A result of sublabial transnasomaxillary approach for nasopharyngeal angiofibroma--retrospective study.

To evaluate the result of sublabial transnasomaxillary approach (STA) as a route for removal of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA). Eleven young male patients with angiofibroma underwent removal via the sublabial transnasomaxillary approach. This technique is described in detail. There was neither major operative nor postoperative complication. One patient developed dacryocystitis. Long term follow-up longer than 18 months in 5 patients, showed no recurrence. This technique is useful for removal of angiofibroma because it enables the surgeon to gain extensive exposure of maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses and to control sphenopalatine and internal maxillary arteries, without risk of palatal dysfunction or of oronasal fistula. Other advantages comprise the lack of a facial scar, nasal septal scar and bilateral premaxillar numbness, and good postoperative assessment.