Complications in the management of large glomus jugulare tumors

This study analyzes the complications encountered in the surgical treatment of 17 patients with large glomus jugulare tumors. All 17 patients sustained either new cranial nerve palsies or exacerbation of preexisting palsies. These involved, in descending order of frequency, the facial nerve, the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves, and the hypoglossal nerve. Postoperative palsies of the facial nerve involved 17 patients, as compared to 5 preoperatively. Fifteen patients had postoperative partial or complete paralysis of the vagus nerve as compared to eight preoperatively. Ten patients had postoperative palsies of the hypoglossal nerve as compared to six preoperatively. Other complications included CSF leak, meningitis, and wound infection. Aspiration and dysphagia were encountered postoperatively in 13 patients. Teflon injection of paretic vocal cords and cricopharyngeal myotomy effectively improved the ability to swallow and the quality of the voice. Prompt recognition and treatment of complications is essential for effective surgical management of large glomus jugulare tumors.