Transoral excision of a retropharyngeal lymph node under rigid endoscopic control

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2010 Apr;119(4):211-4. doi: 10.1177/000348941011900401.

Abstract

Different traditional surgical approaches, such as transcervical, transparotid, and mandible-splitting procedures, have been described to expose the retropharyngeal space. The introduction of the transoral approach, in selected patients, provided a direct and adequate access to the retropharyngeal space, permitting a feasible and minimally invasive procedure to remove retropharyngeal lymph nodes. We report a case of a transoral video-assisted approach for the excision of a retropharyngeal lymph node in a young man who had previously been treated at another institution by surgery and radiotherapy for oral tongue cancer. The endoscopic magnification allowed us to perform a meticulous and relatively bloodless dissection of the lesion from the surrounding tissues with a clear identification of the anatomic structures, and therefore may represent a valid alternative to the use of a microscope or loupes to enhance vision. A clear understanding of the anatomy of the retropharyngeal space and a high degree of surgical expertise are required to perform a safe dissection of the lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Endoscopes*
  • Humans
  • Lymph Node Excision / instrumentation
  • Lymph Node Excision / methods*
  • Male
  • Retroperitoneal Space
  • Tongue Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Video-Assisted Surgery / methods