Surgical removal of benign nasopharyngeal tumors.

Abstract

The removal of benign tumors occurring in the nasopharynx frequently taxes the skill and ingenuity of the surgeon. The inaccessibility of the nasopharynx and the vascularity of the lesions arising here are factors which the surgeon must overcome in the successful management of these tumors. The principal benign tumors which present themselves are nasopharyngeal fibromas and large choanal polyps. The removal of nasopharyngeal fibromas is much more serious, although the removal of polyps arising in the sphenoethmoidal recess may be attendant with severe bleeding. Many approaches and techniques have been advocated for removal of these tumors. Direct surgical access to the nasopharynx by splitting the palate has been advocated. 1 This technique occasionally leaves an opening in the palate which is difficult to close. Attempts to avulse the tumors by grasping them with large uterine tenaculi by a retrograde approach have been suggested. This method often results in incomplete removal