Retropharyngeal vascular malformation removed using transoral robotic surgery—A case report

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Although vascular lesions are relatively common in head and neck, they are rarely seen in the retropharyngeal space. Frequent symptoms include mass sensation, dysphagia, dyspnea, snoring, and oral bleeding. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 31-year-old male was referred from his general practitioner with mass sensation in the throat, increasing snoring, and changing resonance of his voice. Flexible laryngoscopy revealed a large mass extending from the nasopharynx to the hypopharynx, primarily involving retropharyngeal and right parapharyngeal areas, resulting in a significant narrowing. The malformation was resected with good result using a transoral robot-assisted surgical approach. At 1-year follow-up, the patient was symptom free; however, some residual rhinopharyngeal lesion was seen. DISCUSSION: Management strategies include surgical removal, corticosteroid injection, chemotherapy, and cryotherapy. Different surgical approaches have been used over the years. CONCLUSION: Transoral robotic surgery was successful, providing minimally invasive access with good visualization.