Transoral Robotic Surgery for Parapharyngeal Space Tumors

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors treated with a transoral robotic surgery (TORS) approach. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled well-defined benign PPS tumors accessible from the oropharynx with no carotid encasement or bone erosion. We designated outcome measures that included technical feasibility of the approach, local tumor control and complication rates. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the outcome data. Results: With a mean follow-up of 29.9 months (range 12-40 months), a total of 10 patients have been enrolled. TORS was completed in 9 of 10 patients with acceptable operative time and blood loss and no significant complications including hemorrhage, infection, trismus or tumor spillage. Local control has been 100% for 7 patients with pleomorphic adenomas. Conclusions: We confirm the safety and feasibility of the TORS approach for PPS tumors that achieves a high local control and low surgical complication rate. TORS is a viable approach for removing benign tumors and lesions of the PPS. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, BaselUniv Penn, Dept Otorhinolaryngol Head & Neck Surg, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USAUniv Penn, Dept Radiat Oncol, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USAUniv Penn, Abramson Canc Ctr, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USAUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Otorhinolaryngol Head & Neck Surg, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Otorhinolaryngol Head & Neck Surg, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc