Transnasal endoscopic laser surgery for the treatment of benign nasopharyngeal lesions

The anatomic position of the nasopharynx makes approach to this area a surgical challenge. Extensiveoperations are sometimes required to access nasopharyngeal masses. Fiber delivery of laser energy under endoscopic visualization allows nasopharyngeal surgery through the transnasal approach. Thus, it is possible to treat selected benign lesions of the nasopharynx with safety, lower patient morbidity, and cost containment. In this article, a brief review of the benign lesions in the nasopharynx is followed by a description of the transnasal endoscopic laser technique. The benefits and potential risks are then outlined.