Tzelnick S, Tsai J, Hosni A, Goldstein DP, de Almeida JR, Yao CMKL. A Comparison of Transoral Versus Transcervical Surgical Approaches to Retropharyngeal Lymphadenectomy: A Scoping Review.
J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024;
53:19160216241265092. [PMID:
39077912 PMCID:
PMC11289808 DOI:
10.1177/19160216241265092]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE
A gap in knowledge exists concerning the functional outcomes and complications when comparing various surgical approaches for retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) metastases.
OBJECTIVE
To explore perioperative outcomes, functional outcomes, and complications associated in the treatment of RPLN metastases.
DESIGN
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) protocol was used to conduct a scoping review of the PubMed and Scopus databases.
REVIEW METHODS
We systematically searched 2 databases from inception to January 2023 for articles examining the treatment approaches and postoperative outcomes in the retropharyngeal space. We included English records about surgical approaches, complications, functional outcomes for patients >18 years old with retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy.
RESULTS
One-hundred ninety-nine articles were identified, of which 17 were included in the analysis. Three studies assessed RPLN dissection in the postradiation setting. We identified limited knowledge about functional outcomes and complications following surgery for retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy. Overall, acute postoperative dysphagia was documented in 35/170 patients (20.5%). However, the assessment of dysphagia was limited, and not described in the majority of studies. The overall rate of postoperative neuropathy and hematoma were 4.1% and 4.7%, respectively. No postoperative hematomas were documented in the transcervical approach.
CONCLUSION
Our findings underscore the need for further research on postoperative outcomes following RPLN dissection. We recommend further studies focusing on objective swallow assessments and long-term outcomes of either surgical approaches.
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