ObjectiveOur objective was to perform a retrospective analysis of patients with jugulotympanic paragangliomas. We present the results according to the surgical approach applied in each case. Materials and methodsThis retrospective study presents the findings in 21 patients with jugulotympanic paragangliomas who were observed and treated in our department over a 12-year period (1999–2011). We performed a general otolaryngology exam, systemic evaluation, and radiological exam. Surgical treatment was performed in 20 cases out of 21. In 1 case, treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery was carried out. ResultsThe surgical approaches were: endaural, retroauricular transcanal, radical or modified mastoidectomy through facial recess, and infratemporal fossa approach. Preoperative embolisation was used in 12 cases. In all cases the diagnosis of paraganglioma was confirmed. The most frequent postoperative complications found were transitory palsy of the facial nerve, sensorineural hearing loss, imbalance, paralysis of the cranial nerves IX and XI, and salivary fistula. No recurrences were found after 12 years of follow-up. One case of persistence was found in the case treated with radiosurgery. ConclusionsIn our series surgery was found to be the elective therapy for patients with paraganglioma, with no recurrences after 12 years of follow-up. Preoperative embolisation decreases surgery time and intraoperative bleeding. Stereotactic radiotherapy cannot eliminate the tumour.