Transcanal Endoscopic Management of Glomus Tympanicum: Multicentric Case Series

The aim of this study was to report a multicentric surgical experience in the exclusive endoscopic management of glomus tympanicum (GT).

Retrospective case series review at two institutions.

Tertiary referral centers.

The study included 30 patients who underwent exclusive transcanal excision of GT between 2010 and 2017 at the two referral centers.

Exclusive endoscopic transcanal excision of GT type A1, A2, and B1 (modified Fisch-Mattox classification). All surgical procedures were performed by two senior surgeons (L.P.; M.B.).

For each procedure, intraoperative features of the disease, postoperative complications, and functional outcomes were evaluated. Recurrent or residual diseases were clinically and radiologically assessed during the follow-up period.

None of the patients treated with transcanal endoscopic approach (TEA) experienced intraoperative complications, nor required conversion to microscopic approach. Gross total resection (GTR) was obtained in 90% of the cases, while a near total resection was advocated when the residual pathology had a close relationship with the internal carotid artery. Mean hospitalization time was 1.6 (±0.8 SD) days and no postoperative complications were reported. No recurrences were reported in the GTR group after a mean follow-up period of 38.1 (±28.7 SD) months.

Middle ear paragangliomas with no mastoid involvement (Class A1, A2, and B1) can be safely managed by means of a transcanal endoscopic approach. Low rate of postoperative complications, short hospitalization, and high rate of gross total resection demonstrate that TEA is a safe and effective procedure.