Conservative trans-mandibular approach in the surgical treatment of tumors of the parapharyngeal space.

The authors suggest a conservative transmandibular approach for the surgical treatment of large latero-pharyngeal tumors extending towards the base of the skull. This technique, which may seem more radical and complex is, however, a more logical and conservative approach; and, owing to the excellent surgical field, it is able to keep the delicate surrounding structures intact and to reduce the risk of hemorrhagic and/or neurological complications.