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Objective: Retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy is challenging. This study investigated a minimally invasive approach to salvage retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: An anatomical study of four fresh cadaveric heads was conducted to demonstrate the relevant details of retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy using the endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach. Six patients with nasopharyngeal cancer with retropharyngeal lymph node recurrence, who underwent retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy with the endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold technique at the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University from July to December 2021, were included in this study. Results: The anatomical study demonstrated that the endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach offers a short path and minimally invasive approach to the retropharyngeal space. The surgical procedure was well tolerated by all patients, with no significant post-operative complications. Conclusion: The endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach is safe and efficient for retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common head and neck malignant tumors in China. Radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy is the first treatment option. The local recurrence rate of NPC after radiotherapy ranged from 10% to 40%. Re - irradiation could cause many serious complications for local recurrent or residual NPC after radiotherapy. Therefore, traditional open approach surgery and endoscopic surgery are becoming important alternative treatment options for locally recurrent NPC, especially the latter has such advantages as operating under direct vision, clear field of view, minimal invasion, short hospitalization and not affecting facial appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]