A unique procedure of joined transoral and retropharyngeal high cervical approach (JTRC) without mandibulectomy for treating upper cervical neoplasm involving both C2 and C3

Purpose: To investigate a unique procedure of joined transoral and retropharyngeal high cervical approach (JTRC) without mandibulectomy for treating upper cervical neoplasm involving both C2 and C3.

Method: A 23-year-old male patient had neoplasma involving C2 and C3 that caused pathologic fracture of C2 and bony destruction of C3. The neoplasm excision and cervical spine reconstruction were performed through JTRC approach without splitting up the mandible. In this approach, there were two surgery windows that could be applied in turns by closing or opening the mouth to gain an ideal exposure. By rotating the mandible, we could gain maximized exposure for either surgery windows. In addition, there was an overlay zone between transoral approach and high cervical retropharyngeal approach that could eliminate the blind area behind the mandible.

Results: All the procedures were successfully performed; the surgical incisions healed without infection. By operating alternatively between the two surgery windows, we have successfully performed neoplasm excision and cervical spine reconstruction involving both C2 and C3. Pathologic results showed metastatic renal cell cancer to the resected cervical tumor and confirmed the patient's diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis (Bourneville disease). A 3-month postoperative cervical spine radiography and CT scan demonstrated a favorable placement of the bone implant as well as a favorable instrumentation.

Conclusion: The JTRC approach could provide good surgical exposure for treating disorders involving both upper and lower cervical spine without splitting up the mandible.