Lateral rhinotomy for intranasal tumors: a review of 22 cases.

Lateral rhinotomy is a surgical approach not employed often enough for evaluation, diagnosis and removal of intranasal neoplasms. This paper reviews 22 patients with intranasal tumors requiring 28 rhinotomies between 1973 and 1984. Our experience indicates that lateral rhinotomy is a safe, repeatable and cosmetically sound procedure that provides and excellent surgical approach to the nasal cavity and sinuses. Determination of the site of origin and adequate surgical removal of intranasal tumors, concomitant surgery to the sinuses and intranasal skin grafting are possible with the procedure.