Endoscopic-Assisted C2 Transverse Process Mass Excision

Abstract

Background and Introduction: C2 transverse process exostoses are rare lesions. Due to critical structures surrounding them, their excision is challenging. There are sparse reports of anterior retropharyngeal approach (ARPA) for high-cervical transverse process mass and none for endoscopic ARPA approach. Objective: A step-by-step technical report with its video is presented. Surgical Technique: A 14-year-old girl presented with chronic right-sided neck pain. The computed tomography scan revealed a 6.5 cm³ mass in the right transverse process extending into the lateral mass of the C2 vertebra. The mass was anterior and in direct contact with the vertebral artery. She underwent a minimally invasive endoscopic ARPA. Results: The mass could be excised along with its cartilaginous cap without any complications. The patient's symptoms resolved completely. The biopsy came out as osteochondroma. Conclusion: Endoscopic ARPA is a minimally invasive option for high-cervical tumors and was found safe and effective for C2 transverse process osteochondroma.