Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for cholesterol granulomas involving the petrous apex.

Abstract

Surgery for cholesterol granulomas involving the petrous apex has traditionally been performed via a lateral skull base approach. We present a case-series of four cholesterol granulomas treated through the endoscopic-transsphenoid approach over the last 10 years. Drainage was successful and symptomatic improvement was obtained in all cases (follow-up 6 months-10 years). Primary 'sphenoid' lesions, which can be widely drained and remain marsupialised, should be differentiated from primary 'petrous' lesions that can be removed safely through the sphenoid sinus only in case of extension medial to the internal carotid artery (ICA). We feel that the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach is a safe and effective way to access cholesterol granulomas of the petrous apex.

• Authors: C Georgalas, R Kania, J-P Guichard, E Sauvaget, P Tran Ba Huy, P Herman
• Journal: Clinical otolaryngology : official journal of ENT-UK ; official journal of Netherlands Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology & Cervico-Facial Surgery (Clin Otolaryngol) Vol. 33 Issue 1 Pg. 38-42 (Feb 2008) ISSN: 1749-4486 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 18302553 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Letter)

Chemical References

• Cholesterol

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Cholesterol
• Endoscopy
• Female
• Granuloma, Foreign-Body (diagnosis, surgery)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Petrous Bone
• Sphenoid Bone