Transcanal endoscopic carbon dioxide laser resection of early-stage (A1-B1) glomus tympanicum tumours: single-centre case series

Objective: To report a single-centre experience in the endoscopic carbon dioxide laser-assisted approach to glomus tympanicum tumours.

Methods: A retrospective case review was conducted of patients diagnosed with class A1 to B1 glomus tympanicum tumours who underwent exclusive transcanal endoscopic carbon dioxide laser surgery.

Results: Seven patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All patients (100 per cent) were women, with a mean age of 65.4 years (standard deviation, 13.6). There were five A2 tumours, one A1 tumour and one B1 tumour. One patient presented with a delayed tympanic membrane perforation needing myringoplasty on follow up. There were no substantial post-operative complications. The mean hospitalisation time was 9.5 hours (standard deviation, 9.8). The mean follow-up period was 32.7 months (standard deviation, 13.1), with all cases having resolution of pulsatile tinnitus and no tumour recurrence.

Conclusion: The study provides further evidence on the safety and efficacy of endoscopic carbon dioxide laser surgery as a minimally invasive technique for treating early-stage glomus tympanicum tumours.