Transcranial resection of tumors of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity

Combined cranial and facial procedures for resection of malignancies of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity have been used with variable success and complication rates in the last 25 years. A series of nine patients undergoing 10 exclusively transcranial procedures for these tumors is presented, and an effective technique for reconstruction without free tissue transfer is described. The patients in this series suffered no major complications, and all have remained free of disease during the short follow-up period. The technique described in this report offers the advantage of wide exposure, symmetrical approach to the superstructures of the face and orbits, the potential for resection of a large portion of the anterior cranial floor, and substantial reconstruction which is a major factor in avoiding complications.