Craniofacial resection for tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses - A 17-year experience

Abstract

Background. The rarity of sinonasal tumors has precluded long-term follow-up of large series of craniofacial resections until now. Methods. A series of 209 patients suffering from a wide range of histologies who had undergone craniofacial resection for sinonasal neoplasia with up to 17 years' follow-up were analyzed. Results. An overall actuarial survival of 51% at 5 years and 41% at 10 years was found for the cohort as a whole. For malignant tumors, the 5-year actuarial survival was 44%, falling to 32% at 10 years. For benign pathology, the actuarial survival was 75% at both 5 and 10 years. Statistical analysis identified three factors which significantly affect outcome and survival: malignant histology, brain involvement, and orbital involvement. Few complications are associated with the surgery, with the mean postoperative stay being 16 days. Conclusions. The improved survival and minimal morbidity and mortality associated with craniofacial resection make it the optimum approach to sinonasal tumors.