Strategies and long-term outcomes in the surgical management of tympanojugular paragangliomas.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to share our review of surgical strategies and long-term outcomes in the management of tympanojugular paragangliomas.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study with a literature review. The records of 184 patients with 185 tympanojugular paragangliomas were analyzed for tumor class, surgical procedure, preoperative vascular management, and perioperative sequelae.

RESULTS

Of class C1, C2, C3, and C4 tumors, we found 46 (24.9%), 95 (51.3%), 41 (22.2%), and 3 (1.6%), respectively. One hundred four (56.2%) tumors had intracranial extensions and 8 (4.3%) involved the vertebral artery. A single-stage procedure was adopted in 158 (85.4%) tumors. The infratemporal fossa type A approach was used in all cases. In 17 patients (9.7%), an intra-arterial stenting of the internal carotid artery was performed. Gross-total tumor removal was achieved in 166 cases (89.7%) and 4 (2.4%) among them developed a recurrence.

CONCLUSION

A thorough understanding of skull base techniques and a logical decision-making process in the management of tympanojugular paragangliomas can achieve a high rate of success in terms of recurrences and complications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 871-885, 2016.