Abstract: PURPOSE: Surgical resection is regarded as the principal treatment of parapharyngeal space tumors. Although several techniques to access the parapharyngeal space have been described, tumor surgery in this area still remains a great challenge. This study evaluated the outcomes of endoscopy-assisted resection of large benign parapharyngeal space tumors via an intraoral approach. METHODS: Six patients (4 males, 2 females) with primary benign parapharyngeal space tumors were treated with endoscopy-assisted resection via an intraoral approach. The patients had a mean age of 41.7 years. The lesions comprised parapharyngeal space pleomorphic adenoma (n=4), Warthin’s tumor (n=1), and schwannoma (n=1). Tumor sizes varied from a minimum of 4 cm×4 cm to a maximum of 7 cm×7 cm. RESULTS: All tumors were removed completely without rupture while avoiding damage to the facial nerve. No patient exhibited any permanent postoperative complications, facial nerve injury, salivary fistula, or limited mouth opening. The cosmetic and functional results were excellent. The patients were followed for 8 to 21 months (average, 14.7 months), and no recurrence was encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopy-assisted transoral resection of large benign parapharyngeal space tumors is a simple and safe technique that achieves excellent aesthetic and functional results.

Key words: Endoscopy, Parapharyngeal space, Infratemporal fossa, Skull base, Neoplasms, Surgery