, present a case report of their experience with transoral resection of five parapharyngeal space tumors. Due to the small sample size, all conclusions drawn by the author can only regarded as preliminary. Furthermore, the follow-up of the patients with a pleomorphic adenoma is too short to draw any conclusion concerning the risk of tumor recurrence. One patient did not receive any preoperative imaging but a preoperative biopsy. Three patients received preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology and an MRI examination. And the last patients received a computed tomography (CT) scan preoperatively but no other specific preoperative diagnostics. The aim of the presented prospective investigation was to evaluate a surgical technique. Therefore, from a methodological perspective, it would have been advantageous to use a standardized and established preoperative work-up. Unfortunately, this was not done. The result was that in two patients (cases 1 and 5) a preoperative biopsy was taken although these patients could have had (but fortunately did not as revealed by final histology) a pleomorphic adenoma or, for instance, a sarcoma. In both situations, a biopsy would have been hazardous or even contraindicated! The transcervical approach and the transcervical-parotid approach are the most commonly used surgical approach to the parapharyngeal space [4, 9]. Probably, it would have been possible to resect all five cases using one of the standard approaches. It is very important to emphasize that a transoral removal, i.e. the approach used in the presented study, is associated with an unacceptably high rate of tumor rupture and recurrence for pleomorphic adenomas of the parapharyngeal space managed by transoral removal [1, 2, 4, 5, 8]. Moreover, it is difficult to follow the terminology used by Hussain et al. to describe their transoral approach: the authors describe the technique with the term ‘‘extracapsular dissection’’ although some tumors were resected with piecemeal technique or cored out with an ultrasonic aspirator or with a microdebrider. De facto, a piecemeal technique or coring out a tumor should be named ‘‘intracapsular enucleation’’ [11] and some of the O. Guntinas-Lichius (&) Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany e-mail: Orlando.Guntinas@med.uni-jena.de

Full endoscopic endonasal extreme far-medial approach: eustachian tube transposition

The complex anatomical relationships within the skull base have been described from an endoscopic point of view. However, systematic surgical, not just anatomical, management of the eustachian tube (ET) and the approach to the styloid and parapharyngeal spaces have not yet been described. The authors describe the full endoscopic endonasal extreme far-medial approach used in their surgical practice and show how they applied it to a case. To the authors' knowledge, from a strictly surgical viewpoint, this work is the first to describe a fundamental endonasal approach to the inferior clivus, the condylar and tubercular compartments, the prestyloid and poststyloid spaces, and ET transposition to expose the aforementioned structures without disrupting the ET. For lesions with mediolateral growth patterns, the authors consider the extreme far-medial approach to be superior to the pure transmaxillary approach. Additional cases and more evidence are needed to refine this surgical technique.

Extracapsular dissection for minimal resection of benign parapharyngeal tumor

Extracapsular dissection (ECD) is thought to be effective in treating benign tumors and minimally invasive. Nonetheless, its application and feasibility in treating benign parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumor, the neoplasm located in the complex anatomical space, have never been investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility and efficacy of transcervical ECD in treating benign PPS tumors. From 1996 to 2009, 54 patients with PPS tumors were treated by the designated surgeon. Excluding nine patients who were initially regarded as the potential candidates for ECD treatment but failed to meet the inclusion criteria, 22 patients who received the procedure were retrospectively analyzed. In 22 enrolled patients, 10 had pleomorphic adenoma while 6 had neurilemmoma. There were 13 PPS tumors located in the prestyloid space and 9 in the poststyloid space. The median volume of PPS tumors was 22.6 cm(3), and the median distance from tumor to skull base was 2.3 cm. The median length of incision was 4.5 cm with the ECD intervention. No major intra- or post-operative complications were noted and post-operative courses were unremarkable in long-term follow-up. This study demonstrates that ECD is an effective and safe treatment for selected benign PPS tumors. It has a favorable clinical outcome and an acceptable aesthetic result, and can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion. Therefore, it is suggested that ECD be included in the treatment modalities of benign PPS tumors.

Parapharyngeal Neurofibroma in a Pediatric patient

Parapharyngeal Neurofibroma in a Pediatric patient

Parapharyngeal Neurofibroma in a Pediatric patient

Parapharyngeal Neurofibroma in a Pediatric patient

Application study of the 2008 staging system of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The 2008 staging system of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was generated based on the NPC 92 and AJCC staging system. It remains open to be consummated. This study was to evaluate its rationality as well as compare the stage distribution among the 3 staging systems, by using of MRI imaging. MRI data was collected from a cohort of 177 cases of untreated NPC for retrospective review. We accepted the nasal involvement criteria of 2008 staging system, in which the borderline between the nasal cavity and nasopharynx was a line linked between both posterior walls of the maxillary sinus, for all of the 3 systems. Involvement of oropharynx, nasopharynx, soft palatine, prevertebral muscles, post-styloid space, intracranial, orbit, 1st and/or 2nd cervical body are 100% accompanied with other same or more advanced T-stage classifications. The same situations happened in more than 95% of involvement of the medial pterygoid muscle or masticator space beyond it. Cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) accounted for 76.3%. Proportion of metastatic lymph node extracapsular extension (ECE) and/or bilateral neck LNM elevated as maximum diameter of the node increased, no matter transverse or longitudinal. There were 11 cases of parotid LNM in this group. Advanced stage accounted for 81.4%, 78.5% and 75.7% in 2008, UICC and NPC 92 staging system, respectively, without statistic difference. Nasal involvement criteria and T-stage classification of the medial pterygoid muscle defined by NPC 2008 staging system seems reasonable. Stage distribution is also similar to the other 2 systems. However, diameter of the LNM might not be a prognostic factor. Parameters such as how to classify a parotid LNM, or a node which occupies more than one region, require further clarify.

Neurilemomas of the parapharyngeal space.

To review the surgical management of neurilemomas of the parapharyngeal space (PPS). Retrospective survey of the clinical presentation, radiological features, surgical approaches, surgical findings, and postoperative neurological sequelae of neurilemomas of the PPS. Academic tertiary care head and neck referral center. Fourteen patients with neurilemomas of the PPS, 12 were in the poststyloid compartment. Preoperative evaluation with computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging with or without angiography. Surgical resection was performed through a transcervical approach. Radiological features, adequacy of surgical approach, and neurological sequelae of surgery. Radiological studies could distinguish prestyloid from poststyloid tumors and, with poststyloid tumors, can usually differentiate between glomus tumor and neurilemoma. The transcervical approach permitted adequate surgical access. Five of the tumors in the poststyloid space were neurilomomas originating from the sympathetic nervous system, and all 5 patients with these tumors developed Horner syndrome postoperatively. Computed tomographic and/or magnetic resonance studies should be routinely obtained to evaluate tumors of the PPS, but angiography is indicated only in selected cases. Both prestyloid and poststyloid neurilemomas can be resected through a transcervical approach. Resection of neurilemomas has an attendant risk for neurological dysfunction.