Approach for benign parapharyngeal space tumors

OBJECTIVE To study the application of transcervical approach for benign parapharyngeal space tumors.METHODS The clinical data of 19 patients(20 operations) with benign parapharyngeal space tumors were analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS The 19 patients with benign parapharyngeal tumors were operated on in Tongren Hospital from July 2004 to July 2007.All patients were operated on through trans-cervical approach under general anesthesia.They were followed up from 6 to 36 months.Recurrence was found in a girl 15 months after operation,and was reoperated on by the same approach.No complications occurred.CONCLUSION The patients with parapharyngeal space tumors must be carefully studied by CT or/and MRI scan.If a clear tumor capsule is identified,the tumor can be removed through transcervical approach.Transcervical approach is a useful approach with least damage,and nearly all benign tumors of parapharyngeal space can be removed through it.