Endoscopic craniofacial resection. Indications and technical aspects.

INTRODUCTION

Anterior craniofacial resection (CFR) is a standardised procedure for the treatment of tumours involving the anterior skull base. We present our experience in the endoscopic treatment of these tumours.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated by endoscopic anterior CFR in our Department from 2004 until 2011.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients were analysed. Mean follow-up was 28 months (range: 6-84 months). The most frequent pathological entity was adenocarcinoma (60%), followed by undifferentiated carcinoma (13%). According to TNM classification, malignant epithelial tumour staging was T3 in 9%, T4a in 53% and T4b in 19% of the malignant epithelial tumours. The complication rate was 6% and the resection was complete in 91% of cases. During follow-up, 9% of patients developed recurrence. The 5-year overall survival rate was 70% and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 85%

CONCLUSION

These results seem to indicate that properly planned endoscopic CFR may be a valid alternative to traditional open approaches for the management of malignancies of the anterior skull base.