[Transpalatal approach for juvenile angiofibroma].

Introduction: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNA) are highly vascular, locally invasive tumours which originate in the sphenopalatine foramen. Several surgical approaches are described for this tumour. The aim of this study was to evaluate the transpalatal approach for juvenile angiofibroma.

Material And Methods: In a group of 22 patients with JNA transpalatal approach was employed. A retrospective patients notes review was done. Extension of tumour, complications of surgery and recurrences were analyzed.

Results: In 17 patients the tumour was confined to the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx. In 5 patients the tumour invaded the sphenoid sinus. No complications were observed after surgery. Two (9%) patients had recurrence.

Conclusion: Transpalatal approach is best suited to small tumours (Andrews grade I and II) limited to the nasopharynx, nasal cavity and sphenoid sinus.