Access to the Skull Base - Maxillary Swing Procedure - Long Term Analysis.

Abstract

Background:Skull base is difficult to approach surgically due to its complex anatomy. A number of procedures that is endoscopic, microscopic, and open approaches have been used. The maxillary swing approach provides a wide exposure to the surgeon for better oncological clearance.Patients and Methods:A total of 62 patients with varied etiologies involving the skull base region were operated with maxillary swing procedure over a period of 15 years from 2001 to 2016 in plastic surgery department at a single institution.Results:There was no recurrence in the follow-up period. One patient had palatal fistula and one patient had mild nasal mucosal atrophy. None of the patients had malocclusion in the postoperative period. The minimum follow-up period was 24 months.Conclusion:Maxillary swing procedure provides excellent exposure to skull base, and most of the tumors involving this region can be effectively excised with minimal morbidity to the patient.