[Transoral videoendoscopic resection of head-and-neck Tumors in 4-hand technique].

INTRODUCTION: Videoendoscopic surgery in 4-hand technique is a standard procedure in laparoscopic and also in transsphenoidal pituitary operations. In recent years transoral videoendoscopic resection of head and neck tumours in 4-hand technique (TOVR) gained more and more importance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2013 28 transoral videoendoscopic resections of oropharyngeal (n = 5)-, hypopharyngeal (n = 12) and laryngeal (n = 11) carcinomas in 4-hand technique werde successfully performed.

RESULTS: In all 28 cases a R0-resection without extension to a transcervical surgical approach was achieved transorally. Even in patients with minor mobility of the cervical vertebral column (n = 9) and reduced adjustment facilities of the Kleinsasser laryngoscope or Weerda distending laryngoscope transoral tumor resection could be successfully performed with the use of rigid angular optics.

CONCLUSION: TOVR is an effective, cheap and minimally invasive surgical procedure featuring numerous advantages compared to CO2 laser resection and can be considered as real alternative for traditional resection methods of head and neck tumours.