THE INVERTED PAPILLOMA OF THE NOSE AND PA RANASAL SINUSES

Background: Inverted papilloma is a rare benign tumor of the nose and the paranasal sinuses. There is a controversial discussion concerning the operative approach. The epidemiology, postoperative results, and r ecurrence rates of endonasally and extranasally operated patients are analysed. Patients: Between 1984 and 1995, 25 patients with inverted p apilloma were operated upon at the ENT Department St. Gallen, 18 patie nts by an endonasal microscopic approach, two by midfacial degloving a nd five through a lateral rhinotomy. Results: After a minimal follow-u p of 12 months (mean follow-up 52 months), a recurrence rate of 29% fo r the external approach and 31% for the endonasal approach was observe d. Conclusions: In most cases it is possible to achieve a good result through an endonasal approach. External approaches are recommended in T4-tumors or carcinomas. A longtime follow-up is recommended for each case.