Single port robotic surgery for pleomorphic adenomas of the parapharyngeal space

Objectives: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an effective technique for patients with oropharyngeal malignancies. Recent advancements have allowed for the use of the Single Port (SP) system from Intuitive Surgical. Here, we present the first documented case series describing the parameters and techniques used to treat patients with parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors using the da Vinci SP robotic system from Intuitive Surgical. Materials and methods: Two patients treated with the da Vinci SP platform at Houston Methodist Hospital for PPS tumors were identified. Their preoperative, operative, and postoperative courses and the operative setup and techniques were documented. Results: The two patients experienced a favorable operative and post-operative course, for which pathology revealed pleomorphic adenomas in both cases. One patient experienced a recurrence of her tumor 12 months postoperatively, which was managed with adjuvant radiotherapy and revision surgery. Both patients are disease-free at 6 and 3 months after treatment concluded. Conclusion: SP TORS is a novel and safe approach for addressing benign PPS tumors and should be considered for these patients. Further research should provide further information on the benefit of this approach compared to standard operative techniques.