Management of jugular paragangliomas: the Gruppo Otologico experience

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to review the outcome of surgical management in patients of jugular paragangliomas.

Study design: We conducted a retrospective case review.

Setting: Tertiary care otology and skull base center.

Materials and methods: Fifty-five patients with the diagnosis of a jugular paraganglioma (Fisch Class C and D Glomus Jugulare) were managed over a period of 15 years. All patients with adequate follow up and complete records (53 cases) were reviewed with emphasis on the results of surgical management and the factors influencing them.

Intervention: All 53 patients were managed with a view to surgically extirpate the tumor. The primary approach was the infratemporal fossa approach-Type A used in the majority of the patients. In eight cases, the procedure was staged owing to the presence of large intracranial extension. Three patients required additional procedures to ameliorate the after-effects of lower cranial nerve resection.

Results: Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 49 patients. There were five cases of recurrence. Coupled with the residual tumors in five patients, the surgical control achieved was 83%. There was no perioperative mortality. There were two cases of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, both of which required surgical exploration and closure. The facial nerve was resected in seven patients. The overall preservation rate of clinically uninvolved lower cranial nerves was 75%.

Conclusions: The low level of complications along with a high surgical control achieved makes surgery the primary mode of treatment in the vast majority of these tumors, regardless of the size and location.