Combined endonasal and neurosurgical resection of a congenital teratoma with pharyngeal, intracranial and orbital extension: Case report, surgical technique and review of the literature

Abstract

Objectives: This study reports a patient with a large teratoma involving the oropharynx, the nasopharynx and the left orbit, with intracranial extension. This case represents one of the first reported instances of such an association. A literature review reporting head and neck teratomas with intracranial involvement is also presented.

Case report: The authors describe a case of a neonate presenting with a huge teratoma causing respiratory distress due to upper airway obstruction. The child was operated on at 3 months of age with a combined neurosurgical and endonasal endoscopic-assisted approach. After more than 1-year follow-up, the child has no recurrence and no complications of surgery.

Discussion: This type of teratoma is very rare and surgical morbidity is common. The diagnosis may be apparent before birth, which will facilitate the planning of respiratory management. The combined neurosurgical and otolaryngologic approach for a neonatal teratoma has not previously been described. Using an endoscopic-assisted approach for intranasal tumors removal in neonates and infants is a very rare surgical challenge.

Conclusion: Large nasopharyngeal teratomas of infancy with sinonasal and intracranial extension may be managed using a combined endoscopic-assisted endonasal and neurosurgical procedure.

Keywords: Child; Endoscopic endonasal; Neurosurgery; Skull base; Teratoma.