Rutter M J, Furneaux C E, Morton R P
Department of Otolaryngology, Greenlane Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Aust N Z J Surg. 1998 May;68(5):350-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1998.tb04770.x.
A case series of 20 consecutive patients followed for a minimum of 54 months following craniofacial resection of anterior skull base tumours is presented, with the aim of identifying complications and factors influencing survival.
A retrospective review of a case series of 20 consecutive patients was carried out.
Dural invasion was significantly correlated with poorer survival. There was also a tendency for tumour grade and positive resection margins to be associated with poorer outcome. Most local recurrences occurred within 6 months of surgery, with the exception of adenocarcinoma of the ethmoids, in which recurrence occurred up to 36 months postoperatively. A variety of complications were encountered, with a marked decrease in serious complications from midway through the series.
The change in pattern of complications may be indicative of a learning curve, or the discontinuation of the use of lumbar drainage.