Tumors of Nasal Sinus and Anterior Skull Base

Abstract

We reviewed our experience with tumors of the nasal sinus and skull base. The management of these tumors is controversial because of morbidity associated with aggressive resection and a high rate of recurrence with subtotal resection. Between 2003 and 2006, 10 patients with malignant and 4 with benign tumors of the anterior skull base were treated at the Neurosurgery Department of Pomeranian Traumatology Center of Regional Hospital in Gdansk. Each patient was diagnosed by CT, CT angiography with 3D reconstruction, and MRI. Nine patients were treated with craniofacial approach, 2 with combined bifrontal craniotomy and rhinotomy, 2 with frontal craniotomy, 1 with bifrontal craniotomy, and 1 with roof of orbit resection. Each procedure was prepared by a skull base team. Reconstruction of the cranial base was performed with a vascularized flap or with tensor fascia lata, fat autografts, cement, and fibrinoid glue to prevent a cerebrospinal fluid fistula.