[Conservative transmandibular lateral pharyngectomy in cancer of the lateral oropharyngeal wall]

Abstract

The authors present conservative transmandibular lateral pharyngectomy (CTLP) as a substitute for BPTM operations in cancers of the tonsillar region. The mandible is sectioned along the symphyses and the oropharynx is widely exposed through an incision of the pelvilingual sulcus. The authors propose a primary operability criterion that allows to salvage the mandibular angle, which is usually sacrificed. This can be assessed peroperatively by testing the possibility to cleave and spread inwardly the pharyngomandibular region following detachment of the pterygoid muscles. The functional and cosmetic benefits of this method are obvious and should commend its more frequent utilization.