Subcranial approach to tumors of the anterior cranial base: analysis of current and traditional surgical techniques.

Tumors of the anterior cranial base have previously required a craniofacial resection to allow adequate tumor extirpation. An analysis of current and traditional techniques demonstrates a significant reduction in operative time, complication rate, and intensive care unit and total hospital length of stay with the use of the subcranial approach as compared with the traditional frontal craniotomy and lateral rhinotomy approach. The subcranial approach is both cost and time efficient and provides comparable morbidity and mortality rates.