For most patients, the primary approach to carcinoma of the oropharynx has been with radiotherapy. We describe a modification of a mandibular swing procedure for resection of oropharyngeal lesions. This modification included a mandibulotomy that began in a staircase manner in the midline and extended laterally toward the ramus of the mandible to protect a long, fixed dental bridge. It also included the preservation of the mental nerve by unroofing the mandibular canal. No morbidity was associated with this procedure. HEAD & NECK 1991;13:394497 Surgical excision of lesions of the oropharynx is difficult primarily because of the technical difficulty in obtaining good exposure of this region and the significant morbidity associated with radical procedures in this area. We describe a modification of a mandibular swing procedure for resection of carcinoma of the oropharynx. This modification included a mandibulotomy that began in a staircase manner in the midline and extended laterally toward the body of the mandible to protect a long, fixed dental bridge. It also included the preservation of the mental nerve by unroofing the mandibular canal. From the Departments of Surgery (Dr. Sardi) and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Dr. Walters), Ochsner Clinic and Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana.