Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for excision of a retropharyngeal intramuscular lipoma

Abstract

Objective: To describe the feasibility, effectiveness, and improved morbidity profile of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for the excision of a retropharyngeal intramuscular lipoma.

Methods: Case report of a robot-assisted transoral resection of a retropharyngeal intramuscular lipoma.

Results: A 62-year-old woman presented with tongue pain and globus with dysphagia for six months. Transoral exam revealed a pharyngeal submucosal mass, and MRI demonstrated a prevertebral lipomatous lesion with protrusion into the airway. The patient elected for robot-assisted transoral surgical treatment. The patient tolerated the procedure well, experienced no complications, and was discharged on post-operative day one. At six months post-operatively, the patient was without dysphagia and was disease free on imaging.

Conclusions: TORS is an effective, safe, feasible, and likely more efficient way to excise a retropharyngeal intramuscular lipoma or other retropharyngeal masses.

Keywords: Lipoma; Retropharynx; Robotic surgery; TORS.