Objectives/Hypothesis
Although transnasal endoscopic resection (TER) of juvenile angiofibroma (JA) is unquestionably less invasive than traditional external approaches, several endonasal and neurovascular structures are sacrificed during the procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate long‐term neurological morbidity and related quality of life following TER of JA.
Study Design
Retrospective cohort study.
Methods
All patients who underwent TER for JA at the Unit of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery of the University of Brescia from 1994 to 2016 were contacted to know their availability to undergo a battery of tests aimed to assess lacrimal secretion (Schirmer test), impairment of sensitive nerves (electrophysiological threshold test), and impact on quality of life of tearing reduction and sensitivity impairment with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) (0–10), respectively.
Results
Thirteen patients were included. Mean follow‐up was 77 months (range, 19–156 months). The median Schirmer test value was 5.5 mm and 28.5 mm for the treated and untreated sides, respectively (P = .003). Analysis of sensitivity revealed significant impairment only in the hard palate. The mean OSDI score was 6.8 (normal). The mean values of the VAS scores for hard palate, buccal mucosa, gum, and premaxillary skin were 1.7, 1.7, 1.2, and 2.3, respectively.
Conclusions
TER for JA can result in objective reduction of lacrimal secretion and sensitivity impairment; nevertheless, their impact on quality of life is negligible. The predictable neurological morbidity of TER should be discussed during preoperative counseling.
Level of Evidence
4
Laryngoscope, 129:2184–2188, 2019