gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: Paranasal sinuses neoplasms are rare. The similarity of benign and malignant disorders at initial presentation leads to a significant delay in the diagnosis of malignancy. CFR is the standard treatment for sinonasal tumors affecting anterior skull base. Endoscopic resection of malignant anterior skull base lesions has always been controversial.

Methods: This is a retrospective study that was performed at Kasr El Aini Hospital, Cairo University from 2007 to 2011. It included 12 patients presented with a sinonasal mass extending to anterior skull base. They were subdivided into two groups; Group A contained 6 patient who had open craniofacial resection, Group B contained 6 patient who had expanded endoscopic approach. The two groups were compared regarding demographic data, presenting symptoms, tumor characteristics (histopathology, TNM staging), radiologic findings, operative approach and time, residual disease, postoperative recurrence and immediate, and delayed complications, morbidity and mortality.

Results: Group B had a shortened length of ICU and hospital stay and less intraoperative blood transfusionthan group A. While regarding to operation time, the differences did not reach statistical significance.

The overall percentage of complications was 41.6%; (50%) in group A, and (33.3%) in group B. Overall local recurrence rate was 33.3%; (50%) in group A, and (16.1%) in group B.

Conclusion: The decision for type of approach should be taken according to case by case basis. Although ECFR may have less morbidity and mortality than TCFR it isn't an absolute alternative treatment for anterior skull base tumors.

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