Transcanal Endoscopic Management of Glomus Tympanicum: Multicentric Case Series

Abstract

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

Study design: Retrospective case series review at two institutions.

Setting: Tertiary referral centers.

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

Interventions: 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.).

Main outcome measures: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: 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.