Transnasal microscopic approach for juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare, benign, vascular tumor originating in the nasopharynx. The treatment of choice for JNA is surgical excision. In recent years, surgical management has been greatly influenced by the use of the transnasal endoscopic technique.

THE AIM: The aim of the study was to present our experience with the transnasal microscopic removal of JNA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten patients with JNA aged 12-17 underwent diagnostics imaging and transnasal microscopic tumor excision. Medical records of patients were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcome measures were complications and recurrences. Preoperative embolization of feeding vessels was performed in 7 patients.

RESULTS: According to Andrews' classification, the group included 2 stage I patients, 6 stage II patients and 2 stage IIIA patients with the extensive occupation of the infratemporal fossa. 9 patients had no recurrence in 6-11 years follow up. One stage IIIA patient had a recurrence posteriorly to the pterygopalatine process and it was completely removed. No complications during or after surgery occurred.

CONCLUSION: Transnasal microscopic excision is an effective approach to resect stage I-IIIA JNA.