Direct intratumoral embolization of hypervascular tumors of the head and neck

Objective To evaluate a devascularization technique for hypervascular tumors of the head and neck by direct intratumoral puncture. Methods Six cases of hypervascular tumor of the head and neck were reviewed, focusing on findings from digital subtraction angiography and preoperative direct intratumoral embolization and their effects after the operation. Results Total devascularization by complete embolization was achieved in 2 cases: 1 nasopharyngeal angiofibroma and 1 spongiform tumor, both of which were completely excised endoscopically with blood loss of 60 ml. Incomplete devascularization through 80% - 90% embolization was achieved in the other 4 cases: 1 paraganglioma was totally removed with 800 ml of blood loss, 1 hemangioblastoma was not completely excised with 400 ml of blood loss and 2 nasopharyngeal angiofibromas involving the intracranial region were partially eliminated with a total blood loss of 1600 ml. Conclusion The new technique of preoperative embolization of hypervascular tumors of the head and neck by direct intratumoral puncture, which can decrease blood loss during the accompanying tumor resection and increase the possibility of complete tumor removal, is feasible, convenient, safe, and effective.