The surgical management of upper parapharyngeal regions

: Objective: To find proper the surgical approval and evaluate clinical efficacy to treat the tumor of upper parapharyngeal space involving the base of skull and intracranial skull. Method: The data of 9 cases from June 2013 and June 2018 were analyzed retrospectively including schwannoma in 6 cases, pleomorphic adenoma in 2 cases and hemangioma in 1 case. All cases received preoperative high resolution CT and MRI, some cases also did the DSA examination. Tumor invaded top of nasopharyngeal in 4 cases, the base of skull in 3 cases, and intraskull in 2 cases. 9 cases were treated with surgery alone. Surgical approach: transcervical approach (n=1), transcervical approach and mandibular fracture surgery(n=2), transoral approach(n=3), transnasal transpterygoid approach(n=2), transparotid gland approach(n=1). Result: Tumors in 8 cases were completely removed, and 1 case was performed by partial excision. Hemorrhage(>500 ml) occurred in 2 cases, tongue deflection and cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 1 case. No death, tumor recurrence and wound infection was found. Conclusion: The position of benign upper parapharyngeal space tumors is deep and tumor often invade in the base of the skull and brain tissue. It is close to the important nerve, vessels of the skull base and meninges. The appropriate surgical approach should be selected according to the individual situation. The main point of the operation is complete the tumor resection with preserving or reconstructing the important function of the blood vessel and nerve.