ObjectiveTo evaluate the security and therapeutic effect of endoscopic lowtemperature plasma radiofrequency resection for neoplasms located at superior parapharyngeal space.MethodsClinical data of 13 patients with parapharyngeal space tumor surgically treated in our department between May 2013 and May 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the tumor location, proper surgical approach was chosen. Of the 13 cases, transcervical approach was applied in 7 and transoral approach in 6. Under general anesthesia, tumor resection was performed with endoscopic lowtemperature plasma radiofrequency ablation after adequate exposure via the designed incision. The average volume of intraoperative blood loss in the transcervical approach group was 40 ml, while that in the transoral approach group was 80 ml. Postoperative radiotherapy with dose of 60 Gy was given to one patient with malignant tumor.ResultsTotal tumor resection was achieved in all the cases. Postoperative pathology confirmed benign tumors in 12 cases (including parotid pleomorphic adenoma in 8, neurilemmoma in 2, vascular tumor in one, and meningoma in one) and malignant tumor (mucoepidermoid carcinoma) in one. Postoperative followup for more than 2 years showed recurrence in none.ConclusionsWith adequate exposure of direct unviewable tumor, total resection of neoplasms located at the superior parapharyngeal space can be achieved via endoscopic lowtemperature plasma radiofrequency ablation. The advantages of small incision, little blood loss and few complication further corroborate the feasibility and safety of this surgical method.