ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Craniofacial resection is a treatment of choice for paranasal malignant and benign tumors invading the skull base. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: In this article the authors present the experience in craniofacial resection for malignant tumors invading the anterior skull base. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material consisted of four patients operated in the Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngology Oncology CM UMK between 2007 and 2010. The patients were treated for malignant neoplasms of the paranasal sinuses with anterior skull base involvement. THe age range of the group were between 60 and 75 years. Of these patients three were females and one male. RESULTS: We performed a lateral rhinotomy for laryngological acces for the tumor. The neurosurgeon performed anterior skull base osteotomy at and appropriate site above. The patients recovered uneventfully. The follow up period ranged between 13 and 42 months. The overall 3-year survival for all patients in our series was 66,6%. CONCLUSIONS: Combined craniofacial resection of tumors of the anterior skull base is an effective approach for the management of these pathologies. This type of approach in elderly patients over 70 years old could be associated with increased mortality and complications leading to poorer outcome.
