Research progress in the anatomy and surgical approach of the parapharyngeal space
The parapharyngeal space,a complex fascial compartment within the head and neck region,en-compasses crucial anatomical structures including blood vessels and nerves.Tumors occurring within this space are rare,with the majority being benign in nature.Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment modality;however,managing parapharyngeal space tumors poses significant challenges due to their intricate anatomical con-figuration.Conventional open surgical approaches have been associated with significant tissue damage and a high prevalence of postoperative complications.Recently,advancements in anatomical studies and surgical techniques have led to significant progress in understanding parapharyngeal space anatomy and improving surgical manage-ment.This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these developments.