Endoscopy-Assisted Resection of Benign Lesions on the Base of the Tongue via the Transoral Approach Using a Harmonic Scalpel.

PURPOSE: Surgical removal of lesions from the base of the tongue can be challenging for head and neck surgeons. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients with benign lesions at the base of the tongue who underwent endoscopy-assisted resection through the transoral approach using an ultrasonic harmonic scalpel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted from May 2013 to January 2016. Data collected for each patient included age, gender, chief complaints, clinical symptoms, diagnostic imaging, complications after resection, and reported outcomes of resection. Diagnoses were made based on patient complaints, clinical symptoms, and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Diagnoses were confirmed by permanent pathologic sections. RESULTS: Twelve patients with benign lesions on the base of the tongue were identified who had undergone endoscopy-assisted resection through the transoral approach using an ultrasonic harmonic scalpel. The patients had a mean age of 38.9 years. The benign lingual lesions consisted of lingual thyroid masses, squamous papillomas, schwannomas, pleomorphic adenomas, myoepithelioma, and lymphoid hyperplasia. Tumor size varied from 2.0 x 1.8 to 3.0 x 2.8 cm. All tumors were completely removed, and no complications occurred during or after surgery. The patients were followed for 6 to 30 months; 1 recurrence was found and was treated using a second endoscopy-assisted transoral resection. CONCLUSIONS: Under endoscopic assistance, use of the harmonic scalpel through the transoral approach is a safe and feasible surgical technique for the removal of benign lesions at the base of the tongue.