Subfrontal approach for nasal⁃cranial communicans tumor resection with nasal endoscope: analysis of 12 cases

Abstract

Objective To explore the methods and effects of operation via subfrontal approach with nasal endoscope for removing nasal⁃cranial communicans tumor. Methods Clinical data of 12 patients who underwent operation for nasal⁃cranial communicans tumor via subfrontal approach with nasal endoscope were analysed retrospectively. The lesions included chordoma in 6 cases (extradural, 5; intradural ⁃ extradural, 1), meningioma in 5 cases (intradural ⁃ extradural) and inverted papilloma in one case (extradural). Bilateral frontal coronal incision and frontal craniotomy were performed. Frontal lobe was detached for exposing anterior skull base. Tumor in cranial part was removed by neurosurgeon with microscope, and residual neoplasm in nasal cavity was removed by otorhinolaryngologist with nasal endoscope. Results The tumors were totally removed in 11 cases. Greater part incision was performed in one case. Postoperative complications were mental symptom (one case), cerebrospinal rhinorrhea (2 cases), and hyposmia or anosphrasia (3 cases). Conclusion The subfrontal approach and nasal endoscope is more safe and effective for removing nasal⁃cranial communicans tumor. DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2010.06.013