Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: The expanded endonasal approach

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a benign but locally aggressively vascular tumor that may involve the skull base and extend intracranially. Endoscopic excision has become the new standard for smaller tumors but remains a challenge for large tumors, leading some to advocate radiation therapy. We reviewed our experience managing JNA, specifically with respect to utility of the expanded endonasal approach (EEA) for lesions with skull base and intracranial extension.

All cases of JNA at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from 1995 to 2006 were reviewed with respect to tumor size and location, vascular supply and results of embolization, skull base involvement and intracranial extension, surgical approach, blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and recurrence.

Thirty-one cases of JNA were identified. The majority of tumors were completely excised using the EEA, regardless of size or extension into adjacent compartments. Surgical excision of some tumors with intracranial blood supply was staged. Recurrence rates were not associated with extent of tumor or surgical technique. Long-term morbidity was minimal.

Most JNA, regardless of tumor extent, may be completely excised using EEA alone or in combination with minor sublabial incisions avoiding the morbidity associated with larger open approaches or postoperative radiation therapy.