Endoscope-assisted Transoral Approach for Parapharyngeal Space Tumor Resection

To the Editor：The parapharyngeal space is a potential neck space between prevertebral fascia and buccopharyngeal fascia.Parapharyngeal space tumors account for 0.5% of all head and neck neoplasms,of which 80% are benign. Surgical excision is the primary treatment.Surgical procedures vary depending on the tumor type,location,size,and its relationship with the neighboring nerves and vessels.Previously,an external approach was often selected,mainly through the neck,parotid gland,mandible,or orbitozygomatic structure. However,following the development of endoscopic and robotic surgery,several surgeons have explored natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery （NOTES） to remove the parapharyngeal space tumor,which reduces complications,shortens hospital stay,and leaves no visible scar.[2,3] This study retrospectively reviewed 31 cases of a transoral approach in resecting parapharyngeal space tumors.