Acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis after radiation treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS) is a rare and morbid complication following radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This review provides an update on management and prognosis. A comprehensive PubMed review using the terms “nasopharyngeal stenosis,” “choanal stenosis,” and “acquired choanal stenosis” was performed. Fourteen studies identified 59 patients who developed NPS after radiotherapy for NPC. 51 patients underwent endoscopic nasopharyngeal stenosis excision by cold technique (80–100% success). The remaining 8 underwent carbon dioxide (CO2) laser excision with balloon dilation (40–60% success). Adjuvant therapies included postoperative topical nasal steroids in 35 patients. The need for revision was 62% in the balloon dilation group, vs 17% in the excision group (p-value <0.01). When NPS occurs after radiation, primary excision of scarring is the most effective method of management with less need for revision surgery relative to balloon dilation.