Endoscope-assisted frenotomy approach to median upper neck masses: Clinical outcomes and safety (from a phase II clinical trial)

Abstract

Background. An endoscope-assisted frenotomy approach (EFA) to resection of the median upper neck mass has been introduced to clinical practice. However, its technical feasibility, indications, and safety have not been fully studied. Here, we report the results of a prospective phase II clinical trial to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Methods. Twenty patients were enrolled in this trial. The masses were divided into 3 subtypes. We implemented EFA to remove the masses after receiving informed patient consent. We evaluated the clinical outcomes and complications related to this procedure for more than a 2-year period. Results. EFA successfully removed the masses in all cases without any injuries to adjacent nerves or ducts. During the more than 2-year follow-up period, recurrence or revision surgeries were not required. Conclusion. EFA can be a very effective and safe approach for median upper neck masses, and can also lead to excellent cosmetic and functional results. (C) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.