[Resection of tumors involving the cranio-naso-orbital area via fronto-orbito-ethmoidal approach].

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a better surgical approach for the resection of tumors involving the anterior and middle skull base and the fronto-orbito-ethmoidal area.

METHODS

A "T" form incision was made in the fronto-orbito-ethmoidal region and along the nasal pyramid down. Parts of ethmoid sinus, lamina papyracea, fronto-orbito bone and behind wall of frontal sinus were resected in order to expose the tumors in the anterior skull base and the fronto-orbito-ethmoidal region. Then, the tumor was resected partly under the operation microscope, protecting the neighbouring important structures, for instance: optic nerve, internal carotid artery, sella, meninx, etc. The nasal pyramid was repaired and fixed to the frontal bone with titanium board and titanium nail in order to resume the appearance of a good face.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients received tumour resection through this approach. The patients were followed-up for 24 months, 11 patients showed no tumour recurrence, no severe complication, such as cerebrospinal rhinorrhea, meningoencephlocele, etc, in this series. The facial appearance was good.

CONCLUSIONS

The approach via the fronto-orbito-ethmoidal region is a good surgical procedure to resect the tumors involving the anterior and middle skull base and the fronto-orbito-ethmoidal area.