Is Transnasal Endoscopic Marsupialization Sufficient in Thornwaldt Cysts?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nThornwaldt cyst is a rare nasopharyngeal lesion that develops from primitive notochord residues. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term results of transnasal endoscopic marsupialization surgery in the treatment of Thornwaldt s cyst, its success and its qualification in the treatment.\n\n\nMETHOD\nThe data of 21 patients who underwent transnasal endoscopic marsupialization surgery for symptomatic Thornwaldt cyst in our hospital between 2009 and 2015 and followed up regularly after the operation were reviewed retrospectively.\n\n\nRESULTS\nEleven patients were female and 10 were male. The mean age of the patients was 35.5 years (15-60). All patients underwent transnasal endoscopic marsupialization as a surgical technique. No intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed. In all cases, the complaints regressed postoperatively. There was no recurrence at 4-year follow-up.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nTransnasal endocopic marsupialization as a surgical method can be performed safely in Thornwaldt cyst cases because of its easy applicability, short surgical time, low recurrence rates and efficacy in treatment.