Selective embolization of glomus jugulare tumors.

Four patients with grade C or D(1) glomus jugulare tumors who underwent preoperative highly selective embolization followed by infratemporal fossa removal of their tumors were compared to three patients undergoing surgery alone with respect to intraoperative blood loss, operative time, cranial nerve palsy, length of hospitalization, and perioperative complications. Embolized patients demonstrated a marked reduction in blood loss (650 vs 1375 cc) compared with the nonembolized group. Operative time was shortened (by 51 minutes). Facial nerve function did not appear related to embolization but was directly related to intraoperative nerve manipulation. Hospital stay, perioperative complications, and lower cranial nerve palsies were not related to embolization.