Management of inverted papillomas of the nose and paranasal sinuses

PURPOSE: Inverted papillomas (IPs), although histologically benign, are aggressive lesions that may recur after an excision. The objective of this study was to compare the surgical treatment options for IPs with an emphasis on the experience of our institution with midfacial degloving (MFD) and medial maxillectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the charts of patients with IP treated by MFD and medial maxillectomy was performed. An analysis of the recurrence rates of IPs in the literature for endoscopic surgery and lateral rhinotomy was also performed. RESULTS: Ninety-eight medial maxillectomy procedures via MFD were performed for IPs with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up (median = 5.1 years). Two patients were found to have recurrences (2.1%). The literature review revealed an average recurrence rate of 15.7% for lateral rhinotomy as compared with that of 19.6% for endoscopic surgery. CONCLUSION: Midfacial degloving balances acceptable cosmetic results with low recurrence rates. It allows for adequate exposure and resection without the scar of a lateral rhinotomy incision.