Endoscopy-assisted resection of benign lesions on the base of the tongue via the transoral approach using a harmonic scalpel

Abstract Purpose Surgical removal of lesions on the base of the tongue can be challenging for head and neck surgeons. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of the patients with benign lesions at the base of the tongue who underwent endoscopy-assisted resection via the transoral approach using an ultrasonic harmonic scalpel. Patients and Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted from May 2013 to January 2016. Data collected for each patient included age, gender, chief complaints, clinical symptoms, diagnostic imaging, and complications following resection and reported the outcomes of the resection. The diagnoses were made based on patient complaints, clinical symptoms, and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. They were confirmed by permanent pathological sections. Results A total of 12 patients with benign lesions on the base of the tongue were identified who had undergone endoscopy-assisted resection via the transoral approach using an ultrasonic harmonic scalpel. The patients had a mean age of 38.9 years. The benign lingual lesions comprised lingual thyroid masses, squamous papillomas, schwannomas, pleomorphic adenomas, myoepithelioma, and lymphoid hyperplasia. Tumour size varied from 2.0 × 1.8 cm to 3.0 × 2.8 cm. All tumours were completely removed, and no complications occurred during or after surgery. The patients were followed for 6–30 months; one recurrence was encountered and was treated using a second endoscopy-assisted transoral resection. Conclusions Under endoscopic assistance, the use of the harmonic scalpel, via the transoral approach, is a safe and feasible surgical technique for the removal of benign lesions at the base of the tongue.